JP5279643B2 - Power saving mode return control device, image forming apparatus, and power saving mode return control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To decrease the number of operation by a user, and to return only a function operation section related to a necessary job processing function. <P>SOLUTION: Function operation sections 3 to 13 operate so as to perform job processing functions of the apparatus. A power-saving mode control unit 15 controls shift of the function operation sections 3 to 13 into a power-saving mode, whereas it controls the return of the power-saving mode to a normal mode. First instruction input sections 3c, 9a receive a first start instruction for returning one among the function operation sections 3 to 13. A second instruction input section 7a receives a second start instruction for returning the function operation sections 3 to 13 for executing the job processing function in succession to the function operation sections 3 to 13 returned by the first start instructions 3c, 9a. A return control unit 17 returns a corresponding function operation section, when the first start instruction is input and returns a corresponding function operation section when the second start instruction is input. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power saving mode return control device, an image forming apparatus, and a power saving mode return control method, and includes a power saving mode return control device for returning a device that has been shifted to a power saving mode from the power saving mode. The present invention relates to an improvement in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a multi function peripheral (MFP) and a power saving mode return control method.

  Conventionally, in this type of image forming apparatus, for example, a multi-function peripheral, image data is read from a document, and the read image data is printed (printed) on paper, transmitted to the outside by facsimile, or stored in a storage unit. A plurality of operation functions such as printing image data transmitted from an external computer via a network are installed.

  In addition, the multifunction device is equipped with a function to switch to the power saving mode to save power energy by cutting off the power supply to parts other than the minimum necessary for startup, and from the power saving mode to the normal mode. A device has been devised to simplify the return operation.

  For example, an image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-222234 (Patent Document 1) is also a proposal of this type.

  In this patent document 1, in addition to pressing the power button, by selecting and pressing the copy button, document box button, fax button, printer button, or scanner button provided for each function, the function part desired by the user is selected. In this way, power consumption can be reduced by enabling power recovery from the sleep state.

JP 2004-222234 A

  However, in the above-described image forming apparatus, when power is supplied only to necessary portions to return from the sleep state, it is necessary to press the power button and the function button twice continuously, even if the panel operation is performed twice. Even so, among the various operation display items and operation buttons, the required button is operated twice, and the operation is complicated and there is room for improvement.

  Accordingly, as a result of intensive observation and examination of various operations of the image forming apparatus, the present inventor does not need to return all the operation functions to the normal mode when executing various operation functions in the image forming apparatus. Focusing on the fact that the operation function executed after execution of a certain operation function is also limited, such as when the operation unit or the printing unit needs to be activated when the printer is set in the paper feed cassette, the present invention Was completed.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and when returning a function operation unit required by the user from the power saving mode, the operation of the user can be reduced and the operability can be improved. An object is to provide an easy power saving mode return control device, an image forming apparatus, and a power saving mode return control method.

In order to solve such a problem, a power saving mode return control device according to the present invention includes a plurality of functional operation units that operate to realize a job processing function installed in an image forming apparatus, and power supplies for the individual functional operation units. Control the transition to the power saving mode by restricting the supply, and supply the power to the power saving mode control unit that controls the return from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and return any of the functional operation units from the power saving mode. Following the first instruction input unit that receives the first activation instruction and the function operation unit that is restored by the first activation instruction, the function operation unit that realizes the job processing function is restored from the power saving mode. A second instruction input unit that receives the activation instruction, and a function operation unit associated with the second instruction input unit when the first activation instruction is input, so that the power operation mode is restored. Controlling the force mode control unit, and a the time the second starting instruction is input, the return control unit for controlling the power saving mode control unit so as to restore the functional operations associated with it.

The power saving mode return control device according to the present invention has a configuration in which the return control unit controls the power saving mode control unit so that at least the functional operation unit related to the operation is returned based on the first activation instruction. Yes.

The power saving mode return control apparatus according to the present invention may be configured such that the second instruction input unit is a functional operation unit related to an operation .

In the power saving mode return control device according to the present invention, the job processing function includes the scanner processing function, copy processing function, print processing function, facsimile communication processing function, data storage processing function, e-mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof. The functional operation unit has a configuration for realizing these job processing functions.

In the power saving mode return control apparatus according to the present invention, the first instruction input unit includes a document set detection unit for a scanner processing function, a paper set detection unit for a copy processing function, and a data input detection unit for a print processing function. A reception detection unit for the facsimile communication processing function, a reception detection unit for the electronic mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof, or a main power-on detection unit.

In the power saving mode return control device according to the present invention, the second instruction input unit includes the scanner processing function, copy processing function, print processing function, facsimile communication processing function, data storage processing function, e-mail communication processing function, or It has a configuration that is a functional operation unit related to an operation display for returning these combinations.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes the power saving mode return control device described above .

A power saving mode return control method according to the present invention includes a plurality of functional operation units that operate to realize a job processing function installed in an image forming apparatus, and are controlled to shift to a power saving mode by limiting power supply. Based on a first instruction input process for receiving a first activation instruction for returning any one of the functional operation units from the power saving mode to each functional operation unit and the first activation instruction, the function operation unit is associated with the first activation instruction. After the first return control process for controlling the return of the function operation unit from the power saving mode and the function operation unit restored by the first activation instruction, the function operation unit for realizing the job processing function is set to the power saving mode. A second instruction input process for accepting a second activation instruction to be restored from the second, and a second restoration system for performing a restoration control of the function operation associated therewith from the power saving mode based on the second activation instruction. It is and a process.

The power saving mode return control method according to the present invention has a configuration in which the first return control process performs return control of at least the functional operation unit related to the operation based on the first activation instruction.

The power saving mode return control method according to the present invention may be configured such that the second instruction input process is an input from the functional operation unit related to an operation .

In the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention, the job processing function includes the scanner processing function, copy processing function, print processing function, facsimile communication processing function, data storage processing function, e-mail communication processing function, or these The function operation unit has a configuration that realizes these job processing functions.

In the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention, the first instruction input process includes: a document set detection process for a scanner processing function, a paper set detection process for a copy processing function, and a data input detection process for a print processing function. A reception detection process for the facsimile communication processing function, a reception detection process for the electronic mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof, or a main power-on detection process.

In the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention, the second instruction input processing is performed by the function processing unit related to operation display, the scanner processing function, the copy processing function, the print processing function, the facsimile communication processing function, the data storage. The second activation instruction for returning the processing function, the electronic mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof is received.

In such a power saving mode return control device and a power saving mode return control method according to the present invention, each function operation unit that has shifted to the power saving mode is associated with one based on the first activation instruction. A second activation instruction for returning the function operation unit for realizing the job processing function from the power saving mode, following the function operation unit that has returned the function operation unit from the power saving mode. Since the associated functional operation unit is restored from the power saving mode, when various functional operation units are restored from the power saving mode, it is easy to reduce the user's operation and improve operability. Only the function operation unit related to the job processing function necessary for the user can be restored.

In the power saving mode return control device and the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention, since at least the functional operation unit related to the operation is returned based on the first start instruction, the function that is returned by the first start instruction It is easy to input a second activation instruction that activates the functional operation unit following the operation unit.

In the power saving mode return control device and the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention, since the second activation input is input from the functional operation unit related to the operation, the user can easily input the second activation input. .

In the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention , the job processing function includes a scanner processing function, a copy processing function, a print processing function, a facsimile communication processing function, a data storage processing function, an e-mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof. Either can be supported.

In the power saving mode return control device and the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention, an original set detection process for a scanner processing function, a paper set detection process for a copy processing function, a data input detection process for a print processing function, a facsimile In the reception detection process for the communication processing function, the reception detection process for the e-mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof, or the main power-on detection process, the first return process based on the first activation input is easy.

In the power saving mode return control device and the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention, the scanner processing function, copy processing function, print processing function, facsimile communication processing function, data storage processing function, e-mail communication processing function, or these In any combination, the second return process based on the second activation input is possible.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of a power saving mode return control device according to the present invention together with an image forming apparatus. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining the starting information table in the power saving mode return control apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the power saving mode return control device according to the present invention together with the operation of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart (continuous from FIG. 5) for explaining the operation of the power saving mode return control device according to the present invention together with the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  Embodiments of a power saving mode return control device, an image forming apparatus, and a power saving mode return control method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The power saving mode return control device and the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention will be described in the course of describing the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which is equipped with a power saving mode return control device according to the present invention and implements the power saving mode return control method of the present invention. It is.

  In FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral A includes an image reading unit 3, a storage unit 5, an operation panel unit 7, a printing unit 9, a facsimile transmission / reception unit 11, a data transmission / reception unit 13, which are connected to the main control unit 1. The image forming apparatus includes a power mode control unit 15 and a return control unit 17.

  The image reading unit 3, the storage unit 5, the operation panel unit 7, the printing unit 9, the facsimile transmission / reception unit 11 and the data transmission / reception unit 13 include a scanner processing function as a job processing function, a copy processing function, a print processing function, and a facsimile communication process. Individual function operation units that realize functions, data storage processing functions, e-mail communication processing functions, and combinations thereof are formed.

  The multi-function machine A has other constituent elements, but is not a main part of the present invention, and thus description and illustration thereof are omitted. The function of the main control unit 1 will be described later.

  The image reading unit 3 is a known scanner that optically reads an image from a document under the control of the main control unit 1 and generates image data as electronic information that has been subjected to filter processing and the like, and is an input unit in the present invention. The function operation unit sequentially stores the generated image data in the storage unit 5 for each page of the document via the main control unit 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 3 is disposed on the upper part of the main body case 19 of the multi-function device A. The image reading unit 3 optically reads image data from a document, and automatically mounts the document on the scanner unit 3a. The automatic paper feeder 3b for feeding paper to the scanner unit 3a. In FIG. 1, the automatic paper feeder 3b is not shown.

  The automatic paper feed unit 3b is provided with a document set detection unit 3c as a first instruction input unit for detecting that a document is set on the automatic sheet feed unit 3b, and the detection signal is a main control unit as a first activation instruction. 1 is output.

The storage unit 5 operates under the control of the main control unit 1, the operation application program of the main control unit 1, operation screen information for operating the multifunction peripheral A, image data from the image reading unit 3 and the data transmission / reception unit 13, and activation It is a readable / writable hard disk (HDD) that stores an information table or the like, and can be used to realize any job processing function.

As shown in FIG. 3, the activation information table is a table that associates which functional operation unit is activated when a first activation instruction is input. Is set.

Storage unit 5, a predetermined separator, for example BOX5a as a storage area (output section) of each user are more secure, become read-write them BOX5a via the main control unit 1 is an electronic data as described below ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel unit 7 is arranged on the upper part of the main body case 19 of the multifunction peripheral A. For example, the operation panel unit 7 includes a display unit composed of a liquid crystal display and an input unit composed of button keys arranged so as to overlap the display unit. Under the control of the main control unit 1, the operation state and various data in the multi-function device A are displayed, and a job processing function start instruction is input and output to the main control unit 1 as described later. doing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the operation panel unit 7 is a second instruction input unit for operating and selecting various processing functions such as a print (copy) processing function, a print processing function, a scanner processing function, and a fax processing function. A selection key 7a, a numeric keypad 7b as an input unit for inputting settings and changes relating to the operation, a start key 7c, a display panel unit 7d, and the like. Reference numeral 7e denotes a power saving key for returning the operation panel unit 7 and functions as a first instruction input unit.

  Under the control of the main control unit 1, the printing unit 9 selectively feeds printing paper from a plurality of paper feed stages 9a and 9b as shown in FIG. While the paper is fed, the image data instructed via the main control unit 1 is developed into image image data by the image forming unit 9c and a toner image is formed, and the toner image is transferred to the secondary fed paper. And a monochrome or full-color printing engine that is fixed by the fixing unit 9d and discharged to the paper discharge unit 9e.

