JP2011245791A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting information in a timely manner when apparatus information is requested even in a power saving state, and reducing power consumption.
An image forming apparatus operable in a temporary intermediate return state 154 and an energy saving state 152 includes a large-capacity HDD 64 that stores device information, a flash memory 70, and a large-capacity HDD 64 and a flash in a temporary intermediate return state 154. When power is supplied to the memory 70 and a request for device information is received and a power source that supplies power only to the flash memory 70 in the energy saving state 152, device information corresponding to the request is retrieved from the flash memory 70 and returned. A sub-controller 74, and a system controller 62 that returns the image forming apparatus to the temporary intermediate return state 154 when the search by the sub-controller 74 fails in the energy saving state 152, and searches and returns device information from the large-capacity HDD 64. .
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for reducing energy consumption in an apparatus that operates in an energy saving operation mode (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving mode”).

  Examples of the image forming apparatus include a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a multi-function machine having a plurality of these functions. In general, an image forming apparatus is a communication apparatus (NIC (Network Interface Card) or modem (Modulator-) for communicating with an external apparatus (a computer or other image forming apparatus) via a communication medium such as a network or a telephone line. Etc.).

  Some image forming apparatuses have a function of shifting to a power saving state when a certain condition is satisfied. The power saving state refers to an operation state in which power consumption is smaller than that during normal operation of the image forming apparatus. In general, the image forming apparatus shifts to a power saving state when an operation on the operation input unit of the image forming apparatus and a state in which no data is received from the external apparatus through the communication apparatus have continued for a certain period of time. A mode that operates in a power saving state is generally called a sleep mode, and a function that shifts to the sleep mode is called a sleep function.

  Among the image forming apparatuses, parts that consume a large amount of power are a fixing device and a control circuit. For example, since the fixing device has a heater and operates the heater in normal operation, the power consumption is large. In the power saving state, energization (power supply) to the fixing device and the control circuit is cut off. On the other hand, power supply is often maintained for communication devices. This is because it is necessary to respond to a request from an external device even in the power saving state. When such a request is made, a device that is not receiving power must be automatically returned to a normal operating state.

  When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving state, some processing may be requested from the external apparatus to the image forming apparatus. For example, when an image formation request is received, it is necessary to perform processing for forming an image using a hard disk drive (HDD). On the other hand, the HDD is stopped in the power saving state. Therefore, the HDD must be activated in order to respond to such a request.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-229747 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus that operates as follows when an image formation request is received in a power saving state. This image forming apparatus returns the HDD to normal operation when it is necessary to store image data exceeding the storage capacity of the memory at one time. When it is not necessary to store image data exceeding the storage capacity of the memory at once, the HDD is not returned to normal operation. With this configuration, the power consumption of the HDD can be suppressed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-114620 (Patent Document 2) has a memory (first memory) to which power is not supplied in the power saving mode and a memory (second memory) to which power is supplied even in the power saving mode. In the image forming apparatus, the following functions are disclosed when a control program is downloaded. When the downloaded module is a module that does not operate in the power saving mode, the image forming apparatus stores the module in the first memory. The downloaded module is stored in a memory that is not supplied with power in the power saving mode, and if the downloaded module is operable in the power saving mode, the module is stored in the second memory. According to this configuration, it is sufficient to supply power only to the second memory in the power saving mode. The power supply to the first memory can be cut off in the power saving mode. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire memory in the power saving mode.

JP 2009-229747 A JP 2007-114620 A

  Any of the image forming apparatuses described in the above prior art documents can achieve the object of reducing the power consumption of the memory for storing the data received from the outside during the power saving operation. However, it is desirable that the power consumption during power saving can be reduced not only when such data to be stored is received from the outside but also in other cases. For example, it is preferable to transmit necessary information in a timely manner while suppressing an increase in power consumption as much as possible when it is requested to transmit some information from the outside during the power saving operation.

  The present invention enables an image to be transmitted in a timely manner when there is a request for some information from an external device even in the power saving state, and to reduce power consumption in the power saving state. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that can operate in a first operation mode and a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode. The image forming apparatus includes a first memory that stores apparatus information related to the image forming apparatus, a second memory that operates with less power and has a smaller capacity than the first memory, and a first operation mode. Power supply means for supplying power to the first memory and the second memory, and not supplying power to the first memory in the second operation mode, and supplying power to the second memory; Receiving means for receiving a request for apparatus information relating to the image forming apparatus, and connected to the second memory and the receiving means. In the second operation mode, the receiving means relates to apparatus information of an apparatus constituting the image forming apparatus. In response to receiving the request, the first search means for searching for and returning device information corresponding to the request from the second memory, the first memory, the power supply means, and the first search means Connected In the second operation mode, the operation mode in response to the failure to retrieve the device information by the first retrieval means is changed to the first operation mode, and the device information corresponding to the request is obtained from the first memory. Second search means for searching and replying.

  In the second operation mode, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus is less than in the first operation mode. In this operation mode, power is not supplied to the first memory, but power is supplied only to the second memory. When the receiving means receives a request for device information, the first search means searches for the device information from the second memory and responds. If the search by the first search unit fails, the second search unit changes the operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the first operation mode. In the first operation mode, power consumption increases, but power is also supplied to the first memory. Therefore, the second search means can search the device information from the first memory.

  When there is a request for apparatus information when the image forming apparatus is operating in the second operation mode, the apparatus information can be returned without returning the operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the first operation mode. It becomes possible. When desired apparatus information is not stored in the second memory, the image forming apparatus can be set in the first operation mode, and the apparatus information can be retrieved from the first memory by the second retrieval unit and responded.

  When the image forming apparatus is in the second operation mode, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the image forming apparatus needs to be returned to the first operation mode when there is a request for apparatus information. As a result, even in the second operation mode, which is in a power saving state compared to the first operation mode, the information can be transmitted in a timely manner when there is a request for some device information from an external device, and the power saving It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption in a state.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes copy means for copying predetermined apparatus information among the apparatus information stored in the first memory to the second memory.

  In some cases, device information that is frequently requested from the outside is known, or device information that is requested from the outside is fixed. In such a case, copying the device information to the second memory increases the probability that the device information can be retrieved and responded to from the second memory only in response to the request. As a result, the power consumption in the second operating state can be kept low.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus is further connected to a receiving unit, and a frequency calculating unit for calculating a frequency of request for each device information received by the receiving unit, and a device having the highest frequency calculated by the frequency calculating unit And copy means for copying the device information to the second memory in order from the information.

