JP6743206B2 - Information processing apparatus, control method of information processing apparatus, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that is in a plurality of power states, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and the like.

Conventionally, a technique for suppressing power consumption has been proposed in an information processing device such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) or a printer connected to a network. As a technique for suppressing power consumption, there is known a technique for continuously shifting the information processing device to a low power consumption state when the information processing device is not operated for a certain period of time. In order to further reduce power consumption from the low power consumption state, if the information processing device in the low power consumption state is not operated for a certain period of time (shutdown transition time), the information processing device is automatically turned off. There is also a known technology (hereinafter, referred to as an auto shutdown function) (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 08-076653

In the above-described low power consumption state, since the packet transmitted from the computer on the network is monitored, the power supply is maintained in the NIC (Network Interface Card) for receiving the packet. However, since the NIC returns a response to the received packet and the information processing apparatus is returned from the low power consumption state to the normal power state each time, the power consumption amount of the information processing apparatus increases as a result. ..

Therefore, a technique called proxy response has been proposed. The proxy response is a technology in which the NIC has a function of responding to a specific packet. With this proxy response, the specific packet is responded by the NIC while the information processing device remains in the low power consumption state (without returning the information processing device to the normal power state). As a result, the time period during which the information processing device is in the low power consumption state increases, so that the power consumption of the information processing device can be reduced. On the other hand, when a packet other than a specific packet is received, the NIC cannot make a proxy response, and therefore it is necessary to return the information processing device from the low power consumption state to the normal power state. When a packet for which a proxy response cannot be made is received, the information processing apparatus that has returned to the normal power state responds to the packet.

An information processing device that makes a proxy response in a low power consumption state can respond to a specific packet transmitted from an external device in a low power consumption state, but can respond to a packet other than a specific packet. Cannot respond in the low power consumption state. Then, in an environment in which the information processing apparatus frequently receives a packet that cannot make a proxy response, the information processing apparatus frequently returns from the low power consumption state to the normal power state. In such an environment, every time the information processing device returns to the normal state, the time of the shutdown transition time until the above-mentioned auto-shutdown function works is stopped, so despite the fact that there is an auto-shutdown function, The function will not be executed. As a result, the information processing device does not turn off regardless of how long.

Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus capable of preventing the timing of the shutdown transition time from being stopped when the low power consumption state returns to the normal power state due to a specific return factor. With the goal.

To achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a normal power state including a job execution state and a job standby state, a first sleep state in which power consumption is lower than the normal power state, and a first sleep state. An information processing apparatus which is in a second sleep state and a shutdown state with low power consumption, and which measures time, and when the information processing apparatus is in the second sleep state, the first transition time by the time measuring means. Is timed, the first information processing device shifts the information processing device from the second sleep state to the shutdown state, and the information processing device before the first transition time is timed by the time measuring device. the if there is migration factor Ru is shifted to a higher power state power consumption than the second sleep state from the second sleep state, the information processing said apparatus from said second sleep first sleep state or Second transition means for transitioning to the normal power state , and the second transition means for transitioning the information processing device from the second sleep state to the normal power state by the first transition factor of the transition factors In the above, the time counting means stops the timing of the first transition time, and the second transition means causes the second transition means to move the information processing apparatus from the second sleep state to the second transition state among the second transition factors. In the case of shifting to the 1 sleep state, the timing means controls the timing of the first transition time started before the occurrence of the second transition factor to be performed even after the occurrence of the second transition factor. Control means, the normal power state is a state in which power is supplied to the processor and the image forming unit included in the information processing apparatus, the first sleep state, the power supply to the processor is maintained, And, the power supply to the image forming unit is a state that is limited than the normal power state, the second sleep state, the power supply to the processor and the power supply to the image forming unit is stopped, Further, it is characterized in that the power supply to the timing means is maintained .

With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the timing of the shutdown transition time from being stopped when the low power consumption state returns to the normal power state due to a specific return factor.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a communication system including an MFP according to a first embodiment. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power supply circuit of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a timer unit of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a timer setting register of a timer unit of the MFP. FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates an operation unit of the MFP. FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram for explaining a power state of the MFP. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the NIC when the MFP is in the DeepSleep state. 7 is a flowchart showing a process in which the MFP shifts to a DeepSleep state and a process to return from the DeepSleep state. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the timer unit of the MFP. 9A is a time chart showing changes in the power state of the MFP in a time series (when the MFP returns from the DeepSleep state due to a specific return factor). (B) A time chart showing changes in the power state of the MFP in time series (when the MFP returns from the DeepSleep state due to a factor other than a specific return factor).

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration of printing system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a printing system including an MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 of the first embodiment includes a host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC) 100, and an MFP 200 connectable to the PC 100 via a network 300. In this printing system 1, the PC 100 and the MFP 200 communicate with each other via a bidirectional interface. The bidirectional interface may be wired such as LAN and USB, or wireless such as wireless LAN.

The MFP 200 has a plurality of functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copy function, and a fax function.

A printer driver is installed in the PC 100. The PC 100 transmits print data to the MFP 200.

<About the power supply circuit of the MFP>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of power control of the MFP 200.

The MFP 200 is connected to an AC power supply AC, and a main switch 501 and a power supply unit 502 are connected to the AC power supply AC. A relay 503, a power supply unit 504, and a switch 505 are provided between the main switch 501 and the printer unit 20. A relay 506, a power supply unit 507, and a switch 508 are provided between the main switch 501 and the scanner unit 10.

Main switch 501 controls on/off of electric power supplied from AC power supply AC to each unit of MFP 200. The main switch 501 is a solenoid switch and is composed of a switch and an actuator. The switch can be turned off manually or automatically. The actuator is composed of a solenoid and an iron core (arranged in the solenoid). By supplying a current to the solenoid, the iron core is operated and the switch can be automatically turned off.

