JP2000035732A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A copier, a printer, and an image forming apparatus having a multifunction facsimile function capable of turning off the power of a printer control unit in a power saving mode with a simple and inexpensive configuration. SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus functioning at least as a copying machine, a main control means 40 for controlling the entire image forming apparatus and each part according to stored control contents, and a logging communication capable of transmitting and receiving data including an operation status to a remote place. Means 55, and switching means 47 and 48 for a power saving mode for turning off power supply to a part of the image forming apparatus during an operation standby state. Upon receiving the switching signal to the communication unit 55, the switching units 47 and 48 are turned on to release the power saving mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a power saving mode (or a sleep mode), and more particularly, to a composite function having a function as a printer in addition to a function as a copier, and a remote function. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a diagnostic function and the like, which can release a power saving mode when used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Power supply control in an image forming apparatus capable of shifting to and returning from a power saving mode and having a composite function having a function as a facsimile and a printer in addition to a function as a copying machine has been conventionally performed. Are known. 1. When the image forming apparatus has a single function as a copying machine, a control mode in which power to the copying machine is turned off by a relay or the like. If the image forming apparatus has a facsimile function in addition to the function of the copying machine, the facsimile control unit separates the main control circuit (CPU or MPU) for facsimile control from monitoring the incoming call on the telephone line. A sub-control circuit is provided, and circuits other than the sub-control circuit (including the main control circuit) are turned off, and when there is a call from a telephone line, the call is detected by the sub-control circuit. The power of other circuits is turned on to return from the power saving mode. When the image forming apparatus has a printer function in addition to the function of the copying machine, the control circuit for controlling the printer in the printer control unit does not shift to the power saving mode. However, the power of the printer other than the control circuit such as the fixing heater is turned off in the power saving mode. 2. When the image forming apparatus has a single function as a copying machine, a control mode in which only a control circuit for controlling the copying machine is operated and power to other portions is turned off. In the case where the image forming apparatus is equipped with a facsimile function in addition to the function of the copying machine, and in the case where the image forming apparatus is equipped with a printer function in addition to the function of the copying machine, the above-mentioned 1. The contents are the same as those shown in. In addition, an image forming apparatus that has a weekly timer function and realizes a shift and a return to the power saving mode when a predetermined day of the week or time arrives is also known, and the image forming apparatus is compatible with a network. In some cases, a method of providing a weekly timer function to an external device (for example, a host machine or the like) connected to a network and realizing transition and return to the power saving mode via a network such as a local area network (LAN). Is also known.

[0003]

However, in any of the above-described conventional image forming apparatuses, when a printer function is provided in addition to a copying machine function, a printing instruction from a host machine is provided. Since it is necessary to return a response to the host machine instantaneously, the printer control unit cannot be kept in the power saving mode, and must be kept energized at all times. Also, even when a network such as a LAN is connected to the printer control unit, it is necessary to immediately respond in the same manner as described above. Therefore, even in the power saving mode, the power of the printer control unit is turned off. I couldn't do that. Furthermore, if a facsimile function is installed in addition to the copier and printer functions, the facsimile function can be set even when the facsimile control unit other than the call waiting unit is in the power saving mode. In some cases, the printer may be controlled independently of the printer, so that the power of the printer control unit cannot be turned off even in the power saving mode. In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to realize an inexpensive and superior power saving mode. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has a simple and inexpensive configuration that can turn off the power of a printer control unit in a power saving mode. It is an object to provide an image forming apparatus having a function.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which functions as at least a copying machine, in accordance with stored control contents. A main control unit that controls each unit, a communication unit for logging that can transmit and receive data including an operation status to a remote location, and a switching unit for a power saving mode that turns off power supply to a part of the image forming apparatus during an operation standby state And wherein the main control means turns on the switching means and cancels the power saving mode by receiving a switching signal from the external host machine to the logging communication means. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the image forming apparatus has a composite function having a function as a printer in addition to the function as the copying machine. A printer control unit that controls the function of the printer control unit, the printer control unit includes a network communication unit that transmits and receives a printer signal via an external host machine and a network, and a power supply path to the network communication unit includes: A second switching unit for turning off a power supply path in the power saving mode is provided, and the main control unit turns on the second switching unit in response to a power saving mode release signal input from the host machine to the logging communication unit. Thereafter, a signal from the host machine to the printer communication unit is received. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the main control means can selectively set whether to turn on or off the second switching means in the power saving mode. I do. An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a composite function having a function as a printer in addition to a function as a copier, and controls the entire image forming apparatus and each unit according to stored control contents. And a printer control unit for controlling the function as the printer. The printer control unit is directly connected to an external host machine to directly transmit and receive a printer signal. Switching means for a power saving mode for turning off power supply to a part of the forming apparatus, wherein the main control means receives a signal from an external host machine to the direct connection communication means, It is characterized in that the switching means is turned on to cancel the power saving mode. The fifth aspect of the present invention is the second aspect of the present invention.
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, the image forming apparatus has a composite function having a function as a facsimile in addition to the function as the copying machine and the printer, the function as the facsimile A facsimile control unit for controlling connection and data transmission / reception with a communication partner via a communication line; and a facsimile sub-controller for monitoring an incoming call from the communication partner. A control unit, and a facsimile communication unit for transmitting and receiving a facsimile signal via the communication line to and from the communication partner.Always energizing a power supply path to the facsimile sub-control unit and the facsimile communication unit, and the facsimile In the power supply path to the main control unit and the printer control unit, power is supplied during the power saving mode. Switching means for turning off the supply provided,
The main control unit turns on the switching unit and cancels the power saving mode by receiving an incoming signal from the communication partner to the facsimile sub-control unit via the facsimile communication unit. .

