JP2010120322A - Image forming apparatus, computer program, and recording medium containing computer program recorded therein - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently and promptly performing a shut down process. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus 22 includes an operation panel 36 having a display output section, a power button for receiving a power-off instruction and an execution button for receiving an execution instruction for requesting the execution of a shut down process, and a power control section 39 that controls the supplying of power to each of sections of the image forming apparatus 22. The image forming apparatus 22 further includes a system control section 24 that has a function of causing each of the sections of the image forming apparatus 22 to execute part of the shut down process in response to the power-off instruction, a function of causing the display output section to display a shut down confirmation screen in response to the execution of the part of the shut down process, and a function of causing each of the sections of the image forming apparatus 22 to execute the remaining part of the shut down process in response to the received execution instruction and causing the power control section 39 to stop the supplying of power to each of the sections of the image forming apparatus 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for executing a shutdown process, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded for executing the shutdown process efficiently and quickly.

  In recent years, the functions of home appliances and OA (Office Automation) devices have become increasingly complicated as the required functions increase. In order to cope with such complicated functions, the number of devices controlled by an operating system (OS) is increasing. In addition, the number of devices that can be remotely operated by an external device such as a personal computer connected via a network is increasing.

  In these devices, when a power-off instruction for requesting power-off is issued, a shutdown process is executed. The shutdown process is a process for stopping the system in a safe state so that the device operates normally even at the time of restart. In the shutdown process, in order to prevent the disappearance of necessary setting information and data, the information is saved from a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) to an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), A process for completing or stopping the process being executed and a process for cutting off the power supply to the hardware in order to prevent a failure of the device due to heat generated from hardware such as a motor and a heater are included.

  For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an image forming apparatus having an external controller that enables a printer to be used from an external apparatus. In this image forming apparatus, when a power-off instruction is given, each controller and printer including the external controller perform a shutdown process. At this time, the image forming apparatus performs power-off control in accordance with the longer shutdown processing time of the shutdown processing time in each controller and printer, so that it is not affected by variations in the time of the shutdown processing. Optimal power-off processing is performed.

In recent years, devices with a power saving function are increasing in response to the increasing demand for energy saving. These devices include devices that shift to a power-saving state according to user instructions, devices that automatically shift to a power-saving state in time zones such as nighttime that are not frequently used, and operations and data transmission / reception by the user for a certain period of time. There is a device that shifts to the power saving state when there is not. For example, Patent Document 2 described later discloses a recording apparatus having a power saving function. This recording device immediately stops power supply to the heating unit when a request to shift to a power saving state is issued, and also stops power supply to the cooling unit when the ambient temperature becomes lower than a preset temperature. To do. As described above, since the power saving state is sequentially entered from the configuration in which the power saving state transition condition is satisfied, the recording apparatus can perform efficient power saving.
JP 2004-262065 A JP 2002-182542 A

  In conventional home appliances and OA devices, when a power-off instruction is given by a user such as an administrator, a confirmation screen is first displayed on the display screen or the like to make the user confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process. Is done. Then, after an execution instruction for requesting execution of the shutdown process is given by an input operation by the user who has confirmed based on the confirmation screen, the shutdown process is executed. When the execution confirmation of the shutdown process is performed in this way, if the time for the user to perform an input operation becomes long, the waiting time until the shutdown process is executed becomes long, so the time required for the shutdown process becomes long. There is a problem.

  In addition, when a signal instructing execution of a new process is received during the shutdown process, or when a periodic process such as a self-maintenance process is executed, the shutdown process is performed until the above processes are completed. Since the process is interrupted, the time required for the shutdown process becomes long, and the completion of the shutdown process is delayed. In such a case, if the received new process is stopped, the user may feel uncomfortable. The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 can efficiently perform the shutdown process and the power saving state transition process, but cannot solve the above-described problems. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. It is to be.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that executes a plurality of processes including a shutdown process, and includes a display unit and a power source control unit that controls power supply to each unit of the image forming apparatus. A first receiving unit that receives a power-off instruction; a first control unit that causes each unit of the image forming apparatus to execute a part of the shutdown process in response to the received power-off instruction; In response to execution of a part of the shutdown process, a display control means for causing the display means to display a confirmation screen for allowing the user to confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process, and based on the confirmation screen A second accepting unit for accepting an execution instruction for requesting execution of the shutdown process by the user who has confirmed, and in response to the accepted execution instruction, Parts with respect to, together to execute processing of the remainder of the shutdown process to the power control unit, and a second control means for interrupting the power supply to each unit of the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus, the first control unit causes each unit of the image forming apparatus to execute a part of the shutdown process in response to the received power-off instruction, and the display control unit. Responds to the execution of a part of the shutdown process, and displays on the display means a confirmation screen for allowing the user to confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process. The second control means In response to an execution instruction for requesting execution of the shutdown process by the user who has confirmed based on the confirmation screen, each part of the image forming apparatus executes the remaining part of the shutdown process, and power control The power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus is interrupted by the means. Therefore, since a part of the shutdown process is executed before the execution instruction is received, the time from when the execution instruction is given until the shutdown process is completed can be shortened. Therefore, the shutdown process can be performed efficiently and quickly.

