Image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide a technique to reduce time required for returning to a printable state from a power saving mode.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: a first control circuit; a second control circuit; and a third control circuit. The first control circuit communicates with an information processing apparatus. The second control circuit communicates with the first control circuit. The third control circuit is a control circuit communicating with the second control circuit and controls a printer unit. The first control circuit receives printing information from the information processing apparatus in a power saving mode and controls start-up of the second control circuit on the basis of the printing information. The second control circuit controls supply of power to the third control circuit on the basis of the start-up controlled by the first control circuit, and after communication is established with the third control circuit, transmits, to the third control circuit, instructions to start warming up the printer unit based on the printing information acquired from the first control circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When the image forming device is in a power saving mode (S3 state defined by the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) standard), the image forming device cuts off the power supply to the printer unit, etc. The image forming device maintains the network-related functions of the image forming device by supplying power mainly to a part of the main CPU, the main memory, and the NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0003] Conventionally, when an image forming apparatus receives a network packet while in a power saving mode, the NIC determines whether the packet requires a recovery process of the image forming apparatus. If the NIC determines that the packet requires a recovery process of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus resumes the power supply to the entire system board and communicates with the client. If the client requests the image forming apparatus to print through communication and the image forming apparatus receives the print data, the image forming apparatus resumes the power supply to the printer unit. After the image forming apparatus becomes print-ready based on the completion of the initialization and warm-up operations of the printer unit, the image forming apparatus performs print processing based on the data received from the client.

[0004] Energy Star, an international energy conservation system for office equipment, and the Blue Angel mark, a German environmental label, stipulate standards for the time required to complete network printing processing from power saving mode. In order to obtain certification, various methods are being used to shorten the print recovery time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-21221 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique for shortening the time it takes to return from a power saving mode to a printable state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a first control circuit, a second control circuit, and a third control circuit. The first control circuit communicates with an information processing device. The second control circuit communicates with the first control circuit. The third control circuit is a control circuit that communicates with the second control circuit and controls a printer unit. The first control circuit receives print information from the information processing device during a power saving mode, and controls the startup of the second control circuit based on the print information. The second control circuit controls power supply to the third control circuit based on the startup by the first control circuit, and transmits a warm-up start instruction for the printer unit based on the print information acquired from the first control circuit to the third control circuit after communication with the third control circuit becomes possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration example of a printer unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration example of a fixing unit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration example of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview of the MIB according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of index values ​​according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a processor of the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the NIC of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a processor of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process by a processor of the printer unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system S. The information processing system S includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a terminal 2. The image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal 2 are connected to each other via a network, either wired or wirelessly, so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the network may be a LAN (Local Area Network), but is not limited thereto.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 1 is a device equipped with an electrophotographic printing function. The image forming apparatus 1 will be described as a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with a copy function, a print function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, etc. The image forming apparatus 1 is capable of performing non-erasable printing and erasable printing.

[0011] Non-erasable printing is suitable for creating documents to be archived. Non-erasable printing uses non-erasable toner. Non-erasable toner is also called permanent toner or normal toner.

[0012] Erasable printing is printing for creating documents from which printed characters and the like can be "erased." Erasable printing uses an erasable toner. The erasable toner is a toner that is erased by external stimuli such as temperature, light of a specific wavelength, and pressure. In this embodiment, the erasable toner is a toner that is erased by application of heat above a certain temperature. In this embodiment, "erasable" refers to making images such as characters formed in a color different from the background color of the paper visually invisible. Here, color includes not only chromatic colors but also achromatic colors such as white and black.

[0013] The terminal 2 is a device capable of processing information. For example, the terminal 2 is a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like, but is not limited to these. The terminal 2 is an example of an information processing device.

[0014] An example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a control panel 30, a scanner unit 50, a power supply circuit 70, and a printer unit 100.

[0015] The control unit 10 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 10 includes a processor 11, a network interface card (NIC) 12, a main memory 13, a storage 14, and a wireless LAN unit 15.

[0016] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 11 may be composed of various circuits. The processor 11 loads a program stored in advance in the main memory 13 or the storage 14 into the main memory 13. The processor 11 executes the program loaded into the main memory 13 to perform various operations.

[0017] The processor 11 has multiple GPIOs (General Purpose Input / Output) associated with each process in the image forming apparatus 1. A GPIO is sometimes called a GPIO port. The multiple GPIOs include a print request wake-up GPIO 1101. The print request wake-up GPIO 1101 is associated with a process in the image forming apparatus 1 that requires power to be supplied to the printer unit 100. Here, printing will be described as an example of a process in the image forming apparatus 1 that requires power to be supplied to the printer unit 100. Printing is a process that uses the printer unit 100. A signal that activates the processor 11 and is sent by the NIC 12 with printing as a wake-up cause is input to the print request wake-up GPIO 1101. Wake-up corresponds to startup.

[0018] The multiple GPIOs include a network wake-up GPIO 1102. The network wake-up GPIO 1102 is associated with processing in the image forming apparatus 1 that does not require power supply to the printer unit 100. Here, file transfer will be described as an example of processing in the image forming apparatus 1 that does not require power supply to the printer unit 100. File transfer is processing that can be completed by the control unit 10 that controls the network with the terminal 2. File transfer does not require the printer unit 100. A signal for starting the processor 11, which is sent by the NIC 12 with the file transfer as a wake-up trigger, is input to the network wake-up GPIO 1102.

[0019] The processor 11 may have three or more GPIOs associated with different processes in the image forming device 1 .