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus.
The digital copying machine of FIG. 1 includes a copying machine main body 1 that prints an image on a document read by an image reading (scanner) unit (not shown) on a medium (paper) or the like to create a copy of the document image;
An automatic document feeder (ADF) 2 installed on an upper portion of the copying machine main body 1 for conveying an original to a scanner section;
Stapler that binds and binds the sheets discharged from the printer and a finisher 3 with a shift tray that sorts the discharged sheets
And a duplex reversing unit 4 for reversing the paper during duplex printing
And a paper feed tray 5 for storing paper as a medium for copying, and a large capacity paper tray 6 for storing a large amount of paper.
And one bin discharge tray 7. The copier body 1 includes a scanner unit for reading a document image (not shown in FIG. 1), a writing unit for writing the read image data to a photoconductor, a photoconductor unit for writing the image data, and a writing unit for the photoconductor unit. A developing unit for developing the electrostatic latent image as the obtained image data, a paper feeding unit for transporting the paper from a paper feeding tray to a transfer position, and the like. Although the schematic configuration of the digital copying machine is as described above, the present invention relates to the control in the power saving mode in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the control system of the digital copying machine main body in FIG. 1 will be described below. .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main body of the copying machine shown in FIG. One MPU and one CPU are used for controlling the copying machine main body in FIG. Figure 1 above
In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, an MPU 10 for controlling an image forming sequence and a system relation, and a C for controlling a scanner relation
PU11, a main control board 16 on which the MPU 10 is mounted,
A scanner control board 15 on which the CPU 11 is mounted; an operation unit 13 for inputting by an operator, displaying operation contents and the current state;
Document reading unit 19 that reads an image of a document using D or the like
A scanner interface (I / F) 25 on the main display unit 16, a memory control board 12 for controlling a storage device such as a hard disk drive, and an LD control board 17 for controlling a laser diode (LD) for writing. A polygon motor 26 for driving a polygon mirror for scanning a laser beam; a motherboard 20 for adding a multifunction unit including other functions such as a printer and a facsimile in addition to a function as a copier; A facsimile control unit (FCU) 21 which is a unit for performing facsimile control in the motherboard 2
, A scanner control unit 23 that performs scanner control on the motherboard 20, and an extended function that is a unit that controls other extended functions on the motherboard 20. A control unit 24, a power supply control plate 27 for controlling power supply to each unit in the apparatus, a paper supply control plate 18 for controlling paper supply, and an I / O for controlling input / output with various sensors and motors. / O control plate 14 and the like.

