JP6504865B2 - Image forming apparatus, control method of the apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method of the apparatus, and a program.

  Conventionally, in order to reduce power consumption, a plurality of power modes, for example, a normal mode for supplying power to all the components, a power saving mode for not supplying power to at least a part of the components, and all components An image forming apparatus having a sleep mode that does not supply power is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 switches the power mode to the power saving mode or the sleep mode when no operation is performed during a predetermined time in the normal mode, and some operation is performed in the power saving mode or the sleep mode. If it does, switch the power mode to the normal mode.

  In recent years, recording media used for printing, for example, recording paper, have diversified. The type of recording medium used for printing is detected by a sensor in order to obtain a printed product satisfying a certain quality regardless of the type of recording medium used for printing, and toner is selected according to the type of recording medium detected. There is known an image forming apparatus which sets printing conditions such as a fixing temperature and a conveyance speed of recording paper and executes printing processing based on the set printing conditions (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, there is known an image forming apparatus provided with a sensor that detects the detachment of a paper feed tray that stores print media (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  By the way, when the power mode is switched from the normal mode to the sleep mode, no power is also supplied to the sensor for detecting the attachment and detachment of the paper feed tray, so the attachment and detachment of the tray in the sleep mode is not detected. As a result, even if the user detaches the paper feed tray during the sleep mode and replaces the recording medium stored in the paper feed tray with a different type of recording medium, the type of recording medium is changed in the image forming apparatus. I can not detect that. Corresponding to this, when the power mode of the image forming apparatus is switched from the sleep mode to the normal mode, the type of the recording medium is automatically detected.

JP 2014-104654 JP 2002-182518 A JP 2015-022144 A

  However, since it takes a certain time for the sensor to detect the type of recording medium used for printing, there is a problem that the printing process is not started quickly when the power mode is switched from the sleep mode to the normal mode. there were.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of quickly starting print processing, a control method of the apparatus, and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention stores a sheet, and a removable sheet storage unit, a detection unit that detects the detachment of the sheet storage unit , and the detection unit in the image forming apparatus having a specifying means for specifying the paper type of the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit, and a print unit that executes print processing according to the paper type specified by the specifying means, before Symbol specifying means setting means for setting to make certain the paper type by a power supply means for supplying electric power to said detecting means, based on the setting by the setting unit, power to the detection means by said power supply means characterized Rukoto that Yusuke power control unit, the performing control not to stop the supply of.

  According to the present invention, print processing can be started quickly.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of an MFP as an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate the internal structure of the printer in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an image forming process executed by the printer controller in FIG. 2; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the electric power supply stop process performed by CPU in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a power supply restart process for restarting the supply of power to each component of the MFP whose power supply is stopped by the power supply stop process of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram used to explain an internal configuration of a printer provided in an MFP as an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate control of the power to each component of the printer of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a procedure of storage processing for storing automatic determination mode setting information of each paper feed tray stored in the HDD in FIG. 1 in each memory in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a procedure of determination processing for determining whether or not supply of power to the printer of FIG. 7 is stopped.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of MFP 101 as an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The MFP 101 in FIG. 1 includes a control unit 102, an operation unit 103, a printer 104, a scanner 105, a modem 106, a power control unit 107, and an AC power supply 108. Further, the control unit 102 includes a CPU 109, a ROM 110, a RAM 111, an HDD 112, a power control unit I / F 113, an operation unit I / F 114, a printer I / F 115, a scanner I / F 116, a modem I / F 117, and a network I / F 118. These components are connected to one another via a bus 119. A power control unit I / F 113 connects the control unit 102 and the power supply control unit 107, an operation unit I / F 114 connects the control unit 102 and the operation unit 103, and a printer I / F 115 connects the control unit 102 and the printer 104. The scanner I / F 116 connects the control unit 102 and the scanner 105, the modem I / F 117 connects the control unit 102 and the modem 106, and the network I / F 118 connects the control unit 102 and the network 120.

