JP2011173382A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically optimize initialization waiting time for a module whose power is turned off even when an option connection configuration is changed.
Each time the control unit of the image forming apparatus confirms that there is a change in the connection configuration of the option, if the connection of an unknown option is not detected, it corresponds to the option whose connection state has been confirmed. The timer value (initialization waiting time) to be set is set, and when an unknown option connection is detected, the maximum time is set as the timer value. Every time it is confirmed that there is no change in the option connection configuration, if the connection of an unknown option device is detected (the unknown option detection flag is set), the set timer value is slightly decreased from the previous time. Thereafter, every time initialization of a module whose power is turned off in a standby state fails, the set timer value is slightly increased from the previous time.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus (digital multifunction peripheral, digital copying machine, facsimile apparatus, printer) to which an optional device for function expansion (hereinafter also referred to as “optional device”, “optional unit”, or simply “option”) can be connected. And the like, and a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”).

In recent years, in order to realize energy saving (hereinafter also referred to as “energy saving”), the image forming apparatus as described above has shifted to a mode (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving mode”) that can reduce power consumption when not in use. It has become a specification. In this energy saving mode, part of the power is stopped and only the minimum necessary power is supplied. By not stopping the power supply of the apparatus completely, there is an advantage that when the user wants to use the apparatus, the user can quickly return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode (operation mode).
Therefore, when the user wants to use the apparatus, how fast the return time to the normal mode can be made, that is, how the initialization completion waiting time of the optional device can be optimized depends on the appliance.

  Normally, as a sequence from the power-off to the operation of the module whose power is turned off (OFF) in the energy saving mode, the power supply device starts up and reaches the drive power supply voltage to the devices in the module. Release the reset of the device and start the initialization operation. However, if reset release of the device is not performed after securing the drive power supply of the device, operation failure occurs in the device and initialization fails, so timing is required. The module here refers to an optional device or a control board or drive device of the apparatus main body.

  Therefore, conventionally, in the sequence from when the power supply is turned off to when the module is turned off, the initialization operation is started before the power supply reaches the drive power supply voltage to the device. In order to prevent the module initialization from failing, a waiting time (initialization waiting time) required for the start of the initialization is waited. For this purpose, a fixed timer value is used.

  However, there are multiple types of optional devices that can be installed, such as finisher devices and automatic document feeders, so the initialization waiting time varies depending on the combination of the installed optional devices. It will be time. Therefore, a fixed timer value corresponding to the longest initialization waiting time among a plurality of initialization waiting times that differ for each combination is used, and this is actually necessary depending on the combination of optional devices to be installed. There was a problem of waiting for more than an hour.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, for example, it is conceivable to use a technique found in Patent Document 1.
Patent Document 1 is provided with means for detecting the detection and type of the option unit for the purpose of dealing with temperature fluctuations that change depending on whether or not the option unit is mounted and the type, and is stored in advance based on the detection result. An image forming apparatus that selects appropriate control data from the profile data is disclosed.

  However, Patent Literature 1 does not disclose any selection of initialization waiting time when an optional device for function expansion that can be assumed is added. That is, only a fixed timer value is applied as the initialization waiting time required when an optional device for function expansion that can be assumed is added.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is capable of automatically optimizing the initialization waiting time for a module whose power is turned off even when the connection configuration of an optional device changes. The purpose is to do.

  The present invention relates to a module in which a power supply is turned off in a standby state among a plurality of modules including a connection unit that connects an optional device for function expansion in a communicable manner and a module of the optional device connected by the connection unit In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device has an initialization instructing means for starting initialization after instructing to turn on the power, and is characterized as follows.

  That is, as a waiting time required for the start of the initialization, a storage unit that stores and holds a plurality of waiting times that are different for each combination of a plurality of types of option devices assumed in advance, and a connection state of the option device by the connection unit A connection status confirmation means for confirming whether there is a change in the connection configuration of the optional device and a confirmation of whether there is a change in the connection configuration of the optional device for each confirmation. A waiting time setting means for setting a waiting time corresponding to an optional device whose connection state is confirmed by the connection state checking means among the plurality of waiting times.