[0020] The NIC 12 communicates with the terminal 2 connected by a wire. The NIC 12 is a module having a processor. For example, the processor is a CPU, but is not limited to this. The processor may be composed of various circuits.

[0021] The NIC 12 has a plurality of GPIOs associated with each process in the image forming apparatus 1. The plurality of GPIOs include a print request wakeup GPIO 1201. The print request wakeup GPIO 1201 is associated with printing, similar to the print request wakeup GPIO 1101. The print request wakeup GPIO 1201 outputs a signal for starting the processor 11 with printing as a wakeup trigger.

[0022] The multiple GPIOs include a network wake-up GPIO 1202. The network wake-up GPIO 1202 is associated with file transfer, similar to the network wake-up GPIO 1102. The network wake-up GPIO 1202 outputs a signal for starting up the processor 11 with the file transfer as a wake-up trigger.

[0023] The NIC 12 may have three or more GPIOs associated with different processes in the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0024] The NIC 12 includes a register 1203. The register 1203 is a storage circuit.

[0025] The main memory 13 corresponds to the main storage portion of the image forming apparatus 1. The main memory 13 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 13 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 13 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. For example, the main memory 13 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as the nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 202 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as the volatile memory area.

[0026] The storage 14 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the storage 14 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage 14 may include a semiconductor storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) in addition to or instead of the HDD. The storage 14 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 11. The storage 14 is an example of a storage unit.

[0027] The wireless LAN unit 15 communicates with the wirelessly connected terminal 2. The wireless LAN unit 15 is configured in the same manner as a NIC.

[0028] The control unit 10 has a plurality of signal lines provided between the NIC 12 and the processor 11. The signal lines correspond to a bus. The plurality of signal lines are associated with each process in the image forming apparatus 1. The plurality of signal lines connect the plurality of GPIOs of the processor 11 to the plurality of GPIOs of the NIC 12. The processor 11 communicates with the NIC 12 via the plurality of signal lines.

[0029] The multiple signal lines include a print request wakeup signal line 171. The print request wakeup signal line 171 is associated with a process in the image forming apparatus 1 that requires power supply to the printer unit 100. The print request wakeup signal line 171 connects a print request wakeup GPIO 1101 in the processor 11 and a print request wakeup GPIO 1201 in the NIC 12. The print request wakeup signal line 171 transmits a signal for activating the processor 11 with printing as a wakeup cause from the print request wakeup GPIO 1201 to the print request wakeup GPIO 1101.

[0030] The multiple signal lines include a network wake-up signal line 172. The network wake-up signal line 172 is associated with a process in the image forming apparatus 1 that does not require power supply to the printer unit 100. The network wake-up signal line 172 connects a network wake-up GPIO 1102 in the processor 11 and a network wake-up GPIO 1202 in the NIC 12. The network wake-up signal line 172 transmits a signal for starting up the processor 11 with a file transfer as a wake-up trigger from the network wake-up GPIO 1202 to the network wake-up GPIO 1102.

[0031] The control unit 10 may have three or more signal lines associated with different processes in the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0032] The control panel 30 may include a display element 31, a touch panel 32, and input buttons 33. The display element 31 is, for example, a display element such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The display element 31 displays information such as the state of the image forming apparatus 1 and various settings. The display element 31 also displays options for changing settings of the image forming apparatus 1. The touch panel 32 is provided on the display element 31. The touch panel 32 forms a touch screen together with the display element 31. The touch panel 32 acquires user instructions. The input buttons 33 include, for example, a print start button. The input buttons 33 acquire user instructions.

[0033] The scanner unit 50 reads images such as characters, figures, and photographs drawn on a medium placed at a predetermined position. For this purpose, the scanner unit 50 includes a line sensor. The line sensor may adopt a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) system, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) system, or other systems. The line sensor is an example of an imaging element. The scanner unit 50 generates image data based on an image read using the line sensor. The scanner unit 50 transmits the generated image data to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 stores the received image data in the storage 14 or transmits it to the printer unit 100.

[0034] The power supply circuit 70 converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power and supplies power to the control unit 10, the control panel 30, the scanner unit 50, and the printer unit 100. The power supply circuit 70 can be controlled by the processor 11, the NIC 12, and the processor 101.

[0035] The printer unit 100 forms an image on a medium. For example, the printer unit 100 forms an image on the surface of the medium based on image data transmitted from the terminal 2 via a network.

[0036] Here, an example of a printer unit 100 using a tandem type toner image transfer unit will be described. The printer unit 100 includes a processor 101, a container 110, a conveyance unit 120, an image forming unit 130, and a fixing unit 140.

[0037] The processor 101 communicates with the processor 11 via a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter). The processor 101 controls the printer unit 100. For example, the processor 101 is a CPU, but is not limited thereto. The processor 101 may be composed of various circuits. The storage section 110 stores media such as paper, cloth, and plastic film. The medium is transported from the storage section 110 to the image forming section 130 and the fixing device 140 by the transport section 120 in this order. The image forming section 130 forms images such as characters, figures, and photographs on the medium. The fixing device 140 fixes the toner image transferred to the medium by heat and pressure. An example of the configuration of the fixing device 140 will be described later.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the printer unit 100. As shown in FIG. The printer unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] The storage unit 110 has a plurality of paper feed cassettes. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 110 has a first paper feed cassette 111, a second paper feed cassette 112, and a third paper feed cassette 113. Each paper feed cassette stores a medium 300 of a predetermined size and type. That is, the first paper feed cassette 111 stores a first medium 301. The second paper feed cassette 112 stores a second medium 302. The third paper feed cassette 113 stores a third medium 303. Here, an example of three paper feed cassettes is shown, but the number of paper feed cassettes may be one or any number.