  The frequency calculation means calculates the frequency of requests for each piece of device information. Based on this frequency, the copying means copies the device information to the second memory in order from the highest frequency. When there is a request for device information, the probability that the device information can be retrieved and responded from only the second memory is increased. As a result, the power consumption in the second operating state can be kept low.

  More preferably, the frequency calculation means is connected to the reception means, and in response to the reception means receiving the request for the device information, the request for the device information received within a predetermined time period immediately before receiving the request. Means for calculating the frequency of.

  The frequency of requesting device information is calculated based on a request within a predetermined time period immediately before receiving the request. Since the latest information is used as the frequency of requesting device information, the probability that the device information can be retrieved and responded to the request from only the second memory is increased. As a result, the power consumption in the second operating state can be kept low.

  The copying means excludes items having a size exceeding the capacity that can be copied to the second memory in descending order of the frequency calculated by the frequency calculating means, and excludes the device information stored in the first memory from the second Means for copying to the memory.

  When copying the device information to the second memory, the device information is selected in descending order of the frequency calculated by the frequency calculating means. Device information whose size exceeds the capacity that can be copied to the second memory is excluded. Even if the frequency is smaller than the others, the device information having a smaller capacity is additionally copied to the second memory. Therefore, the probability that the device information can be retrieved and responded to only from the second memory is increased. As a result, the power consumption in the second operating state can be kept low.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus is further connected to a transition unit for shifting the image forming apparatus to the second operation mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the first operation mode, and to the reception unit, and the reception unit receives the signal. A frequency calculating means for calculating the frequency of requesting each piece of device information, and a copying means for copying the device information to the second memory in order from the device information having the highest frequency calculated by the frequency calculating means; including.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus stores, in the first memory, apparatus information other than the apparatus information stored in the second memory among the apparatus information related to the image forming apparatus.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further determines and updates apparatus information stored in the first memory and the second memory at predetermined time intervals when the image forming apparatus is operating in the first operation mode. Device information management means.

  The image forming apparatus further includes a detecting means for detecting a change in the state of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is operating in the first operation mode, and a change in the state of the image forming apparatus is detected by the detecting means. In response to this, it may include means for updating device information stored in the first memory to reflect the state change in response to the state change.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further receives the state change stored in the second memory in response to the state change in response to detection of the state change of the image forming apparatus by the detecting unit. Means for updating device information to be reflected are included.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus is further connected to the first memory and the receiving unit, and in the first operation mode, the receiving unit is responsive to receiving a request regarding the apparatus information of the apparatus constituting the image forming apparatus. If the device information corresponding to the request is stored in the second memory, the second memory is used. If the device information corresponding to the request is not stored in the second memory, the first memory is used. , Including third search means for searching for and returning device information.

  The image forming apparatus is further connected to the first memory and the receiving unit. In the first operation mode, the image forming apparatus is responsive to the receiving unit receiving a request regarding the apparatus information of the apparatus constituting the image forming apparatus. Third search means for searching for and returning device information corresponding to the request from one memory may be included.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus can operate in a third operation mode in which the power consumption is larger than that in the first operation mode. The image forming apparatus further includes an input unit for accepting a request input different from the request for the apparatus information of the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus is in the first operation mode or the third operation mode. When the input by the request input unit is not performed for a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus is shifted to the second operation mode, and when there is an input by the input unit when the image forming apparatus is in the second operation mode, Mode transition means for shifting the forming apparatus to the third operation mode.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when there is a request for device information when the image forming apparatus is in the second power saving mode, the first search unit retrieves the device information from the second memory. Search and respond. The apparatus information can be returned without returning the operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the first operation mode. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus in the second operation mode which is the power saving operation state.

2 is a hardware block diagram of the multifunction machine 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine main module 50 which is a part of the multifunction machine 30 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an energy saving function module 52 (energy saving NIC) that is a part of the multifunction machine 30 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram of the multifunction machine 30 shown in FIG. 1. 5 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for performing judgment and return to transition to an energy saving mode in the multifunction machine 30. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a routine executed when the multifunction device 30 updates storage information of the storage device during the normal operation mode in the program showing the control structure in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a routine that is executed when the MFP 30 is shifted from the normal operation mode to the energy saving mode in the program having the control structure shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a routine executed when the multifunction machine 30 is returned from the energy saving mode to the normal operation mode in the program having the control structure shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a routine that is executed when a request for apparatus information is received from the outside when the multifunction machine 30 is in the energy saving mode in the program showing the control structure in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a routine that is executed when the requested device information exists in the HDD in the program showing the control structure in FIG. 9. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a routine executed when updating device information in the program showing the control structure in FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a routine for updating data indicating a request frequency of requested information in the program showing the control structure in FIG. 5 and the program showing the control structure in FIG. 10. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a routine that is executed when the MFP is shifted from the normal operation mode to the energy saving mode in the MFP according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a routine that is executed when the multifunction device is returned from the energy saving mode to the normal operation mode in the multifunction device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a routine executed when updating device information in the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a routine for updating data indicating a request frequency of requested information in the multi-function peripheral according to the second embodiment.

  In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In the embodiments described below, a multifunction machine is assumed as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. If you have a communication device and can operate in different operation modes with different power consumption, such as normal operation mode (or temporary recovery mode) and energy-saving operation mode, and there is an inquiry about information (device information) about the image forming device from the outside Any image forming apparatus having a function of returning the information can be applied.

  The device information is information necessary for managing the multifunction device 30. For example, the state of the paper in the paper tray, the state of the paper discharge tray, the state of the toner, the configuration of the multi-function device group 60, the total storage capacity of the memory and hard disk, the capacity of the used storage area, the presence or absence of additional software, The network status (address, communication protocol, domain, default gateway, addresses of various servers on the network, LAN status, user management information, error occurrence status, job log, security settings, etc. are device information.

[First Embodiment]
<Constitution>
Referring to FIG. 1, a multi-function device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-function device main module 50, and a multi-function device main module 50 and an energy saving function module 52 connected to a network 32. The multifunction machine 30 has three operation modes: a normal operation mode, an energy saving mode, and a temporary intermediate return state temporarily between the energy saving mode and the normal operation mode during the energy saving mode.

  The MFP main module 50 is for realizing the basic functions of the MFP 30. Generally speaking, the MFP main module 50 includes a MFP device group 60, a large capacity HDD 64, and a system controller 62 connected to and controlling the MFP device group 60 and the large capacity HDD 64. Power supply to the multi-function device group 60, the large-capacity HDD 64, and the system controller 62 is all controlled by the energy saving function module 52.