  The operation unit 103 includes hard keys and an operation panel, and the user operates the hard keys and the operation panel to input an instruction to the MFP 101. The scanner 105 reads an original and generates image data corresponding to the original. The printer 104 prints, for example, the image data generated by the scanner 105 on a recording sheet. The modem 106 inputs information from an external device connected via a public line (not shown) or outputs information to the external device. The power supply control unit 107 converts alternating current power supplied from the AC power supply 108 into direct current power. A power control unit 107 controls the power supplied to each component of the MFP 101.

  The MFP 101 has a plurality of power modes in order to reduce power consumption, and the power control unit 107 is a normal mode in which power is supplied to all the components included in the MFP 101, a saving mode in which power is not supplied to at least a part of the components. The respective power modes of the power mode and the sleep mode in which power is not supplied to all the components are mutually switched, and the power supplied to each component of the MFP 101 is controlled according to each power mode. In the present embodiment, only the power supply to the operation unit 103 is stopped as the power saving mode, and the operation unit power saving mode and the super power saving to stop the supply of power to the operation unit 103, the printer 104, and the scanner 105. It is assumed that there are two types of modes.

  The CPU 109 reads the program stored in the ROM 110 to the RAM 111 and executes the program to control each component of the MFP 101. The ROM 110 is a non-volatile memory that can not be overwritten. A RAM 111 is a system work memory of the CPU 109. The RAM 111 also stores various programs and image data. The HDD 112 is a non-volatile storage device, and the MFP 101 is set to an automatic discrimination mode that automatically discriminates various programs and various data, for example, image data input from an external device present on the network 120 and the type of recording medium. The automatic discrimination mode setting information indicating whether or not the recording medium type flag or the recording medium type flag is stored. When the automatic determination mode is not set in the MFP 101, the user designates in advance the type of recording medium stored in the paper feed trays 201 and 602.

  The recording medium type flag is automatically supplied when the type of the recording medium stored in the paper feed tray 201 or 602 (storage unit) described later is automatically detected when the automatic determination mode is set to the MFP 101, or “TRUE” is indicated when the type of recording medium stored in the paper feed tray 201 or 602 is specified by specifying the type of recording medium stored on the paper tray 201 or 602, and Indicates "FALSE" when the type is not specified.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram used to explain the internal configuration of the printer 104 in FIG.

  The printer 104 in FIG. 2 includes a sheet feed tray 201, a sheet feed roller 202, a sheet feed tray detachment sensor 203 (detection means), a transfer belt 204, photosensitive drums 205Y, 205M, 205C, 205K, transfer rollers 206Y, 206M, 206C, 206K. Toner cartridges 207Y, 207M, 207C and 207K, optical units 208Y, 208M, 208C and 208K, a fixing unit 209, a printer controller 210, and a recording sheet type discrimination sensor 211, the printer controller 210 has a memory 210a.

  The paper feed tray 201 stores a recording sheet S as a recording medium. The feed roller 202 feeds the recording sheet S into the printer 104. The paper feed tray attachment / detachment sensor 203 detects the attachment / detachment of the paper feed tray 201. The optical units 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K charge the photosensitive drums 205Y and 205M charged with laser light corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) in the image data. , 205C and 205K. As a result, electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 205Y, 205M, 205C, and 205K, and the electrostatic latent images are developed by toner supplied from the toner cartridges 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K and a developing device (not shown). As a result, toner images are generated on the photosensitive drums 205Y, 205M, 205C, and 205K.

  The generated toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 204, and the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 204 is recorded when the recording sheet S fed into the printer 104 passes the transfer rollers 206Y, 206M, 206C, and 206K. It is transferred to the paper S. The toner image transferred to the recording sheet S is fixed to the recording sheet S by the fixing unit 209. Thereafter, the recording sheet S is discharged to the outside of the printer 104. The printer controller 210 controls a series of processes (hereinafter, referred to as “image forming process”) from feeding the above-described recording sheet S into the printer 104 and discharging the recording sheet S to the outside of the printer 104.