[0040] Each paper feed cassette has a pickup roller. That is, the first paper feed cassette 111 has a first pickup roller 114. The second paper feed cassette 112 has a second pickup roller 115. The third paper feed cassette 113 has a third pickup roller 116. Each pickup roller picks up one sheet of medium 300 from each paper feed cassette. Each pickup roller supplies the picked up medium 300 to the transport unit 120.

[0041] The conveying section 120 conveys the medium 300 in the printer unit 100. The conveying section 120 has conveying rollers 121 to 124, a registration roller 125, and a conveying roller 126. The conveying roller 121 conveys the first medium 301 supplied by the first pickup roller 114 to the conveying roller 124. The conveying roller 122 conveys the second medium 302 supplied by the second pickup roller 115 to the conveying roller 124. The conveying roller 123 conveys the third medium 303 supplied by the third pickup roller 116 to the conveying roller 124. The conveying roller 124 further conveys the medium 300 to the registration roller 125. The registration roller 125 conveys the medium 300 to the transfer section 138 in accordance with the timing at which the transfer section 138 of the image forming section 130 described later transfers the toner image to the medium 300. The transport rollers 126 are provided downstream of the fixing device 140 and discharge the medium 300 to the paper discharge section 180. The paper discharge section 180 may be an opening having a paper receiving surface 181 or a tray. The transport section 120 may have an inversion section 127 that inverts the medium 300 when forming images on both sides of the medium 300.

[0042] The image forming unit 130 forms a toner image on a medium 300. The image forming unit 130 has a plurality of developing units 131-135, an exposure unit 136, an intermediate transfer belt 137, a transfer unit 138, and a transfer belt cleaner 139. The plurality of developing units 131-135 corresponds to the number of types of toner.

[0043] The image forming unit 130 is configured to perform non-erasable monochrome printing (black and white) and color printing, and single-color erasable printing. The image forming unit 130 has a black developing unit 131, a cyan developing unit 132, a magenta developing unit 133, a yellow developing unit 134, and an erasable developing unit 135. The black developing unit 131 is a developing unit corresponding to black (K) toner. The cyan developing unit 132 is a developing unit corresponding to cyan (C) toner. The magenta developing unit 133 is a developing unit corresponding to magenta (M) toner. The yellow developing unit 134 is a developing unit corresponding to yellow (Y) toner. The erasable developing unit 135 is a developing unit corresponding to erasable toner. Each developing unit has the same configuration.

[0044] Each developing section has a photoconductor drum 151 that functions as an image carrier. Each developing section has a charger 152, a developing device 153, a primary transfer roller 154, a cleaning unit 155, and a static eliminator 156 around the photoconductor drum 151.

[0045] The intermediate transfer belt 137 is an endless belt. The intermediate transfer belt 137 passes between the photoconductor drum 151 of each developing unit and the primary transfer roller 154. Furthermore, the intermediate transfer belt 137 is passed around a support roller 1381 of the transfer unit 138 and a support roller 1301. The intermediate transfer belt 137 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3.

[0046] Photoconductor drum 151 has a photoconductor layer on its surface. Photoconductor drum 151 rotates around its axis in a clockwise direction in FIG. 3. Charger 152 uniformly charges the photoconductor layer on the surface of photoconductor drum 151. For example, charger 152 charges the surface of photoconductor drum 151 to a negative polarity.

[0047] The exposure device 136 is located opposite the photoconductor drum 151 of each developing unit. The exposure device 136 has a semiconductor laser light source. The exposure device 136 irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum 151 of each developing unit with laser light via an optical system such as a polygon mirror. The exposure device 136 executes operations including light emission based on image data under the control of the control unit 10. The exposure device 136 forms a static electricity pattern as an electrostatic latent image at a position on the surface of the photoconductor drum 151 irradiated with the laser light. The exposure device 136 may use an LED (Light Emitting Diode) instead of a laser light source.

[0048] The developing device 153 develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 151 with toner. That is, the toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 151. In this way, the developing device 153 forms a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 151.

[0049] The primary transfer roller 154 faces the photosensitive drum 151 and sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 137. The primary transfer roller 154 functions as a bias roller. The primary transfer roller 154 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 151 onto the intermediate transfer belt 137. This transfer is called primary transfer. The black developing unit 131, the cyan developing unit 132, the magenta developing unit 133, and the yellow developing unit 134 can transfer the toner images of each color onto the intermediate transfer belt 137 in a multi-layered manner.

[0050] The cleaning unit 155 is located after the position where the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 151 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 137. The cleaning unit 155 scrapes off and removes untransferred toner and the like from the surface of the photoconductor drum 151. The cleaning unit 155 collects the removed toner in a waste toner tank.

[0051] The charge eliminator 156 faces the photoconductor drum 151 that has passed the cleaning unit 155. The charge eliminator 156 irradiates light onto the surface of the photoconductor drum 151. The charge eliminator 156 eliminates charge on the photoconductor layer by irradiating it with light. The charge on the photoconductor layer is made uniform.

[0052] The transfer unit 138 has a support roller 1381 and a secondary transfer roller 1382. The support roller 1381 and the secondary transfer roller 1382 are configured to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 137 and the medium 300 from both sides in the thickness direction. The support roller 1381 is a drive roller for the intermediate transfer belt 137. The secondary transfer roller 1382 faces the support roller 1381 with the intermediate transfer belt 137 in between. The transfer unit 138 transfers the charged toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 137 to the surface of the medium 300. This transfer is called secondary transfer.