  The energy saving function module 52 includes a multifunction machine power supply unit 72 that supplies power to the multifunction machine main module 50, and a small-capacity flash memory 70. The energy saving function module 52 further includes a multi-function device power supply unit 72, a small-capacity flash memory 70, a system controller 62, and a sub-controller 74 connected to the network 32. The sub-controller 74 controls the transition of the multifunction device 30 between the normal operation mode or the temporary intermediate return state and the energy saving mode, and the operation of the multifunction device 30 when an external device information transmission request is received. Details thereof will be described later.

  External devices that send device information requests to the multifunction device 30 belong to a user's PC (personal computer) 34 that manages the multifunction device 30 connected to the network 32 and to the vendor of the multifunction device 30. And a support machine 36 for service personnel. A WEB server (not shown) is operating in the multifunction device 30. In response to access to the WEB server from the PC 34 or the like, a program for transmitting and updating device information for managing the multifunction device 30 is started. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that both the user PC 34 and the support machine 36 are connected to the multifunction machine 30 via the network 32. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a configuration in which the support machine 36 is connected to the multifunction device 30 through a public line may be used. In this case, the multifunction device 30 needs a connection device (modem or the like) to the public line.

  The large capacity HDD 64 has a large capacity and high power consumption. The large-capacity HDD 64 has a user with scanned image data, personal folder data of the user of the multifunction device 30 and user shared folder data, detailed WEB page data regarding management of the multifunction device 30, detailed support information data for service personnel, and the like. A large amount of information necessary for using and managing the multifunction machine 30 is stored.

  The flash memory 70 has a much smaller capacity than the large-capacity HDD 64 and consumes much less power. The flash memory 70 stores system operation setting data, system status data, maintenance information data, web page data related to management of the multifunction machine 30, support information data for service personnel, and the like. Since the flash memory 70 has a small capacity, only simple data is stored for WEB page data, support information data, and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 2, an MFP device group 60 includes an image forming unit 80 that forms an image represented by image data on a recording sheet, a reading unit 82 that scans an image into image data, and is read. A display unit 84 for displaying the image and the operation screen of the MFP main module 50. These are all controlled by the system controller 62.

  The functions realized by the system controller 62 include image processing 90, determination of transition from normal operation to energy saving mode 92, management of data stored in the HDD 94, data extraction 96 for data stored in the flash memory 70 from the HDD 64, And external request frequency management 98. The external request frequency management here is a function for counting the number of requests for device information from an external device for each device information and managing which device information is requested by the external device at what frequency. . In the following description, data indicating the frequency of request for each piece of device information is referred to as frequency data. Note that a request from the external device for the device information may change depending on the operating environment of the device. Therefore, it is desirable that this frequency is aggregated only for the latest predetermined period.

  The functions realized by the system controller 62 further include various device controls 100 of the multifunction device group 60, generation and transmission of response data 102 for external requests, device status detection 104, and data stored in the flash memory 70. There is an update 106. Among these, functions excluding portions particularly related to the present invention are not described in detail here for the sake of clarity.

  The functions realized by the sub-controller 74 include a control 130 of the multifunction machine power supply unit 72 according to the operation mode of the multifunction machine 30, a data management 132 for data stored in the flash memory 70, and a network control 134 related to connection with the network 32. Including. The network control 134 provides a function of receiving a request for apparatus information from the outside as will be described later. The functions realized by the sub-controller 74 are further determined when the multifunction device 30 is operating in the energy saving mode, whether to move to the normal operation or temporary intermediate return state depending on the state of the multifunction device 30, and operated in the energy saving mode. Response data generation and transmission 138 when a request for device information is received from the outside during the process is included. Among these, functions excluding portions particularly related to the present invention are not described in detail here for the sake of clarity.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the multi-function device 30 has three operation modes as already described. These are a system activation state 150, an energy saving state 152, and a temporary intermediate return state 154 that is an intermediate state between the system activation state 150 and the energy saving state 152.

  In the energy saving state 152, power supply to the system controller 62, the multifunction device group 60, and the large capacity HDD 64 is stopped. The sub controller 74 and the flash memory 70 are operating. In the temporary intermediate return state 154, power supply to the multifunction device group 60 is stopped. Power is supplied to the system controller 62, the large-capacity HDD 64, the sub-controller 74, and the flash memory 70.

  If no operation is performed on the multifunction device 30 in the system activation state 150, or if there is no request from the outside and a predetermined time has elapsed, the multifunction device 30 transitions to the energy saving state 152. When any operation is performed by the user, the multifunction machine 30 returns from the energy saving state 152 to the system activation state 150. When the network control 134 receives a request for device information from the outside in the energy saving state 152, the following two processes are performed depending on circumstances. The first case is when the requested device information exists in the flash memory 70. The second case is when the requested device information does not exist in the flash memory 70.

  In the first case, there is no need to activate the multifunction machine main module 50. Accordingly, the energy saving function module 52 alone searches and reads out device information in the flash memory 70, and generates and transmits response data. The multifunction machine 30 remains in the energy saving state 152.

  In the second case, the device information is stored in the large capacity HDD 64. Therefore, the energy saving function module 52 activates the multifunction machine main module 50 to return to the temporary intermediate return state 154 shown in FIG. In the temporary intermediate return state 154, power is not supplied to the multifunction device group 60, but power supply to the system controller 62 and the large capacity HDD 64 is started. The sub-controller 74 of the energy saving function module 52 gives a request for device information to the multi-function device main module 50. The multi-function device main module 50 searches and reads the requested device information in the large capacity HDD 64, generates response data, and transmits it.

  As described above, when there is a request for the device information stored in the flash memory 70, it is not necessary to activate the system controller 62, the multifunction device group 60, and the large-capacity HDD 64. Only when there is device information that is not stored in the flash memory 70, the system controller 62 and the large-capacity HDD 64 need only be activated. Therefore, the power consumption of the multi-function device 30 can be reduced as compared with the case of always returning to the temporary intermediate return state 154 when there is a request for the device information.