The main control board 16 has a scanner I / F 25
Control board 15, memory control board 12, LD
Control board 17, polygon motor 26, motherboard 20,
It is connected to the power control board 27, the I / O control board 14, and the like. The scanner control board 15 is, in addition to the main control board 16 described above,
The document reading unit 19, the operation unit 13, the automatic document feeder (ADF) 2 and the like are connected. The motherboard 20 has a facsimile control unit (FCU) 21 and a printer control unit 2.
2, the scanner control unit 23, and the extended function control unit 24 are connected by the operator. Also, the power control board 27
And so on. The power supply control board 27 includes an I / O control board 1 in addition to the main control board 16 and the motherboard 20 described above.
4 and so on. The I / O control board 14 is connected to the two-sided reversing unit 4 and the paper feed control board 18 in addition to the main control board 16 and the power control board 27 described above. Paper feed control plate 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes a paper feed tray 5 in addition to the I / O control plate 14 described above.
And the large-capacity paper feed tray 6 and the like. Although the control block of the copying machine main body is as described above, regarding the control in the power saving mode in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the configuration of the main control plate 16 in FIG.
This will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main control plate of FIG. The main control board 16 includes an MPU 10 that controls the entire copying machine, an MPU peripheral LSI 30 having an interface function with a data communication device and peripheral devices,
Image processing L for performing image processing and image data flow control
An image memory (DRAM) 3; an SI 31; a memory control LSI 32 that performs compression / write and decompression read / write of image data to / from the image memory;
7, 38, flash ROMs 33 and 34, which are program / data areas of the MPU 10, a DRAM 35, which is a work area of the MPU 10, and a non-volatile memory (nvRAM) for recording adjustment data and operation mode of the copying machine
36, a connector CN1 for connecting the scanner I / F 25 to the scanner control board 15, and an LD control board 17
Connector CN2 for connection to the motherboard 20, connectors CN3 and CN4 for connection to the motherboard 20, and the I / O control board 1
4, a connector CN7 for connecting to an IC card, a connector CN8 for connecting to a polygon motor 26, a connector (socket) CN9 for expanding image memory, and an option board for memory application And a connector CN10. MPU 10
MPU peripheral LSI 30, memory control LSI 32, flash ROMs 33 and 34, DRAM 35, nvR
AM36, connector CN6, connector CN7 and the like. The MPU peripheral LSI 30 is the MPU 1
0, an image processing LSI 31 and a memory control LSI 3
2, a scanner I / F 25, a flash ROM 33,
34, a DRAM 35, an nvRAM 36, a connector CN6, a connector CN8, and the like.

The image processing LSI 31 includes a memory control LSI 32, a scanner I / F 25, a connector CN1, and a connector CN2 in addition to the MPU peripheral LSI 30 described above.
And the connector CN3 and the connector CN10 and the like. The memory control LSI 32 is the MPU10MP
U, peripheral LSI 30, and image processing LSI 31,
The DRAMs 37 and 38 are connected to the connector CN10 and the like. The connection with the scanner control board 15 is performed by the scanner I / F.
(Board) 25. MPU peripheral LSI
The 30 XSWPSW inputs are normally ground (GND)
When the scanner control board 15 is connected to the scanner I / F 25, the level becomes high (H) level, and when it is not connected, the level becomes low (L) level. Further, by connecting the IC memory card to the connector CN7, the contents stored in the IC memory card can be stored in the flash ROM 3 on the main control board 16.
It is possible to write the data stored in the flash ROMs 33 and 34 to the IC memory card, or vice versa. Schematic configuration of a digital copying machine which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied,
Although the block configuration of the digital copying machine and the block configuration of the main control board therein are as described above, their operations are not directly related to the present invention, and are not described because they are known. .

Next, a control circuit when the present invention is applied to the digital copying machine having the above configuration will be described below. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a control circuit in the digital copying machine according to the present invention. FIG.
The digital copier includes a main control board 43, a scanner control board 42, an operation unit 41, a motherboard 50, a facsimile control unit 51, and a printer control unit 52.
, I / O control board 14 and line adapter (modem) 6
0 and a power supply unit 44. The main control board 43 carries the MPU 40 as main control means. The operation unit 41 includes a power switch 90. The facsimile control unit 51 includes a facsimile main control unit (MPU) 71 for controlling facsimile transmission and reception,
Facsimile sub-controller (4b
It CPU) 72 and a facsimile communication unit 70 for controlling transmission and reception of facsimile signals. The printer control unit 52 includes a Centronics interface (I) as a direct connection communication means for directly connecting to a host machine.
/ F) 81 and local area network (LAN)
And a network interface (I / F) 82 as a network communication means for connecting to a host machine via a network such as the above. I / O control board 14
Has a remote diagnosis interface (I / F) 55 as a communication means for logging. The line adapter (modem) 60 converts the input / output of the remote diagnosis I / F 55 into a signal for a public line.

The power supply unit 44 receives power from an AC commercial power supply, and supplies a 5 V DC voltage to the remote diagnostic I / F 55, the facsimile sub-control unit (CPU) 72, and the facsimile communication unit 70 at all times. A power supply 45, a power saving power supply 46 including a switch 47 that is turned off in the power saving mode as a switching unit and supplying several kinds of predetermined voltages including 5 V in a mode other than the power saving mode; 45 to the network interface (I /
F) The switch 48 as a second switching means that turns off the output to 82 but turns on when a switching signal is input to the remote diagnostic interface (I / F) 55. In order to cancel the power saving mode, the main control unit (MPU) 40 is connected to the power switch 90 via the scanner control board 42 and connected to the following four input signals. The input signal of the first system is transmitted to the facsimile communication unit 7.
The signal is an incoming (incoming) signal from a line which is detected by the facsimile sub-control unit 72 via the "0" and passed through the motherboard 50 and input. The input signal of the second system is a data strobe signal input from the host machine via the Centronics I / F 81 and input through the printer control unit 52 and the motherboard 50. Since this signal is a signal output from the host machine when data from the host machine is determined, the main control is performed even when the Centronics I / F 81 and the printer control unit 52 are not receiving power supply in the power saving mode. Means (MPU) 40 can be input.