[0053] The transfer belt cleaner 139 is located between the transfer unit 138 and the development unit in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 137. The transfer belt cleaner 139 removes the toner that has not been transferred from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 137 after the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 137 to the medium 300.

[0054] The fixing device 140 applies heat and pressure to the medium 300 on which the toner image is formed and which is supplied from the image forming unit 130. The fixing device 140 fixes the toner image formed on the medium 300 by the heat and pressure.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the fixing unit 140. As shown in FIG. For example, the fixing device 140 is an induction heating type fixing device. The fixing device 140 includes a pressure roller 1401, a pressure pad 1402, a magnetic shunt alloy position adjustment mechanism 1403, an aluminum member 1404, a magnetic shunt alloy 1405, a ferrite core 1406, a coil 1407, a fixing belt 1408, a frame 1409, and a sensor 1410.

[0056] The pressure roller 1401 and the fixing belt 1408 are positioned so as to face each other on the circumference. The pressure roller 1401 abuts against the fixing belt 1408 by springs at both ends. The pressure roller 1401 has a metal member as a core material, and has an elastic layer such as a rubber layer on the outside. The pressure roller 1401 has a release layer on its surface. The pressure roller 1401 is driven to rotate. The pressure roller 1401 may be driven by the fixing belt 1408. The pressure roller 1401 may have a one-way clutch to prevent a speed difference from occurring between the pressure roller 1401 and the fixing belt 1408.

[0057] The pressure pad 1402 is located inside the fixing belt 1408. The pressure pad 1402 presses the fixing belt 1408 towards the pressure roller 1401. A nip is formed between the fixing belt 1408 and the pressure roller 1401. The shape of the part of the pressure pad 1402 facing the pressure roller 1401 is the same as the outer circumferential shape of the pressure roller 1401. The width of the pressure pad 1402 in the longitudinal direction is wider than the width of the medium 300 being transported. The pressure pad 1402 has a low-friction sheet between it and the pressure roller 1401 to improve sliding properties.

[0058] The magnetic shunt alloy position adjusting mechanism 1403 is fixed to a frame 1409. The magnetic shunt alloy position adjusting mechanism 1403 is a mechanism for adjusting the position of the magnetic shunt alloy 1405. The aluminum member 1404 is connected to the magnetic shunt alloy position adjustment mechanism 1403. The aluminum member 1404 shields the magnetic flux generated by the coil 1407. The magnetic shunt alloy 1405 faces the coil 1407 with the fixing belt 1408 sandwiched therebetween. When the temperature of the magnetic shunt alloy 1405 reaches or exceeds the Curie point, the magnetic permeability decreases, and the magnetic flux density penetrating the fixing belt 1408 decreases. The ferrite core 1406 is located outside the coil 1407. The ferrite core 1406 blocks the magnetic flux from the coil 1407. The coil 1407 is located outside the fixing belt 1408. The coil 1407 generates a magnetic flux.

[0059] The fixing belt 1408 is an endless belt. The fixing belt 1408 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4. The fixing belt 1408 has multiple layers. The fixing belt 1408 has a conductive layer that generates heat by induction with a magnetic field generated by the coil 1407. For example, the conductive layer is made of a conductive material such as iron, nickel, or copper. The fixing belt 1408 may have a Cu layer laminated on a Ni layer. The fixing belt 1408 has an elastic layer on the conductive layer. The fixing belt 1408 has a release layer on the conductive layer. The release layer is a layer that directly contacts the toner. The release layer is preferably made of tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer resin (PFA) or the like, which has good release properties.

[0060] The frame 1409 is located inside the fixing belt 1408. The frame 1409 holds the pressure pad 1402. The sensor 1410 is located inside the fixing belt 1408. The sensor 1410 detects the temperature of the fixing belt 1408. The sensor 1410 is located downstream of a heating unit configured by the magnetic shunt alloy 1405 and the coil 1407, and upstream of a nip unit formed between the fixing belt 1408 and the pressure roller 1401. The sensor 1410 may be a contact type thermistor.

[0061] The operation modes of the image forming apparatus 1 configured as above will be described below. The image forming apparatus 1 has at least a power saving mode and a normal mode. The power saving mode is a mode in which the power consumed by the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced more than in the normal mode.

[0062] The power saving mode is a mode in which power supply from the power supply circuit 70 to the printer unit 100 is stopped, power supply to a portion of the control unit 10 is maintained, and power supply to other portions of the control unit 10 is stopped. Power supply may be read as power supply. Power supply to a portion of the control unit 10 is maintained in order to maintain the network-related functions of the image forming apparatus 1 even in the power saving mode. For example, the portion of the control unit 10 includes the NIC 12 and the wireless LAN section 15. The portion of the control unit 10 may include the main memory 13. The portion of the control unit 10 may include all or part of the processor 11.

[0063] In the power saving mode, the power supply circuit 70 stops supplying power to the printer unit 100. For example, the power supply circuit 70 stops supplying power to the processor 101 in the printer unit 100. As a result, the processor 101 stops operating during the power saving mode. For example, the power supply circuit 70 stops supplying power to the coil 1407 of the fuser 140. As a result, the fuser 140 stops operating during the power saving mode. The temperature of the fuser 140 detected by the sensor 1410 drops during the power saving mode.