  In addition to the paper feed trays 9a and 9b, a manual feed tray 9f is arranged, and a paper set detection unit 9g as a first instruction input unit for detecting a paper set is arranged on the manual feed tray 9f. The data is output to the main control unit 1 via the printing unit 9.

  A facsimile transmission / reception unit 11 in FIG. 1 is connected to an external facsimile machine (none shown) via a public line under the control of the main control unit 1, and transmits / receives a facsimile signal according to a predetermined facsimile transmission protocol. It is an interface part.

  That is, when the facsimile transmission / reception unit 11 receives a facsimile signal from an external facsimile device, the facsimile transmission / reception unit 11 decodes the facsimile signal and outputs it to the main control unit 1, and also outputs a transmission facsimile signal from the main control unit 1 to the external facsimile device. In addition, it has a function of compressing a facsimile signal and transmitting it and also serves as an output unit.

  The data transmission / reception unit 13 is connected to an external image forming apparatus such as the multi-function peripheral B via the network 21 under the control of the main control unit 1, and transmits / receives image data, e-mails, etc. according to a predetermined data transmission protocol. It is both an interface unit and an output unit.

  The power saving mode control unit 15 supplies power (not shown) to the image reading unit 3, the storage unit 5, the operation panel unit 7, the printing unit 9, the facsimile transmission / reception unit 11, and the data transmission / reception unit 13 under the control of the main control unit 1. The power supply from the control unit is restricted to control the shift to the power saving mode, and the power is supplied to perform the return control from the power saving mode. As for the operation panel unit 7, only the power saving key 7e is controlled to operate.

When the first activation instruction described above is input in the state where the power saving mode control unit 15 performs the shift control to the power saving mode, the return control unit 17 sets the job processing function previously associated with the first activation instruction to the power saving mode. The power saving mode control unit 15 controls the power saving mode control unit 15 so as to perform the return control from the power saving mode, and when the second activation instruction is input, the power saving mode control performs the return control of the functional operation unit that operates the functional operation previously associated with the second activation instruction. It has a function of controlling the unit 15.

For example, when a document is set on the automatic paper feed unit 3b and detected by the document set detection unit 3c, the return control unit 17 refers to the activation information table in FIG. 3 and detects it as a first activation instruction. Based on the signal, the power-saving mode control unit 15 is controlled so that the operation panel unit 7 and the scanner unit 3a return from the power-saving mode to the normal mode, and a copy function start instruction is input from the operation panel unit 7 that has returned to the normal mode. Then, the printing unit 9 has a function of controlling the power saving mode control unit 15 so as to return from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

  The main control unit 1 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores a startup program for the CPU, and the like. The image reading unit 3, the storage unit 5, the operation panel unit 7, the printing unit 9, and the application program stored in the storage unit 5 The facsimile transmission / reception unit 11, the data transmission / reception unit 13, the power saving mode control unit 15 and the return control unit 17 are controlled to perform a part of their functions.

  Next, the operation of the power saving mode return control apparatus according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 together with the operation of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a continuation from FIG. 5. For convenience, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation panel unit is abbreviated as an operation unit, the image reading unit is abbreviated as a reading unit, and the facsimile is abbreviated as FAX.

  When the operation program starts, the document set detection unit 3c determines whether or not a document is set in step S1 of FIG. 5. If the document is set and step S1 is YES, the return control unit 17 is determined in step S2. Controls the power saving mode control unit 15 to return the operation panel unit 7 and the image reading unit 3 (scanner unit 3a) from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

  If the original is not set and step S1 is NO, the paper set detection unit 9g determines whether there is a paper set in step S3. If the paper is set and step S3 is YES, the process returns in step S4. The control unit 17 controls the power saving mode control unit 15 so that the operation panel unit 7 and the printing unit 9 are returned from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

  If no sheet is set and step S3 is NO, it is determined in step S5 whether the power saving key 7e has been pressed. If NO, the process returns to step S1, and if it is operated and step S5 is YES, step S6 is performed. The return control unit 17 controls the power saving mode control unit 15 to return the operation panel unit 7 from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

  As described above, when a document is set, a sheet is set, or a power saving key is pressed (first instruction input process), some functional operation units such as the operation panel unit 7 are activated in advance (first return control process). ).