  Preferably, in response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit executes a process of stopping execution of a new process as a part of the shutdown process for each unit of the image forming apparatus. Let Thus, since the first control means stops the execution of the new process before receiving the execution instruction, it is possible to prevent the shutdown process from being interrupted until the newly received process is completed during the shutdown process. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time required for the shutdown process from becoming long, and the shutdown process can be performed more quickly. In addition, since it is not necessary to stop the newly accepted process in the middle of execution, the user is not discomforted, and the convenience for the user is further improved. Furthermore, the load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced by analyzing and executing a new process.

  More preferably, in response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit periodically executes a process (hereinafter referred to as “a part of the shutdown process) for each part of the image forming apparatus. The process of stopping the execution of “periodic process” may be executed. As described above, the first control unit stops the execution of the periodic processing such as the self-maintenance processing and the toner supply processing for stabilizing the state of the image forming apparatus before receiving the execution instruction. It is possible to prevent the shutdown process from being interrupted until the periodic process that has been started is completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time required for the shutdown process from becoming long, and the shutdown process can be performed more quickly. Further, it is possible to prevent a problem caused by the periodic process being stopped during execution. Furthermore, the load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced by analyzing and executing the periodic processing.

  More preferably, in response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit causes the power control unit to supply power to some of the units of the image forming apparatus as part of the shutdown process. A process for shutting off the supply is executed. As described above, the first control unit, before receiving the execution instruction, instructs the power supply control unit, for example, a part of each part of the image forming apparatus such as hardware that is not used in the shutdown process. Since the power supply to is cut off, the shutdown process can be performed more quickly.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes receiving means for receiving a command signal for instructing execution of processing, which is transmitted from an information processing apparatus that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus via a network. In response to the received power-off instruction, the control unit causes the reception unit to execute a process of stopping the reception of the command signal as a part of the shutdown process. Thus, since the first control means stops receiving the command signal before receiving the execution instruction, the shutdown process is suspended during the shutdown process until the newly received process is completed by receiving the command signal. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time required for the shutdown process from becoming long, and the shutdown process can be performed more quickly. In addition, since it is not necessary to stop the process newly received by receiving the command signal in the middle of execution, the user is not discomforted, and the convenience for the user is further improved. Furthermore, the load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced by analyzing and executing the newly accepted process.

  More preferably, in response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit performs data communication with the information processing apparatus via the network as a part of the shutdown process for the image forming apparatus. To stop the process. As described above, the first control unit causes the image forming apparatus to stop data communication with the information processing apparatus via the network before receiving the execution instruction. The load on the image forming apparatus can be reduced by processing such as reception, analysis, and response of various data to be transmitted. In addition, it is possible to prevent the shutdown process from being interrupted by processes such as receiving, analyzing, and responding to various types of data. You can do it.