The power supply unit 502 converts the AC power supply supplied from the AC power supply AC into a DC power supply, and supplies the DC power supply to the controller unit 30. The power supply unit 502 supplies a voltage of 3.3V to the controller unit 30, for example. A semiconductor switch 509 is provided between the power supply unit 502 and the controller unit 30.

Further, the power supply unit 504 converts the AC power supply supplied from the AC power supply AC into a DC power supply, and supplies the DC power supply to the controller unit 30, the printer unit 20, and the scanner unit 10. The power supply unit 504 supplies a voltage of 12 V to the controller unit 30, the printer unit 20, and the scanner unit 10, for example. Further, the power supply unit 507 converts the AC power supply supplied from the AC power supply AC into a DC power supply, and supplies the DC power supply to the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 10. The power supply unit 507 supplies a voltage of 24 V to the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 10, for example.

The main switch 501, the relay 503, the relay 503, the switch 505, the switch 508, and the semiconductor switch 509 are all controlled to be turned on/off by the power supply controller 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the MFP 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a normal state (first power state) 202, a sleep state (first power state) 203 that saves power from the normal state 202, and a deep sleep state that saves power from the sleep state 203. The power state is one of the (second power state) 204 and the power off state (third power state) 201 that is more power saving than the deep sleep state (first power state) 204.

When the MFP 200 is in the normal state 202, all of the main switch 501, the relays 503 and 506, the switches 505 and 508, and the semiconductor switch 509 are turned on. In the normal state 202, electric power is supplied from the power supply unit 502 to the controller unit 30. In the Normal state 202, power is supplied from the power supply unit 504 to the controller unit 30, the printer unit 20, and the scanner unit 10. Further, in the Normal state 202, power is supplied from the power supply unit 507 to the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 10. In the normal state 202, electric power is supplied from both the power supply units 502 and 504 to each unit of the controller unit 30 (for example, the CPU 301, the NIC 305, and the timer unit 309).

When the MFP 200 is in the sleep state 203, the main switch 501, the relays 503 and 506, and the semiconductor switch 509 are turned on, but the switches 505 and 508 are turned off. In the sleep state 203, power is supplied from both the power supply units 502 and 504 to each unit of the controller unit 30 (for example, the CPU 301, the NIC 305, and the timer unit 309). On the other hand, since the switches 505 and 508 are in the off state, power is not supplied to the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 10.

When the MFP 200 is in the DeepSleep state 204, the main switch 501 and the semiconductor switch 509 are turned on, but the relays 503 and 506 and the switches 505 and 508 are turned off. In the DeepSleep state 204, power is supplied from the power supply unit 502 to the controller unit 30, but power is not supplied from the power supply unit 504 to the controller unit 30. Therefore, although power is supplied to the NIC 305 and the timer unit 309 of the controller unit 30, no power is supplied to the CPU 301. Further, since the relays 503 and 506 are in the off state, no electric power is supplied to the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 10.

When the MFP 200 is in the Power Off state 201, all of the main switch 501, the relays 503 and 506, the switches 505 and 508, and the semiconductor switch 509 are turned off. Therefore, the power supply to each unit of MFP 200 is stopped.

<Details of MFP>
FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram showing details of the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The MFP 200 includes a scanner unit 10, a printer unit 20, a controller unit 30, an operation unit 40, a power supply control unit 50, and a FAX unit 60.

The scanner unit 10 reads a document placed by a user and generates image data. The scanner unit 10 exposes a document placed on a platen glass with a document illumination lamp including a halogen lamp, receives reflected light from the document with a CCD sensor, and outputs it as an image signal. ..

The printer unit 20 exposes a photoconductor on the basis of image data to form an electrostatic latent image, develops the formed electrostatic latent image with a developer (toner), and transfers it to a sheet to form an image. To do.

The FAX unit 60 receives FAX data transmitted from an external device and converts it into printable image data.

It should be noted that the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, and the FAX unit 60 only have to have the general configurations and functions of known scanners, printers, and facsimiles. Detailed description is omitted.

The operation unit 40 includes various keys that receive operations from the user, and a display unit that displays various setting information such as print and scanner.

The power supply control unit 50 controls power supply to the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, the controller unit 30, the operation unit 40, and the FAX unit 60 according to an instruction transmitted from the power supply control I/F 308 of the controller unit 30. To do.

The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner unit 10 which is an image reading device, the printer unit 20 which is an image forming device, the FAX unit 60, the operation unit 40 which is a user interface, and the like.

The controller unit 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an NVRAM 304, a NIC (network interface) 305, a timer unit 309, and a storage unit 317. The controller unit 30 also includes an operation unit I/F 306, a scanner/printer communication I/F 307, a power supply control I/F 308, an ImageBus I/F 310, a FAX I/F 311, a scanner I/F 315, and a printer I/F 316. A storage unit I/F 318, an expansion I/F 319, and an external I/F 331. The controller unit 30 also includes an image compression/decompression unit 312, an image rotation unit 313, and a RIP unit 314.

The CPU 301 executes various programs such as a control processing routine described later. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as a startup program for operating the CPU 301 and a control processing routine described later. The RAM 303 is used as a work area or an image memory that is a temporary storage location of image data when the CPU 301 executes various programs. The NVRAM 304 is a non-volatile RAM that stores various control parameters.

A NIC (Network Interface Card) 305 is connected to a LAN and performs various network controls such as transmission/reception of electronic mail and reception of PDL data transmitted from the PC 100. The details of the NIC 305 will be described later.

The operation unit I/F 306 is an I/F that communicates with the operation unit 40 described below. The scanner/printer communication I/F 307 is an interface for communicating with the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20 described above. The power supply control I/F 308 is an interface between the CPU 301, the NIC 304, the timer unit 309 and the like and the power supply control unit 50. The power supply control I/F 308, in response to receiving a power supply control signal from the NIC 305 or the timer unit 309, instructs the power supply control unit 50 to perform various parts of the MFP 200 (scanner unit 10, printer unit 20, controller unit 30, The operation unit 40, the FAX unit 60, and the like) are instructed to supply power. The signal for power supply control described above is, for example, a PME# signal of PCI standard, a WAKE# signal of PCI Express standard, or the like. The timer unit 309 measures the current time. In addition, the timer unit 309 can set at least one time, and counts whether or not the set time has elapsed.

The storage unit I/F 318 is an I/F for connecting the storage unit 317, and is, for example, a SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment). The expansion I/F 319 is a bus for transmitting and receiving data to and from the NIC, and is, for example, a bus such as PCI or PCI Express, and is connected with the same type of bus as the expansion I/F 324 on the NIC side. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the NVRAM 304, the operation unit I/F 306, the scanner/printer communication I/F 307, the power supply control I/F 308, the timer unit 309, the storage unit I/F 318, and the expansion I/F 319 described above are the system bus 400. Connected to. The storage unit 317 connected to the storage unit I/F 318 is a non-volatile storage device for storing a program or data, and is, for example, a hard disk or a flash memory.

The ImageBus (image bus) I/F 310 is a bridge that connects the system bus 400 and the image bus 401 that transfers image signals. An image compression unit 312, an image rotation unit 313, a RIP unit 314, a scanner I/F unit 315, a printer I/F unit 316, and a FAX I/F 311 are connected to the image bus 401.

The image compression unit 312 performs compression/expansion processing such as JPEG, JBIG, MMR, and MH. The image rotation unit 313 performs rotation processing of image data. The RIP (raster image processor) unit 314 develops the PDL code into a bitmap raster image. The scanner I/F unit 315 is an interface for connecting the scanner unit 10. The scanner I/F 315 performs image processing for the scanner such as correction, processing, and editing on the data read by the scanner unit 10. The printer I/F unit 316 performs printer image processing such as printer correction and resolution conversion on print output image data. The image-processed print data is transferred to the printer unit 20. The FAX I/F 311 is an interface for connecting the FAX unit 60, and performs image processing for fax such as image expansion, correction, processing, and editing on the image compressed data received by the FAX unit 60. Further, the FAX I/F 311 performs image processing for facsimile such as image compression for fax, correction, and resolution conversion on the image data for fax transmission, and transfers the print data to the FAX unit 60.

The external I/F 331 is an I/F for connecting an external device to the MFP 200. The external I/F 331 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or an ID card reader I/F.

<Details of NIC section>
Next, details of the NIC 305 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the NIC 305 includes a CPU 320, a ROM 321, a RAM 322, a network I/F 323, an expansion I/F 324, an LED 325, and a PME 326.

The CPU 320 executes various programs such as a control processing routine described later. The ROM 321 holds various programs necessary for network control such as a boot program required for the CPU 320 to operate, various programs such as a control processing routine described later, and a MAC address. The RAM 322 is used as a work area when the CPU 320 executes various programs or a temporary storage location for packets. The Network I/F 323 is, for example, IEEE802.3 and its extended version. The expansion I/F 324 is a bus for connecting the NIC 305 and the system bus 400. The extension I/F 324 is, for example, an interface such as PCI or PCI Express, and is connected to the same type of interface as the extension I/F 319 described above. The LED 325 is connected to the LED via the GPIO and functions as a display indicating the state of the NIC 305. For example, the LED 325 makes it possible to indicate various operating states such as an electrical connection state between the Network I/F 323 and the network 300 and a communication mode by the color and blinking pattern of the LED. The PME 326 is an interface for notifying the power control I/F 308 of an event for power management. The PME 326 transmits a signal used for Wake on LAN, such as a PCI standard PME# signal or PCI Express WAKE# signal, to the power control I/F 308 via GPIO.

<Timer configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the timer unit 309 in the MFP 200. Next, the configuration of the timer unit 309 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The timer unit 309 includes an I/F 1101, a setting register 1102, a shutdown timer 1104, a DeepSleep timer 1105, a DeepSleep return date/time comparator 1106, and an RTC 1107.

The I/F 1101 is a bridge connected to the system bus 400 (see FIG. 3) described above and the bus in the timer unit 309. The timer setting register 1102 is a register for storing a timer and settings. For example, the timer setting register 1102 is composed of a memory that can hold a value such as SRAM, DRAM, or EEPROM. The shutdown timer 1104 is a counter for measuring the time during which the DeepSleep state 204 is continued. In the case of the DeepSleep state 204, the shutdown timer 1104 decrements the counter at regular intervals, and when the counter reaches zero, an alarm is generated. Upon receiving this alarm via the power supply control I/F 308, the power supply control unit 50 supplies power to the CPU 301 that has stopped supplying power in the DeepSleep state 204. Then, the CPU 301 to which the power is supplied performs termination processing such as OS. After the end processing executed by the CPU 301 ends, the power supply control unit 50 transitions the power state of the MFP 200 to the PowerOff state 201. The DeepSleep timer 1105 is a counter that counts the time during which the Normal state 202 or the Sleep state 203 is continued. The DeepSleep timer 1105 decrements the counter at regular intervals in the Normal state 202 or the Sleep state 203, and generates an alarm when the counter reaches zero. Upon receiving this alarm via the power supply control I/F 308, the CPU 301 performs a transition process to the DeepSleep state 204. After the completion of the transition process to the DeepSleep state 204, the power supply control unit 50 transits the power state of the MFP 200 to the DeepSleep 201. The DeepSleep return date/time comparator 1106 is a circuit for generating an alarm for returning from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Normal state 202 at a preset date/time. For example, the DeepSleep return date/time comparator 1106 compares the DeepSleep return date/time set in the DeepSleep return date/time setting value 1303 of the setting register 1102, which will be described later, with the current date/time of the RTC 1107. Notify an alarm. Upon receiving the alarm via the power control I/F 308, the power control unit 50 restores the power state of the MFP 200 from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Normal state 202. The CPU 301 supplied with power due to this alarm executes a specific operation 1 or a specific operation 2 described later.

<Structure of timer setting register>
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the timer setting register 1102 of the timer unit 309 described above. The timer setting register 1102 has set values such as a shutdown transition time set value 1301, a DeepSleep transition time set value 1302, a DeepSleep recovery date and time set value 1303, and a Sleep transition time set value 1304. The shutdown transition time setting value 1301 indicates the time (shutdown transition time (first transition time)) until the MFP 200 transitions from the DeepSleep state 204 to the PowerOff state 201. When the shutdown transition time elapses while the MFP 200 remains in the DeepSleep state 204, the MFP 200 transitions from the DeepSleep state 204 to the PowerOff state 201. The shutdown transition time is a time set by the user using a setting screen (see FIG. 6) described later. The DeepSleep transition time setting value 1302 indicates the time (deep sleep transition time) until the MFP 200 transitions from the Sleep state 203 to the DeepSleep state 204. When the deep sleep transition time elapses while the MFP 200 remains in the DeepSleep state 204, the MFP 200 transitions from the Sleep state 203 to the DeepSleep state 204. The DeepSleep return date/time setting value 1303 is a memory that stores the date/time compared by the DeepSleep return date/time comparator 1106. The date and time set by this DeepSleep return date and time setting value 1303 is the date and time when the specific operation is executed. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which the specific operation is executed at the date and time set by the DeepSleep return date and time setting value 1303 has been described, but the specific operation can be controlled to be performed at a predetermined time interval. is there. The Sleep transition time setting value 1304 indicates the time (sleep transition time) until the MFP 200 transitions from the Normal state 201 to the Sleep state 203. When the sleep transition time elapses while the MFP 200 remains in the sleep state 203, the MFP 200 transitions from the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204. Although the addresses corresponding to the set values 1301 to 1304 described above are shown in FIG. 5, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these address values.

<Auto shutdown transition time setting>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation unit 40 of the MFP 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, the details of the operation unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation unit 40 includes a display unit 1210 for displaying various setting information and the like, and an input unit 1220 having various keys operated by the user.

The display unit 1210 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence), a light emitting diode, a paper parachute display, or the like.

The input unit 1220 includes, for example, a switch, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, or the like. Here, various keys of the input unit 1220 will be described. The input unit 1220 includes a power button 1221 and a setting button 1222. The power button 1221 detects a user operation and shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the normal state 202 or the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204. The power button 1221 returns the power state of the MFP 200 from the deep sleep state 204 to the normal state 202 or the sleep state 203. The setting button 1222 is a button for detecting a user operation and displaying a setting screen (screen displayed on the display unit 1210 in FIG. 6).

Next, a method for setting the shutdown transition time using the shutdown transition time setting screen displayed on the display unit 1210 when the setting button 1222 is pressed will be described.

On the setting screen displayed on the display unit 1210 of FIG. 6, the current set value 1211 of the shutdown transition time, buttons 1212 and 1213 for changing the set value of the shutdown transition time, a confirm button 1214, and a cancel button. Button 1215 and are displayed. The set value of the shutdown transition time can be selected from 0 minutes, 15 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours. On the setting screen of FIG. 6, the set value of the shutdown transition time is 3 hours. Each time the button 1212 or 1213 is touched by the user's operation, the set value of the shutdown transition time increases or decreases. When the user touches the confirm button 1214, the set value of the shutdown transition time displayed on the setting screen is confirmed. The CPU 301 stores this confirmed value in the shutdown transition time setting value 1301 of the timer setting register 1102. When the cancel button 1215 is touched by the user, the setting screen displayed on the setting screen changes to another screen.

<State transition of power state of MFP 200>
FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram of the power state of the MFP 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 201 in FIG. 7 indicates a PowerOff state in which the power of the MFP 200 is cut off. In the PowerOff state 201, power is not supplied to all the blocks shown in FIG. The PowerOff state 201 is a power state similar to the state in which the power breaker is cut off or the outlet (AC voltage inlet) is not stuck. In the PowerOff state 201, the power supply to each unit of the MFP 200 is cut off, so the CPU 301 cannot operate.

Reference numeral 202 in FIG. 7 indicates a Normal state in which electric power is supplied to each unit of the MFP 200. In the Normal state 202, power is supplied to all the blocks shown in FIG. In the Normal state 202, the CPU 301 can operate. In this Normal state 202, power is supplied to all the blocks shown in FIG. 2, so that operations such as copying, scanning, and facsimile transmission can be performed.

Reference numeral 203 in FIG. 7 denotes a sleep state in which the power supply to part of the MFP 200 is stopped. In the sleep state 203, the power consumption of the MFP 200 is lower than that in the normal state 202. In the sleep state 203, the power supply to the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, and the operation unit 40 is stopped, and the power supply to the remaining blocks is maintained. In the sleep state 203, the CPU 301 can operate.

Reference numeral 204 in FIG. 7 indicates a DeepSleep state in which power is supplied to only a part of the blocks of the MFP 200. In the DeepSleep state 204, the RAM 303, the NIC 305, the power control unit 50, the detection circuit of the power button (not shown) of the operation unit 40, the timer unit 309, a part of the power control I/F 308, a part of the external I/F 331, and the FAX unit. The power supply to each block except a part of 60 is stopped. In this DeepSleep state, the RAM 303 is in the self refresh mode. In the DeepSleep state 204, the power supply to the CPU 301 is stopped and the CPU 301 cannot operate.

Next, the transition condition between the states shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

The PowerOff state 201 transits to the Normal state 202 in response to an ON operation of the main switch 501 of the operation unit 40. A transition from the normal state 202 to the power off state 201 is made in response to the turning off operation of the main switch 501 described above.

The state 202 shifts from the normal state 202 to the sleep state 203 when there is no operation of the MFP 200 for the sleep transition time T1 (for example, 15 minutes).

A transition from the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204 is made when there is no operation of the MFP 200 for the deep sleep transition time T2 (for example, 30 minutes). The deep sleep transition time T2 is a value set in the DeepSleep transition time set value 1302.

A transition from the sleep state 203 to the normal state 202 is made when a print job is received or when an operation of the operation unit 40 is detected. Further, the state goes from the deep sleep state 204 to the normal state 202 when a print job is received or when an operation of the operation unit 40 (power button 1221 not shown) is detected.

A transition is made from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 when the NIC 305 receives a packet for which a proxy response cannot be made.

A transition from the DeepSleep state 204 to the PowerOff state 201 is made when there is no operation of the MFP 200 for the shutdown transition time T3 (for example, 3 hours). In addition, when shifting from the DeepSleep state 204 to the PowerOff state 201, the DeepSleep state 204 temporarily transits to the SLEEP state 203, and then transits from the SLEEP state 203 to the PowerOff state 201. The reason for temporarily returning to the SLEEP state 203 is to start the CPU 301 and perform termination processing. The shutdown transition time T3 is a value set in the shutdown transition time set value 1301.

<Explanation of NIC operation>
When the MFP 200 is in the DeepSleep state 204, the NIC 305 can make a proxy response. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the program stored in the ROM 321 or the RAM 322 in FIG. 2, and when the MFP 200 is in the DeepSleep state 204, the program is executed on the CPU 320 of the NIC 305. Here, the operation of the NIC 305 when the MFP 200 is in the DeepSleep state 204 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the CPU 320 of the NIC 305 waits for reception of a packet on the network 300 (S401). Then, when determining that the packet on the network 300 is received, the CPU 320 determines whether a proxy response can be made to the received packet (S402). The determination as to whether proxy response is possible is made by comparing the received packet with the packet pattern capable of proxy response stored in the ROM 321. If the received packet and the packet pattern for which proxy response is possible stored in the ROM 321 match, the CPU 320 determines that proxy response is possible (S402: Yes). On the other hand, if the received packet and the packet pattern capable of proxy response stored in the ROM 321 do not match, the CPU 320 determines that proxy response is not possible (S402: No).

When the CPU 320 determines that the proxy response is possible for the received packet (S402: Yes), the CPU 320 makes a proxy response (S403). That is, the MFP 200 returns the response to the received packet to the transmission source of the packet in the DeepSleep state 204.

On the other hand, when the CPU 320 determines that the proxy response is not possible (S402: No), the CPU 320 notifies the power supply control unit 50 that the MFP 200 transits from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 or the Normal state 202. To control. Specifically, the CPU 320 controls the PME 326 to set the PME# signal output from the PME 326 to Low. As a result, the power supply control I/F 306 receives the PME# signal that is Low. Then, the power supply control I/F 306 that has received the PME# signal notifies the power supply control unit 50 that the power state of the MFP 200 transits from the Deep Sleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 or the Normal state 202 (S404).

<Process until the MFP shifts to the DeepSleep state>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process in which the MFP 200 according to the first embodiment shifts to the DeepSleep state 204 and a process to return from the DeepSleep state. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the program stored in the ROM 321 or the RAM 322 in FIG. 2, and the program is executed on the CPU 301.

After the MFP 200 shifts to the sleep state 203, the CPU 301 determines whether or not a shift factor to the deep sleep state 204 is detected (S501). When the CPU 301 determines that the cause of the transition to the DeepSleep state 204 is detected (S501: Yes), the timer unit 309 initializes the shutdown timer 1104 (S502). In this initialization process, the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to clear the value of the shutdown timer 1104 and start counting of the shutdown timer 1104. By clearing the value of the shutdown timer 1104, the time from the current transition to the DeepSleep state 204 can be counted. After the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to initialize the shutdown timer 1104, the CPU 301 executes a transition process to the DeepSleep state 204 (S503). Then, the MFP 200 shifts from the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204. Specifically, the CPU 301 causes the power supply controller 50 to turn off the relay 503, the switch 505, the relay 506, and the switch 508. As a result, the RAM 303, the NIC 305, the power control unit 50, the detection circuit of the power button 1221 of the operation unit 40, a part of the power control I/F 308, the timer unit 309, a part of the external I/F 331, a part of the FAX unit 60. Power supply to each part except for is stopped. That is, the power supply to the CPU 301 is stopped. When the MFP 200 shifts from the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204, the register value of each unit of the controller unit 30 is saved in the RAM 303. In the DeepSleep state 204, the RAM 303 is in the self refresh mode.

<Operation of Timer Unit 309 of MFP 200>
Next, the operation of the timer unit 309 when the timer unit 309 is initialized and the shutdown timer 1104 starts counting in S502 described above will be described. When the power state of the MFP 200 shifts to the DeepSleep state 204, the power supply to the CPU 301 is stopped. On the other hand, since the power supply to the timer unit 309 is continued in the DeepSleep state 204, the timer unit 309 can execute the process based on the flowchart of FIG. 10 also in the DeepSleep state 204. The flowchart of FIG. 10 is executed by a logic circuit in the timer unit 309 or a CPU (not shown) in the timer unit 309.

First, the timer unit 309 determines whether or not to stop the count of the shutdown timer 1104 (S601). In S510, which will be described later, when an interrupt of the shutdown timer 1104 stop command is received from the CPU 301 (S601: Yes), the timer unit 309 stops the shutdown timer 1104 counting (S602).

On the other hand, when the CPU 301 does not receive the interrupt of the stop instruction of the shutdown timer 1104 (S601: No), the timer unit 309 determines whether the counted shutdown timer 1104 becomes larger than the preset shutdown transition time set value 1301. Is determined (S603). Then, when the timer unit 309 determines that the value of the shutdown timer 1104 has become larger than the shutdown transition time set value 1301 (S603: Yes), the timer unit 309 notifies the power supply control unit 50 via the power supply control I/F 308. An alarm is notified (S604). Specifically, the timer unit 309 notifies the power supply control unit 50 that the MFP 200 will be shut down by changing the logic of the alarm signal TIRQ# output from the timer unit 309 from “Hi” to “Lo”. To do.

Upon receiving the alarm notification from the timer unit 309, the power supply control unit 50 changes the power state of the MFP 200 from the Deep Sleep state 204 to the Power Off state 201. Specifically, the power supply control unit 50 that has received the alarm notification from the timer unit 309 causes the power state of the MFP 200 to transit to the SLEEP state 203 once and supplies power to the CPU 301 and the like. Then, the CPU 301 to which the power is supplied performs an ending process such as an OS, and after the ending process executed by the CPU 301 ends, the power supply control unit 50 transitions the power state of the MFP 200 to the PowerOff state 201. When the power state of the MFP 200 shifts to the PowerOff state 201, the contents temporarily stored in the RAM 303 are written in the storage unit 317 or NVRAM 304. Further, the shutdown may be notified to the device connected to the network I/F 323 or the external I/F 331. Then, the power supply to each unit of the MFP 200 is stopped.

On the other hand, when the timer unit 309 determines that the value of the shutdown timer 1104 is not larger than the shutdown transition time set value 1301 (S603: No), the shutdown timer 1104 continues counting and returns to S601.

<Processing when MFP returns from deep sleep state>
Next, returning to FIG. 9, the processing when the MFP 200 that was in the DeepSleep state 204 returns from the DeepSleep state 204 will be described.

When the DeepSleep recovery factor is detected in the DeepSleep state 204, the power supply control unit 50 restarts the power supply to the CPU 301. Then, the CPU 301 executes processing for returning the MFP 200 from the DeepSleep state (S504). When the MFP 200 returns from the DeepSleep state 204, the register value saved in the RAM 303 is written back to each unit of the controller unit 30 or the register value is reset. In addition, the RAM 303 returns from the self refresh mode.

Then, the CPU 301 determines the factor for returning from the DeepSleep state 204. Here, when the MFP 200 determines that the MFP 200 has returned from the DeepSleep state 204 due to a specific return factor (S505: Yes), the CPU 301 controls the MFP 200 to transition to the Sleep state 203. For example, when the CPU 301 determines that it has returned due to the reception of a packet for which a specific proxy response cannot be made (S505: Yes), the CPU 301 controls the MFP 200 to shift to the sleep state 203. The CPU 301 needs to inquire the device information (for example, the remaining amount of consumables such as paper, ink, or toner) of the MFP 200 via the ImageBus I/F 310 and the printer I/F 316 regarding the packet that cannot be the specific proxy response. Is a packet. Further, the packet that cannot perform a specific proxy response is a packet for which the CPU 301 needs to inquire the information of the MFP 200 stored in the storage unit 317 or the NVRAM 304 via the storage unit I/F 318.

After the MFP 200 shifts to the sleep state 203 (S506), the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to initialize the DeepSleep timer 1105 (S507). In this initialization processing, the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to change the value of the DeepSleep transition time set value 1302 and to start counting of the DeepSleep timer 1105. Specifically, the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to change the value of the DeepSleep transition time setting value 1302 from, for example, “1 hour” to “1 minute”. Then, the CPU 301 determines whether or not a transition factor to the DeepSleep state 204 is detected (S508). When the CPU 301 determines that the factor causing the transition to the DeepSleep state 204 is detected (S508: Yes), the shutdown timer 1104 is not initialized (S502) and the process returns to S503.

On the other hand, when the MFP 200 determines that the MFP 200 has returned from the DeepSleep state 204 due to a factor other than the specific return factor (S505: No), the CPU 301 controls the MFP 200 to transition to the Normal state 201. For example, when the CPU 301 determines that the printing has been returned by receiving the print data from the PC 100 (S505: No), the CPU 301 controls the MFP 200 to shift from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Normal state 203. Then, the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to stop the count of the shutdown timer 1104 (S510). As a result, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the timer unit 309 stops the count of the shutdown timer 1104 (S601 to S602). Then, the CPU 301 determines whether or not a transition factor to the sleep state 203 is detected (S511). When the CPU 301 determines that the factor causing the transition to the sleep state 203 is detected (S511: Yes), the CPU 301 controls the MFP 200 to transition to the sleep state 203 (S512).