An input signal of the third system is transmitted from a host machine via a public line and a line adapter 60 to a remote diagnostic I / F.
55 is a control signal (wake-up command) input to 55 for turning on the switch 48 of the second switching means. The signal of the fourth system is a data reception signal input from the host machine via the network I / F 82 and input through the printer control unit 52 and the motherboard 50. Main control means (M
The following two systems are connected to the PU) 40 as output signals to the power supply unit 44. The output signal of the first system is supplied to a power-saving power supply 46 when the image forming apparatus enters a power-saving mode, such as when it is detected by a timer (not shown) or the like that the image forming apparatus has been inactive for a predetermined time or more. Is a control signal for turning off the switch 47 in order to eliminate the power supply to the switch. The output signal of the second system is a signal for turning off the switch 48 to stop power supply from the normal power supply 45 to the network interface (I / F) 82 when the power saving mode is set, and a remote diagnosis interface. This is a control signal for turning on the switch 48 in order to restore the power supply to the network interface (I / F) 82 when a switching signal is input to the (I / F) 55.
A system is known in which the inquiry (diagnosis) from the external (remote) management center is connected to a copying apparatus via a public line via a line adapter 60 and a remote diagnosis I / F 55 as described above. Further, even during the power saving mode, the part which is always supplied with the voltage from the normal power supply 45 and operates is the main control board 43, the facsimile sub-controller 72 and the facsimile communication unit 70 in the facsimile control unit 51, the I / O Remote diagnosis I / F 55 in control board 14
It is.

The switching control of the switch 48 for eliminating the power supply to the network I / F 82 provided in the printer control unit 52 in the power saving mode is performed by a main control unit (MP
U) n which is a nonvolatile memory for storing the control contents of 40
By changing the setting contents of the vRAM 36, the switch 48 can be controlled so as to continue power supply to the network I / F 82 even in the power saving mode. Here, based on the above, the operation will be described separately for a case where the power supply to the network I / F 82 is continued during the power saving mode and a case where the power supply is stopped. First, when it is recognized by a timer (not shown) or the like that the copying machine has not been used for a predetermined time or more, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode as in a conventional copying machine having a power saving mode.
At this time, the switch 47 is turned off regardless of whether or not the power supply to the network I / F 82 is continued during the power saving mode.
ON and OFF differ depending on the setting of. If the setting is such that power supply to the network I / F 82 is continued during the power saving mode, data can be received from the network I / F 82. Facsimile communication unit 7 of one system
0, an incoming (incoming) signal detected by the facsimile sub-control unit 72 via the second system Centronics I / F 8
The switch 47 is turned on when either the data strobe signal via the first control unit 1 or the data reception signal signal input from the fourth system host machine via the network I / F 82 is input to the main control unit (MPU) 40. The power saving mode is released.

The network I / F 82 during the power saving mode
If the setting is such that the power supply to the power supply is stopped, data cannot be received from the network I / F 82.
Either the incoming (incoming) signal detected by the facsimile sub-control unit 72 via the facsimile communication unit 70 of the second system or the data strobe signal via the Centronics I / F 81 of the second system is the main control unit (MPU ) When input is made to 40, the switch 47 is turned on and the power saving mode is released. For the above system, the network I / F 82
This is the same as the case where the power supply is set to be continued.
However, regarding a data reception signal input from the fourth system host machine via the network I / F 82,
Before receiving a data reception signal via the network I / F 82, the switch 48 is turned on and the network I / F is not received.
It is necessary to start power supply to 82. For this purpose, a control signal (wake-up) for turning on the switch 48 of the second switching means from the host machine using the third system input from the host machine to the remote diagnosis I / F 55 via the public line and the line adapter 60 is used. Command), and then a data reception signal input from the fourth system host machine via the network I / F 82 is sent.