  More preferably, when the image forming apparatus does not receive an execution instruction within a predetermined time after the confirmation screen is displayed, each part of the image forming apparatus is set to a state before executing a part of the shutdown process. Third control means for returning to the state is further included. As described above, when the third control unit does not receive an execution instruction within a predetermined time after the confirmation screen is displayed, a part of the shutdown process is executed for each part of the image forming apparatus. Since it returns to the previous state, it will prevent a problem that the state in which other processing cannot be executed becomes longer due to the long waiting time until the execution instruction is given after the confirmation screen is displayed. Can do. Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes third control means for causing each unit of the image forming apparatus to execute a power saving state transition process when the execution instruction is not received within a predetermined time after the confirmation screen is displayed. Including. As described above, the third control unit causes each part of the image forming apparatus to execute the power saving state transition process when the execution instruction is not received within a predetermined time after the confirmation screen is displayed. It is possible to prevent wasted power from being consumed when the standby time until the execution instruction is given after the display is long and the state in which other processes cannot be executed becomes long. Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

  A computer program according to a second aspect of the present invention is a computer program that includes a display unit and causes a computer to function as an image forming apparatus that executes a plurality of processes including a shutdown process. In response to the received power-off instruction, a power control unit that controls power supply to each unit, a first receiving unit that receives a power-off instruction, and a part of the shutdown process for each unit of the image forming apparatus A first control means for executing the process and a confirmation screen for causing the user to confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process in response to the execution of a part of the shutdown process on the display means Execution of shutdown processing by the display control means to be displayed and the user who confirmed based on the confirmation screen A second receiving unit that receives the requested execution instruction; and in response to the received execution instruction, causes each unit of the image forming apparatus to execute the remaining processing of the shutdown process, and causes the power control unit to It functions as a second control means for cutting off the power supply to each part of the forming apparatus.

  By executing such a computer program, the function as the first control means executes a part of the shutdown process for each part of the image forming apparatus in response to the received power-off instruction. The function as the display control means displays a confirmation screen on the display means for allowing the user to confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process in response to the execution of a part of the shutdown process. The function as the second control unit is configured so that each part of the image forming apparatus is in the shutdown process in response to an execution instruction requesting execution of the shutdown process by the user who has confirmed based on the confirmation screen. The remaining part of the image forming apparatus is executed, and the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus is interrupted for the function as the power supply control unit. Therefore, since a part of the shutdown process is executed before the execution instruction is received, the time from when the execution instruction is given until the shutdown process is completed can be shortened. Therefore, the shutdown process can be performed efficiently and quickly.

  A recording medium according to a third aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium that records the above-described computer program.

  Examples of the recording medium include RAM, ROM (Read-Only Memory) constituting main memory or auxiliary memory in the computer, and HDD as auxiliary storage device.

  Further, a program reading device may be provided as an external storage device of a computer, and a recording medium that can be read by being inserted into this device may be used. Normally, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) reads a computer program from a recording medium other than the main memory, and loads the read computer program into the main memory and executes it. The CPU comprehensively controls each part of the computer so as to perform predetermined processing according to the installed computer program. Recording media that can be read by the program reader include (1) tape systems such as magnetic tape and cassette tape, (2) magnetic disks such as flexible disk (FD) and hard disk (HD), or CD -Disc systems such as ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto Optical Disk), MD (Mini Disk), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. (3) IC (Integrate) including a memory card (Circuit) cards and card systems such as optical cards, and (4) Mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Ele trically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and can be exemplified medium or the like for recording fixedly programmed, including a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory.

  Further, the computer may be a medium that can be connected to a communication network including the Internet and carry the program fluidly so as to download the computer program from the communication network. When the computer program is downloaded from the communication network in this way, the download program may be stored in the computer in advance. Moreover, you may install from another recording medium.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, in response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit causes each part of the image forming apparatus to execute a part of the shutdown process and display In response to the execution of a part of the shutdown process, the control means causes the display means to display a confirmation screen for allowing the user to confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process. In response to an execution instruction for requesting execution of the shutdown process by the user who has confirmed based on the confirmation screen, the unit causes each unit of the image forming apparatus to execute the remaining part of the shutdown process. The power control unit is configured to cut off the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus. As described above, since a part of the shutdown process is executed before the execution instruction is received, the time from when the execution instruction is issued until the shutdown process is completed can be shortened. Therefore, the shutdown process can be performed efficiently and quickly.

  In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals and names are assigned to the same components. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system 10 including an image forming apparatus 22 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 22 and information processing apparatuses 12a to 12c. The image forming apparatus 22 and the information processing apparatuses 12a to 12c are connected to each other via a network 20 including a LAN (Local Area Network) line and the like, and can transmit and receive various data to and from each other.