  It is to be noted that each time the confirmation is made by the connection status confirmation means, the unknown option detection means for detecting the connection of an unknown option device and the unknown device connection configuration each time it is confirmed that there is no change in the connection configuration of the option equipment by the change existence confirmation means. A first optimization processing means for performing an optimization process for slightly reducing the waiting time set by the waiting time setting means from the previous time when the connection of an unknown optional device is detected by the option detection means; A second optimization processing means for performing an optimization process for slightly increasing the set waiting time each time the initialization of a module whose power is turned off in a state fails, and setting the waiting time Each time the means confirms that there is a change in the connection configuration of the option device by the change presence / absence check means, the unknown option detection If the connection of an unknown option device is not detected by the stage, a waiting time corresponding to the option device whose connection state has been confirmed by the connection state confirmation means is set out of the plurality of waiting times, and the unknown When connection of an unknown option device is detected by the option detection means, the maximum time among the plurality of waiting times may be set.

In this case, the slightly reduced time amount is an amount of time that can be set to a time between the time actually taken until the start of the initialization and the maximum time, and is less than the maximum time and 0 The amount of time that can be divided sufficiently finely into seconds is good.
Further, it is desirable that the amount of time for the slight increase is smaller than the amount of time for the slight decrease.

  Further, when the waiting time setting means confirms that there is a change in the connection configuration of the optional equipment by the change presence / absence checking means, the unknown option detecting means detects the connection of the unknown optional equipment. In addition, an unknown option detection flag indicating a state from when the connection is detected to when the waiting time is optimized may be set. In this case, it is desirable that the second optimization processing unit sets a setting end flag that indicates that the optimization of the waiting time has ended after performing the optimization processing.

  Then, each time the first optimization processing unit confirms that the connection configuration of the optional device is not changed by the change presence / absence confirmation unit, the unknown option detection flag is set and the setting end flag is set. If it is not set, the optimization process may be performed. In addition, each time the first optimization processing means confirms that the connection configuration of the optional device is not changed by the change presence / absence confirmation means, both the unknown option detection flag and the setting end flag are set. If it is determined that the waiting time optimization has been completed with the connection configuration of the current optional device, the optimization processing may be prevented from being performed.

  According to this invention, the electronic device stores and holds a plurality of waiting times that differ for each combination of a plurality of types of optional devices that are assumed in advance as the waiting time (initialization waiting time) required for the start of the initialization. A storage unit is provided to check whether the connection configuration of the optional device is changed every time the connection status of the optional device is confirmed. Then, when it is confirmed that there is a change in the connection configuration of the optional device, a waiting time corresponding to the optional device whose connection state is confirmed among the plurality of waiting times is set.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically optimize the initialization waiting time for a module whose power is turned off even when the connection configuration of the optional device changes.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus embodying the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the option connection state confirmation and timer setting process at the time of the main power ON which the controller 101 and engine control part 105 of FIG. 1 perform. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table of the timer value setting information preserve | saved at the non-volatile memory 107 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram showing a flow from when the controller 101 and the engine control unit 105 in FIG. 1 perform power supply to the start of an initialization operation when the scanner device 112 operates. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing exchanges between modules when returning a module in the scanner device 112 from the standby state in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the process at the time of returning the module in the scanner apparatus 112 which the controller 101 and engine control part 105 of FIG. 1 return from a standby state. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the option connection state confirmation and timer setting process at the time of the main power ON which the controller 101 and engine control part 105 of FIG. 1 perform. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the process at the time of returning the module in the scanner apparatus 112 which the controller 101 and engine control part 105 of FIG. 1 return from a standby state.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
In the following embodiment, the main body controller returns the module to the normal state (normal mode) when the power is turned off (power supply is stopped) in the standby state (energy saving mode) (hereinafter referred to as “from standby state”). (Referred to as “returning” or simply “returning”), the following characteristics are provided in optimizing the initialization waiting time when the connection configuration of the optional device has changed.

  In other words, when checking the connection status of an optional device, if the connection configuration of the optional device has changed since the last time, the corresponding timer time (initialization wait time) is selected and set automatically. In particular, the initialization waiting time can be optimized.

  When it is recognized that an unknown optional device is connected, a sufficient time (maximum time) is provisionally set as an initialization waiting time (timer time) so that module initialization does not fail. After that, when confirming the connection status of the optional device, if there is no change in the connection configuration of the optional device from the previous time and initialization has not failed due to waiting for the previous timer time, the timer time is slightly shortened. To do. If initialization fails, the timer time is lengthened a little. By doing this every time the connection status of the optional device is confirmed, the timer time is gradually optimized. Thus, even when an unknown optional device that has not been registered in advance on the main body side is connected, the initialization waiting time can be automatically optimized.