By using the cancellation of the power saving mode by the third system, the power to the printer control unit 52 and the network I / F 82 can be turned off in the power saving mode, which has not been conventionally possible. Further, for the same reason, the power to the facsimile communication unit 70 can be turned off in the power saving mode. However, in order to use the release of the power saving mode by the third system,
First, as a countermeasure on the hardware side, a device connected to a public line such as a modem is added to the host machine. Further, as a software response, for a printer driver for outputting print data from the host machine, a release command for a power saving mode (sleep mode) from a modem or the like via a third system (remote diagnosis) first. (Wake-up command), and thereafter, it is necessary to execute a print data command and data output via the fourth system. With this configuration, the power of the printer control unit can be turned off in the power saving mode with a simple and inexpensive configuration even in an image forming apparatus having a multifunction copier, printer, and facsimile function.

[0016]

As described above, according to the present invention, the power supply of the network communication means is turned on by a command of another system such as the communication means for logging. In a functional image forming apparatus, the power of the printer control unit can be turned off in the power saving mode with a simple and inexpensive configuration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine that is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of the copying machine main body of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of a main control plate of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram showing one embodiment of a control circuit in the digital copying machine of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... copy machine body, 2 ... automatic document feeder (AD
F), 3 ... finisher, 4 ... double-sided reversing unit, 5 ... paper feed tray, 6 ... large capacity paper feed tray,
7 1-bin discharge tray, 10, 40 MPU,
11: CPU, 12: Memory control board, 13, 4
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation part, 14 ... I / O control board, 15, 42
... Scanner control board, 16, 43 ... Main control board, 17 ... LD control board, 18 ... Feed control board, 1
9: image reading unit, 20, 50: motherboard, 21, 51: facsimile control unit, 22, 52
... Printer controller, 23 ... Scanner controller, 2
4 ... extended function control unit, 25 ... scanner I / F,
26: polygon motor, 27: power control board, 3
0: MPU peripheral LSI, 31: Image processing LS
I, 32: Memory control LSI, 33, 34: Flash ROM, 35, 37, 38: DRAM, 3
6 ... nvRAM, 44 ... power supply unit, 45
..Normal power supply, 46 ... power saving mode power supply, 47, 4
8 switch, 55 remote diagnosis I / F, 60
..Line adapters, 70 facsimile communication units,
71: facsimile main control unit, 72: facsimile sub-control unit, 81: direct connection communication means (Centronics I / F), 82: network communication means (N
IC), 90 ... Power switch

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 1/26 G06F 3/12 T 3/12 H04N 1/00 C H04N 1/00 G06F 1/00 334Q

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus functioning at least as a copying machine, comprising: main control means for controlling the entire image forming apparatus and each unit in accordance with stored control contents; and logging communication capable of transmitting and receiving data including an operation status to a remote place. Means, and switching means for a power saving mode for turning off power supply to a part of the image forming apparatus during standby for operation, wherein the main control means switches from an external host machine to the logging communication means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that upon receiving a signal, the switching means is turned on to cancel the power saving mode. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus has a composite function having a function as a printer in addition to the function as the copier, and includes a printer control unit that controls the function as the printer. The printer control unit includes network communication means for transmitting / receiving a printer signal via an external host machine to / from a network, and a power supply path to the network communication means includes a power supply path for turning off the power supply path in the power saving mode. The main control unit turns on the second switching unit in response to a power saving mode release signal input from the host machine to the logging communication unit, and then switches from the host machine to the printer communication unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal is received. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the main control unit can selectively set whether to turn on or off the second switching unit in the power saving mode. 4. An image forming apparatus having a composite function having a function as a printer in addition to a function as a copying machine, a main control means for controlling the entire image forming apparatus and each part according to stored control contents, A printer control unit for controlling a function as a printer, the printer control unit being directly connected to an external host machine to directly transmit and receive a signal for a printer; Switching means for a power saving mode for turning off power supply, wherein the main control means turns on the switching means by receiving a signal from the external host machine to the direct connection communication means to save power. An image forming apparatus for canceling a power mode. 5. The facsimile control unit for controlling a function as the facsimile, wherein the image forming apparatus has a composite function having a function as a facsimile in addition to the functions as the copier and the printer. The facsimile control unit includes a facsimile main control unit that controls connection with a communication partner and data transmission / reception via a communication line, a facsimile sub-control unit that monitors an incoming call from the communication partner, and the communication unit. A facsimile communication unit for transmitting and receiving a facsimile signal to and from the other party via a communication line, wherein a power supply path to the facsimile sub-control unit and the facsimile communication unit is always energized, and the facsimile main control unit and the printer A switch for turning off the power supply in the power saving mode is provided in a power supply path to the control unit. The main control unit receives an incoming signal from the communication partner to the facsimile sub-control unit via the facsimile communication unit, thereby turning on the switching unit and canceling the power saving mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: