JP2010056750A - Image forming device, controller and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which controls both image productivity and power saving corresponding to a user's using situation. <P>SOLUTION: A controller (CPU) controls power to be supplied to each of an image forming unit 2 and a unit (an image reading unit 3, a UI unit 4, a FAX unit 5, a tray unit 6, a memory unit 7 and a system control unit 8) individually. The controller controls power supplied to the unit which is configured to be a power saving state so as to be the amount of power that allows the unit to be recoverable to an operationable state within a user desired recovery time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

In general, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copier, for example, when there is no input of image data or the like after a predetermined time, the operation state is shifted to a low power consumption state (power saving state) and is in a standby state. To save power. In this case, the time required for returning from the power saving state to the operable state (recovery time) varies depending on the components constituting the image forming apparatus. For this reason, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus that sets the power saving state of each component according to the return time of each component.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus (printing apparatus) that determines a power saving mode to be shifted according to a return time required for each unit to return from the power saving mode when shifting to the power saving mode (power saving state). Is described.

JP 2001-142588 A

Here, in a general image forming apparatus, usage modes such as the usage frequency and the number of printed sheets differ depending on the user. For this reason, setting a power-saving state that matches only the operating characteristics of the device will cause the recovery time from the power-saving state to be too long for a certain user, resulting in a reduction in image productivity due to the setting of the power-saving state. It can cause major inconveniences.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it is possible to achieve both image productivity and power saving in an image forming apparatus in accordance with each user's usage.

  The invention described in claim 1 includes an image forming function unit that forms an image based on image information, and a plurality of control function units that transmit and receive information or signals related to image formation between the image forming function unit and the image forming function unit. The power supply to each of the image forming function unit and the control function unit is individually controlled to enable the image forming function unit and the control function unit to operate and save less power than the operable state. A control unit configured to individually set a power state; and a reception unit that receives a user request regarding a return time when returning one or more of the image forming function unit and the control function unit from the power saving state to the operable state And the control unit is configured to receive power supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set in the power saving state before receiving the power by the receiving unit. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the power is controlled so as to return to the operable state within the return time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image forming function unit includes an image forming unit control unit that individually controls the power saving state and the operable state of the image forming function unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function unit control unit that individually controls a power state and the operable state.
The invention according to claim 3 further includes storage means for storing information relating to operation states and / or operation settings of the image forming function section and the control function section, and the control means is stored in the storage means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a timing for returning the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set to the power saving state to the operable state is set based on the information. It is.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control unit is the image forming function in which the information is stored in the storage unit and the image forming function unit and the control function unit return to the operable state at the latest. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the timing is set in correspondence with a return time of the image forming function unit that returns most recently or the control function unit. is there.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control unit stops the power supply to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit according to the return time received by the receiving unit. One of the power saving state and the second power saving state for supplying less power than the operable state to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit is set, and the second power saving state is set. Is set to the amount of power that can be returned to the operable state within the return time within the return time, by setting the power to be supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set to the second power saving state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an image forming function unit that forms an image based on image information and a plurality of control function units that transmit and receive information or signals related to image formation between the image forming function unit. Control means for individually controlling power to be supplied and individually setting an operable state and a power saving state with less power consumption than the operable state in the image forming function unit and the control function unit; Receiving means for receiving a user request regarding a return time when returning one or more of the image forming function unit and the control function unit from the power saving state to the operable state, and the control means includes the power saving The power to be supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set in the state can be returned to the operable state within the return time received by the receiving unit. It is a control apparatus characterized by controlling to the amount of electric power which can be performed.

The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the control means individually controls the power saving state and the operable state of the image forming function section, and the power saving state of the control function section. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the control device is configured as functional unit control means for individually controlling the operable state.
The invention according to claim 8 further includes information acquisition means for acquiring the information from a storage means for storing information relating to operation status and / or operation setting of the image forming function section and the control function section, and the control means Is configured to set a timing for returning the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set to the power saving state to the operable state based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The control device according to claim 6.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the control unit stops the power supply to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit according to the return time received by the receiving unit. One of the power saving state and the second power saving state for supplying less power than the operable state to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit is set, and the second power saving state is set. Is set to the amount of power that can be returned to the operable state within the return time within the return time, by setting the power to be supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set to the second power saving state. The control device according to claim 6.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an image forming function unit that performs image formation based on image information and a plurality of control functions that perform transmission / reception of information or signals related to image formation between the image forming function unit. A function for individually setting an operable state and a power saving state that consumes less power than the operable state, and one or more of the image forming function unit and the control function unit from the power saving state. A function of accepting a user request regarding a return time when returning to the operable state, and the power supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set in the power saving state within the return time A program that realizes a function of controlling the amount of power that can be restored to a possible state.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both image productivity and power saving in the image forming apparatus in accordance with each usage mode of the user.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the power saving state corresponding to the functions of the image forming function unit and each control function unit as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted, the standby time generated in the image forming function unit and each control function unit returned to the operable state is shortened, and the image forming function unit and each Waste of electric power consumed by the control function unit can be reduced.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the return timing to the operable state that shortens the standby time generated in the image forming function unit and each control function unit as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted, the image forming function unit and the control function unit maintain a state in which the user can make a transition from the power saving state to the operable state within the return time requested by the user. can do.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both image productivity and power saving in the image forming apparatus in accordance with each usage mode of the user.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set the power saving state corresponding to the functions of the image forming function unit and each control function unit as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted, the standby time generated in the image forming function unit and each control function unit returned to the operable state is shortened, and the image forming function unit and each Waste of electric power consumed by the control function unit can be reduced.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted, the image forming function unit and the control function unit maintain a state in which the user can transition from the power saving state to the operable state within the return time requested by the user. can do.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both image productivity and power saving in the image forming apparatus in accordance with each usage mode of the user.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Description of Entire Image Forming Apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 generates an image data by reading an image on an original, an image forming unit 2 as an example of an image forming function unit that forms an image based on image data (image information) of each color, and generates image data. An image reading unit 3 is provided as an example of a control function unit to be sent to the forming unit 2. In addition, facsimile data (image information) is transmitted / received via a user interface (UI) unit 4 as an example of a control function unit that receives an operation input from a user and displays various information to the user, for example, a public telephone line. A facsimile (FAX) unit 5 is provided as an example of a control function unit. Further, an external storage device provided externally to the image forming unit 2 and configured as a tray unit 6 as an example of a control function unit that supplies paper to the image forming unit 2, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, or the like. The memory unit 7 is provided as an example of the control function unit. Furthermore, a system control unit 8 as an example of an integrated control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and communication through a communication line, and a power supply unit 9 as an example of a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit. It has.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication system and a power supply system in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, an image forming unit 2 that is an image forming function unit, an image reading unit 3 that is a control function unit, a UI unit 4, a FAX unit 5, a tray unit 6, a memory unit 7, and a system control unit 8 are provided. It is connected to an in-machine LAN (Local Area Network) 10 which is an example of in-machine communication means. In this embodiment, the units constituted by the image forming function unit and each control function unit are connected by a single bus (in-machine LAN 10) to realize communication between the units.
Furthermore, an external device (external device) is connected to the external LAN 12 via the system control unit 8.

  Each unit is provided with a control unit for individually controlling power supply / stop in each unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 2 includes an image forming control unit (CPU) 92 as an example of an image forming control unit (control unit, control device), and the image reading unit 3 includes a functional unit control unit ( An image reading control unit (CPU) 93 as an example of a control unit and a control device, and a UI unit 4 include a UI control unit (CPU) 94 and an FAX unit 5 as an example of a function unit control unit (control unit and control device). Is a FAX control unit (CPU) 95 as an example of functional unit control means (control means, control device), and the tray unit 6 is a tray control unit (CPU) as an example of functional unit control means (control means, control device). 96, the memory unit 7 includes a memory control unit (CPU) 97 as an example of a function unit control unit (control unit, control device), and the system control unit 8 includes a function unit control unit (control unit). Means, the system control unit controller as an example of a (CPU) 98 is provided control apparatus).

  A power line 11 is connected to the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 and each other unit (image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8). The power is supplied via the power supply unit 9 connected to the power line 11. The power supply unit 9 always supplies power of a predetermined voltage (24 V) as a night-time power supply via the power line 11.

[Description of power supply mode set for each unit]
In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 2 that is an image forming function unit, the image reading unit 3 that is a control function unit, a UI unit 4, a FAX unit 5, a tray unit 6, a memory unit 7, and a system control unit 8 are The mode (operation state) is configured as a unit that is individually controlled. For example, each of the image forming unit 2 and each control function unit (each unit) includes (i) a sleep mode as an example of a power saving state (first power saving state) in which power supply is stopped, and (ii) each control unit. Low power mode as an example of a power saving state (second power saving state) in which the control power (5V) and the operating power (24V) to each mechanism unit are supplied at a power level lower than full power, (iii) ) Independently and individually, depending on the power mode such as job mode as an example of the operational state to supply the control power 5V to each control unit and the operating power (24V) to each mechanism unit at full power Control.

  That is, the image forming control unit 92 of the image forming unit 2 and the control units (image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8) of each control function unit. The control unit 93, UI control unit 94, FAX control unit 95, tray control unit 96, memory control unit 97, system control unit control unit 98) are transmitted (broadcast) via in-machine communication means (in-machine LAN 10). Based on the information to which the instruction command (command) for the unit is attached, the power supply unit 9 controls the power supply / stop by itself.

  Note that such power supply / stop control may be performed in each device (component) in the unit constituting each unit, as well as in each unit. That is, each device configuring each unit may be configured to perform power supply / stop control by a control unit provided for each device.

[Description of each unit (image forming unit)]
The configuration of each unit will be described using the image forming unit 2 as a representative example.
First, as shown in FIG. 1 described above, the image forming unit 2 includes four image forming modules 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K (hereinafter, image forming module 30) arranged in parallel at regular intervals. I have. Each image forming module 30 includes, as a device (a component in the mechanism unit 23 in FIG. 3), a photosensitive drum 31 that forms an electrostatic latent image and holds a toner image, and a charging that charges the photosensitive drum 31. , An exposure device 33 for exposing the photosensitive drum 31 charged by the charging device 32 based on image data, a developing device 34 for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31, and a photosensitive material after transfer. A cleaner 35 for cleaning the surface of the body drum 31 is disposed.
Each image forming module 30 forms yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images.

Further, the image forming unit 2 includes, as devices (components), an intermediate transfer belt 36 onto which each color toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 of each image forming module 30 is transferred, and each color by each image forming module 30. A primary transfer roll 37 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 36, and a superimposed toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 36 is collectively transferred (secondary transfer) to a sheet of recording material (recording paper). A secondary transfer roll 38 and a fixing device 39 for fixing the secondary transferred toner image onto the paper.
Further, the image forming unit 2 includes, as devices (components), a paper storage container 41 that stores paper (P1), a paper feed mechanism unit 42 that feeds the paper P1 from the paper storage container 41 to the paper transport path R, and a paper storage container. 41 is provided with a paper transport mechanism 43 that transports the paper P1 from the paper 41 and papers (P2 to P4) from the tray unit 6 along the paper transport path R1.
The image forming unit 2 includes image data (image information) from the image reading unit 3, print job data (image information) acquired by the system control unit 8 via a communication unit (external LAN 12 in FIG. 2), and a FAX unit. 5 forms an image on the paper (P1 to P4) stored in the paper storage container 41 or the tray unit 6 based on the facsimile data (image information) received at 5. Further, an image is formed on the sheet conveyed from the manual sheet storage unit along the sheet conveyance path R3. Further, images are formed on both sides of the sheet conveyed through the duplex conveyance path R2.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming unit 2. As shown in FIG. 3, in the image forming unit 2, various control units 22 that control each device are connected to the intra-unit LAN 21. Various control units 22 control devices (components) in the mechanism unit 23. More specifically, the various control units 22 include a charge control unit that controls the charger 32, an exposure control unit that controls the exposure unit 33, a development control unit that controls the development unit 34, a primary transfer roll 37, and a secondary transfer unit. A transfer control unit that controls the transfer roll 38 and a fixing control unit that controls the fixing device 39 are included. Further, the various control units 22 control operations of motors, solenoids, clutches, and the like, which are devices in the mechanism unit 23, through mechatronics I / O (IN / OUT).

  In addition, an image formation control unit 92 is connected to the intra-unit LAN 21. The image formation control unit 92 includes a CPU 921 that controls the image formation control unit 92 and a command filter 922 that is connected to the in-machine LAN 10 and filters commands obtained from the in-machine LAN 10. For example, when information with a command indicating that the content is to be processed by the image forming unit 2 is transmitted (broadcast) in the in-machine LAN 10, the command filter 922 selects this command. Then, the CPU 921 is activated by the activation signal from the command filter 922. Therefore, when the sleep mode is set in the image forming unit 2, the power supplied from the power supply unit 9 via the power line 11 is supplied only to the command filter 922, and the CPU 921 is turned off. Power saving is achieved.

In addition, the image forming unit 2 includes a power supply unit that supplies power of each specified voltage to devices in the various control units 22 and the mechanism unit 23. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 2 is provided with an image forming power supply unit 25, and power is supplied to the image forming control unit 92, various control units 22 and mechanisms under the control of the image forming control unit 92. To the unit 23. At that time, control power (5 V) from the image forming power supply unit 25 to the various control units 22 is supplied by the control power line 26. Further, the operating power (24V) from the image forming power supply unit 25 to the mechanism unit 23 is supplied from the operating power line 27.
In the present embodiment, the image forming power supply unit 25 provided in the image forming unit 2 outputs when the low power mode is set according to a request time for returning to a job mode (operable state) set by the user, which will be described later. It is comprised so that the output amount (operating power amount) of operating power can be changed.

In the image forming unit 2 of the present embodiment, the image forming control unit 92 determines the power mode (operating state) to be set for itself based on information obtained via the in-machine LAN 10. Then, the image formation control unit 92 controls the power supplied from the image formation power supply unit 25 to the devices in the various control units 22 and the mechanism unit 23 according to the power supply mode to be set.
In this case, the image formation control unit 92 supplies a power mode (low power mode or sleep mode) that is changed after the image forming operation is completed, and an operating power amount that is supplied to the mechanism unit 23 when the mode is changed to the low power mode. Are controlled according to the request time for returning to the job mode set by the user.

  Here, the image forming unit 2 has been described as a representative example, but other units (image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, system control unit 8) are also various. Although the configuration of the control unit 22 and the contents of the components arranged in the mechanism unit 23 are different, the basic functional configuration is substantially the same as that of the image forming unit 2. Each other unit also independently controls its own operating state based on information obtained via the in-flight LAN 10. In that case, the control unit of each unit has a power mode (low power mode or sleep mode) to be changed after various operations (jobs) in each unit are completed, and in each unit when changing to the low power mode. The amount of operating power supplied to the device is controlled according to the time required to return to the job mode (operable state) set by the user.

[Description of power mode set at the end of operation in each unit]
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a user request regarding a return time until the job mode (operable state) is received from the UI unit 4 as an example of a receiving unit. The system control unit 8 acquires information on the request time for returning to the job mode input by the user in the UI unit 4 (hereinafter referred to as return request time information) from the UI unit 4 via the in-machine LAN 10. Then, the system control unit 8 transmits (broadcasts) return request time information to all units via the in-machine LAN 10.
Here, the “return request time” is a return time from when the user requests the image forming apparatus 1 to return from the power saving state to the operable state. The “return time to the operable state” means that when each unit in the power saving state acquires an operation instruction command via the in-machine LAN 10, each unit operates in the job mode or the like from the acquisition of the operation instruction command. This is the time required to return to the possible state. The components (devices) constituting each unit have different return times required for returning from a sleep mode, which is one of power saving states, to an operable state such as a job mode.

Each unit that has acquired the return request time information from the system control unit 8 is controlled by the control unit (image reading control unit 93, UI control unit 94, FAX control unit 95, tray control unit 96, memory control unit 97). And the return request time information is stored in a storage means such as a flash memory in the control unit. Then, based on the return request time information and the return time in the component that constitutes each unit, each control unit transitions to the low power mode at the end of the operation or immediately transitions to the sleep mode, When transitioning to the low power mode at the end, the amount of operating power output in the low power mode is determined.
That is, each control unit sets the power supply state in each unit in the power saving state so as to satisfy the user's request regarding the return time to the job mode. Thereby, even when the power saving state is set for each unit, the state in which each unit is returned to the job mode within the user's return request time is maintained.

[Description of power mode determination process to be set at the end of operation]
As a specific example, a power mode set at the end of the image forming operation in the image forming unit 2 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when determining the power mode to be set at the end of the image forming operation in the image forming unit 2. As shown in FIG. 4, when the image forming unit 2 obtains the return request time information from the system control unit 8 (S101), the image forming control unit 92 returns to the storage means such as a flash memory in the image forming control unit 92. The request time information is stored (S102). Then, the image formation control unit 92 compares the return time of each device arranged in the mechanism unit 23 of the image forming unit 2 with the return request time t set by the user (S103).
Specifically, in the device arranged in the mechanism unit 23, it takes about 30 seconds for the fixing device 39 (see FIG. 1) to return from the sleep mode to the job mode, and the device is arranged in the mechanism unit 23. The longest of all devices. On the other hand, other devices have a short recovery time of about 5 seconds until the device returns from the sleep mode to the job mode. Therefore, the image forming control unit 92 compares the return time Tf (30 seconds) until the fixing device 39 returns from the sleep mode to the job mode with the longest return time, and the return request time t set by the user ( S104).