Therefore, the above features will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus embodying the present invention.
The image forming apparatus includes a controller 101, an engine control unit 105, an operation unit 109, a scanner device 112, a finisher device 115, an ADF 117, and a power supply device 119.

  Among these, the scanner device 112 is mounted on the apparatus main body as standard. A finisher device 115 and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 117 are mounted as optional devices for function expansion. The scanner device 112 may be mounted as an optional device, and the finisher device 115 and the ADF 117 may be mounted as standard. The image forming apparatus is a digital multifunction peripheral, but may be another image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a facsimile machine.

  The controller 101 is a main control board that controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus. The controller 101 includes a RAM 102 that is a readable / writable storage unit that temporarily stores various data, a ROM 103 that is a read-only storage unit that stores various data including a program, and a CPU 104 that executes the program. Has been implemented.

  The CPU 104 executes a program and communicates with a CPU (engine CPU) 106 mounted in the engine control unit 105 to operate a drive system module such as the scanner device 112 or an optional device, or to be related to the present invention. Functions as initialization instruction means, connection state confirmation means, unknown option detection means, change presence / absence confirmation means, waiting time setting means, first optimization processing means, and second optimization processing means can be achieved.

  In addition to the engine CPU 106, the engine control unit 105 is connected to a non-volatile memory 107, which is a readable / writable non-volatile storage means for storing various data, so that an optional device can be added for communication (hereinafter simply referred to as “addition”, “ The interface circuit 108 which is a connection means for connecting (also referred to as “connecting” or “mounting”) is mounted. A program executed by the engine CPU 106 is stored in a ROM (not shown).

  In the nonvolatile memory 107, a timer, which will be described later, can select a time (initialization waiting time) until the start of an initialization operation of a device in a module such as the scanner device 112, depending on the connection configuration of the optional device recognized by the controller 101. A table of value setting information (FIG. 3) is stored and held. The table may be stored in a ROM (not shown) in the engine control unit 105 or other non-volatile storage means.

The finisher device (hereinafter also referred to as “optional device”) 115 and ADF (hereinafter also referred to as “optional device”) 117 are mounted with CPUs 116 and 118 for operation control, respectively, and engine control of the image forming apparatus main body is performed. It is connected to the CPU 106 of the unit 105 by serial communication via the interface circuit 108.
The power supply device 119 is a device for supplying DC power generated by the converter 120 from AC power obtained through a power cable to the controller 101, the engine control unit 105, the scanner device 112, each optional device 115, 117, and the like. is there.

This image forming apparatus is configured to reduce energy consumption in the standby state except for some control devices such as the operation unit 109 and the controller 101 for receiving a start command in the standby state (energy saving mode). Yes.
In addition, for modules that are not used in the printer mode that receives print data from an external device (not shown) such as the scanner device 112 or the module in the ADF 117 and performs printing (image formation), the necessity of power supply is set. Like to do. That is, since the power supply is required in the scanner mode and the copy mode, “necessary” indicating that is set. However, since the power supply is not required in the printer mode, “no” indicating that is set.

Further, whether or not to supply power is set for a module not used in the scanner mode, such as a module in the finisher device 115. That is, since the power supply is required in the copy mode and the printer mode, “necessary” indicating that is set. However, since the power supply is not required in the scanner mode, “no” indicating that is set.
The printer mode is a mode in which print data from an external device (not shown) is received and printed (image formation) on a print medium such as paper. The scanner mode is a mode in which an image of a document is read by the scanner device 112 and the image data (image information) is stored in the RAM 102. The copy mode is a mode in which an image of a document is read by the scanner device 112 and the image information is printed on a print medium.

The activation (return) of the image forming apparatus in the standby state is performed by depressing the power switch 111 of the operation unit 109, setting a document on the ADF 117, and inputting an image formation command from a network (not shown). The controller 101 and the power switch 111 of the operation unit 109 are continuously energized (power supply) even in a standby state.
The activation command is input to the controller 101, and the controller 101 that has detected the activation command sends a signal requesting energization to a module in the necessary unit, and the system is activated.

  Hereinafter, each example of processing related to the present invention in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Note that the copy mode or the scanner mode is set, and the target module for the return operation is at least a module in the scanner device 112. Further, there are three optional devices that can be connected to the apparatus main body: the finisher device 115, the ADF 117, and an optional device (not shown).

First, the first embodiment will be described.
[First example of processing when main power is on]
First, the first example of the option connection state confirmation and timer setting process when the main power source is turned on (ON) performed by the controller 101 and the engine control unit 105 in FIG. A timer setting method used when returning from the normal state to the normal state will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first example (excluding steps S1 and S2) of option connection state confirmation and timer setting processing when the main power is turned on, which is performed by the controller 101 and the engine control unit 105 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table of timer value setting information stored in the nonvolatile memory 107 of FIG.

When the user turns on a main power switch (not shown) to start the operation of the image forming apparatus, power is first supplied from the power supply device 119 to each control unit and drive module (steps S1 and S2).
When the operating voltage is supplied to the controller 101, the process proceeds to step S3, where the CPU 104 in the controller 101 reads the activation program and starts the initialization operation of the system.

  Next, the CPU 104 in the controller 101 proceeds to steps S4 and S5, and the connection state of the three optional devices (including the finisher device 115 and the ADF 117) is changed via the engine control unit 105 to the CPUs (CPU 116, 118). At this time, the CPU in each option device transmits the connection state pattern information to the engine CPU 106 in the engine control unit 105.

  Then, the engine CPU 106 receives the transmitted pattern information of each option device via the interface circuit 108 and, based on the pattern information, stores each option from the timer value setting information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 107. The corresponding timer value (corresponding to the initialization waiting time) is selected and set according to the connection configuration of the apparatus. When the module in the scanner device 112 is returned from the standby state, the set timer value (timer set value) cancels the reset of the CPU 113 (device) in the scanner device 112 at an appropriate timing, and causes the CPU 113 to scan the scanner device. 112 is a set time for initializing the modules in 112.

  In the non-volatile memory 107, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, for a plurality of optional devices (including the finisher device 115 and the ADF 117), a plurality of different timer values may be prepared for each combination of connections. In the table of FIG. 3, timer values (initialization waiting time) are prepared for all combinations of connection (◯) / non-connection (×) of a plurality of optional devices, and timer values are set according to the situation. Is possible. For example, if it is determined that all three option devices are connected (all ◯), the first timer value of 350 ms is set. If it is determined that none of the three option devices are connected (all x), the eighth timer value of 100 ms is set.

Each timer value is calculated in advance in the product design stage, the CPU reset release timing is too early and does not cause a malfunction, and corresponds to the minimum time, and initialization is started quickly and reliably. Is a value that can be. Further, by determining by combination, it is easy to cope with a case where the status (connection configuration) of a plurality of option devices changes at a time.
When the eighth timer value of 100 ms is set, in this embodiment, only the scanner mode that uses only the scanner device 112 can be set. Therefore, the modules in the scanner device 112 that are powered off in the standby state are set. Initialization is performed by resetting the CPU 113 in the scanner device 112 and causing the CPU 113 to perform 100 ms after the instruction to turn on the power.

When the CPU 104 in the controller 101 finishes confirming the connection states of all option devices, the process proceeds to step S6, and notifies the engine CPU 106 in the engine control unit 105 of the connection states of all the option devices.
When the engine CPU 106 receives the notification of the connection status of all the optional devices, it determines (recognizes) whether or not the connection configuration of the optional devices has changed from the previous time in step S7 from the notification. The process of 2 is finished, but if there is a change, the process proceeds to step S8. Note that in order to determine whether or not the connection configuration of the optional device has changed since the last time, the connection configuration at that time must be stored in the nonvolatile memory 107.

In step S8, based on the timer value setting information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 107, a corresponding timer value is selected according to the connection configuration of each option device. That is, if it is confirmed that the connection configuration of the optional device has been changed, the timer value corresponding to the connection configuration is selected.
Finally, the process proceeds to step S9, a process for setting the selected timer value is performed, and the process of FIG.

[Procedure from CPU reset to initialization operation]
Next, the flow from the power-off state to the start of the initialization operation when the controller 101 and the engine control unit 105 in FIG. 1 perform the operation of the scanner device 112 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing the flow up to the start of the initialization operation.
The CPU 104 in the controller 101 sets the copy mode or the scanner mode, for example, when a command requesting the setting of the copy mode or the scanner mode is input from the operation unit 109 or an external device, for example, and sets the scanner mode to the engine control unit 105 The power supply to 112 is requested. In practice, power supply is also requested to the optional device used in the setting mode, but the description thereof is omitted here.

  At this time, the scanner device 112 needs to reset the CPU 113 in order to supply power to the module and to initialize the devices in the module. The timing of the reset operation of the CPU 113 is as shown in FIG. 4, and the voltage supplied from the power supply device 119 gradually reaches the operating voltage, but before reaching the operation guarantee voltage Va, the CPU 113. If resetting is performed and the initialization operation is performed, a malfunction occurs. Therefore, the reset timing needs to be after securing the operation guarantee voltage Va. Therefore, initialization can be started at an appropriate timing by changing the device reset waiting time (timer setting time) Tb according to the time required for the drive power supply rise time Ta.

[First example of scanner device or ADF power supply stop transition / return process]
Next, the exchange between the modules when returning the modules in the scanner device 112 in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the standby state will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the exchange. In FIG. 1, an FET 150 (Field Effect Transistor) (not shown) is provided.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing when the module in the scanner device 112 performed by the controller 101 and the engine control unit 105 in FIG. 1 is returned from the standby state, and the processing is the processing shown in FIG. Will be started after exiting.

  First, in step S11, the CPU 104 in the controller 101 recognizes a return factor from the standby state (pressing of the start button 110 on the operation unit 109 or opening / closing of a thick plate by the thick plate opening / closing sensor 114 in the scanner device 112). Then, the process proceeds to step S12, and communication is performed to request the engine control unit 105 to turn on (supply) power to a module (here, only the module in the scanner device 112) to be returned from the standby state (here, only the module in the scanner device 112). Send a reversion request).

  Then, in step S13, the engine CPU 106 in the engine control unit 105 instructs the FET 150 in the interface between the scanner device 112 and the power supply device 119 to turn on (a scanner device whose power is turned off in a standby state). The interface is opened by turning on the FET 150 in FIG. 5.

  At this time, it is necessary to perform reset processing on the CPU 113 in the scanner device 112, but a timer is started (time measurement is started) in step S14 immediately after issuing a command to turn on the FET 150, and in step S15. If it is determined that the measured value has passed the timer set value, the process proceeds to step S16, the CPU 113 in the scanner device 112 is reset, and the CPU 113 starts the initialization operation for the module in the scanner device 112. Terminate the process. If the copy mode is set, the corresponding option device is caused to perform the same processing.

  Here, although the timer set value is a fixed value in the prior art, in the first embodiment, the timer value selected according to the state of the optional device when the main power is turned on is used. By setting a timer value that takes into account the state of the load (the type of the scanner device 112 and the optional device), the return process can be performed after the optimum time has elapsed. If the timer set value is a fixed value, there is a problem that the reset timing is too early to cause a problem, and conversely if it is too long, the recovery operation takes more time than necessary.

Also, when the main power is turned off, the optional device can be installed (attached) and removed depending on the purpose and environment of use, and the option status can be changed. Therefore, the timer setting value is automatically updated (steps S7 to S9 in FIG. 2).
Further, when there are a plurality of modules whose power supply is stopped depending on the mode of the image forming apparatus, the timer value is set for each module in the data in the nonvolatile memory 107 (the table shown in FIG. 3 is prepared for each module). It is possible to optimize the time until the start of initialization for each module.
Therefore, even when the connection configuration of the optional device changes, the initialization operation for the module can be performed reliably without waiting, leading to an improvement in processing efficiency.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
[Second example of processing when main power is on]
First, a second example of the option connection state confirmation and timer setting process (except for steps S21 and S22) performed by the controller 101 and the engine control unit 105 in FIG. 1 when the main power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since the process of step S21-S23 is the same as the process of step S1-S3 among the processes shown in FIG. 2, description is omitted here.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second example of the option connection state confirmation and timer setting process when the main power is turned on, which is performed by the controller 101 and the engine control unit 105 of FIG. 1, and connection of unknown option devices is performed when the main power is turned on. It corresponds to the case of detection. The unknown option device is an option device that is not assumed when the image forming apparatus is designed. Apart from this, there are optional devices that are expected at the time of design.

  In step S24, the CPU 104 in the controller 101 performs substantially the same processing as in step S4 in FIG. 2, but when communicating between the engine control unit 105 and each option device connected thereto, a timer is included in each option device. If there is an unknown optional device that is not registered for setting (not related to the table of FIG. 3), the connection of the optional device is detected. Whether the device is an unknown option device can be recognized, for example, by sending a predetermined command to the CPU in the option device and determining the type of response command from the CPU in the option device.