  The information processing apparatus 12 a is a server apparatus that provides various services to the image forming apparatus 22. The information processing apparatus 12b is an administrator PC (Personal Computer) operated by an administrator of the image forming apparatus 22 in order to manage the image forming apparatus 22 by remote control. The information processing apparatus 12 c is a general client PC that is operated by a general user in order to use the image forming apparatus 22. 1 shows only one information processing apparatus 12c, there are actually many information processing apparatuses 12c. Hereinafter, all of the information processing apparatuses 12a to 12c may be collectively referred to as the information processing apparatus 12.

<Hardware configuration>
[Image forming apparatus 22]
Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 22 is a digital multi-function peripheral. The image forming apparatus 22 includes a hardware control unit 30 including a system control unit 24, a scanner unit 32, and a printer unit 34, an image processing device 35, an operation panel 36, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 38, and a power supply control unit 39. .

  The system control unit 24 is substantially a computer and includes a CPU 40, a ROM 42, a RAM 44, and an HDD 46. A BUS line 26 is connected to the CPU 40, and a ROM 42, a RAM 44, and an HDD 46 are electrically connected to the BUS line 26. The CPU 40 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation panel 36 and the like, thereby executing desired processes such as operations of the respective units of the image forming apparatus 22 and communication with the information processing apparatus 12. The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 42 or the HDD 46, and are read from the ROM 42 or the HDD 46 and transferred to the RAM 44 when a desired process is executed. The CPU 40 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 44 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 40. The CPU 40 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address designated by the instruction, such as a register in the RAM 44, HDD 46, and CPU 40.

  In the present embodiment, the HDD 46 functioning as an auxiliary storage device that stores the above-described various computer programs, together with a computer program for realizing the general operation of the image forming apparatus 22, implements a shutdown process described later. The computer program is stored. This computer program is provided from the information processing apparatus 12 via the network 20 and the NIC 38. This computer program may be provided by a recording medium such as a DVD on which the computer program is recorded. That is, a DVD as a computer program recording medium may be mounted on a DVD drive (not shown) built in the image forming apparatus 22, and the computer program may be read from the DVD and installed in the HDD 46. The program structure for realizing the shutdown process in this computer program will be described later.

  The HDD 46 also stores various data including image data for displaying a shutdown confirmation screen described later.

  Further, a scanner unit 32, a printer unit 34, an image processing device 35, an operation panel 36, a NIC 38, and a power supply control unit 39 are electrically connected to the BUS line 26.

  The scanner unit 32 includes a document detection sensor and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (none of which is shown). The document detection sensor is a light source (not shown) for an image surface of a document placed on a document placement table (not shown) manually by a user or by an automatic document feeder (not shown). The reflected light image obtained by irradiating light is formed on the CCD line sensor. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image and outputs it to the image processing device 35 as image data. That is, when copying or scanning a document, the scanner unit 32 reads image information from a document placed on a document placement table by a document detection sensor and converts the read image information into an electrical signal by a CCD line sensor. The data is output to the image processing device 35.

  The printer unit 34 includes an image memory 48 and a printing unit 50. The image memory 48 includes a RAM and temporarily stores image data in units of pages. The image memory 48 receives, for example, output image data input from the image processing device 35 or image data stored in the HDD 46 for transmission to the printing unit 50 in response to an instruction from the system control unit 24 or the like. The data is temporarily stored in units of pages, and the stored image data is output to the printing unit 50 in synchronization with image formation by the printing unit 50. The printing unit 50 is detachably attached to the photosensitive drum, the charger, the LSU (Laser Scanning Unit), the developing device, the transfer device, the cleaning device, the fixing device (none of which is shown), and the image forming device 22. Includes a toner cartridge to be mounted. The printing unit 50 further includes a manual paper feed tray, a first paper feed tray, and a second paper feed tray (all of which are not shown) that are detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 22. These paper feed trays are installed so as to be lined up and down in this order, hold the recording paper, and feed the recording paper to a paper transport unit (not shown). The manual paper feed tray is a tray on which a user manually installs desired recording paper, and the first paper feeding tray and the second paper feeding tray are trays for holding recording papers of different sizes. The printing unit 50 is based on image data transmitted from the image memory 48 on a recording sheet conveyed from one of the paper feed trays via the sheet conveying unit in response to an instruction from the system control unit 24 or the like. Print the image.

  The image processing device 35 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown). The image processing device 35 performs predetermined image processing such as color correction processing on image data input from the scanner unit 32 or the information processing device 12 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “input image data”). The output image data of a predetermined gradation is created by performing the various processes, and is output to the printer unit 34.