After the MFP 200 shifts to the sleep state 203 (S512), the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to initialize the DeepSleep timer 1105 (S513). In this initialization processing, the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to clear the value of the DeepSleep timer 1105 and start counting of the DeepSleep timer 1105. After that, the process returns to S501, and the CPU 301 determines whether or not the cause of the shift to the DeepSleep state 204 is detected (S501). When the CPU 301 determines that the cause of the transition to the DeepSleep state 204 is detected (S501: Yes), the timer unit 309 initializes the shutdown timer 1104 (S502). In this initialization process, the CPU 301 causes the timer unit 309 to clear the value of the shutdown timer 1104 and start counting of the shutdown timer 1104.

As described above, when the MFP 200 recovers due to the specific recovery factor, the process does not return to S502, so the shutdown timer 1104 is not initialized. Therefore, since the shutdown timer 1104 continues counting, the shutdown function works regardless of the return of the MFP 200 from the DeepSleep state 204. This eliminates the inconvenience that the shutdown timer 1104 is initialized every time the MFP 200 temporarily returns from the DeepSleep state 204, and the shutdown function does not work forever.

<Transition of MFP power state>
FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the transition of the power state of the MFP 200 in time series. Next, the transition of the power state of the MFP 200 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in the first embodiment, the following values are set in the setting register 1102 of the timer unit 309.
Sleep transition time set value 1304: 15 minutes (time until transition from the normal state 202 to the sleep state (hereinafter, appropriately, T1)
DeepSleep transition time setting value 1302: 1 hour (time until transition from the Sleep state 203 to the DeepSleep state 204 (hereinafter referred to as T2 as appropriate)
Shutdown transition time set value 1301:3 hours (time until transition from the DeepSleep state 204 to the PowerOff state 201 (hereinafter, appropriately, T3)

First, with reference to FIG. 11A, a case will be described in which the MFP 200 returns from the SleepSleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 due to a specific return factor (for example, the reception of a packet for which a specific proxy response cannot be received).

In FIG. 11A, Ta is the time when the state becomes Idle in the Normal state 202. Here, Idle is a job waiting state in which operations such as copying, scanning, and facsimile transmission are not being performed.

Next, when the time T1 continues as Idle (Ta to Tb), the timer unit 309 generates an alarm. Then, the power supply control unit 50 which receives the alarm from the timer unit 309 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the Normal state 202 to the Sleep state 203.

When the time T2 (Tb to Tc) remains in the sleep state 203 after the MFP 200 shifts to the sleep state 203, the timer unit 309 generates an alarm. Then, the power supply control unit 50 receiving the alarm shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204.

Even if the MFP 200 transits from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 temporarily because the MFP 200 responds to a packet that cannot be proxy-replied after transitioning to the DeepSleep state 204, in the present embodiment, from the time Tc to the time T3. At time Tf after the elapse, the MFP 200 transitions to the PowerOff state 201. At this time Tf, the timer unit 309 issues an alarm. Upon receiving the alarm, the power supply control unit 50 causes the power state of the MFP 200 to once shift from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 in order to supply power to the CPU 301 that executes the termination process. As a result, the CPU 301 can perform termination processing such as OS. Then, the CPU 301 executes termination processing, and the power supply control unit 50 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the sleep state 203 to the power off state 201.

In the present embodiment, when the MFP 200 receives a packet for which a specific proxy response cannot be made at the time Td while the timer unit 309 is counting the time T3, the MFP 200 returns a response to the packet, so that the MFP 200 changes from the DeepSleep state 204. Transition to the sleep state 203. As a result, the CPU 301 can respond to the packet. At time Te after the CPU 301 completes the response to the packet, the MFP 200 shifts to the DeepSleep state 204. As described above, when the MFP 200 is activated by a specific return factor, the setting value of the DeepSleep transition time 1302 has been changed from 1 hour to 1 minute (see S507), and thus the MFP 200 has completed the response to the packet. After that, the state transits to the DeepSleep state 204 immediately.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the MFP 200 returns to the DeepSleep state 204 due to a specific return factor, the shutdown timer 1104 is not initialized and the shutdown timer 1104 continues counting. As a result, even if the MFP 200 temporarily returns to the DeepSleep state 204, the MFP 200 shifts to the PowerOff state 201 at time Tf after a lapse of time T3 from the time Tc at which the DeepSleep state 204 shifts.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11B, a case will be described in which the MFP 200 returns from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Normal state 202 due to a factor other than a specific restoration factor (for example, print data is received).

In FIG. 11B, Ta is the time when the state becomes Idle in the Normal state 202.

Next, when the time T1 continues as Idle (Ta to Tb), the timer unit 309 generates an alarm. Then, the power supply control unit 50 which receives the alarm from the timer unit 309 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the Normal state 202 to the Sleep state 203.

If the time T2 continues (Tb to Tc) in the sleep state 203 after the MFP 200 shifts to the sleep state 203, the timer unit 309 generates an alarm. Then, the power supply control unit 50 receiving the alarm shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204.

When the NIC 305 receives the print data before the time T3 elapses after the MFP 200 shifts to the DeepSleep state 204, the MFP 200 shifts from the DeepSleep state 204 to the Normal state 202. After the transition to the Normal state 202, when the time T1 (Td to Tg) elapses in the idle state, the timer unit 309 generates an alarm. Then, the power supply control unit 50 which receives the alarm from the timer unit 309 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the Normal state 202 to the Sleep state 203.

When the time T2 (Tg to Th) remains in the sleep state 203 after the MFP 200 shifts to the sleep state 203, the timer unit 309 issues an alarm. Upon receiving the alarm from the timer unit 309, the power supply control unit 50 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204.

Then, after the MFP 200 shifts to the DeepSleep state 204, when the time T3 (Th to Ti) elapses in the DeepSleep state, the timer unit 309 generates an alarm. Upon receiving the alarm from the timer unit 309, the power supply control unit 50 shifts the power state of the MFP 200 from the Deep Sleep state 204 to the Power Off state 201. As described above, when the MFP 200 is moved from the DeepSleep state 204 to the PowerOff state 201, it is temporarily returned to the Sleep state.

<Effects of First Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, even if the MFP 200 shifts from the Deep Sleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 due to a specific return factor, the count of the shutdown timer 1104 is not stopped. Therefore, it is possible to shift the MFP 200 to the PowerOff state 201 after the time T3 indicated by the shutdown shift time setting value 1301 has elapsed from the time Tc of shifting to the DeepSleep state 204. This solves the problem that the MFP 200 never returns to the PowerOff state 201 due to the MFP 200 returning from the DeepSleep state.

Further, in the present embodiment, the value of the DeepSleep transition time setting value 1302 is changed (for example, 1 hour ⇒ 1 minute) when returning from the SleepSleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 due to a specific recovery factor. As a result, the MFP 200 can immediately shift from the sleep state 203 to the deep sleep state 204. In other words, due to a specific recovery factor, the MFP 200 that has temporarily transited from the SleepSleep state 204 to the Sleep state can immediately transit to the DeepSleep state 204.

<Modification>
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the NIC 304 receives a packet for which the proxy response is not possible as the specific return factor, but the specific return factor of the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the shutdown timer 1104 may not be cleared when the MFP 200 returns from the SleepSleep state 204 to the Sleep state in order to execute the specific operation 1 or the specific operation 2 exemplified below.
Specific operation 1: Operation of rotating the transport roller (not shown) mounted on the scanner unit 10 or printer unit 20 of the MFP 200 on a regular basis to prevent deformation of the transport roller Specific action 2: Scanner unit 10 of the MFP 200 or printer Operation for periodically operating a photosensitive drum (not shown) or a fixing device (not shown) mounted in the section 20 for maintenance

In addition, the above specific recovery factors are
The power button 1221 of the operation unit 40 is detected by a detection circuit (not shown) The interrupt processing from the timer unit 309 occurs The FAX unit 60 receives the FAX External device is connected to the external I/F 331 External It may be that an ID card reader (not shown) connected to the I/F 331 detects the ID card.

Note that the interrupt processing from the timer unit 309 described above is performed based on the value set in the DeepSleep return date/time setting value 1303, the current date/time measured by the RTC 1107, and a preset date/time or a predetermined period based on the comparison result. It is executed every time.

In the above embodiment, the MFP 200 has been described as an example of the information processing apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to the MFP 200. The information processing apparatus of the present invention may be an inkjet printer. In the case of an inkjet printer, the shutdown timer 1104 may not be cleared when the inkjet printer is returned from the DeepSleep state 204 in order to periodically perform cleaning (suction, wiping, etc.) of the ink that has started to dry.

Further, the above-described shutdown transition time set value 1301 has been described as being set by the operation of the operation unit 40 by the user using the setting screen (see FIG. 6). However, in the present invention, the shutdown transition time setting value is set. It may be automatically set based on the life of the device, the power condition, and the like. Further, the shutdown transition time set value 1301 may be set remotely from the PC 100.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the count of the shutdown timer 1104 is continued when the state is changed from the Deep Sleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 due to a specific recovery factor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, even if the sleep state shifts from the deep sleep state 204 to the sleep state due to a specific recovery factor, the shutdown timer 1104 may be stopped when the HDD (storage unit 314) is accessed.

Further, even when the state goes from the sleep sleep state 204 to the sleep state 203 due to a specific recovery factor, the shutdown timer 1104 may be stopped when there is a reserved job with a designated time.

As a result, even when the MFP 200 shifts from the Deep Sleep state 204 to the Sleep state 203 due to a specific recovery factor, the shutdown timer 1104 is counted when the HDD is accessed or the reserved job occurs. It is possible to prevent the shutdown function from being executed.

50 power control unit 200 MFP
201 PowerOff state 202 Normal state 203 Sleep state 204 DeepSleep state 301 CPU
304 NIC
309 Timer 1104 Shutdown timer 1301 Shutdown transition time set value 1302 Deep sleep transition time set value

Claims (1)

An information processing apparatus that is in a normal power state including a job execution state and a job standby state, a first sleep state that consumes less power than the normal power state, a second sleep state that consumes less power than the first sleep state, and a shutdown state And
A time keeping means for keeping time,
When the information processing apparatus is in the second sleep state, if the first transition time is clocked by the timing means, the first transition means that transitions the information processing apparatus from the second sleep state to the shutdown state. When,
Before the first transition time is timed by said timer means, there is migration factor Ru is shifted to a higher power state power consumption than the second sleep state the information processing apparatus from the second sleep state In this case, second transition means for transitioning the information processing device from the second sleep state to the first sleep state or the normal power state ,
When the second shift means shifts the information processing apparatus from the second sleep state to the normal power state due to the first shift factor of the shift factors, the time counting means determines the first shift time. When the time counting is stopped and the second shift means shifts the information processing apparatus from the second sleep state to the first sleep state by the second shift factor of the shift factors, the time counting is performed. A control means for controlling the timing of the first transition time , which is started before the second transition factor occurs, so as to perform the timing even after the second transition factor occurs ,
The normal power state is a state in which power is supplied to the processor and the image forming unit included in the information processing device,
The first sleep state is a state in which power supply to the processor is maintained and power supply to the image forming unit is restricted as compared with the normal power state,
The second sleep state is a state in which power supply to the processor and power supply to the image forming unit are stopped, and power supply to the timing unit is maintained. ..

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