[0064] In the power saving mode, the power supply circuit 70 maintains power supply to a part of the control unit 10. The power supply circuit 70 stops power supply to other parts of the control unit 10. For example, the power supply circuit 70 supplies power to the NIC 12, the main memory 13, and the wireless LAN unit 15 in the control unit 10. As a result, the NIC 12 and the wireless LAN unit 15 operate during the power saving mode and can communicate with the terminal 2. The main memory 13 operates during the power saving mode and stores the work contents before the transition to the power saving mode. The power supply circuit 70 supplies power to at least a part of the processor 11 in the control unit 10. As a result, the processor 11 can receive a signal to start the processor 11 during the power saving mode. The processor 11 can be started based on the reception of a signal to start the processor 11 during the power saving mode. It is only necessary that the processor 11 is supplied with a minimum amount of power during the power saving mode so that the processor 11 can be started based on the reception of a signal to start the processor 11.

[0065] The normal mode is a mode in which power supply from the power supply circuit 70 to the printer unit 100 is maintained, and power supply to the entire control unit 10 is maintained. In the normal mode, the power supply circuit 70 maintains power supply to the printer unit 100. For example, the power supply circuit 70 supplies power to the processor 101 in the printer unit 100. This allows the processor 101 to operate during the normal mode. For example, the power supply circuit 70 supplies power to the coil 1407 of the fuser 140. This allows the fuser 140 to operate during the normal mode.

[0066] In the normal mode, the power supply circuit 70 maintains power supply to the entire control unit 10. For example, the power supply circuit 70 supplies power to the processor 11 in the control unit 10. This allows the processor 11 to operate in the normal mode. For example, the power supply circuit 70 supplies power to the NIC 12 and wireless LAN unit 15 in the control unit 10. This allows the NIC 12 and wireless LAN unit 15 to operate in the normal mode.

[0067] In the normal mode, there are various states such as a warming-up state and a ready state. The warming-up state is a state in which the processor 101 controls the warming-up of the fixing unit 140. In the warming-up state, the processor 101 controls the power supply to the coil 1407 in a power supply-stopped state, and the temperature of the fixing unit 140 is stabilized at a target temperature. The target temperature is determined according to the fixing temperature for each print process based on a print job. The warming-up state is a control before the printer unit 100 starts a print process based on a print job. The warming-up state requires a long processing time because it is necessary to raise the temperature of the fixing unit 140 to the target temperature. The ready state is a state in which the print process based on a print job can be executed. The ready state is a state after the warming-up state.

[0068] The return from the power saving mode to the ready state will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the power saving mode to the warming-up state of the normal mode. After the warming-up is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the warming-up state to the ready state. This causes the image forming apparatus 1 to return from the power saving mode to the ready state.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration example of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. The terminal 2 is a computer including a processor 201, a main memory 202, a storage 203, a communication interface 204, an input device 205, and a display device 206. The components constituting the terminal 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In Fig. 2, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0070] The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the terminal 2. For example, the processor 11 is a CPU, but is not limited to this. The processor 201 may be composed of various circuits. The processor 201 loads a program stored in advance in the main memory 202 or the storage 203 into the main memory 202. The processor 201 executes the program loaded into the main memory 202 to perform various processes.

[0071] The main memory 202 corresponds to the main storage portion of the terminal 2. The main memory 202 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 202 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 202 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 201. For example, the main memory 202 includes a ROM as the nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 202 includes a RAM as the volatile memory area.

[0072] The storage 203 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the terminal 2. For example, the storage 203 includes an HDD. The storage 203 may include a semiconductor storage medium such as an SSD in addition to or instead of the HDD. The storage 203 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 201 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 201. The storage 203 is an example of a storage unit.

[0073] The storage 203 stores a printer driver 2031. The printer driver 2031 is a program that causes the terminal 2 to execute various processes in order to enable printing on the image forming apparatus 1.

[0074] The communication interface 204 includes various interfaces that connect the terminal 2 to other devices so that they can communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0075] The input device 205 is a device capable of inputting data or instructions by touch operation to the terminal 2. For example, the input device 205 is a keyboard or a touch panel.

[0076] The display device 206 is a device capable of displaying an image. For example, the display device 206 is a liquid crystal display.

[0077] The MIB (Management Information Base) used in the communication between the terminal 2 and the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview of the MIB. MIB is a collection of device information and is exchanged via SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). The SNMP format is as shown in Figure 6. OID (Object IDentifier) ​​indicates which information in the MIB is exchanged. In addition to publicly defined OIDs, some can be defined privately by each company.

[0078] "1.3.6.1.4.1.1129...XY" shown in Figure 6 is an OID that indicates a print request. A print request is a request from terminal 2 to image forming device 1 to execute print processing based on a print job. The OID that indicates a print request uses an OID that can be privately defined. "1.3.6.1.4.1.1129...X" in the OID that indicates a print request indicates that it is a print request. "Y" in the OID that indicates a print request indicates an index value.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of index values. The index value is a value indicating a printing condition, which is a printing condition that affects the target temperature of the fixing unit 140 during warm-up among the print settings set by the user via the input device 205 of the terminal 2.

[0080] For example, the printing conditions include one or more of a color mode, a medium type, and a print mode. The color mode is a mode related to the color of printing. For example, the color mode indicates either monochrome printing or color printing. Since the fixing temperature differs depending on whether it is monochrome printing or color printing, the target temperature of the fixing device 140 in warming up also differs depending on whether it is monochrome printing or color printing. The medium type is a type related to the medium on which the image is formed. For example, the medium type indicates either plain paper or other (such as plastic film). The medium type is not limited to two stages, plain paper and other, and may be divided into three or more stages. Since the fixing temperature differs depending on the type of medium, the target temperature of the fixing device 140 in warming up also differs depending on the type of medium. The print mode is a mode related to the decolorization of printing. For example, the print mode indicates either non-decolorization printing or decolorization printing. Since the fixing temperature differs depending on whether the printing is non-erasable or erasable, the target temperature of the fixing unit 140 during warm-up also differs depending on whether the printing is non-erasable or erasable.