The return request time t set by the user is longer than or equal to the return time Tf until the device (fixing device 39) arranged in the mechanism unit 23 of the image forming unit 2 returns from the sleep mode to the job mode. If (Yes in S104), the image forming control unit 92 determines to perform the setting to immediately shift to the sleep mode when the image forming operation is completed (S105). Then, the image forming control unit 92 stores in the storage unit that the setting to immediately shift to the sleep mode is performed when the image forming operation is completed (S106).
In this case, the return request time t set by the user is longer than the return time Tf of the longest fixing device 39 among the devices arranged in the mechanism unit 23, so that the image forming unit 2 is returned from the sleep mode. Even if it is made, it can be changed to the job mode within the return request time requested by the user. For this reason, when the image forming operation in the image forming unit 2 is completed, it is determined that the mode is immediately shifted to the sleep mode, thereby saving power and satisfying the user's request regarding the waiting time. .

On the other hand, when the return request time t set by the user is shorter than the return time Tf until the device (fixing device 39) arranged in the mechanism unit 23 of the image forming unit 2 returns from the sleep mode to the job mode. (No in S104), the image formation control unit 92 calculates the amount of operating power output when the low power mode is set in correspondence with the return request time t set by the user (S107). Then, the image formation control unit 92 stores the calculated operating power amount in the storage unit (S108).
Specifically, in the devices arranged in the mechanism unit 23, the power consumption at the fixing device 39 occupies most of the power consumption of the mechanism unit 23. Therefore, the image formation control unit 92 operates the power consumption amount (power consumption amount in the fixing device 39) that realizes a power saving state (low power mode) that can be returned to the job mode within the recovery request time t set by the user. Is calculated. For example, when the heater temperature set in the fixing device 39 is 230 ° C. when the job mode is set, the heater temperature that can increase the heater temperature to 230 ° C. within the return request time t set by the user is The amount of power that is maintained is calculated as the amount of operating power that is output when the low power mode is set. Then, this operating power amount is stored in the storage means.

  In this case, the operating power amount that maintains the heater temperature that can raise the heater temperature of the fixing device 39 to 230 ° C. within the recovery request time t set by the user and the recovery request time t set by the user. May be held in a storage unit such as a flash memory in the image formation control unit 92. Then, the image formation control unit 92 may calculate the amount of operating power output when the low power mode is set from the return request time t set by the user and the table. Further, the in-machine temperature of the image forming apparatus 1 is a factor that affects the amount of electric power required to maintain the heater temperature. Therefore, the in-machine temperature may be further correlated in this table.

[Description of power mode transition processing after operation]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when the image forming unit 2 changes the power mode after the image forming operation is completed. As shown in FIG. 5, when the image forming operation is completed in the image forming unit 2, the image forming control unit 92 stores information stored in the storage unit of the image forming control unit 92 (see step 106 and step 108 in FIG. 4). ) Based on (), it is determined whether or not the setting to immediately shift to the sleep mode when the image forming operation is completed is made (S201).
If the setting to immediately shift to the sleep mode is made (Yes in S201), the image forming control unit 92 shifts the image forming unit 2 to the sleep mode immediately after the end of the image forming operation (S209).
In this case, the return request time t set by the user is longer than the return time Tf of the longest fixing device 39 among the devices arranged in the mechanism unit 23, so that the image forming unit 2 is returned from the sleep mode. Even in this case, the job mode can be changed within the return request time requested by the user.

On the other hand, if the setting to immediately shift to the sleep mode is not made (No in S201), the image formation control unit 92 starts measuring the elapsed time from the end point of the image forming operation (S202). At the same time, the job mode is maintained, and transmission of an image formation instruction command, which is an example of an operation instruction command, from the system control unit 8 via the in-machine LAN 10 is awaited (S203). If an image formation instruction command is transmitted (Yes in S203), the image formation control unit 92 maintains the job mode, and after the image forming operation is completed, the process returns to step 201.
Further, the image formation control unit 92 does not transmit an image formation instruction command (No in S203), and the elapsed time from the end point of the image formation operation is the transition time to the low power mode (for example, 1 minute). Is exceeded (Yes in S204), a transition is made to the low power mode in which the operating power amount (step 108 in FIG. 4) stored in the storage means of the image formation control unit 92 is output (S205).
On the other hand, when there is no transmission of the image formation instruction command (No in S203), and the elapsed time from the end point of the image forming operation does not exceed the transition time to the low power mode (for example, 1 minute). (No in S204), waiting for transmission of an image formation instruction command (return to S203).

After the transition to the low power mode in step 205, the image formation control unit 92 waits for transmission of an image formation instruction command from the system control unit 8 via the in-machine LAN 10 (S206). When the image formation instruction command is transmitted (Yes in S206), the image formation control unit 92 changes the power mode of the image forming unit 2 from the low power mode to the job mode (S207). After the image forming operation is completed, the process returns to step 201.
In this case, the operating power amount in the set low power mode can increase the heater temperature of the fixing device 39 to the heater temperature set when the job mode is set within the return request time t set by the user. This is the amount of operating power at which the heater temperature is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to shift from the low power mode to the job mode within the return request time t requested by the user.

On the other hand, the image formation control unit 92 does not transmit an image formation instruction command (No in S206), and the elapsed time from the end point of the image forming operation is the transition time to the sleep mode (for example, 15 minutes). If exceeded (Yes in S208), the image forming control unit 92 changes the power mode of the image forming unit 2 to the sleep mode (S209). In this case, power saving is achieved by shifting to the sleep mode.
If the elapsed time from the time when the low power mode is set does not exceed the transition time to the sleep mode (for example, 15 minutes) (No in S208), the low power mode is continued and the image formation instruction command Wait for transmission (return to S206).