[Software configuration]
The above functions can be realized by a program executed by the sub-controller 74 shown in FIGS. However, when the system controller 62 is operating, the system controller 62 autonomously controls the multi-function device main module 50 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-controller 74.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the program includes a step 180 for turning on the power of multifunction device 30 in response to the operation of the power switch, and a step 182 for starting power supply to all modules of multifunction device 30. After step 182, step 184 for performing processing in the normal operation mode is started. In step 186, it is determined whether or not a condition for shifting to the energy saving mode is satisfied at every predetermined time. If the condition is satisfied, the control proceeds to step 188, and a transition process to the energy saving state 152 is executed. If the condition is not satisfied, control returns to step 184. Details of the processing in step 184 in the normal operation mode (system activation state 150) will be described later.

  In step 188, the operation mode of the multifunction machine 30 is shifted from the system activation state 150 to the energy saving state 152. Details of this processing will also be described later.

  After step 188, only the sub-controller 74 is processed. In step 190 following step 188, the sub-controller 74 determines whether or not there has been a print request from the external device. If the determination is affirmative, it is necessary to return the multifunction machine 30 to the system activation state 150. Accordingly, in step 198, the MFP 30 is returned to the normal operation mode (system activation state 150). Thereafter, control returns to step 184. If the determination in step 190 is negative, it is determined in step 192 whether or not the user has pressed the return button. If the determination is affirmative, control proceeds to step 198 where the multifunction device 30 is returned to the system activation state 150 according to the user's request.

  If the determination in step 192 is negative, it is determined in step 194 whether there has been a request for device information from an external device. If the determination is affirmative, the response process is executed without immediately returning the multifunction machine 30 to the temporary intermediate return state 154 (step 196). When the response process is completed, control returns to step 190.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the program routine for realizing the processing of step 184 in the normal operation mode of FIG. 5 has the following control structure. In step 220, it is determined whether a copy request or a print request from an external device has been received. Control proceeds to step 224 when the determination is affirmative and to step 222 when the determination is negative.

  In step 224, copy or print processing is executed according to the request. Subsequently, at step 226, it is determined whether or not a change in the apparatus state is detected. If the determination in step 226 is affirmative, the control proceeds to step 228 to execute a device information update process and return to the original routine. If the determination in step 226 is negative, control immediately returns from this routine to the original routine. Details of the device information update process executed in step 228 will be described later. However, in step 228, it should be noted that either the flash memory 70 or the large-capacity HDD 64 is selected as the data storage destination so that the power consumption in the energy saving state 152 can be saved in accordance with the data update contents. is required.

  On the other hand, in step 222, it is determined whether or not there is a request for device information from an external device. If the determination is affirmative, control proceeds to step 230, otherwise control returns to step 220.

  In step 230, it is determined whether or not the external device that has transmitted the request is a management server. Here, the management server refers to a dedicated device for managing the multifunction machine 30, such as a support machine for service personnel shown in FIG. The determination in step 230 is performed based on the identification information of the device sent from the external device. Control proceeds to step 232 if the determination in step 230 is affirmative, and proceeds to step 234 if the determination is negative.

  In step 232, the information requested by the management server is read, response data is generated and transmitted to the management server. In the present embodiment, all device information is stored in the large capacity HDD 64. Therefore, in step 232, the device information is retrieved from the large capacity HDD 64 and read out. After step 232, control proceeds to step 242.

  On the other hand, the control proceeds to step 234 when the user's administrator accesses the WEB server in the multi-function device 30 through the browser as in the PC 34 shown in FIG. 1, for example. In step 234, the device information requested from the external device is retrieved from the large-capacity HDD 64, read out, and WEB page data for displaying the device information is created and transmitted.

  Thereafter, in step 236, it is determined whether or not there has been a request for updating device information from an external device. Control proceeds to step 238 if the determination is affirmative, and proceeds to step 242 if the determination is negative. The update of the device information here means, for example, addition of a user, change of a password, change of the address of the multifunction machine 30, change of network-related settings, and the like.

  In step 238, the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 is updated in accordance with the update content requested by the external device. Subsequently, in step 240, an update complete WEB page is created and transmitted to the external apparatus that has transmitted the request. Control continues to step 242.

  In step 242, based on the frequency at which the information is requested, if necessary, a process for replacing the information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 and the information stored in the flash memory 70 (this is referred to as “data update process”). Is called). This replacement is intended to reduce the number of transitions and returns between the energy saving state 152 and the temporary intermediate return state 154. When the process of step 242 is completed, the execution of this routine is terminated, and the original routine is restored.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the routine for realizing the processing of step 184 (see FIG. 5) in the normal operation mode has the following control structure. In step 260, the device information selected based on a selection criterion among the device information stored in the large capacity HDD 64 is copied to the flash memory 70. In the present embodiment, the apparatus information that is set to be stored in the flash memory 70 in advance and the apparatus information arranged in order from the top in accordance with the request frequency for the apparatus information are as long as the information can be stored in the flash memory 70. A lot of device information is stored in the flash memory 70.

  Subsequently, in step 262, the frequency data relating to the device information request stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 is copied to the flash memory 70. Finally, in step 264, the power supply to the multi-function device main module 50 is shut off, the execution of this routine is terminated, and the original routine is restored.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the routine for realizing the return process executed in step 198 of FIG. 5 has the following control structure. In step 280, power supply to the multi-function device main module 50 is resumed. Subsequently, in step 282, the device information and frequency data stored in the flash memory 70 are copied to the flash memory 70, and the process returns to the original routine.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the routine for realizing the response process executed in step 196 in FIG. 5 has the following control structure. First, in step 300, it is determined whether or not device information requested by the external device is stored in the flash memory 70. If the determination is affirmative, control proceeds to step 302; otherwise, control proceeds to step 330 of FIG.

  In step 302, it is determined whether or not the external device that has transmitted the request is a management server. If the determination is affirmative, control proceeds to step 304; In step 304, the requested device information is read from the flash memory 70, response data is generated and transmitted to the external device. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step 306.

  On the other hand, in step 308, the requested device information is read from the flash memory 70, WEB page data to be displayed on the browser of the user PC is generated, and transmitted as a response to the external device. Subsequently, in step 310, it is determined whether or not the update of the device information is requested by the external device, and the control is branched according to the determination result. If this determination is negative, control proceeds to step 306. If yes, control proceeds to step 312.

  In step 312, the device information is updated according to the requested update content. In step 314, WEB page data indicating that the update has been completed is created and transmitted to the external apparatus that has transmitted the request. Control continues to step 306.

  In step 306, the frequency data related to the requested device information is updated, the routine is terminated, and the process returns to the original routine. Through the processing in step 306, the frequency data for which the device information is requested is updated to the latest value. Using this update information, the device information to be stored in the flash memory 70 is selected from the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 so that the number of times of return from the energy saving state 152 to the temporary intermediate return state 154 is minimized. It becomes possible to do.

  Referring to FIG. 10, when the determination in step 300 of FIG. 9 is negative, the following routine is executed. In this routine, the requested device information is read from the large capacity HDD 64 and returned to the external device. In step 330, power supply to the system controller 62 and the large capacity HDD 64 is started. In subsequent step 332, the frequency data and device information in the flash memory 70 are copied to the large-capacity HDD 64. Subsequently, in step 334, it is determined whether or not the external device that has requested the device information is a serviceman management server. If the determination is positive, control proceeds to step 336, otherwise control proceeds to step 350.

  In step 336, the requested device information is read from the large capacity HDD 64. Using this device information, response data is created and sent to the external device that sent the request. Control continues to step 338.

  On the other hand, in step 350, the requested device information is read from the large-capacity HDD 64, and WEB page data for displaying the device information on the browser operating on the user's PC is created. The created WEB page data is transmitted to the user's PC. Subsequently, in step 352, it is determined whether or not there is a request for updating device information in response to a request for device information from an external device. If the determination is affirmative, control proceeds to step 354, and if negative, control proceeds to step 338.

  In step 354, the device information is updated according to the requested update content. In the following step 356, WEB page data indicating that the update has been completed is created and transmitted to the user's PC. Control continues to step 338.

  In step 338, data update processing similar to that in step 242 in FIG. 6 is executed. The contents will be described later. Control further proceeds to step 340.

  In step 340, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the system controller 62. Control proceeds to step 342 if the determination is affirmative, and proceeds to step 360 if the determination is negative.

  In step 360, it is determined whether or not there is a print request from the external device. If there is a print request, power supply to the multifunction device group 60 is started in step 366. Control returns to step 184 of FIG. If there is no print request from the external device, it is further determined in step 362 whether or not the user has pressed a return button (not shown) of the multifunction machine 30. When the return button is pressed, control proceeds to step 366, and processing similar to that described above is executed. If the return button has not been pressed, it is further determined in step 364 whether or not there has been a request for device information from an external device. Control proceeds to step 334 if the determination is affirmative, and returns to step 340 otherwise.

  On the other hand, when the determination in step 340 is affirmative, in step 342, device information that matches the above-described selection conditions among the device information stored in the large capacity HDD 64 is copied to the flash memory 70. In subsequent step 344, the frequency data stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 is copied to the flash memory 70. In step 346, the power supply to the system controller 62 and the large capacity HDD 64 is shut off. The control returns after step 306 in FIG. 9, ends the response process in FIG. 9, and returns to the original routine.

  That is, in the multifunction machine 30, after returning from the energy saving state 152 to the temporary intermediate return state 154, the MFP 30 automatically returns to the energy saving state 152 after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, if a print request or a return button is pressed during that time, the system shifts to the system activation state 150. When there is a request for device information, if the device information is in the flash memory 70, the information is read from the flash memory 70 and responded. If the device information is not in the flash memory 70, power supply to the system controller 62 and the large-capacity HDD 64 is started, the device information is read from the large-capacity HDD 64 and returned to the external device.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the routine for realizing the device information update process executed in step 228 of FIG. 6 has the following control structure. That is, in step 380, the information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 is updated with the device information whose change is detected in step 226. This completes the device information update process.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the routine for realizing the data update process (step 242 in FIG. 5 and step 338 in FIG. 10) has the following control structure in the present embodiment. In step 390, the frequency information of the device information requested by the external device is updated, and the execution of this routine is terminated.

<Operation>
The multi-function device 30 having the above configuration operates as follows.

(1) Normal Operation Mode Referring to FIG. 5, when the multifunction device 30 is turned on (step 180), the sub-controller 74 shown in FIG. 1 controls the multifunction device power unit 72 to control the multifunction device main module 50. The power supply to each module is started (step 182). When each module is ready for operation, the processing in step 184 in the normal operation mode is executed. In step 184, power is supplied to all of the multifunction device group 60, the system controller 62, and the large-capacity HDD 64 as indicated by the system activation state 150 in FIG. 4.

-Copy Request or Print Request When there is a copy request or an external print request, the system controller 62 controls the large capacity HDD 64 and the large capacity HDD 64 to process the requested copy request or print request (step 220 and FIG. 6). 224). When the processing is completed and a change in the device state is detected (YES in step 226 in FIG. 6), the detected device state is reflected in the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 (steps 228 and 11 in FIG. 6). Step 380). If there is no change in the device state, nothing is done and the process returns to the normal operation mode.

-Request for device information When there is a request for device information from an external device in the normal operation mode (NO in step 220, YES in step 222), the following processing is performed. There are two sources of this request. The first is the user's PC 34 (FIG. 1). The second is the support machine 36 (management server) of the service person. Among these, the user's request from the PC 34 includes simple device information reference and device information update. The request from the support machine 36 is only for reference.

  When the request is from the user's PC 34 and only the device information is referred to, the route of steps 230, 234, 236 and 242 is followed in FIG. That is, the requested device information is read from the large capacity HDD 64. Based on the read device information, WEB page data for displaying the device information on the browser of the user's PC 34 is created. This WEB page data is transmitted to the user's PC 34. Since there is no update request, in step 242, the frequency data relating to the requested device information is updated, and the process is terminated.

  If the request is from the user's PC 34 and includes an update of device information, the path of steps 230, 234, 236, 238, 240 and 242 in the figure is followed. Steps 230 and 234 are the same as in the case of no update. The determination in step 236 is affirmative, and the device information is updated in step 238. In step 240, WEB page data indicating completion of the update is created and transmitted to the user's PC 34. In step 242, the frequency data of the requested device information is updated and the process ends.

  If the request is from the serviceman's support machine 36 (management server), control follows the path of steps 230, 232 and 242. That is, in step 232, the device information requested from the support machine 36 is read from the large capacity HDD 64. The read device information is transmitted to the support machine 36. Finally, in step 242, the frequency data relating to the requested device information is updated and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the system startup state 150 (normal operation mode), reading and writing of device information are both performed on the large capacity HDD 64.

Transition to Energy Saving State 152 Referring to FIG. 5, when a predetermined time has elapsed without the multifunction machine 30 receiving a copy request or an external print request, the determination in step 186 is affirmative and control proceeds to step 188. The following processing is executed in the migration processing in step 188.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the process is executed along the paths of steps 260, 262 and 264. First, among the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64, preset device information and other device information that is frequently requested are copied to the flash memory 70. Similarly, the frequency data stored in the large capacity HDD 64 is also copied to the flash memory 70. When these copies are completed, the power supply to the multi-function device main module 50 is cut off, and the migration process ends.

(2) Energy saving state 152
In the energy saving state 152, the sub-controller 74 of the multifunction machine 30 operates as follows.

-Copy request or print request When there is a copy request, an external print request, or a return button pressed, control passes through steps 188, 190, 198 or steps 188, 190, 192 and 198 of FIG. Transition to processing in the normal operation mode. In other words, the sub-controller 74 starts power supply to the multi-function device main module 50 when these requests are made (step 280 in FIG. 8). The device information and frequency data stored in the flash memory 70 are copied to the large capacity HDD 64. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the normal operation mode. Since the operation in the normal operation mode has already been described, it will not be repeated here.

-Request for device information When there is a request for device information, control follows the path of steps 190, 192, 194, and 196 in FIG. 5, and response processing (step 196) is executed. Referring to FIG. 9, in the response process, first, it is determined whether or not the requested device information is stored in the flash memory 70, and the control flow is branched according to the determination result. Hereinafter, the operation of the sub-controller 74 when (A) it is in the flash memory 70 and (B) when it is not in the flash memory 70 will be described.

(A) When the requested device information is in the flash memory 70 At this time, the control follows step 300 to step 302 in FIG.

  If the device that has requested the device information is the support machine 36 (management server) of the service person, steps 302, 304, and 306 are followed. That is, the requested device information is read from the flash memory 70. The read device information is transmitted to the external device that has transmitted the request (step 304). Further, for the frequency data stored in the flash memory 70, the frequency relating to the requested information is updated, and the process is terminated.

  If the device that requested the device information is the user's PC 34 and only the device information is referenced, the control follows the path of steps 302, 308, 310, and 306. In step 308, the requested device information is read from the flash memory 70. Web page data for displaying device information on a browser on the user's PC 34 is created and transmitted to an external device (step 308). The determination at step 310 is negative, and the frequency data stored in the flash memory 70 is updated at step 306.

  If the device that requested the device information is the user's PC 34 and includes device information updates as well as device information references, control follows the path of steps 302, 308, 310, 312, 314, and 306. The processing in step 308 has already been described. In step 312, the device information stored in the flash memory 70 is updated. In step 314, WEB page data indicating that the update is completed is generated and transmitted to the external device. The processing at the subsequent step 306 has already been described.

(B) When the requested device information is not in the flash memory 70 At this time, the control moves to step 330 in FIG. In step 330, power supply to the system controller 62 and the large capacity HDD 64 is started. As a result, the state of the multifunction machine 30 shifts from the energy saving state 152 shown in FIG. 4 to the temporary intermediate return state 154. The frequency data and device information in the flash memory 70 are copied to the large capacity HDD 64. By this processing, the latest frequency data regarding the update of the device information due to the change of the device state during the energy saving state 152 and the request for the device information is copied to the large-capacity HDD 64.

  If the external request is from the support machine 36 (management server) of the service person, the control follows the path of steps 334, 336, and 338. That is, the determination in step 334 is affirmative. In step 336, the requested device information is read from the large capacity HDD 64 and responded to the external device. In step 338, the frequency data is updated. Here, the frequency data in FIG. 12 is updated.

  If the external request is a request from the user's PC 34 and only the device information is referenced, control follows the path of steps 334, 350, 352, and 338. That is, the determination in step 334 is negative. In step 350, the requested device information is read from the large-capacity HDD 64, and WEB page data for displaying the device information on the browser of the user's PC 34 is created. This WEB page data is transmitted to the user's PC 34. In step 354, the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 is updated according to the requested update contents. In step 356, WEB page data indicating the completion of the update is created and transmitted to the user's PC 34. In step 338, the frequency data stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 is updated.

  In either case, control is finally transferred to step 340. Here, a print request is received from an external device (YES in step 360) until a predetermined time elapses after the power supply to the system controller 62 is started, or if the return button is pressed (YES in step 362). ), The power of the multi-function device group 60 is turned on, and the normal operation mode is entered. When a request for device information is received from an external device in the temporary intermediate return state 154 (YES in step 364), control returns to step 334 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  If a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of power supply to the system controller 62 (step 330), and there is no print request from the outside and no return button is pressed (YES in step 340), the multifunction machine 30 Returns to the energy saving state 152 again. That is, the route of steps 342, 344, and 346 is followed, and control returns to step 190 of FIG. In this process, among the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64, preset device information and device information with a high request frequency are copied to the flash memory 70 (step 342). The frequency data stored in the large capacity HDD 64 is copied to the flash memory 70 (step 344). Finally, the power supply to the system controller 62 and the large capacity HDD 64 is cut off, and the control is returned to step 190 in FIG. As a result, the multifunction machine 30 enters the energy saving state 152 again.

  As described above, the multifunction machine 30 has the transition from the system startup state 150 to the energy saving state 152, the return from the energy saving state 152 to the system startup state 150, the transition from the energy saving state 152 to the temporary intermediate return state 154, the temporary intermediate The system state in the form of a transition from the return state 154 to the system activation state 150 and a transition from the temporary intermediate return state 154 to the energy saving state 152 are shifted. When the multifunction device 30 is in the energy saving state 152, if there is a request for device information from an external device and the device information is stored in the flash memory 70, the response is made while the multifunction device 30 remains in the energy saving state 152. can do. There is no need to activate the large capacity HDD 64. Only when the requested device information is not in the flash memory 70, the temporary intermediate return state 154 is entered and the requested device information is returned. As a result, even if there is a request for device information when the multifunction device 30 is in the energy saving state 152, the device information can be responded only by the energy saving function module 52 without starting the power supply to the multifunction device main module 50. Become. It is not necessary to supply power to the multi-function device main module 50 in response to device information, and power consumption can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the frequency with which device information is requested is managed, and device information with a high frequency requested is stored in the flash memory 70. The frequency of power supply to the multifunction machine main module 50 can be reduced, and the power consumption in the energy saving state 152 can be further effectively reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, when a change in the device state is detected (YES in step 226 in FIG. 6), only the device information in the large-capacity HDD 64 is updated. The device information is copied from the large capacity HDD 64 to the flash memory 70 during the transition from the system startup state 150 to the energy saving state 152, and the large capacity HDD 64 is always referred to in a state other than the energy saving state 152, There is no problem with such processing.