[0081] For example, the index value indicates different values ​​depending on the combination of color mode, medium type, and print mode included in the printing conditions. In the example of Fig. 7, when the color mode is color printing, the medium type is plain paper, and the print mode is non-erasable printing, the index value is 1. When the medium type is plain paper and the print mode is erasable printing, the index value is 5. The correspondence between the printing conditions and the index values ​​can be set appropriately.

[0082] The index value is an example of printing information including a printing condition. The index value based at least on a color mode is an example of printing information including a color mode. The index value based at least on a medium type is an example of printing information including a medium type. The index value based at least on a print mode is an example of printing information including a print mode.

[0083] The processing by the processor 201 of the terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the processor 201 of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, operations may be omitted, replaced, or added to the process steps described below as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0084] The processor 201 executes the process exemplified in Fig. 8 by the printer driver 2031. It is assumed that the user performs input related to printing via the input device 205 of the terminal 2. The input related to printing includes input of designation of image data to be printed, input of print settings, and input of an instruction to start printing. The print settings include various settings related to printing such as color mode, medium type, print mode, number of copies to be printed, and medium size.

[0085] The processor 201 transmits an MIB packet related to the print request to the image forming apparatus 1 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the processor 201 starts generating an MIB packet related to the print request based on an instruction to start printing input via the input device 205 of the terminal 2. The MIB packet related to the print request is an MIB packet that specifies an OID indicating a print request. The MIB packet related to the print request is an example of a packet related to printing. The processor 201 determines the printing conditions of a combination of a color mode, a medium type, and a print mode based on the print settings input via the input device 205 of the terminal 2. The processor 201 selects an index value corresponding to the determined printing conditions. The processor 201 generates an MIB packet related to the print request that specifies an OID indicating a print request. The OID indicating a print request includes the selected index value. In this way, the MIB packet related to the print request includes an index value. For example, the MIB packet related to the print request includes an index value based on the print mode. For example, a MIB packet for a print request includes an index value based on the print mode and color mode and / or media type.

[0086] The processor 201 transmits the generated MIB packet related to the print request to the image forming apparatus 1 separately from the print data and prior to transmission of the print data. The print data is job data related to printing requested from the terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 1. The print data includes print settings input by the user via the input device 205 of the terminal 2. The print data includes image data of the object to be printed, specified by the user via the input device 205 of the terminal 2.

[0087] Sending an MIB packet related to a print request is an example of sending print information. For example, the processor 201 sends an MIB packet related to a print request including an index value based on a print mode to the image forming device 1. Sending an MIB packet related to a print request including an index value based on a print mode is an example of sending print information including a print mode. The same applies to the color mode and the media type.

[0088] After transmitting the MIB packet related to the print request, the processor 201 transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 1 (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the processor 201 generates print data based on print settings input via the input device 205 of the terminal 2 and the specified image data to be printed. The processor 201 transmits the generated print data to the image forming apparatus 1. The processor 201 may repeatedly transmit the print data until it receives a response to the transmission of the print data from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0089] The process performed by the NIC 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the NIC 12 of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, operations may be omitted, replaced, or added to the process steps described below as appropriate depending on the embodiment. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is in a power saving mode. The NIC 12 is an example of a first processor or a first control circuit.

[0090] The NIC 12 receives a packet related to processing in the image forming apparatus 1 from the terminal 2 during the power saving mode (ACT11). Receiving a packet related to processing in the image forming apparatus 1 is an example of receiving information related to processing in the image forming apparatus 1. In ACT11, for example, the NIC 12 receives an MIB packet related to a print request from the terminal 2 during the power saving mode. Receiving an MIB packet related to a print request is an example of receiving print information.

[0091] The NIC 12 analyzes the received packet (ACT12). In ACT12, for example, the NIC 12 analyzes the received packet and determines the process in the image forming apparatus 1 related to the received packet. If the received MIB packet includes an OID indicating a print request, the NIC 12 determines the process in the image forming apparatus 1 to be printing. If the received packet is a packet related to file transfer, the NIC 12 determines the process in the image forming apparatus 1 to be file transfer.

[0092] Based on the analysis result, the NIC 12 determines whether the processing in the image forming apparatus 1 is printing or not (ACT13). If the processing in the image forming apparatus 1 is printing (ACT13, YES), the processing transitions from ACT13 to ACT14. If the processing in the image forming apparatus 1 is not printing (ACT13, NO), the processing transitions from ACT13 to ACT16. Here, it is assumed that if the processing in the image forming apparatus 1 is not printing, the processing in the image forming apparatus 1 is file transfer. As will be described later, based on the received packet, the NIC 12 transmits a signal through one of multiple signal lines associated with the processing in the image forming apparatus 1 indicated in the received packet.

[0093] The NIC 12 stores the index value included in the MIB packet related to the print request in the register 1203 (ACT14). The NIC 12 transmits a signal through the print request wake-up signal line 171 among the multiple signal lines based on the MIB packet related to the print request (ACT15). In ACT15, for example, the NIC 12 activates the processor 11 by using printing as a wake-up trigger by transmitting a signal through the print request wake-up signal line 171 based on the MIB packet related to the print request. Transmitting a signal through the print request wake-up signal line 171 based on the print information is an example of transmitting a signal through the print request wake-up signal line 171 based on the print information. Transmitting a signal through the print request wake-up signal line 171 based on the print information is an example of controlling the activation of the processor 11 based on the print information.