Further, after shifting to the sleep mode in step 209, the image formation control unit 92 waits for transmission of an image formation instruction command from the system control unit 8 via the in-machine LAN 10 (S210). If an image formation instruction command is transmitted (Yes in S210), the image formation control unit 92 changes the power mode of the image forming unit 2 from the sleep mode to the job mode (S207). After the image forming operation is completed, the process returns to step 201.
If no image formation instruction command is transmitted (No in S210), the sleep mode is continued and the transmission of the image formation instruction command is awaited (return to S210).

  In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 described above, the image forming unit 2 has been described as an example, but control is also performed in other units (image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, and memory unit 7). Each of the units (the image reading control unit 93, the UI control unit 94, the FAX control unit 95, the tray control unit 96, and the memory control unit 97) shifts to the low power mode at the end of the operation according to the return request time information or When the mode immediately transitions to the sleep mode, or when the mode is transitioned to the low power mode at the end of the operation, the operating power output in the low power mode is set.

[Description of transition timing from sleep mode to job mode in each unit]
Next, in the image forming unit 2 and each control function unit (each unit), when an operation instruction command is transmitted from the system control unit 8 in the sleep mode setting state, the transition from the sleep mode to the job mode is performed. Timing will be described.
First, in this embodiment, when each unit controls the transition timing of the power mode, the image forming unit 2 and each unit (image reading unit 3, UI unit 4, FAX unit 5, tray unit 6, memory unit 7, The system control unit 8) registers (stores) information (system information) related to the current operation status and / or operation setting in the memory unit 7 via the in-machine LAN 10. Thereby, the memory unit 7 holds the current system information regarding each unit. Then, when the operation instruction command is transmitted from the system control unit 8, the control unit of each unit acquires system information of other units from the memory unit 7 via the in-machine LAN 10. Thereby, each unit itself determines the transition timing of the power supply mode based on the system information of other units acquired from the memory unit 7. Therefore, the control units (the image formation control unit 92, the image reading control unit 93, the UI control unit 94, the FAX control unit 95, the tray control unit 96, and the system control unit control unit 98) of each unit here are storage means. It also functions as information acquisition means for acquiring system information of other units from the memory unit 7 as an example.

  That is, the constituent elements (devices) constituting each unit have different return times from the sleep mode, which is one of the power saving states, to the job mode. Therefore, even if, for example, an operation instruction command is transmitted (broadcast) from the system control unit 8 to each unit and the units operating in response to the operation instruction command start the transition process to the job mode together, the job mode There is a difference (time lag) between the units in the time to return to. Further, in a unit that needs to perform various adjustment processes after returning to the job mode, it takes more time to become operable. For this reason, in units that have a short return time to job mode or units that do not perform various adjustment processes after returning to job mode, a standby time occurs before a unit that has a long return time to the operable state becomes operable. , Power is wasted. The "return time" here is a broad return until each unit is ready for operation, which is the sum of the time required to return to the job mode and the time required for various adjustment processes after returning to the job mode. Say time. On the other hand, a time until returning to the job mode is defined as a return time in a narrow sense.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when each unit acquires an operation instruction command from another unit such as the system control unit 8, the unit acquires system information of the other unit from the memory unit 7 via the in-flight LAN 10. Then, the return time of the unit that is in the latest operable state is predicted. Each unit calculates the transition timing to its own job mode in accordance with the estimated return time. Thereby, each unit sets the transition timing to the job mode in accordance with the timing when the unit with the longest return time returns, so that the waiting time is reduced. As a result, waste of power consumption is reduced even in a unit with a short recovery time.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram exemplifying a part of system information related to the current operation status and operation setting in each unit stored in the memory unit 7. For example, in the system information shown in FIG. 6, regarding the image forming unit 2, it is registered that “sleep mode duration = 32 minutes” and “return-time computer setup = necessary”. Here, “reset process control setup = necessary” means that when returning to the job mode, a specific unit in the mechanism unit 23 of the image forming unit 2 is used to adjust the image density before starting the image forming operation. This means that the settings for adjusting the device settings (procedure setup) have been made. Further, since “sleep mode duration time = 32 minutes”, it means that the temperature of the fixing device 39 is cooled to about room temperature.

  For example, when each unit receives an operation instruction command from the system control unit 8, it acquires system information about other units including the image forming unit 2 from the memory unit 7 via the in-machine LAN 10. Each unit calculates a return time until the other units including the image forming unit 2 become operable. As a result, for example, when it is determined that the return time of the image forming unit 2 is the longest, each unit sets the transition timing to its own job mode in accordance with the return time of the image forming unit 2. .

Specifically, each unit grasps from the system information in FIG. 6 that the image forming unit 2 is currently in the state of “sleep mode duration = 32 minutes”. Thereby, each unit calculates that the return time until the image forming unit 2 returns from the sleep mode to the job mode is, for example, 10 seconds. In this case, each unit holds, for example, a table that defines the correspondence between the sleep mode duration in the image forming unit 2 and the return time until the image forming unit 2 returns from the sleep mode to the job mode. The return time is calculated based on this table.
Further, each unit grasps from the system information in FIG. 6 that the operation setting of “recovery computer setup = necessary” is set in the image forming unit 2. As a result, each unit calculates that the time required for the image forming unit 2 to return to the job mode and become operable is, for example, 3 minutes required for the process control setup. It should be noted that each unit also holds information on the time required for the process control setup in the storage means.
Therefore, in this case, each unit calculates 3 minutes and 10 seconds as the time until the image forming unit 2 becomes operable, adding the return time to the job mode and the time for performing the process control setup. Therefore, each unit controls to start transition to the job mode after (3 minutes 10 seconds-Ty) when its return time from the sleep mode to the job mode is Ty (seconds). To do.
Thereby, in each unit, occurrence of a standby time until the unit with the longest return time (image forming unit 2) returns is suppressed, and power consumption is reduced.