  However, when there is a request for device information that does not exist in the flash memory 70 when the MFP 30 is in the energy saving state 152, the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 is referred to. The update of the frequency data by this access is immediately performed in step 242 of FIG. However, the process of updating the device information stored in the flash memory 70 based on the updated frequency data is not performed until the next shift to the energy saving state 152. As a result of accessing the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64, device information that is requested more frequently than the device information stored in the flash memory 70 may be stored in the large-capacity HDD 64. Compared to access to the flash memory 70, the amount of power consumed in accessing the large capacity HDD 64 is large. Therefore, it is desirable to reflect such a change in frequency in the stored contents of the flash memory 70 as soon as possible, preferably in real time. The multifunction machine according to the second embodiment has such a function. In the second embodiment, in the normal operation mode and the temporary intermediate return state 154, changes to the device information of the large-capacity HDD 64 whose copy is in the flash memory 70 are also reflected in the flash memory 70 at the same time. The

  The hardware configuration for realizing the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment. The function of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment can be realized by a program having a control structure similar to the program having the control structure shown in FIGS. However, the program of the present embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the following points.

<Reading device information in normal operation>
In step 232 and step 234 in FIG. 6, it is searched whether or not the requested device information exists in the flash memory 70, and if there is, the device information is read from the flash memory 70. If not, the device information is read from the large capacity HDD 64.

<Migration process>
In the second embodiment, a transition process showing the control structure shown in FIG. 13 is adopted instead of the transition process shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the program that realizes the migration process of the MFP according to the second embodiment (the migration process from the system startup state 150 to the energy saving state 152) uses the frequency data stored in the large-capacity HDD 64. A step 262 of copying to the flash memory 70 is included. This program further includes a step 264 following the step 262 to stop the power supply to the multi-function device main module 50 and end the transition process.

  In this migration process, unlike the one shown in FIG. 7, the device information stored in the large capacity HDD 64 is not copied to the flash memory 70. This is because, as will be described later, the flash memory 70 always stores device information that reflects the latest frequency data.

  Similarly, in the transition process from the temporary intermediate return state 154 to the energy saving state 152 (steps 340 to 346 in FIG. 10), the process of step 342 is not executed.

<Return processing>
In the second embodiment, a return process whose control structure is shown in FIG. 14 is adopted instead of the return process shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 14, a program that realizes the return processing of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment (return processing from the energy saving state 152 to the system activation state 150) supplies power to the multifunction peripheral main module 50. Step 280 is resumed. The program further includes a step 400 following the step 280 to copy the data stored in the flash memory 70 to the large capacity HDD 64 and end the processing.

  In this restoration process, unlike the one shown in FIG. 8, only the frequency data in the flash memory 70 is copied to the large capacity HDD 64. The device information is not copied from the flash memory 70 to the large capacity HDD 64. In the second embodiment, the latest device information is stored in the flash memory 70. However, as will be described later, each time the processing shown in FIG. This is because the device information is written in.

<Update device information>
In the second embodiment, a device information update process whose control structure is shown in FIG. 15 is employed instead of the device information update process shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 15, in the device information update process (corresponding to step 228 in FIG. 6) in the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment, the change in the device state detected in step 226 is detected only for large capacity HDD 64. In addition, a process that reflects the flash memory 70 is also performed. As a result, the device information in the flash memory 70 is always the latest.

<Data update processing>
In the second embodiment, a data update process having a control structure shown in FIG. 16 is employed instead of the data update process shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 16, the program for realizing the data update processing (corresponding to step 242 in FIG. 6 and step 338 in FIG. 10) according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. Step 390 for updating the frequency data (stored in the large-capacity HDD 64) of the device information requested by. This program further has, based on the updated frequency data, whether any of the device information stored in the large capacity HDD 64 has a higher frequency than any of the device information stored in the flash memory 70. Step 420 is included in which it is determined whether or not, and this processing is ended when the determination is negative. Here, for ease of explanation, when the determination in step 420 is affirmative, the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 that satisfies such conditions is called first device information and stored in the flash memory 70. The device information that has been set will be referred to as second device information. That is, the frequency of the first device information is higher than the frequency of the second device information. The program further includes a step 422 that is executed when the determination in step 420 is affirmative and ends the process by exchanging the first device information and the second device information.

  Specifically, in step 422, the second device information stored in the flash memory 70 is copied to the large capacity HDD 64. The second device information in the flash memory 70 is deleted. Instead, the first device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64 is copied to the flash memory 70.

  With such a configuration, the flash memory 70 stores a series of device information having the highest frequency among the device information, and device information set in advance, if any. Moreover, they are the latest values. Therefore, when there is a request for device information from an external device when the multifunction device is in the energy saving state 152, there is a high probability that the information can be handled only by the information in the flash memory 70. As a result, the frequency of returning to the temporary intermediate return state 154 is reduced, and energy consumption can be reduced.

  The operation of the MFP according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the MFP 30 according to the first embodiment. The difference is as shown in FIGS. 13-16.

  According to the second embodiment, the latest device information having the highest request frequency from the external device and the highest request frequency is stored in the flash memory 70 regardless of the operation state of the multifunction peripheral. Is stored. When there is a request for device information from an external device, the probability that a response can be made using the device information stored in the flash memory 70 increases. In order to obtain the device information stored in the large-capacity HDD 64, the frequency of setting the multifunction peripheral to the temporary intermediate return state 154 is low. As a result, the power consumption of the multifunction device can be reduced.

  In the second embodiment, the frequency data is basically managed in the large capacity HDD 64. That is, when the multifunction device is in the energy saving state 152, the frequency data is stored and managed in the flash memory 70. However, it is copied to the large-capacity HDD 64 when returning to the temporary intermediate return state 154. Except for the energy saving state 152, the frequency data is stored and managed in the large capacity HDD 64.

  Instead of such management of frequency data, the frequency data may be managed only by the flash memory 70.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, when selecting device information to be stored in the flash memory 70, except for those set in advance, only the frequency data can be stored in the flash memory 70 in order from the top. I chose as many as possible. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In order to make maximum use of the capacity of the flash memory 70, data to be stored in the flash memory 70 can be selected based on the following criteria.