  If it is determined in step S25 that the connection states of all option devices have been confirmed, the process proceeds to step S26, and the connection states of all option devices (that is, the connection states of all connected option devices) are controlled by the engine. Notify engine CPU 106 in unit 105. At this time, if connection of an unknown optional device is detected in step S24, information indicating that is also notified to the engine CPU 106.

  When the engine CPU 106 receives a notification of the connection status of all the optional devices, it determines in step S27 from the notification whether there is a change (change) in the connection configuration of the optional device from the previous time, and if there is a change, proceeds to step S28. If there is no change, the process proceeds to step S34. Note that in order to determine whether or not the connection configuration of the optional device has changed since the last time, the connection configuration at that time must be stored in the nonvolatile memory 107.

  In step S34, it is confirmed whether or not the unknown option detection flag is set (set to “1”) on the nonvolatile memory 107. The unknown option detection flag is a flag indicating that an unknown option device connection has been detected. When an unknown option device connection is detected, an initialization waiting time (scanner) is detected after the connection is detected. The state until the optimization of the initialization time of the CPU 113 in the device 112 is optimized, that is, the state of trying to optimize the initialization waiting time.

If the unknown option detection flag is not set, it is determined that the initialization waiting time has been optimized in the current option device connection configuration, and the optimization process is not performed. Terminate the process.
If the unknown option detection flag is set, the process advances to step S35 to check whether the setting end flag is set on the nonvolatile memory 107. The setting end flag is a flag indicating that the optimization of the initialization waiting time in the connection configuration of the current option device has ended, and is set in the processing routine of FIG. 8 described later.

  If the setting end flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S36, where the previously set timer value (initialization waiting time) is slightly reduced (slightly reduced), and the timer value is reset as a new timer value. Process. This “a little (a little amount of time)” is the time that can be set to a value between the time value that actually takes the timer value to start initialization and the previously set timer value (corresponding to the maximum time, etc.) This is the amount of time that is smaller than the previously set value and can be divided into 0 seconds sufficiently finely so that the timer value is slightly smaller than the previously set value, for example, 10 milliseconds, etc. It is.

Even if both the unknown option detection flag and the setting end flag are set, it is determined that the initialization waiting time has been optimized in the current option device connection configuration, and optimization processing is not performed. Then, the processing of FIG.
In step S28, it is checked whether an unknown optional device other than the assumed optional device, that is, an unknown optional device that is not registered for timer setting is connected, and if the unknown optional device is not connected. In steps S29 and S30, the same processing as steps S8 and S9 shown in FIG. 2 is sequentially performed.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31, where the setting of the unknown option detection flag and the setting end flag is canceled (reset to “0”), and the process of FIG. 7 is ended. In the process of step S31, since the connection of the optional device assumed at the time of designing the image forming apparatus is detected and the optimum timer value prepared in advance is set, the optimization waiting time optimization process is not performed. Means.

In step S32, since the connection of an unknown optional device not registered for timer setting is detected, the maximum time is set as the timer value. The maximum time is a limit value that does not wait for a long time even if an unknown option is connected (a value with a sufficient margin no matter what option is installed in the design stage). Seconds.
After performing the process of step S32, the process proceeds to step S33, and since the connection of an unknown option device is detected, an unknown option detection flag is set, and the process of FIG. 7 ends.

  Here, in the first first operation when the CPU 104 in the controller 101 detects the connection of an unknown option device for the first time, the process proceeds from step S27 → S28 → S32, and the engine CPU 106 sets the maximum time as a timer value in step S32. In step S33, an unknown option detection flag is set. The state of the unknown option detection flag is stored and held until it is confirmed in the next step S27 whether there is a change in the connection configuration of the option device.

  In the next step S27, if it can be confirmed that the connection configuration of all option devices including the unknown option device remains as it is, the process proceeds from step S27 to S34 to S35, and the setting end flag is set in step S35. 7 is finished as it is, and if it is confirmed that the setting end flag is not set, the timer value set in step S36 is slightly smaller than the previous timer value. Set a smaller value as the new timer value. In this setting process, the timer value set for the first time when connection of an unknown option device is detected is set to the maximum time in step S32, so that it is gradually changed and optimized. In other words, the purpose is to reduce the extra time until the start of initialization.