  It should be noted that the table defining the correspondence between the sleep mode duration in the image forming unit 2 and the return time until the image forming unit 2 returns from the sleep mode to the job mode, information on the time required for the process control setup, etc. Such information regarding various times required for each unit to be set in an operable state may be stored in the memory unit 7.

[Specific example of power mode transition in each unit when returning from sleep mode]
Next, the transition of the power supply mode controlled by each unit when returning from the sleep mode will be described as a specific example of performing a copy process.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the power mode of each unit when copying is performed from the state where the sleep mode is set for each unit. As shown in FIG. 7, in the state where the sleep mode is set for each unit, the document is placed on the document feeder (ADF) provided in the image reading unit 3 or the document table cover that covers the platen glass is opened and closed. When it is performed (document detection), the image reading unit 3 transitions (shifts) to the job mode. Then, the image reading control unit 93 of the image reading unit 3 broadcasts a document detection command, which is an example of an operation instruction command indicating that the installation of the document is detected, to other units via the in-machine LAN 10.

Each unit that receives the document detection command as a broadcast from the in-machine LAN 10 sets the power mode by its own judgment.
Specifically, when receiving a document detection command from the image reading unit 3, the system control unit 8 shifts to the job mode. Thereby, the system control unit 8 prepares for the start of the copy operation.
When the UI unit 4 receives a document detection command from the image reading unit 3, the UI unit 4 shifts to a job mode. This prepares for the user pressing the copy start button (start button).

On the other hand, the FAX unit 5 does not need to perform an operation corresponding to the document detection command from the image reading unit 3. Therefore, the FAX unit 5 maintains the power mode as the sleep mode.
The image forming unit 2 does not need to perform an operation corresponding to the document detection command when the document detection command is received from the image reading unit 3. Therefore, the image forming unit 2 maintains the sleep mode. The same applies to the tray unit 6.

Subsequently, when the user presses the start button of the UI unit 4, the UI unit 4 sends a button press command, which is an example of an operation instruction command notifying that the start button has been pressed, to each other unit via the in-flight LAN 10. Broadcast to.
When the system control unit 8 receives a button press command from the UI unit 4, the system control unit control unit 98 sends an image formation instruction command, which is an example of an operation instruction command indicating that copying processing is started, via the in-machine LAN 10. Broadcast to other units.

When the image forming unit 2 receives the image forming instruction command from the system control unit 8, the image forming unit 2 starts the transition process to the job mode. That is, the mechanism unit 23 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming unit 2 is turned on, and the warm-up process for setting the fixing device 39 (see FIG. 1) included in the mechanism unit 23 to a fixable state is started. When the warm-up process of the fixing device 39 is completed (the transition to the job mode is completed), the image formation control unit 92 starts the process control setup process (see FIG. 6) based on the operation setting. When the process control setup process is completed, the image formation control unit 92 broadcasts a preparation completion notification command, which is an example of an operation instruction command for notifying completion of the image formation preparation operation, to other units via the in-machine LAN 10. .
When the image formation control unit 92 receives an image formation instruction command from the system control unit 8, the control power is turned on to start activation.

  When the tray unit 6 receives an image formation instruction command from the system control unit 8, the tray control unit 96 acquires system information about other units including the image forming unit 2 from the memory unit 7 via the in-machine LAN 10. To do. Then, the tray control unit 96 calculates an expected time until the image forming preparation operation in the image forming unit 2 is completed. Furthermore, the transition timing at which the device itself shifts to the job mode is determined based on the calculated expected time. Then, it shifts itself to the job mode at the set transition timing. Thereby, the waiting time from when the tray unit 6 shifts to the job mode until the image forming unit 2 starts image formation (becomes operable) is reduced. As a result, waste of power consumption in the tray unit 6 is reduced.

When the image reading unit 3 receives an image formation instruction command from the system control unit 8, the image reading control unit 93 starts reading the document and transmits the read image data to the system control unit 8.
In the system control unit 8, the system control unit control unit 98 starts an accumulation process of the image data transmitted from the image reading unit 3. After starting the accumulation process, the system control unit control unit 98 waits for a preparation completion notification command transmitted from the image forming unit 2 and transfers the accumulated image data to the image forming unit 2.
Thereby, the image forming unit 2 starts image formation (printing) based on the image data acquired from the system control unit 8.
As shown in FIG. 7, the tray unit 6 sets the job mode according to the transition timing determined by itself based on the system information acquired from the memory unit 7 when the image forming unit 2 transmits the preparation completion notification command. ing. As a result, the tray unit 6 starts an operation of supplying necessary paper (P2 to P4) to the image forming unit 2 in response to the start of printing in the image forming unit 2.

Here, in the image forming unit 2 and the tray unit 6 that have started printing, a control unit (various control units 22) provided in the image forming unit 2 and a control unit provided in the tray unit 6 are connected to the image forming unit. 2 may be configured to perform control of power supply / stop to each device (mechanism unit 23) constituting the unit 2 and each device constituting the tray unit 6 and the control unit itself.
Taking the image forming unit 2 as an example, the charger 32, the exposure device 33, the developing device 34 as a device, the primary transfer roll 37, the secondary transfer roll 38, the fixing device 39, and the like include an image forming operation. There are many devices that do not need to be set to a constantly operating state. Therefore, various control units 22 (charging control unit, exposure control unit, development control unit, transfer control unit, fixing control unit, etc.) as the control unit of each device have acquired an image formation instruction command from the system control unit 8, for example. In this case, the timing (operation timing) at which the device controlled by itself is to be operated is calculated for each device. The various control units 22 themselves control power supply / stop of their own devices and power supply / stop of devices controlled by them according to their respective operation timings. As a result, power is supplied to the various control units 22 and each device at the timing to operate, so that power saving can be achieved in units of devices.