  The recording sheet type discrimination sensor 211 detects the size, smoothness, reflected light amount, or transmitted light amount (hereinafter referred to as “type specific matter”) of the recording medium. The CPU 109 (recording medium type determining means) uses a type specification item to specify the type of recording medium. For example, the type specification item for each type of recording medium stored in advance in the HDD 112 and a recording sheet type determination sensor A recording medium identification process of identifying the type of the recording sheet S by comparing the type identification item of the recording sheet S detected by the step S 211 is executed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the image forming process executed by the printer controller 210 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram used to explain the operation of the printer 104 when the power mode of the MFP 101 is in the normal mode.

  In FIG. 3, first, when the power mode of the MFP 101 is in the normal mode by the user turning on the power of the MFP 101, or the power control unit 107 changes the power mode from the ultra power saving mode or the sleep mode to the normal mode. When switching, the power control unit 107 supplies power to the printer 104 (step S301), and the printer controller 210 stores a recording medium type flag indicating “FALSE” in the HDD 112 (step S302). Next, the control unit 102 determines whether the printer controller 210 has been instructed to print (step S303).

  As a result of the determination in step S303, when the control unit 102 instructs the printer controller 210 to print, it is determined whether the automatic determination mode is set in the MFP 101 (step S304). As a result of the determination in step S304, when the automatic determination mode is not set in the MFP 101, the type of recording medium designated by the user is acquired (step S305), and the printing condition is determined according to the type of recording medium (step In step S306, the recording medium is fed from the paper feed tray 201 into the printer 104 (step S307), an image forming process is performed (step S308), and the process returns to step S303. If it is determined in step S304 that the automatic determination mode is set to the MFP 101, it is determined whether a recording medium type flag indicating "TRUE" is stored in the HDD 112 (step S309).

  As a result of the determination in step S309, when the recording medium type flag indicating "TRUE" is stored in the HDD 112, the process proceeds to step S306, and when the recording medium type flag indicating "FALSE" is stored in the HDD 112, the default The print conditions are set in the MFP 101 (step S310), the recording medium is fed from the paper feed tray 201 into the printer 104 (step S311), and the recording paper type discrimination sensor 211 detects the type specification matter (step S312), The CPU 109 executes recording medium identification processing to identify the type of recording medium (step S313). Next, the printer controller 210 changes the recording medium type flag indicating "FALSE" to a recording medium type flag indicating "TRUE" and stores the flag in the HDD 112 (step S314), and the type of recording medium identified in step S313. The print conditions are determined (step S315), and the process proceeds to step S307.

  If it is determined in step S303 that the control unit 102 does not instruct the printer controller 210 to print, the control unit 102 instructs the printer controller 210 to shift the power mode to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode. It is determined (step S316). As a result of the determination in step S316, when the control unit 102 instructs the printer controller 210 to shift the power mode to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode, the printer controller 210 shifts to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode (step In step S317, the control unit 102 is notified that the transition to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode is completed (step S318), and the present process ends.

  When the control unit 102 does not instruct the printer controller 210 to shift the power mode to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode, it is determined whether or not the paper feed tray removal sensor 203 detects the removal of the paper feed tray 201. (Step S319).

  As a result of the determination in step S319, when the sheet feed tray detachment sensor 203 does not detect the detachment of the sheet feed tray 201, the process returns to step S303, and when the sheet feed tray detachment sensor 203 detects the detachment of the sheet feed tray 201, A recording medium type flag indicating “FALSE” is stored in the HDD 112 (step S320), default printing conditions are set in the MFP 101 (step S321), and the process returns to step S303.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the power supply stop process executed by the CPU 109 in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, first, the user turns on the power of the MFP 101, the power control unit 107 supplies power to each component of the MFP 101 (step S401), and the CPU 109 starts counting by the sleep timer (step S402). It is determined whether the set time has passed (step S403). As a result of the determination in step S403, when a preset time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the automatic determination mode is set to MFP 101 (step S404), and when the preset time has not elapsed, saving is performed. It is determined whether a transition to the power mode or the sleep mode is instructed (step S405).

  If it is determined in step S405 that transition to the power saving mode or the sleep mode is instructed, the process advances to step S404. If transition to the power saving mode or the sleep mode is not instructed, execution of the print job is instructed. It is determined whether or not it is (step S406).

  If it is determined in step S406 that execution of the print job is not instructed, the process returns to step S403. If execution of the print job is instructed, the print job is executed (step S407), and the sleep timer is reset ( Step S408) The process proceeds to step S403.

  As a result of the determination in step S404, when the automatic determination mode is set to the MFP 101, the operation unit power saving mode is set to the MFP 101 (step S409), and the supply of power to the operation unit 103 is stopped (step S410). When the automatic determination mode is not set in the MFP 101, the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode is set in the MFP 101 (step S411), the power supply to the scanner 105 is stopped (step S412), and the process proceeds to step S410.

  Next, it is determined whether the power saving mode set in the MFP 101 is the ultra power saving mode (step S413). As a result of the determination in step S413, when the power saving mode set in the MFP 101 is the operation unit power saving mode, the process ends, and when the power saving mode set in the MFP 101 is the super power saving mode, the printer controller Send a transition request to shift the power mode to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode to 210 (step S 414), and receive a completion response from the printer controller 210 indicating that preparation for the transition to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode is completed Then, the supply of power to the printer 104 is stopped (step S415), and the process ends.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of power supply resumption processing for resuming the supply of power to each component of the MFP 101 whose power supply has been stopped by the power supply stop processing of FIG. 4. The process of FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU 109.

  In FIG. 5, first, it is determined whether or not a switch request to switch the sleep mode, the operation unit power saving mode, or the ultra power saving mode to the normal mode is received (step S501). As a result of the determination in step S501, when the switching request is not received, it is determined whether the power mode is the operation unit power saving mode (step S502). As a result of the determination in step S502, when the power mode is not the operation unit power saving mode, the process returns to step S501, and when the power mode is the operation unit power saving mode, the paper feed tray removal sensor 203 detects removal of the paper feed tray 201. It is determined whether or not (step S503).

  As a result of the determination in step S503, when the sheet feed tray detachment sensor 203 does not detect the detachment of the sheet feed tray 201, the process returns to step S501, and when the sheet feed tray detachment sensor 203 detects the detachment of the sheet feed tray 201, In order to switch the power mode to the ultra power saving mode, a transition request to shift the power mode to the ultra power saving mode is sent to the printer controller 210 (step S504), and the printer controller 210 completes the preparation for the transition to the super power saving mode. When the completion response to the effect is received, the power supply to the printer 104 is stopped (step S505), and the process returns to step S501.

  As a result of the determination in step S501, when the switching request is received, power is supplied to the operation unit 103 (step S506), power is supplied to the scanner 105 (step S507), and the power mode is the operation unit power saving mode It is determined whether or not (step S508). As a result of the determination in step S509, when the power mode is the operation unit power saving mode, the processing ends, and when the power mode is the ultra power saving mode, power is supplied to the printer 104 (step S509). Finish.

  According to the process of FIG. 3, when the sheet feeding tray 201 is detected to be demounted (YES in step S319), a recording medium type flag indicating “FALSE” is stored in the HDD 112 (step S320). When printing is instructed to (YES in step S303), the recording medium identification process is executed to identify the type of recording medium (step S313). On the other hand, when the detachment of the paper feed tray 201 is not detected (NO in step S319), the printing medium type flag indicating “TRUE” indicates “HDD” when the printer controller 210 instructs printing (YES in step S303). If it is stored (YES in step S309), the recording medium identification process requiring a fixed time is not executed. Thus, not only when there is a possibility that the recording medium stored in the sheet feeding tray 201 has been changed due to detection of the sheet feeding tray 201 being attached or detached, but also when the sheet feeding tray 201 has not been detected, that is, It is possible to prevent the type of the recording medium from being detected even when there is no possibility that the recording medium stored in the paper feed tray 201 has been changed, and thus, the printing process can be started quickly. .

