Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that allows users to individually switch functions to the off state while confirming the power-saving effect. [Solution] The present disclosure is an image forming apparatus having multiple power-consuming functions, comprising a control unit, the control unit being configured to perform setting processing to individually set the on and off states of the multiple functions, displaying information indicating the on or off state of each of the multiple functions on a display unit, and displaying the amount of power consumption reduction for the off function among the multiple functions in relation to the off function on the display unit.

Description

[[TECHNICAL FIELD]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. [[BACKGROUND ART]]

[0002] For the purpose of power saving, there are image forming apparatuses that can switch between an on state and an off state for each function such as USB, NFC, etc. (see Patent Document 1). [[PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS]] [[PATENT DOCUMENTS]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent No. 6397234 [[SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] In the related art, even if switching between an on state and an off state can be performed for each function, the power saving effect obtained by turning the function off is unclear, so it is difficult for a user to determine which function should be turned off.

[0005] The present application has been proposed in view of the above problem, and an object of the present application is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to individually switch functions to an off state while checking the power saving effect. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of power-consuming functions, comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit executes: a setting process of individually setting an on state and an off state for each of the plurality of functions; and a display process of causing a display unit to display information indicating the on state or off state of each of the plurality of functions, and causing the display unit to display a power consumption reduction amount for an off function that is in the off state among the plurality of functions in association with the off function. The image forming apparatus is configured as described above.

[0007] With this configuration, the user can visually see the reduction in power consumption of the functions that are turned off among the multiple functions of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user can individually switch functions to the off state while confirming the power saving effect.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, the control unit may, in the display processing, cause the display unit to display the amount of power consumption reduction when one of the multiple functions that is currently on is turned off, in relation to that on function.

[0009] This configuration allows users to verify the power-saving effect achieved by switching currently enabled functions to disabled states, thereby improving usability.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, the control unit may, in the display processing, cause the display unit to display a total reduction amount, which is the sum of the reduction amounts of power consumption of the off functions included in the plurality of functions.

[0011] With this configuration, users can understand the current total power saving effect.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the invention further comprises a storage unit configured to store the usage history of each of the plurality of functions, and the control unit may, in the display processing, cause the display unit to display a suggestion to turn off a specific function among the plurality of functions that is in the ON state and whose usage frequency is less than a predetermined value.

[0013] This configuration allows us to suggest to users that they switch off infrequently used functions, making it easier for users to decide which functions to disable.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the specific function may be one of the plurality of functions that was not used during the predetermined period.

[0015] According to such a configuration, it is possible to propose to the user to switch a function that has not been used for a predetermined period to an off state.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, in the display process, the control unit may cause the display unit to display, together with the proposal, an amount of power consumption reduction when the specific function is turned off.

[0017] According to such a configuration, the power saving effect of the infrequently used function is presented to the user together with the function, so that it becomes easier for the user to determine which function to switch to the off state.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, in the display process, the control unit may cause the display unit to display a proposal to turn off a specific function that is in an on state and to which the external device is not electrically connected, among communication functions included in the plurality of functions that establish communication with an external device.

[0019] According to such a configuration, it is possible to propose to the user to switch an unused communication function to the off state. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a sleep setting screen SD displayed on a touch panel 5B or an information processing apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a switching proposal screen CD displayed on a touch panel 5B or an information processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram schematically showing a specific function switching proposal process executed by an ASIC 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a custom sleep mode. [DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS]

[0021] <Image Forming Apparatus> FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured to print characters, graphics, and the like based on print data on a print medium such as printing paper or a label. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser printer or a monochrome laser printer that forms an image on a print medium using a plurality of colors (typically four colors) or a single color of toner and a laser light source.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an ASIC 2 (an example of a control unit), a power supply 3, a memory 4 (an example of a storage unit), and a plurality of modules (a modem 5A, a touch panel 5B (an example of a display unit), sensors 5C, a laser unit 5D, a high-voltage power supply 5E, a LAN 5F, a USB 5G, a WLAN 5H, an NFC 5I, and driving devices 5J).