[0094] The NIC 12 transmits a signal via the network wake-up signal line 172 among the multiple signal lines based on the packet related to the file transfer (ACT16). In ACT16, for example, the NIC 12 wakes up the processor 11 by transmitting a signal via the network wake-up signal line 172, with the file transfer as a wake-up trigger.

[0095] When the image forming apparatus 1 is in a mode other than the power saving mode, such as a normal mode, the NIC 12 ignores the MIB packet related to the print request received from the terminal 2.

[0096] The process performed by the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 will now be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the processor 11 of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, operations may be omitted, replaced, or added to the process steps described below as appropriate depending on the embodiment. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is in a power saving mode. The processor 11 is an example of a second processor or a second control circuit.

[0097] The processor 11 receives a signal transmitted from the NIC 12 through one of the signal lines during the power saving mode (ACT21). For example, in ACT21, the processor 11 is started based on the reception of a signal transmitted through one of the signal lines. The processor 11 controls the power supply to the entire processor 11 by the start-up based on the reception of a signal from the NIC 12. The processor 11 transitions each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 to a controllable state based on the power supply to the entire processor 11 by the power supply circuit 70. Based on the start-up includes based on the power supply to the entire processor 11 by the start-up. As will be described later, the processor 11 controls the process in the image forming apparatus 1 associated with the signal line that transmitted the signal from the NIC 12 based on the start-up. In one example, the processor 11 is started based on the reception of a signal transmitted from the NIC 12 through the print request wake-up signal line 171. In this example, the processor 11 performs control related to printing based on the start-up, as will be described using ACT24 to 28. In another example, the processor 11 wakes up based on receipt of a signal transmitted from the NIC 12 via the network wake-up signal line 172. In this example, the processor 11 performs control related to file transfer based on the wake-up, as will be described using ACT29.

[0098] The processor 11 identifies the GPIO to which the signal is input based on the reception of the signal from the NIC 12 (ACT22). In ACT22, for example, the processor 11 identifies the GPIO to which the signal from the NIC 12 is input, among the print request wake-up GPIO 1101 and the network wake-up GPIO 1102. Identifying the GPIO to which the signal from the NIC 12 is input corresponds to identifying the signal line that transmits the signal from the NIC 12. The processor 11 determines the process in the image forming apparatus 1 that is the wake-up cause based on the identification of the GPIO to which the signal from the NIC 12 is input. In one example, the processor 11 determines that the wake-up cause is printing based on the signal from the NIC 12 being input to the print request wake-up GPIO 1101. In another example, the processor 11 determines that the wake-up cause is file transfer based on the signal from the NIC 12 being input to the network wake-up GPIO 1102. This allows the processor 11 to determine the wake-up cause based on the signal from the NIC 12 without the need for packet analysis.

[0099] The processor 11 determines whether the wake-up cause is printing (ACT23). If the wake-up cause is printing (ACT23, YES), the process transitions from ACT23 to ACT24. If the wake-up cause is not printing (ACT23, NO), the process transitions from ACT23 to ACT29. Here, it is assumed that if the wake-up cause is not printing, the wake-up cause is file transfer.

[0100] The processor 11 acquires the index value stored in the register 1203 from the NIC 12 (ACT24). In ACT24, the processor 11 acquires the index value from the NIC 12 by reading the register 1203, for example.

[0101] The processor 11 controls the power supply to the printer unit 100 (ACT25). In ACT25, for example, the processor 11 controls the power supply to each part of the printer unit 100, such as the processor 101, based on activation by the NIC 12. The printer unit 100 starts up based on the start of the power supply.

[0102] The processor 11 transmits a warm-up start instruction for the printer unit 100 based on the index value acquired from the NIC 12 to the processor 101 (ACT26). In ACT26, for example, the processor 11 generates a warm-up start instruction based on the index value acquired from the NIC 12. The warm-up start instruction is an instruction to cause the processor 101 to control the start of warm-up based on the printing conditions. The warm-up start instruction includes information on the printing conditions corresponding to the index value. For example, when the index value is 1, the warm-up start instruction includes information on the printing conditions including color printing, plain paper, and non-erasable printing corresponding to the index value "1". The processor 11 can add information on the printing conditions corresponding to the index value as a parameter to the format of the packet of the warm-up start instruction. After the processor 11 becomes able to communicate with the processor 101, the processor 11 transmits the warm-up start instruction to the processor 101. By transmitting the warm-up start instruction, the processor 11 can transition the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the power saving mode to the warm-up state of the normal mode.

[0103] The processor 11 receives print data from the terminal 2 (ACT27). The processor 11 transmits a print instruction based on the print data to the processor 101 (ACT27). In ACT27, for example, the processor 11 transitions from a warm-up state in normal mode to a ready state, and then transmits a print instruction based on the print data to the processor 101. The print instruction may include information necessary for print processing based on a job related to printing by the printer unit 100, such as print settings and image data.

[0104] If the wake-up cause is a file transfer, the processor 11 controls the file transfer process (ACT29). In ACT29, for example, the processor 11 controls the file transfer process without controlling the start of power supply to the printer unit 100.