  The operation panel 36 includes a display output unit including a liquid crystal display and an indicator, and an operation interface unit including operation buttons, operation switches, a touch panel, and the like. The display output unit provides the user with various information including information on the state of the image forming apparatus 22 and various processing states, and history information. The operation interface unit provides an interface for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 22. The operation panel 36 also provides an interactive operation interface for the user, which is configured by overlapping a liquid crystal display and a touch panel. This interactive operation interface accepts a user instruction for the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 22 from the touch panel, displays the contents of the instruction on the liquid crystal display, and sends a control signal corresponding to the instruction to the system control unit 24 or Output to the MPU of the image processing device 35. The operation panel 36 includes a power button for inputting a power-on instruction and a power-off instruction, a print start key for starting an image forming process, and the like.

  The NIC 38 interfaces with the network 20. The image forming apparatus 22 can perform data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with the information processing apparatus 12 on the network 20 via the NIC 38. The image forming apparatus 22 can receive a command signal for instructing execution of various processes such as an image forming process from the information processing apparatus 12 via the NIC 38.

  The power supply control unit 39 is electrically connected to the external power supply 52. The power supply control unit 39 acquires power necessary for the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 from the external power supply 52 and supplies the acquired power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 22. The power supply control unit 39 controls the amount of power supplied to each unit, cuts off the power supply, and the like according to an instruction from the system control unit 24 or the like, for example, at the time of shutdown processing or power saving state transition processing.

  The CPU 40 of the system control unit 24 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 so that the hardware unit 30 and the image processing apparatus 35 operate in cooperation in order to execute processing requested by the user. As a result, various processes such as an image forming process are executed.

[Information processing apparatus 12]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus 12a. With reference to FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 12 a includes a control unit 100, an HDD 112, an operation unit 114, a display unit 116, and a NIC 118.

  The control unit 100 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU 122, a ROM 124, and a RAM 126. A BUS line 128 is connected to the CPU 122, and a ROM 124 and a RAM 126 are electrically connected to the BUS line 128. The CPU 122 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from an external device including the image forming device 22 or the like or the operation unit 114, thereby performing desired operations such as operation of each unit of the information processing device 12 a and communication with the external device. Execute the process. The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 124 or the HDD 112, and are read from the ROM 124 or the HDD 112 and transferred to the RAM 126 when a desired process is executed. The CPU 122 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 126 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 122. CPU 122 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by an instruction, such as a register in the RAM 126, the HDD 112, and the CPU 122.

  Further, the HDD 112, the operation unit 114, the display unit 116, and the NIC 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 128. The HDD 112 includes a magnetic storage medium and provides a storage area for storing various data including image data.

  The operation unit 114 is an input device including a keyboard or the like for performing various inputs and character inputs in accordance with user instructions. The display unit 116 is a display device composed of a liquid crystal display or the like for displaying a processing result or the like in the information processing device 12a. The operation unit 114 and the display unit 116 are connected to the BUS line 128 via an interface (not shown).

  The information processing apparatus 12a is connected to the network 20 via the NIC 118, and can perform data communication with external apparatuses including the information processing apparatuses 12b and 22c and the image forming apparatus 22 connected on the network 20. . The information processing apparatus 12 a can transmit a command signal instructing execution of various processes such as an image forming process to the image forming apparatus 22 via the NIC 118.

  A power source (not shown) is connected to each part of the information processing apparatus 12a, and each part of the information processing apparatus 12a operates when power is supplied from this power source.

[Information processing devices 12b, 12c]
The information processing apparatuses 12b and 12c have the same hardware configuration as the information processing apparatus 12a except that the computer program stored in the ROM 124 or the HDD 112 is different and the appearance is different.

<Software configuration>
[Image forming apparatus 22]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing the shutdown process. As described above, the computer program stored in the HDD 46 is programmed to execute the shutdown process. This shutdown process is realized by the cooperation of the hardware and the computer program by the CPU 40 controlling the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 22 in accordance with the computer program. And the second operation control function or the like. The first operation control function is a function that causes each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 to execute a part of the shutdown process in response to a power-off instruction from the power button. The display control function is a function for displaying a shutdown confirmation screen on the display output unit of the operation panel 36 in response to execution of a part of the shutdown process. The second operation control function In response to the received execution instruction, each part of the image forming apparatus 22 is caused to execute the remaining part of the shutdown process, and the power supply control part 39 cuts off the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 22. It is a function to let you.