Returning to the image reading unit 3, when the image reading unit 3 completes reading of the document, the image reading control unit 93 sends a reading completion notification command, which is an example of an operation instruction command for notifying that reading of the document has been completed, to the in-machine LAN 10. Then, the power mode of the image reading unit 3 is shifted to the low power mode.
Here, in the low power mode set in the image reading unit 3, as described above (see FIG. 4), the image reading unit 3 can be shifted to the job mode within the return request time t requested by the user. The operating power amount is set. Then, the low power mode in the image reading unit 3 is continued until the sleep mode is set in the image forming unit 2, and then the mode is shifted to the sleep mode.
When the system control unit 8 receives the reading completion notification command from the image reading unit 3, the system control unit control unit 98 recognizes the reading completion notification command from the image reading unit 3 and receives image data from the image reading unit 3. Complete the accumulation process. However, the system control unit 8 maintains the job mode in order to transfer the stored image data.

In the UI unit 4, after broadcasting a button pressing command notifying that the start button has been pressed, if there is no other operation input, the UI control unit 94 changes the power mode of the UI unit 4 to the low power mode. And migrate.
Here, in the low power mode set in the UI unit 4, as described above (see FIG. 4), the operating power that can cause the UI unit 4 to transition to the job mode within the return request time t requested by the user. The amount is set. The low power mode in the UI unit 4 is continued until the sleep mode is set in the image forming unit 2, and then the sleep mode is entered. In this case, the low power mode is changed while the brightness of the backlight of the display panel (not shown) provided in the UI unit 4 is darkened during printing by the image forming unit 2, and the backlight is turned on when printing is completed. It may be set in an off state.

Next, when the image forming unit 2 completes the printing, as described in the processing flow of FIG. 5 described above, the image is displayed when the elapsed time from the printing completion time exceeds the transition time T1 to the low power mode. A transition is made to the low power mode in which the amount of operating power stored in the storage means of the formation control unit 92 is output. Accordingly, a state in which the low power mode can be changed to the job mode within the return request time t requested by the user is maintained. Then, when the elapsed time from the printing completion time exceeds the transition time T2 to the sleep mode, the image forming control unit 92 shifts the power mode of the image forming unit 2 to the sleep mode. At this time, the image forming control unit 92 is also turned off and stops starting.
Further, in the tray unit 6, the operation of supplying the sheets (P2 to P4) to the image forming unit 2 before the printing in the image forming unit 2 is completed. For this reason, the tray control unit 96 immediately shifts the power mode of the tray unit 6 to the sleep mode before the completion of printing in the image forming unit 2. In the tray unit 6, since the return time from the sleep mode to the job mode is as short as 1 second or less, even if the transition to the sleep mode is made immediately, the low power mode is changed to the job mode within the return request time t requested by the user. It is because it can be made.

  In the system control unit 8, when the transfer processing of the accumulated image data to the image forming unit 2 is completed, the system control unit control unit 98 immediately shifts the power mode of the system control unit 8 to the sleep mode. In the system control unit 8, since the return time from the sleep mode to the job mode is as short as 1 second or less, even if the mode is immediately shifted to the sleep mode, the low power mode is changed to the job mode within the return request time t requested by the user. This is because the transition can be made.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit of each unit controls power supply / stop from the power supply unit 9 based on the information to which the command obtained via the in-machine LAN 10 is attached. Is carried out on its own. As a result, power is supplied to each unit at the timing at which it should operate, so that power saving can be achieved in units.
In that case, the control unit of each unit sets the power mode (low power mode or sleep mode) to be changed after the operation is completed and the operating power amount to be supplied when changing to the low power mode. Control is performed according to the request time t for returning to the job mode to be performed. Accordingly, a state in which the low power mode can be changed to the job mode within the return request time t requested by the user is maintained. Therefore, the image productivity in the image forming apparatus 1 is maintained according to each usage mode of the user, and the power saving performance of the image forming apparatus 1 is also improved.

  Each unit acquires system information about other units including the image forming unit 2 from the memory unit 7 via the in-machine LAN 10 when the power mode is changed. Each unit calculates a return time until other units including the image forming unit 2 become operable. As a result, for example, when it is determined that the return time of the image forming unit 2 is the longest, each unit sets the transition timing to the job mode in accordance with the return time of the image forming unit 2. Thereby, in each unit, occurrence of a standby time until the unit with the longest return time (image forming unit 2) becomes operable is suppressed, and power consumption is reduced.

  Next, FIG. 8 shows control units (image formation control unit 92, image reading control unit 93, UI control unit 94, FAX control unit 95, tray control unit 96, memory control unit 97, system control unit control unit 98 of each unit. It is the figure which showed the hardware constitutions of (). As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit performs digital computation according to a predetermined program when performing the power source mode transition control of each unit or the operation power output amount calculation process to be performed when transitioning to the low power mode. CPU 101 as an example of a calculation unit that executes processing, RAM 102 that functions as a work area of CPU 101, ROM 103 that stores data such as setting values used in programs executed by CPU 101, rewritable and power supply is interrupted In this case, a nonvolatile memory 104 such as an EEPROM or a flash memory that can hold data, and an interface unit 105 that controls input / output of signals to / from each device connected to the control unit are provided.