  In addition, when the detachment of the paper feed tray 201 is detected (YES in step S319), a recording medium type flag indicating “FALSE” is stored in the HDD 112 (step S320), and the automatic determination mode is set to the MFP 101 (YES in step S304), the recording medium identification process is executed to identify the type of recording medium (step S313). Therefore, when the user does not set the automatic discrimination mode, that is, the user previously identifies the type of recording medium MFP101. In the case where the printing condition is set, it is possible to prevent the printing condition from being set according to a type that is different from the type of the recording medium that the type of the recording medium is newly detected and preset by the user.

  Further, according to the processing of FIGS. 3 and 5, when the power feeding mode is the operation unit power saving mode (YES in step S502) and the detachment of the paper feed tray 201 is detected (YES in step S503), the printer When the power supply to 104 is stopped (step S505) and the power mode shifts to the normal mode, the recording medium identification process is executed to identify the type of recording medium (step S313). Therefore, even if the supply of power to the printer 104 is continued or not continued after the removal of the paper feed tray 201 is detected, the supply of power to the printer 104 is restarted again, and the recording medium identification process is performed. Since there is no change in what is performed, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced by stopping the supply of power to the printer 104 once.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The second embodiment of the present invention is basically the same in configuration and operation as the first embodiment described above, except that a plurality of paper feed trays for supplying recording media exist inside the MFP 101. It differs from the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the description of the redundant configurations and operations will be omitted, and the different configurations and operations will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram used to explain the internal configuration of the printer 104 provided in the MFP 101 as the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The printer 104 in FIG. 6 includes a plurality of sheet feeding trays, and in the present embodiment, a sheet feeding tray 602 described later in addition to the sheet feeding tray 201.

  The printer 104 of FIG. 6 includes an optional sheet feeding unit 601 in addition to the components of the printer 104 of FIG. 2, and the optional sheet feeding unit 601 includes a sheet feeding tray 602, a sheet feeding roller 603, a sheet feeding tray detachment sensor 604, And an optional controller 605, and the optional controller 605 has a memory 605a.

  The paper feed tray 602 stores the recording paper T as a recording medium. The paper feed roller 603 feeds the recording paper T into the printer 104. A paper feed tray attachment / detachment sensor 604 detects attachment / detachment of the paper feed tray 602. An optional controller 605 controls the operation of the optional sheet feeding unit 601. Although the automatic discrimination mode setting information indicating whether or not the automatic discrimination mode is set as in the first embodiment is stored in the HDD 112, in the second embodiment, the automatic discrimination for each paper feed tray is performed. It is assumed that the mode setting information is stored in the HDD 112. Further, in the second embodiment, it is premised that the HDD 112 stores a recording medium type flag for each sheet feed tray as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram used to explain control of power to each component of the printer 104 of FIG.

  The printer 104 in FIG. 7 includes a paper feed tray detachment sensor 203, a printer controller 210, a recording paper type discrimination sensor 211, an optional paper feed unit 601, a printer power supply 701, a controller I / F 702, various printer motors 703, and a printer power control unit. The optional paper feed unit 601 includes a paper feed tray attachment / detachment sensor 604, an optional controller 605, a recording paper type discrimination sensor 705, various optional motors 706, and an optional power supply control unit 707.

  A printer power supply 701 supplies the power supplied from the power control unit 107 to the printer 104 to each component of the printer 104. A control unit I / F 702 connects the control unit 102 and the printer 104. The printer various motors 703 are various motors for driving each component of the printer 104, and for example, a paper feed motor (not shown) for driving the paper feed rollers 202 and 603, and a transfer belt drive motor for driving the transfer belt 204. (Not shown) is a photosensitive drum drive motor (not shown) for driving the photosensitive drums 205Y, 205M, 205C, 205K.

  A printer power supply control unit 704 controls the power supplied to the paper feed tray attachment / detachment sensor 203, the recording paper type discrimination sensor 211, and the printer various motors 703. Specifically, the printer power supply control unit 704 supplies power to each of the paper feed tray detachment sensor 203, the recording paper type discrimination sensor 211, and the printer various motors 703 based on the printer power supply control signal 708 input from the printer controller 210. Or stop the supply of power.