  A computer program for realizing the shutdown process is started when the power of the image forming apparatus 22 is turned on when the power button of the operation panel 36 is pressed.

  Referring to FIG. 3, this program waits until a power-off instruction is issued by pressing the power button, and when it is determined in step S 101 that the power button is pressed (in the case of YES) And step S102 for causing each part of the image forming apparatus 22 to execute a part of the shutdown process. Here, a part of the shutdown process includes a process for stopping execution of a new process, a process for stopping execution of a process that is periodically executed (periodic process), Processing for cutting off the power supply to a part of each part of the image forming apparatus 22 and processing for stopping the reception of the command signal for the NIC 38, or processing with the information processing apparatus 12 via the network 20 for the NIC 38 Including a process for stopping the data communication. These processes are executed as a background process. Note that the periodic processing includes, for example, self-maintenance processing and toner supply processing for stabilizing the state of the image forming apparatus 22. Some of the units of the image forming apparatus 22 whose power supply is cut off include a hardware unit 30 that is not used during the shutdown process.

  The program further includes step S103 for causing the display output unit of the operation panel 36 to display a shutdown confirmation screen for allowing the user to confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shutdown confirmation screen. Referring to FIG. 4, shutdown confirmation screen 400 includes a message 402 that executes shutdown processing, an execution button 404 that receives an execution instruction that requests execution of shutdown processing, and a cancellation instruction that requests cancellation of shutdown processing. And a cancel button 406 to be received.

  This program further determines whether or not the execution button 404 has been pressed, and branches the control in accordance with the determination result, and if it is determined in step S104 that the execution button 404 has been pressed (in the case of YES) Step S105 that causes each part of the image forming apparatus 22 to execute the remaining part of the shutdown process, and step S106 that causes the power supply control unit 39 to cut off power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 22 Including. The rest of the shutdown process includes a process for saving necessary setting information and data from the RAM 44 to the HDD 46.

  This program is further executed in step S104 when it is determined that the execution button 404 is not pressed (in the case of NO), and it is determined whether or not the cancel button 406 is pressed, and control is performed according to the determination result. Step S107 is branched. If it is determined in step S107 that the cancel button 406 has not been pressed (NO), the control returns to step S104.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S107 that the cancel button 406 has been pressed (in the case of YES), and the state of the image forming apparatus 22 is changed to a part of the shutdown process. Step S108 is returned to the previous normal state. After the process of step S108, control returns to step S101.

<Operation>
1 to 4, image forming apparatus 22 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. Note that operations other than the operation at the time of shutdown processing, for example, the operation at the time of normal image forming processing, are the same as the processing in the conventional image forming apparatus. The operation during the shutdown process will be described below.

  First, the administrator presses the power button on the operation panel 36 to turn on the image forming apparatus 22. In the power-on state, for example, the image forming apparatus 22 receives a command signal instructing execution of various processes such as an image forming process from the information processing apparatus 12c. Then, various processes such as an image forming process are executed in accordance with a command included in the received command signal.

  The administrator presses the power button on the operation panel 36 again to turn off the image forming apparatus 22. When the power button is pressed to turn off the power (S101), the system control unit 24 causes each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 to execute a part of the shutdown processing (S102). At this time, the execution of the new process and the periodic process is stopped, and the power supply control unit 39 shuts off the power supply to a part of each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 in accordance with a command from the system control unit 24. To do. Further, the NIC 38 stops receiving the command signal or stops data communication with the information processing apparatus 12 via the network 20.

  When a part of the shutdown process is executed, a shutdown confirmation screen 400 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display output unit of the operation panel 36 (S103). The administrator confirms the shutdown confirmation screen 400 and presses the execution button 404. When the execute button 404 is pressed (S104), the system control unit 24 causes the remaining parts of the shutdown processing, such as processing for saving necessary setting information and data from the RAM 44 to the HDD 46, for each unit of the image forming apparatus 22. The process is executed (S105). When the remaining part of the shutdown process is executed, the power control unit 39 cuts off the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 22 (S106).