[0023] The ASIC 2 is an Application Specific Integrated Circuit configured to control the plurality of modules included in the image forming apparatus 1. The ASIC 2 includes a Central Process Unit (CPU) capable of executing processing such as receiving data from the plurality of modules, outputting data (commands) to the plurality of modules, calculating data, and writing data to the memory 4, and a volatile memory. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may include, for example, a System on a Chip (SoC) instead of an ASIC as the control unit.

[0024] The power supply 3 is configured to supply power to the ASIC 2 and the plurality of modules. The power supply 3 includes, for example, a power cable connected to a commercial power supply, an AC / DC circuit that converts an AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply into, for example, a 24V DC voltage, and a DC / DC converter that steps down the DC voltage to, for example, a 3.3V DC voltage.

[0025] Memory 4 is, for example, placed on the control board together with ASIC2. Memory 4 may also be integrated with ASIC2. Memory 4 is configured to record, for example, various control programs for ASIC2 to control multiple modules, various setting information, and processing results of ASIC2. Memory 4 consists of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), storage devices (e.g., NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.), and storage media (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0026] ASIC2 executes the control program read from memory 4 using the CPU. ASIC2 also stores the processing results of the control program, signals or data received from multiple modules, etc., in memory 4. In particular, ASIC2 stores the usage history of each of the multiple functions of the image forming apparatus 1 (modules possessed by the image forming apparatus 1) in memory 4.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 1 includes several modules, such as a modem 5A, a touch panel 5B, sensors 5C, a laser unit 5D, a high-voltage power supply 5E, a LAN port 5F, a USB port 5G, a WLAN port 5H, and an NFC port 5I. Each of these modules consumes power to perform its function.

[0028] Modem 5A, LAN 5F, USB 5G, WLAN 5H, and NFC 5I are communication modules configured to communicate with external devices.

[0029] Modem 5A is a device that connects to a public telephone line via a wired connection, and is used, for example, to receive fax images.

[0030] LAN5F is a device that connects to a LAN (Local Area Network) via a wired connection and transmits and receives data to and from connected external information processing devices (e.g., personal computers, communication terminals, etc.).

[0031] USB5G is a module (terminal and circuit board) that connects USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard connection terminals, and transmits and receives data to and from connected external devices (e.g., information processing devices, memory, etc.). Image forming apparatus 1 may have multiple USB5Gs. For example, image forming apparatus 1 may have a USB memory module and a USB cable module as USB5Gs. Also, image forming apparatus 1 may have, for example, a USB5G located on the front of the housing of image forming apparatus 1 and a USB5G located on the back of the housing.

[0032] WLAN5H is a device that wirelessly connects to a LAN and transmits and receives data with an external information processing device that is wirelessly connected. The image forming apparatus 1 may have multiple WLAN5H devices. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may have a normal WiFi module that connects to an external device via an access point and a direct WiFi module that connects directly to an external device without going through an access point.

[0033] NFC5I is a device that performs wireless communication using NFC (Near Field Communication), and transmits and receives data between nearby external devices (e.g., data processing devices, IC cards, etc.).

[0034] The touch panel 5B is a display device configured to display information (text, images, etc.) generated by the ASIC2. The touch panel 5B also functions as an input device that accepts user input. The input received by the touch panel 5B is transmitted to the ASIC2 via the communication bus. The touch panel 5B accepts inputs such as taps and swipes.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 1 may, instead of the touch panel 5B, include a combination of a display device that does not accept input operations and an input device that accepts input operations, separate from the display device. Examples of input devices include panel keys, keyboards, etc., which have physical switches or buttons. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 may include both the touch panel 5B and a physical input device.