  The recording paper type discrimination sensor 705 detects the type specification matter of the recording paper T. Optional various motors 706 are various motors for driving each component of the optional sheet feeding unit 601. An optional power supply control unit 707 controls the power supplied to the paper feed tray attachment / detachment sensor 604, the recording paper type discrimination sensor 705, and the optional various motors 706. Specifically, the optional power supply control unit 707 supplies power to each of the paper feed tray detachment sensor 604, the recording paper type discrimination sensor 705, and the various optional motors 706 based on the optional power supply control signal 709 input from the optional controller 605. Or stop the supply of power to each.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of storage processing for storing the automatic discrimination mode setting information of the paper feed trays 201 and 602 stored in the HDD 112 in FIG. 1 in the memories 210a and 605a in FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the storage process performed by the CPU 109 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing the procedure of the storage process performed by the printer controller 210 in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of storage processing executed by the option controller 605 in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, first, when the user turns on the power of the MFP 101, the power control unit 107 supplies power to the printer 104, and the CPU 109, the printer controller 210, and the option controller 605 are activated (steps S801, S811, S821). The printer controller 210 stores the recording medium type flag of the paper feed trays 201 and 602 indicating “FALSE” in the HDD 112 (step S812).

  Next, the CPU 109 reads out the automatic discrimination mode setting information of the paper feed tray 201 from the HDD 112, and reads out the automatic discrimination mode setting information of the paper feed tray 602 from the HDD 112 (step S802). The automatic discrimination mode setting information of the paper feed tray 602 is transmitted to the printer 104 (step S 803).

  The printer controller 210 receives the automatic discrimination mode setting information of the sheet feeding tray 201 and the automatic discrimination mode setting information of the sheet feeding tray 602 (step S 813), and the automatic discrimination mode setting information of the sheet feeding tray 201 and the automatic of the sheet feeding tray 602. Discrimination mode setting information is stored in the memory 210 a (step S 814), and automatic discrimination mode setting information of the sheet feeding tray 602 is transmitted to the option controller 605 (step S 815).

  The option controller 605 receives the automatic discrimination mode setting information of the sheet feeding tray 602 (step S822), stores the automatic discrimination mode setting information of the sheet feeding tray 602 in the memory 605a (step S823), and ends this processing.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of determination processing for determining whether or not to stop the supply of power to the printer 104 of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9A shows the processing of determination processing executed by the CPU 109 of FIG. FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing the procedure of the determination process executed by the printer controller 210 in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9C is a storage executed by the option controller 605 in FIG. 7. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a process.

  In FIG. 9, first, when the power mode of the MFP 101 is shifted to the sleep mode, the CPU 109 checks the automatic discrimination mode setting information of each of the paper feed trays 201 and 602 (step S901). It is determined whether or not the automatic determination mode is set to (step S902). As a result of the determination in step S902, when the automatic determination mode is set for both of the paper feed trays 201 and 602, the supply of power to the operation unit 103 is stopped (step S906), and the supply of power to the scanner 105 is performed. When the process is terminated (step S 907), the process ends, and the automatic determination mode is not set in at least one of the paper feed trays 201 and 602, a request for transition to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode is requested by the printer controller 210 and the option It transmits to the controller 605 (step S903).

  The printer controller 210 receives a request for transition to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode from the CPU 109 (step S 911), and transmits a request for transition to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode to the option controller 605 (step S 912). A step 605 receives a request for transition to the sleep mode or the ultra power saving mode from the printer controller 210 (step S 921). The printer controller 210 determines whether or not the automatic determination mode is set for the sheet feed tray 201, and the option controller 605 determines whether or not the automatic determination mode is set for the sheet feed tray 602 (steps S913 and S922). ).