  FIG. 6 shows the subsequent operation.

  In a state where the operation panel unit 7 is activated, the return control unit 17 determines in step S7 whether or not there is an instruction to activate the scanner processing function, and if the scanner processing function is instructed from the operation panel unit 7 and step S7 is YES. (Second instruction input process) In step S8, the return control unit 17 determines whether the image reading unit 3 is in the power saving mode.

  If the image reading unit 3 has returned to the normal mode and step S8 is YES, the process is terminated. If the image reading unit 3 is in the power saving mode and step S8 is NO, the return control unit 17 switches the image reading unit 3 in step S9. The power saving mode control unit 15 is controlled to return from the power saving mode state to the normal mode, and the process ends (second return control process).

  If the operation panel unit 7 is not instructed to activate the scanner processing function and step S7 is NO, the return control unit 17 determines in step S10 whether or not an instruction to activate the copy processing function has been issued. If an activation instruction is given and step S10 is YES (second instruction input process), the return control unit 17 determines the power saving mode state of the image reading unit 3 in step S11.

  If the image reading unit 3 has returned to the normal mode and step S11 is YES, the process proceeds to step S13. If the image reading unit 3 is in the power saving mode and step S11 is NO, the return control unit 17 performs the image reading unit in step S12. The power saving mode control unit 15 is controlled to return 3 from the power saving mode state to the normal mode (second return control process), and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the return control unit 17 determines the power saving mode state of the printing unit 9. If the printing unit 9 has returned to the normal mode and step S13 is YES, the process is ended. If the printing unit 9 is in the power saving mode state, If step S13 is NO, the return control unit 17 controls the power saving mode control unit 15 to return the power saving mode state of the printing unit 9 to the normal mode in step S14 (second return control processing). ),finish.

  If the operation panel unit 7 is not instructed to start the copy processing function and step S10 is NO, the return control unit 17 determines in step S15 whether or not the print processing function is instructed, and the print processing function is determined. If an activation instruction is issued and step S15 is YES (second instruction input process), the return control unit 17 determines the power saving mode state of the printing unit 9 in step S16.

  If the printing unit 9 has returned to the normal mode and step S16 is YES, the process ends. If the printing unit 9 is in the power saving mode and step S16 is NO, the return control unit 17 performs printing in step S17. The power saving mode control unit 15 is controlled so as to return the unit 9 from the power saving mode state to the normal mode (second return control process), and the process ends.

If the print panel function activation instruction is not issued from the operation panel unit 7 and step S15 is NO, the return control unit 17 determines whether or not the facsimile process function activation instruction is issued in step S18. If an activation instruction is given and step S18 is YES (second instruction input process), the return control unit 17 determines the power saving mode state of the image reading unit 3 in step S19.

  If the image reading unit 3 has returned to the normal mode and step S19 is YES, the process proceeds to step S21. If the image reading unit 3 is in the power saving mode and step S19 is NO, the return control unit 17 reads the image in step S20. The power saving mode control unit 15 is controlled to return the unit 3 from the power saving mode state to the normal mode (second return control process), and the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, the return control unit 17 controls the power saving mode control unit 15 to return the facsimile communication unit 15 from the power saving mode state to the normal mode (second return control process), and the process ends.

  If the facsimile processing function activation instruction is not issued and step S18 is NO, it is determined in step S22 whether or not a document BOX processing function activation instruction is issued from the operation panel unit 7, and the activation instruction is not issued. If step S22 is NO, the process returns to step S7.