[0036] Sensors 5C include a plurality of sensors configured to detect the state of the image forming apparatus 1. Sensors 5C include, for example, a media detection sensor, a document detection sensor, a human body detection sensor, a laser sensor, etc. The media detection sensor is an optical or contact type sensor that detects the amount of media held (or when the media is depleted) in the image forming apparatus 1. The document detection sensor is an optical or contact type sensor that detects the placement of the document to be scanned (to acquire an image). The human body detection sensor is an optical type sensor that detects the approach of a user to the image forming apparatus 1. The laser sensor is an optical type sensor that detects the amount of laser light from the laser unit 5D. Furthermore, sensors 5C may also include a reading sensor (image sensor) that scans the image.

[0037] The laser unit 5D, high-voltage power supply 5E, and drive unit 5J are equipment or apparatus for image formation and constitute the printing section of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0038] The laser unit 5D is configured to emit a beam converted from laser light toward a photoreceptor drum in the image forming apparatus 1. The laser unit 5D forms an electrostatic latent image based on image data on the surface of the photoreceptor drum, which has been charged by a charger, by exposure with the beam. When toner is supplied to the photoreceptor drum on which the electrostatic latent image has been formed, the developed toner image is carried on the photoreceptor drum. The toner image carried on the photoreceptor drum is transferred to a printing medium. The high-voltage power supply 5E includes a high-voltage power supply board (HVPS) configured to supply high-voltage power, for example 700V, to the charger that charges the photoreceptor drum.

[0039] The drive unit 5J includes multiple devices that drive the mechanisms necessary for printing. The drive unit 5J includes, for example, motors that drive driven components such as transport rollers for the printing medium and photosensitive drums.

[0040] <Handling by the Department Head> ASIC2 is configured to perform at least the following: printing, power management, configuration, and display.

[0041] (Printing process) In the printing process, ASIC2 causes the printing unit (laser unit 5D, high-voltage power supply 5E, etc.) to print on the printing medium set in the image forming apparatus 1 based on print data and / or print instructions received from an external device via a communication module (modem 5A, LAN 5F, USB 5G, WLAN 5H, NFC 5I, etc.), or input instructions from an input device such as a touch panel 5B.

[0042] (Power management processing) In power management processing, ASIC2 switches the power consumption state of the image forming apparatus 1 according to user operation or predetermined conditions. For example, when the power function of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off by user operation, ASIC2 switches the image forming apparatus 1 to an off mode in which the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 is minimized. In off mode, for example, the CPU of ASIC2 itself is stopped (suspended), and the operating frequency of the clock circuit is reduced.

[0043] Furthermore, if no printing is performed during a predetermined idling period (e.g., 1 hour), ASIC2 will switch the image forming apparatus 1 to a standard sleep mode in which a predetermined function is turned off. The idling period for switching to standard sleep mode may be configurable by the user.

[0044] Standard sleep mode is a mode that allows the printer to accept print jobs while consuming less power than full mode, in which all functions are turned on. In standard sleep mode, for example, communication modules such as modem 5A are in a state where they can receive signals, and the touch panel 5B is off but in a state where it can accept input. Modules (functions) that are turned off in standard sleep mode include, for example, the drive units 5J included in the printing unit. Modules other than the drive units 5J may also be turned off in standard sleep mode.

[0045] Here, the "off state" of each function means a state in which the power consumed by the image forming apparatus 1 to maintain the function of the module is minimized (preferably the power is cut off).

[0046] Specifically, even in a standby state where it is not performing any functions, each module is supplied with a DC voltage (e.g., 3.3V) from power supply 3. Therefore, typically, the "off state" means that the power supply to the module is cut off.

[0047] Furthermore, for early recovery modules, such as modem 5A and touch panel 5B, which require early functional recovery from standby mode via external input, a clock circuit (the clock circuit within ASIC2, or a clock circuit connected to ASIC2) for detecting input to the early recovery module may be operating. In this case, power consumption occurs in the clock circuit even when the early recovery module is in standby mode and not operating. Therefore, the "off state" of an early recovery module may mean that the clock circuit corresponding to that module is stopped.