  As a result of the determination in steps S913 and S922, when the automatic determination mode is not set for the sheet feed tray 201 or 602, the supply of power to the sheet feed tray removal sensor 203 or 604 is stopped (steps S914 or S923). When the supply of power to the paper type discrimination sensor 211, 705 is stopped (steps S915, S924) and the automatic discrimination mode is set to the paper feed trays 201, 602, the steps S914, S923 are skipped and the step S915, Go to S924.

  Thereafter, the printer controller 210 and the option controller 605 stop the supply of power to the printer various motors 703 and the optional various motors 706 (steps S916 and S925), and the option controller 605 responds that the preparation for shifting the power mode is completed. The printer controller 210 transmits an “option transfer preparation completion response” to the printer controller 210 (step S 926), and the printer controller 210 receives the option transfer preparation completion response (step S 917), and the preparation for shifting the power mode is completed. A response to the effect (hereinafter referred to as a "printer migration preparation completion response") and an option migration preparation completion response are sent to the CPU 109 (step S918).

  The CPU 109 receives the printer migration preparation completion response and the option migration preparation completion response (step S 903), and determines whether or not the automatic determination mode is set for both of the paper feed trays 201 and 602 (step S 904). If it is determined in step S904 that the automatic determination mode is not set for both of the paper feed trays 201 and 602, the supply of power to the printer 104 is stopped (step S905), and the process proceeds to step S906. When the automatic determination mode is set in at least one of the above, the step S905 is skipped and the process proceeds to the step S906.

  That is, when the automatic determination mode is set for both of the paper feed trays 201 and 602 (YES in step S902), the MFP 101 shifts to the operation unit power saving mode. In the present embodiment, the power supply to the printer 104 is continued even after the MFP 101 shifts to the operation unit power saving mode, and when the paper feed trays 201 and 602 are detached, the paper feed tray detachment sensor 203, 604 can detect the attachment and detachment of the sheet feed trays 201 and 602. Therefore, when the attachment and detachment of the sheet feed trays 201 and 602 are not detected, the recording sheets S and T of the sheet feed trays 201 and 602 have different types. It is considered that there is no possibility that the recording sheets S and T have been replaced. Therefore, when the MFP 101 returns from the operation unit power saving mode to the normal mode, the CPU 109 may execute the recording medium identification processing for the paper feed trays 201 and 602 in which the detachment is detected.

  When the automatic determination mode is not set for both of the paper feed trays 201 and 602 (YES in step S904), the MFP 101 shifts to the ultra power saving mode. In the present embodiment, when the MFP 101 shifts to the ultra power saving mode, the supply of power to the printer 104 is stopped, and the sheet feed tray detachment sensors 203 and 604 detect the detachment of the sheet feed trays 201 and 602. Since it can not be done, it is considered that there is a possibility that the recording sheets S and T of the sheet feeding trays 201 and 602 have been replaced with recording sheets S and T of different types even if the sheet feeding trays 201 and 602 are not detected to be demounted. Be Therefore, when the MFP 101 returns to the normal mode, the CPU 109 always executes the recording medium identification process.

  Furthermore, when the automatic determination mode is set in at least one of the paper feed trays 201 and 602 (NO in step S904), the MFP 101 shifts to the operation unit power saving mode, and the printer controller 210 and the option controller 605 automatically determine. Power is supplied to the sheet feed tray detachment sensors 203 and 604 corresponding to the sheet feed trays 201 and 602 in which the mode is set (YES in step S913 or YES in step S922), and the automatic discrimination mode is not set. Power is not supplied to the sheet feed tray detachment sensors 203 and 604 corresponding to the paper trays 201 and 602 (NO in step S913 or NO in step S922). That is, the sheet feed tray detachment sensors 203 and 604 corresponding to the sheet feed trays 201 and 602 for which the automatic discrimination mode is set are the sheet feed trays 201 and 602 even after the MFP 101 shifts to the operation unit power saving mode. Desorption can be detected. Therefore, when the paper feed tray attachment / detachment sensor 203/604 corresponding to the paper feed tray 201/602 for which the automatic discrimination mode is set does not detect the detachment of the paper feed tray 201/602, the MFP 101 returns to the normal mode. There is no need to execute the recording medium identification process at the same time. On the other hand, the sheet feed tray detachment sensors 203 and 604 corresponding to the sheet feed trays 201 and 602 for which the automatic discrimination mode is not set are attached to and detached from the sheet feed trays 201 and 602 after the MFP 101 shifts to the operation unit power saving mode. Since detection can not be performed, the paper feed tray attachment / detachment sensors 203 and 604 corresponding to the paper feed trays 201 and 602 for which the automatic discrimination mode is not set are not detecting the detachment of the paper feed trays 201 and 602. Also, when the MFP 101 returns to the normal mode, it is necessary to execute the recording medium identification process. As a result, the MFP 101 enters the normal mode only when the paper feed tray attachment / detachment sensor 203/604 corresponding to the paper feed tray 201/602 for which the automatic discrimination mode is set does not detect the paper feed tray 201/602 attachment / detachment. When returning, execution of the recording medium identification process can be omitted.