[Second example of scanner device and ADF power supply stop transition / return processing]
Next, a second example of processing when the module in the scanner device 112 in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is returned from the standby state will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing in steps S41 to S46 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second example of processing performed by the controller 101 and the engine control unit 105 in FIG. 1 when the modules in the scanner device 112 are returned from the standby state. The processing is the processing shown in FIG. Will be started after exiting.

  The engine CPU 106 in the engine control unit 105 causes the CPU 113 in the scanner device 112 to start the initialization operation for the module in the scanner device 112 in step S46, and then checks whether an error has occurred in step S47. If no error occurs, the processing of FIG. 8 is terminated as it is, but if the set timer value is too small (the initialization waiting time is too short) and the initialization does not end normally and an error occurs, the process proceeds to step S48. To do.

  In step S48, since the set timer value (timer setting time) is too small, the timer value to be set is slightly increased (slightly increased) from the current value and set again as a new timer value. The “a little (amount of time for slight increase)” corresponds to a time amount smaller than at least the time amount slightly decreased in step S36 of FIG. For example, when 10 milliseconds is decreased in step S36, it is slightly increased (for example, 1 millisecond) within the range of 1 to 10 milliseconds in step S48.

  After resetting the timer value, a setting end flag is set in step S49, the process returns to step S44, and the same processing as described above is performed. This process is repeated until no error occurs, and the optimization of the initialization waiting time ends when no error occurs.

Here, after the timer value (timer set time) set by the timer measured value in step S45 has elapsed and the initialization operation is started, it is confirmed whether or not an error has occurred in step S47. When the indicated timer value is used (in the case of a combination of registered optional devices only) and when the maximum time timer value is used when detecting the connection of an unknown optional device, an error does not occur and normal operation is performed. The initialization wait is completed.
However, when an unknown option device is included, the timer value is updated to a slightly smaller value in step S36 of FIG. 7, so that the timer value is made too small and the reset of the CPU 113 in the scanner device 112 is released. May fail and an error will occur.

  In this case, after initialization retry, the timer value set in step S48 is increased slightly from the previous time. That is, the timer value set at the time of the previous confirmation of the connection state of the optional device is restored. If the process of step S36 is repeated many times and an error occurs with a certain timer value, the value obtained by slightly increasing the timer value can be determined as the best value, that is, the optimum value, and the setting is completed in step S49. Set the flag.

  Then, if it is determined whether or not the connection configuration of the option device is changed next time (step S27 in FIG. 7), if the connection configuration of option devices other than the unknown option device remains as it is, the process proceeds from step S34 to S35, and step S35. Since it can be confirmed that the setting end flag has been set, the timer setting value is not updated and the optimum value is saved. In this way, optimization processing can be performed even when an unknown optional device is connected.

  If, after that, the connection configuration of the option device is changed as in steps S27 → S28 and the unknown option device is not included, the unknown option detection flag and the setting end flag are set in step S31. To release. Then, when determining whether or not there is a change in the connection configuration of the option device next time, even if the process proceeds from step S27 to step S34, the setting of the unknown option flag is cancelled, so that the process of reducing the timer value is not performed, as shown in FIG. There is no problem because the initialization waiting time (timer time) is maintained.

  In the second embodiment, as a waiting time required for the start of initialization (initialization waiting time), a table indicating a plurality of initialization waiting times different for each combination of a plurality of types of optional devices assumed in advance is stored and held. Each time the connection status of the optional device is confirmed, it is checked whether there is a change in the connection configuration of the optional device. Each time it is confirmed that there is a change in the connection configuration of the optional device, if the connection of an unknown optional device is not detected, the option for which the connection status among the plurality of initialization wait times has been confirmed An initialization waiting time corresponding to the device is set, and when connection of an unknown optional device is detected, the maximum time among the plurality of initialization waiting times is set. In addition, every time it is confirmed that there is no change in the connection configuration of the option device, if the connection of an unknown option device is detected (the unknown option detection flag is set), the set initialization wait time is set. Performs optimization processing that is slightly reduced from the previous time. Thereafter, every time initialization of a module whose power is turned off in a standby state fails, an optimization process for slightly increasing the set initialization waiting time from the previous time is performed.