[0048] Furthermore, for modules with a CPU, such as the touch panel 5B, a command to completely stop the function or a command to switch to minimum power mode may be sent from ASIC2 to the module, and the state in which the function is completely stopped or power is minimized may be considered the "off state".

[0049] (Setup process) During the setup process, the ASIC2 individually sets the on and off states of multiple power-consuming functions (i.e., each module) of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0050] Here, the "on state" of each function refers to a state in which the function recovers from standby faster than the "off state." The power consumption (standby power) of each function in the "on" state is higher than in the "off" state.

[0051] Specifically, ASIC2 receives input from the user regarding the function to be turned on or off via the touch panel 5B or EWS (Embedded Web Server). EWS is a virtual web server launched by the firmware of the image forming apparatus 1, and transmits and receives signals, data, etc., between the image forming apparatus 1 and an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer, a communication terminal, etc.) connected to it.

[0052] ASIC2, for example, displays multiple objects on the touch panel 5B, each representing a selectable function (module), and accepts user input operations on these objects. ASIC2 accepts the function corresponding to the object that the user has performed an input operation on, as a function to set it to either an on or off state.

[0053] When switching the state of a function using EWS, EWS causes the user's information processing device to display a sleep setting screen that accepts input to switch the on and off states of each function. The sleep setting screen is displayed on the information processing device's display (another example of a display unit) by, for example, a web browser installed on the user's information processing device. Furthermore, the user's input operations on the sleep setting screen (operations entered from the input unit of the information processing device) are transmitted to ASIC2 via EWS.

[0054] Furthermore, when switching the function state using the touch panel 5B, the touch panel 5B is not selectable as an option for switching between the on and off states (for example, it is not displayed as an option, or the option is displayed in a state where it does not accept input). Also, when switching the function state using the EWS, the module connecting the EWS and the user's information processing device (for example, LAN5F, WLAN5H, etc.) is not selectable as an option for switching between the on and off states.

[0055] The switching between the on and off states may be performed in standard sleep mode or in full mode. For example, ASIC2 may accept a call operation from the user for a function to set the on or off state for each of several functions, and accept input for the function to be set to on or off by displaying a sleep setting screen including the aforementioned objects on the touch panel 5B or the display of the information processing device (i.e., an external display connected to the image forming apparatus 1).

[0056] The button for calling up the sleep settings screen on the touch panel 5B may be an object included in the menu screen or the like displayed on the touch panel 5B, or it may be a physical button (switch) provided on the image forming apparatus 1. If the sleep settings screen is called up by a physical button, the function of that button is not selectable as an on / off switch (i.e., it is not displayed as an option on the sleep settings screen).

[0057] Figure 2 shows an example of a sleep setting screen SD displayed on the touch panel 5B or the information processing device. The sleep setting screen SD includes multiple function name objects FO, multiple state objects SO, and multiple reduction amount objects RO. One function name object FO is associated with one state object SO and one reduction amount object RO, which are displayed together (on the same row in the example in Figure 2). These objects are displayed vertically in the sleep setting screen SD.

[0058] The function name object FO is an object that indicates the name of the function that switches between on and off states. The multiple state objects SO are objects that indicate the current state (on or off) of the corresponding function. The reduction amount object RO is an object that indicates the amount of power reduction when the corresponding function is turned off, if it is on, and indicates the current power reduction amount if the corresponding function is off. Details of the reduction amount object RO will be described later.

[0059] In Figure 2, in the function name object FO, "USB Function" refers to the USB cable module for connecting to external devices within USB5G, "USB HOST Front" refers to the module for connecting to a USB memory located on the front of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1 within USB5G, and "USB HOST Rear" refers to the module for connecting to a USB memory located on the rear of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1 within USB5G. Furthermore, "Wi-Fi" refers to the module for connecting to external devices via an access point within WLAN5H, and "Wi-Fi direct" refers to the module for directly connecting to external devices without going through an access point within WLAN5H. In addition, "ADF copy / scan" refers to the sensor for copying or scanning using an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) within Sensors 5C, and "FB copy / scan" refers to the sensor for copying or scanning using an FB (Flatbed) within Sensors 5C.

[0060] ASIC2, for example, receives input operations on a state object SO and switches the corresponding function between on and off states. In other words, when an input operation is performed on a state object SO that is on, ASIC2 receives an instruction to switch the function to the off state. When ASIC2 switches the function to the off state, the content indicated by the state object SO also switches to the off state, and the display content of the reduction amount object RO also switches accordingly. If an input operation is performed on a state object SO that is off, the reverse process is performed.

[0061] Furthermore, ASIC2 may switch the on and off states of the corresponding function in response to input operations on the function name object FO or the reduction amount object RO. Alternatively, ASIC2 may display a separate switching object (on / off switch button) for each function on the sleep setting screen SD, distinct from the function name object FO, the state object SO, and the reduction amount object RO, and switch the on and off states of the corresponding function in response to input operations on this switching object.

[0062] (Display processing) In the display process, ASIC2 displays information indicating the on or off state of each of the multiple functions (modules) on the display unit (touch panel 5B or information processing device connected to EWS), and also displays the amount of power consumption reduction for the off function, associated with that off function, on the display unit.

[0063] Specifically, as shown in the sleep settings screen SD in Figure 2, the amount of power consumption reduction for functions that are turned off (e.g., "USB Function") is displayed in the reduction amount object RO. The numerical value (power) displayed in the reduction amount object RO is the design value. However, if the power reduction amount of a module can be measured, the measured value may be displayed in the reduction amount object RO.

[0064] Furthermore, in the display processing, ASIC2 displays the amount of power consumption reduction for the off function, as well as the estimated power consumption reduction (expected reduction) when one of the on functions is turned off, in association with that on function.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in the sleep settings screen SD in Figure 2, the estimated power consumption reduction when a function that is currently turned on (e.g., "LAN") is turned off is displayed in the reduction amount object RO.

[0066] Furthermore, in the display processing, ASIC2 displays the total reduction amount, which is the sum of the power consumption reduction amounts of the off functions included in multiple functions. The "total reduction amount" is the sum of the power consumption reduction amounts of the off functions displayed by ASIC2 on the display unit, and does not include the reduction amount of functions not displayed on the display unit. In other words, the "total reduction amount" is the sum of the power consumption reduction amounts of the switchable functions that are in the off state among the multiple switchable functions that the user can arbitrarily set to be on or off. Therefore, when the power reduction amounts of the individual off functions displayed individually on the display unit by ASIC2 are summed up, they match the value of the total reduction amount displayed on the display unit by ASIC2. Also, the total reduction amount displayed on the display unit by ASIC2 corresponds to the power reduction amount compared to the standard sleep mode.

[0067] Specifically, in the sleep settings screen SD shown in Figure 2, the total reduction amount object TRO, which indicates the total reduction amount, is displayed separately from the reduction amount object RO for each function. In the example in Figure 2, the total reduction amount object TRO is located below the function name object FO, the status object SO, and the reduction amount object RO for each function.

[0068] When a user input switches an ON function to an OFF state, or an OFF function to an ON state, the Total Power Reduction Object TRO value is updated accordingly. Specifically, if an ON function is switched to an OFF state, the Total Power Reduction Object TRO value increases in proportion to the power reduction of that function. Conversely, if an OFF function is switched to an ON state, the Total Power Reduction Object TRO value decreases in proportion to the power reduction of that function.

[0069] Furthermore, in the display processing, ASIC2 displays a suggestion on the display unit to turn off a specific function (module) that is in the ON state but whose usage frequency is below a predetermined value. The predetermined usage frequency is set, for example, for each module or for each type of module (for communication, for printing, etc.). The predetermined usage frequency is defined as the number of times it is used (e.g., once) during a predetermined period (e.g., three days). Therefore, the specific function may be a function that was not used during the predetermined period among multiple functions. The usage frequency (usage history) is obtained from memory 4.

[0070] The functions that are identified as specific functions (for which a switch to the off state is suggested) may be all switchable functions that the user can arbitrarily set to either the on or off state, or, among multiple switchable functions, only pre-configured specific modules or types of modules may be targeted for identification as specific functions.

[0071] Specific methods for "suggesting that the function be turned off" include, for example, highlighting the function name object FO of the function to be suggested for in the sleep settings screen SD shown in Figure 2 (e.g., blinking, coloring, expanding the display size, etc.). Alternatively, for example, the name of the function to be suggested for inclusion and a message indicating that the function should be turned off may be displayed on a separate screen from the sleep settings screen SD shown in Figure 2. This screen may be displayed overlaid on top of the sleep settings screen SD (as a pop-up).

[0072] In the display process, ASIC2 may display the amount of power consumption reduction when a specific function is turned off, along with a suggestion to turn off that function. For example, in the sleep setting screen SD of Figure 2, when the function name object FO of the suggested function is highlighted, the corresponding reduction amount object RO may also be highlighted at the same time. In addition, on a screen separate from the sleep setting screen SD described above, the amount of power consumption reduction may be displayed in addition to the name of the suggested function and a message that the function should be turned off.

[0073] Figure 3 shows an example of a switching suggestion screen CD displayed on the touch panel 5B or the information processing device. The switching suggestion screen CD includes a message object MO, a first button object BO1, and a second button object BO2.

[0074] The message object MO displays the specific function that is suggested to be switched off, the suggestion itself (switching to the off state), and the amount of power saved if the specific function is switched off.

[0075] When an input operation is performed on the first button object BO1, an instruction to switch the specific function displayed in the message object MO (modem 5A in the example in Figure 3) to the off state is received, and the ASIC2 switches the said specific function to the off state.

[0076] When an input operation is performed on the second button object BO2, the suggestion is discarded and the display of the switching suggestion screen CD is canceled.

[0077] Furthermore, if a suggestion is discarded by the user, ASIC2 may, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, display a suggestion on the display unit to turn off the function for which the discarded suggestion was made, if that function again corresponds to a specific function.

[0078] In display processing, ASIC2 may display a suggestion on the display unit to turn off a specific function among the communication functions included in multiple functions that establish communication with external devices (for example, communication modules such as modem 5A, LAN 5F, USB 5G, WLAN 5H, NFC 5I, etc.) that is in the ON state and not electrically connected to an external device.

[0079] ASIC2 determines, for example, whether or not an external device is connected based on signals sent from the communication function. ASIC2 may also determine a communication function as a specific function if no external device is currently connected to it, or if an external device has not been connected for a predetermined period of time.

[0080] Furthermore, ASIC2 may determine that a specific function is one of the communication functions for establishing communication with an external device that is turned on and has not been used during a predetermined period, or that is turned on and the external device is not electrically connected.

[0081] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the switching suggestion process for a specific function executed by ASIC2. This switching suggestion process is executed, for example, when the switching suggestion function to the off state is enabled. The switching suggestion function can be enabled or disabled, for example, by user input. The switching suggestion function may also be enabled by transitioning to a custom sleep mode, as described later, and disabled by exiting the custom sleep mode. Furthermore, the switching suggestion function may be automatically enabled when the image forming apparatus 1 is started up.

[0082] Furthermore, while the switching proposal process in Figure 4 targets modem 5A for the switching proposal, the switching proposal process can be configured to target any function (module).

[0083] In the switching proposal process shown in Figure 4, ASIC2 first determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of monitoring (step S110). The "start of monitoring" is, for example, the time when the switching proposal function is activated, or the time when the function to monitor (propose switching) was last turned on.

[0084] If a predetermined period has elapsed (S110: YES), ASIC2 determines whether a modem cable (an example of an external device) is connected to modem 5A (step S120). On the other hand, if the predetermined period has not elapsed (S110: NO), ASIC2 repeats step S110. In other words, ASIC2 does not proceed to step S120 until the predetermined period has elapsed. The connection of the modem cable is detected by a signal output from the modem 5A's circuit board to ASIC2.

[0085] If a modem cable is connected to modem 5A (S120: YES), ASIC2 determines whether or not a fax was received by modem 5A within a predetermined period (i.e., whether modem 5A was performing its communication function) (step S130). The presence or absence of fax reception is determined by the fax reception history stored in memory 4. If no fax was received by modem 5A (S130: NO), ASIC2 displays a suggestion to turn off the modem 5A's function on the touch panel 5B or the like in step S140. Also, if a modem cable was not connected to modem 5A in S120 (S120: NO), ASIC2 also displays a suggestion to turn off the modem 5A's function on the touch panel 5B or the like in S140.

[0086] On the other hand, if a fax was received on modem 5A (S130: YES), ASIC2 resets the predetermined period count and returns to S110. After that, ASIC2 does not proceed to step S120 until the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0087] After the proposal in S140, ASIC2 determines whether the user has accepted the proposal (step S150). If the proposal is accepted (S150: YES), ASIC2 switches modem 5A to the off state (step S160) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the proposal is not accepted (S150: NO), ASIC2 resets the predetermined period count and returns to S110.

[0088] ASIC2 may accept a function that groups multiple functions and sets them to an ON or OFF state on a group basis. Furthermore, ASIC2 may switch to a custom sleep mode in which the ON and OFF states of multiple functions are defined in advance. For example, ASIC2 may accept input from the user to switch to a custom sleep mode and perform the process of switching functions that are set (defined) to an OFF state in that custom sleep mode to an OFF state (or maintaining the OFF state), and switching functions that are set to an ON state in the custom sleep mode to an ON state (or maintaining the ON state). The custom sleep mode is a mode in which the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 is lower than that of the standard sleep mode.

[0089] ASIC2 may provide multiple custom sleep modes and allow the user to select any of these custom sleep modes. ASIC2 may also allow the user to register new custom sleep modes. Custom mode selection and switching can be performed, for example, by input to the touch panel 5B or by input to a physical button (switch) provided on the image forming apparatus 1. Note that if the custom sleep mode is switched using a physical button, the function of that button will not be turned off during the custom sleep mode.

[0090] Figure 5 shows an example of a custom sleep mode. In the example in Figure 5, custom sleep mode 1 is set to a mode in which USB5G, NFC5I, and modem 5A are turned off, which are functions that are not turned off in standard sleep mode. Custom sleep mode 2 is set to a mode in which USB5G, NFC5I, and touch panel 5B are turned off, which are functions that are not turned off in standard sleep mode. Custom sleep mode 3 is set to a mode in which USB5G, NFC5I, touch panel 5B, and modem 5A are turned off. Custom sleep mode 4 is set to a mode in which USB5G, NFC5I, touch panel 5B, modem 5A, and sensors 5C (image sensor and ADF sensor) are turned off.

[0091] For example, if the user selects Custom Sleep Mode 1 in Figure 5 while in Standard Sleep Mode, ASIC2 switches USB5G, NFC5I, and Modem 5A to the OFF state. Furthermore, if the user selects Custom Sleep Mode 2 while in Custom Sleep Mode 1, the touch panel 5B is switched to the OFF state, and Modem 5A is switched to the ON state. In this way, the user can select a custom sleep mode according to the functions they need. Note that switching to a custom sleep mode may also be done from the Full Mode state.

[0092] When in custom mode, ASIC2 may accept input for individual on and off settings for each function. In other words, when in custom mode, ASIC2 may display the sleep setting screen SD shown in Figure 2 on a display unit such as the touch panel 5B.

[0093] <Effects> According to the above embodiments, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The ASIC2 performs a setting process to individually set the on and off states of multiple functions, and a display process to display information on the display unit indicating the on or off state of each of the multiple functions, as well as to display the amount of power consumption reduction for the off functions among the multiple functions in association with those off functions. As a result, the user can visually confirm the amount of power consumption reduction for the functions that are set to the off state among the multiple functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the user can individually switch functions to the off state while confirming the power saving effect.

[0094] (2) In the display processing, ASIC2 displays the amount of power consumption reduction when an ON function among multiple functions is turned OFF, in association with that ON function. This allows the user to confirm the power saving effect by switching a currently ON function to an OFF state, thereby improving usability.

[0095] (3) In the display processing, ASIC2 displays the total reduction amount, which is the sum of the power consumption reduction amounts of the off functions included in multiple functions, on the display unit, so that the user can understand the current total power saving effect.

[0096] (4) The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a memory 4 configured to store the usage history of each of the multiple functions, and the ASIC 2, in the display processing, displays a suggestion on the display unit to turn off a specific function among the multiple functions that is on and used less than a predetermined value, thereby suggesting to the user to switch off a function that is not used frequently, making it easier for the user to decide which function to turn off.

[0097] (5) If the specific function is one of several functions that has not been used during a predetermined period, the user can be offered the option to switch off the function that has not been used during that period.

[0098] (6) In the display processing, ASIC2 displays the amount of power consumption reduction when a specific function is turned off, along with suggestions, so that the power saving effect of less frequently used functions is presented to the user, making it easier for the user to decide which functions to turn off.

[0099] (7) In the display processing, the ASIC2 can suggest to the user to switch unused communication functions to the off state by displaying a suggestion on the display unit to turn off a specific function that is in the ON state and is not electrically connected to an external device, which is one of the communication functions that establishes communication with an external device that is included in the multiple functions.

[0100] <Other Embodiments> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can take various forms.

[0101] The image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to a laser printer, but may be an inkjet printer, for example. If the image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet printer, the image forming apparatus 1 will be equipped with a print head and the like as a module in its printing section, instead of the laser unit 5D, high-voltage power supply 5E, etc.

[0102] The image forming apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to display the reduction amount when the ON function is turned OFF.

[0103] The image forming apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to display the total reduction amount, which is the sum of the reductions in power consumption of the off functions.

[0104] When the image forming apparatus 1 displays a suggestion to turn off a specific function that is in the ON state and used less than a predetermined value, it does not necessarily have to display the amount of power consumption reduction that would result from turning off the specific function. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to display such a suggestion.

[0105] The image forming apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to display a suggestion to turn off a specific communication function that establishes communication with an external device, which is currently on and not electrically connected to the external device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1. Image forming apparatus, 2. ASIC, 3. Power supply, 4. Memory, 5. Modem, 5B Touch panel, 5C Sensors, 5D Laser unit, 5E High-voltage power supply, 5J drive components, BO1 first button object, BO2 second button object, CD switching suggestion screen, FO function name object, MO message object, RO reduction amount object, SD sleep settings screen, SO status object, TRO Total Reduction Object

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having multiple functions that consume power, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit, A setting process for individually setting the on and off states of the aforementioned multiple functions, A display process that displays information indicating the on or off state of each of the aforementioned multiple functions on the display unit, and displays the amount of power consumption reduction for the off function among the multiple functions, associated with that off function, on the display unit. An image forming apparatus configured to perform the following.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display the amount of power consumption reduction when an ON function among the plurality of functions that is currently ON is turned OFF, in relation to the ON function.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a total reduction amount, which is the sum of the reduction amounts of power consumption of the off functions included in the plurality of functions, in the display processing.

4. The system further comprises a storage unit configured to store the usage history of each of the aforementioned multiple functions, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a suggestion to turn off a specific function among the plurality of functions that is in the ON state and whose usage frequency is less than a predetermined value during the display processing.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specified function is one of the plurality of functions that was not used during a predetermined period.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit causes the amount of power consumption reduction when the specific function is turned off in the display processing to be displayed on the display unit together with the proposal.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a proposal to turn off a specific function, which is one of the communication functions included in the plurality of functions for establishing communication with an external device, that is in the ON state and is not electrically connected to the external device.

Images