  According to the process of FIG. 9, the same effect as the process of FIGS. 3 to 5 can be obtained for each sheet feed tray.

  The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read the program. It is also possible to implement processing that The present invention can also be implemented by a circuit (eg, an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

S, T recording medium 101 MFP
109 CPU
Reference Numerals 201 and 602 Sheet Feed Trays 203 and 604 Sheet Feed Tray Detaching Sensor 210 Printer Controller 211 and 705 Recording Sheet Type Discrimination Sensor 605 Optional Controller

Claims (11)

It holds paper, and paper storage unit capable of desorption,
A detection unit that detects the detachment of the sheet storage unit;
Specifying means for specifying the sheet type of the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit according to the detection by the detection means;
An image forming apparatus having a printing unit that executes a printing process according to the sheet type specified by the specifying unit ;
Setting means for setting to make certain the paper type by prior Symbol specifying means,
Power supply means for supplying power to the detection means;
On the basis of the setting by the setting means, the image forming apparatus according to claim Rukoto to have a, a power control means for performing control not to stop the supply of power to the detection means by said power supply means. It further has display means for displaying an image,
Power is supplied to the display means,
The power control unit is configured to stop the supply of power to the display unit without stopping the supply of power to the detection unit when the specification unit is set to specify the sheet type. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The power control unit, wherein when the specific means of the specific row s not setting of the paper type, according to claim 2, characterized in that stops power supply to said detecting means based on the predetermined conditions Image forming device. The power control unit, when the setting where the specific means to perform certain of the paper type, according to the image forming apparatus is and said detecting means satisfies the predetermined condition has been detected desorption of the sheet storing section, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the supply of power to the detection unit by the power supply unit is stopped . The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the predetermined condition is that a preset time has elapsed or that a user has instructed to shift to a power saving mode. 6. The sheet specifying method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the sheet type is specified based on at least one specific item of sheet size, smoothness, reflected light amount, and transmitted light amount. Image forming apparatus. The power control means causes the power supply means to start supplying power to the detection means.
The particular means, after the supply of electric power to said detecting means is started, any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein JP Teisu Rukoto the paper type of the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage section An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 8. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the specifying unit specifies the sheet type while the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit is transported to the printing unit. Forming device. It further comprises storage means for storing specification result information indicating whether or not the sheet type of the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit is specified by the specifying unit,
9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the specifying unit switches whether to specify the sheet type of the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit based on the specification result information. Image forming device. It holds paper, and paper storage unit capable of desorption,
Specifying means for specifying the sheet type of the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit;
A printing unit that executes a printing process according to the sheet type specified by the specifying unit;
A control method of an image forming apparatus which have a, a detection means for detecting that said sheet storing section is desorbed,
A specification step of specifying the sheet type of the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit by the specification unit based on the detection by the detection unit;
A setting step of setting that the sheet type is specified by the specifying unit based on a user instruction;
And a power control step of performing control not to stop the supply of power to the detection unit based on the setting in the setting step . A computer program for causing a computer to execute the control method of an image forming apparatus according to claim 10 .

Images