  In this way, even if the connection configuration of optional equipment changes and unknown optional equipment is added, the initialization wait time can be automatically optimized for modules that are turned off. Therefore, the initialization operation for the module can be performed reliably without waiting, leading to an improvement in processing efficiency.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus (digital multifunction peripheral) to which an optional device can be connected has been described as an example of the electronic device according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an optional device can be connected. Other image forming devices (digital copiers, facsimile machines, printers, etc.), as well as network home appliances, vending machines, medical equipment, power supply devices, air conditioning systems, gas / water / electricity etc. The present invention can be applied to various electronic devices to which optional devices can be connected, including weighing systems, AV devices, amusement devices, and computers that can be connected to a network.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the initialization waiting time can be automatically optimized for a module whose power is turned off even when the connection configuration of the optional device changes. . Therefore, it is possible to reliably perform the initialization operation for the module whose power is turned off without waiting unnecessarily, and it is possible to provide an electronic device that improves the processing efficiency.

101: Controller 102: RAM 103: ROM
104, 113, 116, 118: CPU 105: Engine control unit 106: Engine CPU 107: Non-volatile memory 108: Interface circuit 109: Operation unit 110: Start button 111: Power switch 112: Scanner device 114: Thick plate opening / closing sensor 115 : Finisher device 117: ADF 119: Power supply device 120: Converter 150: FET

JP 2007-286579 A

Claims (8)

Initializing a module that is turned off in a standby state among a plurality of modules including a connection unit that connects an optional device for function expansion in a communicable manner and a module of the optional device connected by the connection unit , An electronic device having initialization instruction means for starting after instructing to turn on the power,
Storage means for storing and holding a plurality of waiting times different for each combination of a plurality of types of optional devices assumed in advance as waiting time required for the start of the initialization,
A connection state confirmation unit for confirming a connection state of the optional device by the connection unit;
For each confirmation by the connection status confirmation means, a change presence confirmation means for confirming whether there is a change in the connection configuration of the optional device,
The waiting time corresponding to the option device whose connection state is confirmed by the connection state checking unit among the plurality of waiting times when it is confirmed that there is a change in the connection configuration of the option device by the change presence / absence checking unit An electronic device comprising: a waiting time setting means for setting The electronic device according to claim 1,
An unknown option detection means for detecting connection of an unknown option device at the time of confirmation by the connection state confirmation means;
Set by the waiting time setting means when an unknown option device connection is detected by the unknown option detection means every time it is confirmed by the change presence / absence confirmation means that there is no change in the connection configuration of the option equipment. A first optimization processing means for performing an optimization process for slightly reducing the waiting time that has been received,
A second optimization processing means for performing an optimization process for slightly increasing the set waiting time from the previous time each time initialization of a module whose power is turned off in the standby state fails, and
The waiting time setting means, every time it is confirmed that there is a change in the connection configuration of the optional equipment by the change presence / absence confirmation means, if the unknown option equipment connection is not detected by the unknown option detection means A waiting time corresponding to an option device whose connection state has been confirmed by the connection state confirmation unit among the plurality of waiting times is set, and an unknown option device connection is detected by the unknown option detection unit In the electronic device, a maximum time among the plurality of waiting times is set.   The amount of time for the slight decrease is an amount of time that can be set to a time between the time actually taken until the start of the initialization and the maximum time, and is less than the maximum time and up to 0 second. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device has a time amount that can be sufficiently finely divided.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the amount of time for the slight increase is a time amount smaller than the amount of time for the slight decrease. The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The waiting time setting means, every time it is confirmed that there is a change in the connection configuration of the option device by the change presence / absence check means, when the connection of an unknown option device is detected by the unknown option detection means, An electronic apparatus comprising means for setting an unknown option detection flag indicating a state from when the connection is detected to when the waiting time is optimized. The electronic device according to claim 5,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second optimization processing unit includes a unit that sets a setting end flag indicating that the optimization of the waiting time has ended after performing the optimization processing.   The first optimization processing means sets the unknown option detection flag and sets the setting end flag every time it is confirmed by the change presence / absence confirmation means that there is no change in the connection configuration of the option device. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the optimization process is performed when not.   The first optimization processing means sets both the unknown option detection flag and the setting end flag every time it is confirmed by the change presence / absence confirmation means that there is no change in the connection configuration of the option device. In this case, the electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the optimization processing is not performed because it is determined that the waiting time optimization has been completed in the connection configuration of the current optional device.

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