[0105] The process performed by the processor 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 will now be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the processor 101 of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, operations may be omitted, replaced, or added to the process steps described below as appropriate depending on the embodiment. It is assumed that the printer unit 100 is activated by power supply control by the processor 11. The processor 101 is an example of a third processor or a third control circuit.

[0106] Processor 101 receives a warm-up start instruction from processor 11 (ACT31). Processor 101 controls warm-up based on the warm-up start instruction (ACT32). In ACT32, for example, processor 101 sets a target temperature according to the printing conditions based on the information on the printing conditions included in the warm-up start instruction. Processor 101 controls the power supply to coil 1407 so that the temperature of fixing unit 140 becomes the target temperature according to the printing conditions. Image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the warm-up state to the ready state based on the completion of warm-up.

[0107] The processor 101 receives a print instruction from the processor 11 (ACT33). The processor 101 controls print processing based on a print job based on the print instruction (ACT34). In ACT34, for example, the processor 101 controls each part of the printer unit 100, and controls the print processing according to the color mode, medium type, and print mode indicated in the printing conditions.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 can control the start of the second control circuit in the first control circuit based on the printing information received from the terminal 2 during the power saving mode. The image forming apparatus 1 can control the power supply to the third control circuit in the second control circuit based on the start by the first control circuit, and can transmit a warming-up start instruction based on the printing information to the third control circuit. This allows, for example, the image forming apparatus 1 to set the target temperature of the fixing unit 140 based on the printing information. By setting the target temperature of the fixing unit 140 based on the printing information, the image forming apparatus 1 can start a warming-up operation suitable for the print processing before receiving the print data. By executing the warming-up operation suitable for the print processing, the image forming apparatus 1 can shorten the time from the start of warming-up to the ready state. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can shorten the time from the power saving mode to the ready state in which printing is possible.

[0109] The terminal 2 can transmit print information to the image processing device 1 before transmitting print data. This allows the terminal 2 to help shorten the time it takes for the image forming device 1 to return from a power saving mode to a ready state where printing is possible.

[0110] The printing information may include a printing mode indicating either non-erasable printing or erasable printing. As described above, the fixing temperature differs depending on whether the printing is non-erasable printing or erasable printing. As a result, for example, the image forming device 1 can set the target temperature of the fixing device 140 based on the printing mode by receiving the printing information including the printing mode. The image forming device 1 can execute a warm-up operation suitable for the printing process by setting the target temperature of the fixing device 140 based on the printing mode. Therefore, the image forming device 1 can shorten the time it takes to return from the power saving mode to a printable ready state. The terminal 2 can support the shortening of the time it takes to return from the power saving mode to a printable ready state in the image forming device 1 by transmitting the printing information including the printing mode.

[0111] The image forming apparatus 1 can transmit a signal through a signal line associated with printing among a plurality of signal lines based on print information in the first control circuit. The image forming apparatus 1 can start up based on reception of a signal transmitted through a signal line associated with printing in the second control circuit, and can perform control related to printing based on the start-up. Thereby, for example, the image forming apparatus 1 can determine a wake-up cause in the second control circuit based on a signal from the first control circuit. The image forming apparatus 1 can control a process in the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the wake-up cause immediately based on the start-up in the second control circuit. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform control related to printing immediately based on the start-up in the second control circuit. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can shorten the time it takes to return from a power saving mode to a ready state where printing is possible.

[0112] In the above example, the NIC 12 has been described as an example, but the wireless LAN unit 16 can also operate in the same manner as the NIC 12. In this example, the wireless LAN unit 16 is an example of a first processor or a first control circuit.

[0113] In addition, the transfer of the device is generally performed with the program stored in the main memory or storage. However, this is not limited, and the program may be transferred without being stored in the main memory or storage. In this case, the transferred program is written to a writable storage device of the device according to the operation of the user or the like. The program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device. In addition, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with the OS (operating system) inside the device.

[0114] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1...image forming apparatus, 2...terminal, 10...control unit, 11...processor, 12...NIC, 15...wireless LAN section, 70...power supply circuit, 100...printer unit, 101...processor, 130...image forming section, 140...fuser, 171...signal line for waking up print request, 172...signal line for waking up network, 1101...GPIO for waking up print request, 1102...GPIO for waking up network, 1201...GPIO for waking up print request, 1202...GPIO for waking up network, register...1203, 1407...coil, S...information processing system.

Claims

1. a first control circuit for communicating with the information processing device; a second control circuit in communication with the first control circuit; a third control circuit in communication with the second control circuit for controlling a printer unit; Equipped with the first control circuit receives print information from the information processing device during a power saving mode, and controls activation of the second control circuit based on the print information; the second control circuit controls power supply to the third control circuit based on activation by the first control circuit, and transmits to the third control circuit a warm-up start instruction for the printer unit based on the print information acquired from the first control circuit after communication with the third control circuit becomes possible; Image forming device.

2. a plurality of signal lines provided between the first control circuit and the second control circuit and associated with each process in the image forming apparatus; the first control circuit transmits a signal through a signal line associated with printing among the plurality of signal lines based on the print information; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The printing information includes a printing mode indicating either non-erasable printing or erasable printing.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a first control circuit for communicating with the information processing device; a second control circuit in communication with the first control circuit; a plurality of signal lines provided between the first control circuit and the second control circuit and associated with each process in the image forming apparatus; Equipped with the first control circuit receives print information from the information processing device during a power saving mode, and transmits a signal through a signal line associated with printing among the plurality of signal lines based on the print information; the second control circuit is activated based on reception of the signal transmitted via the signal line associated with the printing, and performs control related to the printing based on the activation; Image forming device.

Images