  The memory unit 7 stores a program to be executed by each control unit. When each control unit reads this processing program, the transition control of the power mode of each unit and the output amount calculation process of the operating power are performed. Executed. That is, a program for executing power source mode transition control of each unit is read into the RAM 102 in each control unit from, for example, a hard disk or a DVD-ROM as the memory unit 7. Then, based on the program read into the RAM 102, the CPU 101 performs various processes. As another providing form regarding this program, there is a form in which the program is provided in a state stored in the ROM 103 in advance and loaded into the RAM 102. Further, in the case where a rewritable ROM 103 such as an EEPROM is provided, there is a form in which only the program is installed in the ROM 103 and loaded into the RAM 102 after each control unit is set. Further, there is a form in which a program is transmitted to each control unit via an external LAN 12 such as the Internet, installed in the ROM 103 of each control unit, and loaded into the RAM 102.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when performing various image processing operations, each unit (image forming function unit and various control function units) itself changes the power mode. As a result, power is supplied to each unit at the timing to operate, so that power saving can be achieved in units.
At that time, the control unit of each unit determines the power mode (power saving state) to be changed after the operation is completed and the operating power amount to be supplied when changing to the low power mode which is one of the power saving states. Control is performed according to the request time for returning to the job mode set by the user. Accordingly, a state in which the low power mode can be changed to the job mode within the return request time requested by the user is maintained. Therefore, the image productivity in the image forming apparatus 1 is maintained according to each usage mode of the user, and the power saving performance of the image forming apparatus 1 is also improved.
Further, each unit calculates a return time until the other unit becomes operable based on the system information related to the other unit when the power mode is changed. Then, the transition timing to the job mode is set in correspondence with the return time of the unit determined to have the longest return time. Thereby, in each unit, the occurrence of a waiting time until the unit with the longest return time becomes operable is suppressed, and the wasteful consumption of power is reduced.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. It is a figure explaining the communication system and power supply system in an image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming unit. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when determining a power mode set at the end of an image forming operation in an image forming unit. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when a power mode is changed in the image forming unit after the image forming operation is completed. It is the figure which illustrated a part of system information about the present operation situation and operation setting in each unit memorized by the memory unit. It is a figure explaining the transition of the power mode of each unit when copying is performed from the state where the sleep mode is set for each unit. It is the figure which showed the hardware constitutions of the control part of each unit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Image forming unit, 3 ... Image reading unit, 4 ... User interface (UI) unit, 5 ... Facsimile (FAX) unit, 6 ... Tray unit, 7 ... Memory unit, 8 ... System control unit , 9 ... Power supply unit, 10 ... In-machine LAN, 21 ... In-unit LAN, 22 ... Various control units, 23 ... Mechanism unit, 92 ... Image formation control unit, 93 ... Image reading control unit, 94 ... UI control unit, 95 ... FAX control unit, 96 ... Tray control unit, 97 ... Memory control unit, 98 ... System control unit control unit

Claims (10)

An image forming function unit for forming an image based on image information;
A plurality of control function units for transmitting and receiving information or signals related to image formation with the image forming function unit;
The power supplied to each of the image forming function unit and the control function unit is individually controlled to enable the image forming function unit and the control function unit to operate in a power-saving state and consume less power than the operable state. Control means for setting the state individually;
Receiving means for receiving a user request regarding a return time when returning one or more of the image forming function unit and the control function unit from the power saving state to the operable state;
The control means can return the power supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set in the power saving state to the operable state within the return time received by the receiving means. An image forming apparatus, wherein the amount of electric power is controlled. The image forming function unit includes an image forming unit control unit that individually controls the power saving state and the operable state of the image forming function unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the control function units includes a function unit control unit that individually controls the power saving state and the operable state of the control function unit. Further comprising storage means for storing information relating to operation status and / or operation settings of the image forming function unit and the control function unit,
The control unit sets a timing for returning the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set to the power saving state to the operable state based on the information stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The control means determines from the information stored in the storage means the image forming function section or the control function section that returns to the operable state the latest among the image forming function section and the control function section. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the timing is set in correspondence with a return time of the image forming function unit that returns most recently or a control function unit.   The control unit includes a first power saving state in which power supply to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit is stopped according to the return time received by the receiving unit, and the image forming function unit. And / or setting the second power saving state to supply less power than the operable state to the control function unit, and setting the second power saving state, the second power saving state is set. 2. The power supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set in the power saving state is set to an amount of power that can be restored to the operable state within the restoration time. The image forming apparatus described. An image forming function unit that performs image formation based on image information and power supplied to each of a plurality of control function units that perform transmission / reception of information or signals related to image formation with the image forming function unit are individually controlled. A control means for individually setting an operable state and a power saving state with less power consumption than the operable state in each of the image forming function unit and the control function unit;
Receiving means for receiving a user request regarding a return time when returning one or more of the image forming function unit and the control function unit from the power saving state to the operable state;
The control means can return the power supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set in the power saving state to the operable state within the return time received by the receiving means. A control device that controls the amount of electric power.   The control unit individually controls the power saving state and the operable state of the image forming function unit, and individually controls the power saving state and the operable state of the control function unit. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the control device is configured as functional unit control means. Further comprising information acquisition means for acquiring the information from the storage means for storing information relating to the operation status and / or operation setting of the image forming function section and the control function section;
The control unit sets a timing for returning the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set to the power saving state to the operable state based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The control device according to claim 6.   The control unit includes a first power saving state in which power supply to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit is stopped according to the return time received by the receiving unit, and the image forming function unit. And / or setting the second power saving state to supply less power than the operable state to the control function unit, and setting the second power saving state, the second power saving state is set. 7. The power to be supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set in the power saving state is set to an amount of power that can be returned to the operable state within the return time. The control device described. On the computer,
An image forming function unit that performs image formation based on image information and a plurality of control function units that transmit and receive information or signals related to image formation between the image forming function unit and the operable state With the ability to individually set the power saving state with low power consumption,
A function of accepting a user request regarding a return time when returning one or more of the image forming function unit and the control function unit from the power saving state to the operable state;
And a function of controlling the power supplied to the image forming function unit and / or the control function unit set in the power saving state to an amount of power that can be returned to the operable state within the return time. Program.

Images