  If there is a document BOX processing function activation instruction and step S22 is YES (second instruction input process), the return control unit 17 determines the power saving mode state of the image reading unit 3 in step S23.

  If the image reading unit 3 has returned to the normal mode and step S23 is YES, the process proceeds to step S25. If the image reading unit 3 is in the power saving mode and step S23 is NO, the return control unit 17 performs the image reading unit in step S24. The power saving mode control unit 15 is controlled to return the power saving mode state of No. 3 to the normal mode (second return control process), and the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the return control unit 17 determines the power saving mode state of the printing unit 9, and if the printing unit 9 has returned to the normal mode and step S25 is YES, the process ends. If the printing unit 9 is in the power saving mode state, step S25 is completed. If NO in step S25, the return control unit 17 controls the power saving mode control unit 15 to return the power saving mode state of the printing unit 9 to the normal mode in step S26 (second return control process). ),finish.

  These processing steps correspond to the power saving mode return control method according to the present invention.

  As described above, the power saving mode return control device of the present invention includes the image reading unit 3, the storage unit 5, the operation panel unit 7, the printing unit 9, and the facsimile transmission / reception unit that operate to realize the job processing function installed in the multi-function peripheral A. 11 and the data transmission / reception unit 13 (functional operation unit), and the power supply to these functional operation units 3 to 13 is limited to control the transition to the power saving mode, and the power is supplied to return from the power saving mode to the normal mode. A power saving mode control unit 15 to be controlled, a document set detection unit 3c that receives a first activation instruction for returning any one of the functional operation units 3 to 13 from the power saving mode, and a paper set detection unit 9a (first instruction input) And the function operation units 3 to 13 for realizing the job processing functions after the function operation units 3 to 13 restored by the first activation instructions 3c and 9a. When the operation panel unit 7 (second instruction input unit) that receives the second activation instruction to be restored and the first activation instruction is input, the function operation unit associated with the operation panel unit 7 is input from the power saving mode. The power saving mode control unit 15 is controlled so as to return, and when the second activation instruction is input, the return control unit 17 that controls the power saving mode control unit 15 to return the function operation associated therewith. It is equipped with.

  Therefore, first, the necessary function operation units 3 to 13 are preliminarily activated, and then only the corresponding function operation units 3 to 13 are input by individually inputting a second activation instruction corresponding to each job processing function. Therefore, when various function operation units are restored from the power saving mode, it is possible to reduce the user's operation and to restore only the function operation unit related to the necessary job processing function, thereby improving operability. Is easy.

  Furthermore, since the second activation input is input from the operation panel unit 7, the user can easily select and operate the second activation input.

  In addition, as a job processing function, any of the scanner processing function, copy processing function, print processing function, facsimile communication processing function, data storage processing function, e-mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof can be used. The part can be restored.

  In the power saving mode return control apparatus described above, as the first instruction input unit, the document set detection unit 3c for the scanner processing function, the paper set detection unit 9g for the copy processing function, and the power saving key 7e (power-on detection unit) However, the present invention is not limited to this.

That is, the first instruction input section, the data input detecting unit for printing processing functions, reception detection unit for facsimile communication processing function, structure may be a reception detecting unit or a combination thereof for e-mail communication processing function It is.

  Further, in the power saving mode return control device of the present invention, the operation panel unit 7 is used as the second instruction input unit, and these scanner processing function, copy processing function, print processing function, facsimile communication processing function, data storage processing function However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image reading unit 3, the storage unit 5, the operation panel unit 7, the printing unit 9, and the facsimile transmission / reception unit 11 are not limited to this. Or the structure input from either of the data transmission / reception parts 13 is also possible.

  Further, since at least the functional operation unit related to the operation is restored based on the first activation instruction, the second activation instruction for activating the functional operation unit following the functional operation unit restored by the first activation instruction is input. Easy to do.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes the above-described power saving mode return control device, a document reading unit 3 that automatically feeds a document and optically reads a surface image to obtain electronic image data, and the read image. And a printing unit 9 for printing data, and similarly have the above-described effects.