  That is, a list in which the device information is rearranged in the descending order of the requested frequency (this list is referred to as “candidate list”) is created. In the list, the storage capacity necessary for storing each device information is recorded together. A new list (this list will be referred to as a “selection list”) is created in an empty state. The device information to be stored in the flash memory 70 is selected in order from the top of the candidate list. The storage capacity for storing the selected device information is added to the total storage capacity for storing the device information already added to the selection list. If this value does not exceed the size of the area reserved for storing device information in the flash memory 70, the selected device information is added to the end of the selection list. Otherwise, the next candidate is selected from the candidate list and the same processing is performed. When the free space in the flash memory 70 becomes completely zero or there is no candidate list, the addition of device information to the selection list is terminated. The device information described in the selection list thus obtained is copied to the flash memory 70.

  In this way, as much device information as possible can be stored in the flash memory 70 in order from the most frequently used device information as long as the capacity of the flash memory 70 permits. As a result of storing the device information in order, even when the capacity of the flash memory 70 becomes insufficient on the way, other device information with low frequency can be stored in the flash memory 70. As a result, the probability that it is necessary to return to the temporary intermediate return state 154 is further reduced, and the power consumption in the energy saving state 152 can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the request from the support machine 36 of the service person is only referring to the device information. However, there is a case where the MFP 30 is maintained from the outside (remote maintenance). In such a case, it is possible to change the setting of the device in response to an external request. Therefore, in that case, the same processing as in steps 236, 238 and 240 should be incorporated after step 232 in FIG. 6, and the same processing as in steps 310, 312 and 314 should be incorporated after step 304 in FIG. .

  In the above embodiment, when there is a request for device information from an external device, frequency calculation is performed for each device information in response to the request. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, each time a request is received, a history regarding which device information is requested may be stored, and the frequency information may be recalculated every predetermined time. This calculation may be performed when the multifunction device is in the system activation state 150 or the temporary intermediate return state 154, or may be performed when the multifunction device is in the energy saving state 152. According to the calculation, the device information may be immediately copied from the large-capacity HDD 64 to the flash memory 70, or may be copied at the next transition.

  In the above embodiment, the device information is stored in the large capacity HDD 64 or the flash memory 70. However, the present invention is not limited to such memory combinations. Any combination of a non-volatile memory that has a large storage capacity but consumes a large amount of power during operation and a memory that has a smaller storage capacity than that of the non-volatile memory but consumes a small amount of power during operation Also good. A memory used in place of the flash memory 70 may be volatile or non-volatile. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus shifts between the normal operation mode, the temporary intermediate return state, and the energy saving mode. In particular, when the apparatus information request is received in the energy saving mode, the flash memory 70 is received. If there is no device information, the temporary intermediate return state is restored. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when the operation mode is changed between two modes consisting of a normal mode and an energy saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, and a request for device information is received in the energy saving mode, the flash memory 70 stores the request. If there is no device information, the device information may be returned by switching to the normal operation mode.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

30 MFP 50 MFP main module 52 Energy saving function module 60 MFP device group 62 System controller 64 Large capacity HDD
70 Flash memory 72 Multifunction device power supply unit 74 Sub controller 150 System activation state 152 Energy saving state 154 Temporary intermediate return state

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus operable in a first operation mode and a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode,
A first memory for storing apparatus information relating to the image forming apparatus;
A second memory that operates with less power and has a smaller capacity than the first memory;
In the first operation mode, power is supplied to the first memory and the second memory. In the second operation mode, power is not supplied to the first memory, and power is supplied to the second memory. Power supply means for supplying
Receiving means for receiving a request for apparatus information relating to the image forming apparatus from outside;
The second memory connected to the second memory and the receiving unit, and in the second operation mode, in response to the receiving unit receiving a request regarding apparatus information of an apparatus constituting the image forming apparatus, the second First search means for searching for and returning device information corresponding to the request from the memory;
Connected to the first memory, the power supply means, and the first search means, and in the second operation mode, in response to a failure in search of device information by the first search means, An image forming apparatus comprising: a second search unit configured to change an operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the first operation mode, and to search and return apparatus information corresponding to the request from the first memory. .   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a copy unit configured to copy predetermined apparatus information among the apparatus information stored in the first memory to the second memory. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
A frequency calculating means connected to the receiving means for calculating the frequency of requests for each device information received by the receiving means;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: copy means for copying the apparatus information to the second memory in order from the apparatus information having the highest frequency calculated by the frequency calculation means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the frequency calculation unit includes:
In response to receiving a request for device information, connected to the receiving means, for calculating the frequency of request for device information received within a predetermined time period immediately before receiving the request. An image forming apparatus including means.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the copy unit has a size that exceeds a capacity that can be copied to the second memory in descending order of frequency calculated by the frequency calculation unit. An image forming apparatus including means for copying the apparatus information stored in the first memory to the second memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
Transition means for transitioning the image forming apparatus to the second operation mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the first operation mode;
A frequency calculating means connected to the receiving means for calculating the frequency of requests for each device information received by the receiving means;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: copy means for copying the apparatus information to the second memory in order from the apparatus information having the highest frequency calculated by the frequency calculation means.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein device information other than device information stored in the second memory among device information related to the image forming device is stored in the first memory. .   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further storing in the first memory and the second memory at predetermined time intervals when the image forming apparatus is operating in the first operation mode. An image forming apparatus including apparatus information management means for determining and updating apparatus information to be updated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
Detecting means for detecting a state change of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is operating in the first operation mode;
In response to detecting the state change of the image forming apparatus by the detecting unit, the apparatus information stored in the first memory and reflecting the state change is updated according to the state change. And an image forming apparatus.   10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further, in response to the state change of the image forming apparatus being detected by the detection unit, in the second memory according to the state change. An image forming apparatus including means for updating stored apparatus information to reflect the state change.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further connected to the first memory and the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit constitutes the image forming apparatus in the first operation mode. If the device information corresponding to the request is stored in the second memory in response to receiving the request regarding the device information, the request is responded to from the second memory to the second memory. An image forming apparatus comprising: a third search unit for searching for and returning device information from the first memory if device information is not stored.   10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further connected to the first memory and the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit constitutes the image forming apparatus in the first operation mode. In response to receiving a request for device information, the image forming apparatus includes third search means for searching for and returning device information corresponding to the request from the first memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is operable in a third operation mode in which power consumption is larger than that in the first operation mode.
The image forming apparatus further includes:
An input unit for accepting a request input different from the request for the device information of the image forming device to the image forming device;
When the image forming apparatus is in the first operation mode or the third operation mode, when the input by the request input unit is not performed for a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus is shifted to the second operation mode; An image forming apparatus including: a mode transition unit configured to shift the image forming apparatus to the third operation mode when the input unit receives an input when the image forming apparatus is in the second operation mode; apparatus.

Images