  Furthermore, also in the power saving mode return control method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the power saving mode return control device described above.

1 Main control unit 3 Image reading unit (functional operation unit)
3a Scanner unit 3b Automatic paper feed unit 3c Document set detection unit (first instruction input unit)
5. Storage unit (functional operation unit)
5a BOX
7 Operation panel section (function operation section)
7a Selection key (second instruction input unit)
7b Numeric keypad 7c Start key 7d Display panel section (display section)
7e Power-saving key (first instruction input unit)
9 Printing section (function operation section)
9a, 9b Paper feed stage 9c Image forming unit 9d Fixing unit 9e Paper discharge unit 9f Manual feed tray 9g Paper set detection unit (first instruction input unit)
11 Facsimile transmission / reception unit (FAX transmission / reception unit, functional operation unit)
13 Data transmission / reception unit (functional operation unit)
15 Power Saving Mode Control Unit 17 Return Control Unit 19 Body Case 21 Network A, B Image Forming Device (Multifunction Device)

Claims (5)

A plurality of units that operate to realize a job processing function that is a scanner processing function, a copy processing function, a print processing function, a facsimile communication processing function, a data storage processing function, an e-mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof mounted in the image forming apparatus A function operating part;
A power-saving mode control unit that restricts power supply to each of the functional operation units and controls transition to the power-saving mode, and supplies power to control to return from the power-saving mode to the normal mode.
An original set detection unit for the scanner processing function, a paper set detection unit for the copy processing function, a paper set detection unit for the copy processing function, which receives a first activation instruction for returning the functional operation unit related to the operation from the power saving mode . A data input detection unit, a reception detection unit for the facsimile communication processing function, a reception detection unit for the e-mail communication processing function, or a first instruction input unit that is a combination thereof ;
Following the function operation unit related to the operation restored by the first activation instruction, the scanner processing function, the copy processing function, the print processing function, the facsimile communication processing function, the data storage processing function, the electronic mail A second instruction input unit for receiving a second activation instruction for returning the function operation unit for realizing the communication processing function or a combination thereof from the power saving mode;
When the first activation instruction is input, the power saving mode control unit is controlled to return the functional operation unit related to the operation associated with the first activation instruction from the power saving mode, and the second activation instruction Is input, a return control unit that controls the power saving mode control unit to return the function operation unit that realizes the job processing function associated therewith from the power saving mode;
A power saving mode return control apparatus comprising: The power saving mode return control device according to claim 1, wherein the second instruction input unit is the functional operation unit related to an operation. An image forming apparatus comprising the power saving mode return control device according to claim 1. A plurality of units that operate to realize a job processing function that is a scanner processing function, a copy processing function, a print processing function, a facsimile communication processing function, a data storage processing function, an e-mail communication processing function, or a combination thereof mounted in the image forming apparatus A first activation instruction that is a function operation unit, and that causes the function operation unit to return from the power saving mode to each function operation unit that is controlled to shift to a power saving mode by restricting power supply. A document set detection process for the scanner processing function, a paper set detection process for the copy processing function, a data input detection process for the print processing function, a reception detection process for the facsimile communication processing function, the electronic mail A first instruction input process that is a reception detection process for a communication processing function or a combination thereof;
Based on the first activation instruction, a first return control process for performing return control of the functional operation unit related to the operation associated therewith from the power saving mode;
Following the function operation unit related to the operation restored by the first activation instruction, the scanner processing function, the copy processing function, the print processing function, the facsimile communication processing function, the data storage processing function, the electronic mail A second instruction input process for receiving a second activation instruction for returning the function operation unit for realizing the communication processing function or a combination thereof from the power saving mode;
Based on the second activation instruction, a second return control process for returning the function operation unit that realizes the job processing function associated therewith from the power saving mode;
A power saving mode return control method comprising: The power saving mode return control method according to claim 4, wherein the second instruction input process is an input from the functional operation unit related to an operation.

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