  On the other hand, when the administrator wants to cancel the shutdown process after pressing the power button, the administrator presses the cancel button 406 on the shutdown confirmation screen 400. When the cancel button 406 is pressed (S107), the system control unit 24 returns the state of the image forming apparatus 22 to the normal state before a part of the shutdown process is executed (S108).

[Modification]
The modification of the image forming apparatus 22 is different in that the HDD 46 further stores a password for identifying an administrator and automatic transition setting information described later, and a program for realizing a shutdown process. The configuration is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 22 in the above embodiment. In this modification, components having the same functions as those of the image forming apparatus 22 are denoted by the same reference numerals and names, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  The HDD 46 stores a password for identifying the administrator. This password is a predetermined character string that is given only to the administrator of the image forming apparatus 22. For example, the password is an administrator based on the password input from the operation interface unit of the operation panel 36 by the user when performing a process having a large influence on the operation of the image forming apparatus 22 such as a shutdown process. Is used to enable only the administrator to execute the above process.

  The HDD 46 further stores automatic migration setting information indicating processing (hereinafter referred to as “automatic migration processing”) when the execution button 404 is not pressed within a predetermined time after the shutdown confirmation screen 400 is displayed. The automatic transition setting information is set in advance by an input operation from the operation interface unit of the operation panel 36 by the administrator. As automatic transition setting information, information indicating shutdown setting for executing shutdown transition processing, information indicating power saving state transition setting for executing power saving state transition processing, and executing normal state transition processing Any of the information indicating the normal state transition setting is stored. Here, the shutdown transition process is performed when the remaining part of the shutdown process is executed when the user is an administrator to turn off the image forming apparatus 22 and the user is not the administrator. Is a process for returning the state of the image forming apparatus 22 to the normal state before a part of the shutdown process is executed. The power saving state transition process is a process for returning the state of the image forming apparatus 22 to the normal state in accordance with the reception of various data and various signals via the network 20 and the input operation from the operation interface unit of the operation panel 36. It is a process to make it possible to do only. The normal state transition process is a process for returning the state of the image forming apparatus 22 to a normal state before a part of the shutdown process is executed.

<Software configuration>
[Image forming apparatus 22]
FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the control structure of the computer program for realizing the shutdown process according to the present modification. Referring to FIG. 5, in this program, the processing from step S201 to step S208 is the same as the processing from step S101 to step S108 in FIG.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S207 that the cancel button 406 has not been pressed (in the case of NO), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the shutdown confirmation screen 400 is displayed. And step S209 which branches control according to a judgment result is included. If it is determined in step S209 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO), the control returns to S204.

  Referring to FIG. 6, this program is further executed in step S209 when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (in the case of YES), and it is determined whether or not the shutdown transition setting is set. Step S300 which branches control according to a result is included.

  Further, this program is executed in step S300 when it is determined that the shutdown transition setting is not set (in the case of NO), it is determined whether or not the power saving state transition setting is set, and the control is branched according to the determination result. It includes step S301 and step S302 that is executed when it is determined in step S301 that the power saving state transition setting is set (in the case of YES), and executes a power saving state transition process. If it is determined in step S301 that the power saving state transition setting is not set (in the case of NO), it is determined that the normal state transition setting is set, and the control proceeds to step S208.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S300 that the setting is a shutdown transition setting (in the case of YES), and a message for prompting the input of a password is displayed on the display output unit of the operation panel 36, and in advance. It includes step S303 of waiting for a predetermined time, and step S304 of determining whether or not the password stored in advance in the HDD 46 matches the input password and branching the control according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S304 that the passwords match (if YES), the control proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the passwords do not match (NO), the control proceeds to step S208.

<Operation>
With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the image forming apparatus 22 according to the present modification operates as follows. Note that operations other than the operation when the execution button 404 or the cancel button 406 on the shutdown confirmation screen 400 are not pressed for a predetermined time are the same as the processing in the image forming apparatus 22 in the above embodiment. Hereinafter, an operation when the execution button 404 or the cancel button 406 is not pressed for a predetermined time will be described.

  When the execution button 404 or the cancel button 406 is not pressed, the system control unit 24 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the shutdown confirmation screen 400 is displayed (S209). If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed and if it is determined that the power saving state transition setting is set, the power saving state transition process is executed for each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 (S302). When the power saving state transition process is executed, the system control unit 24 first returns the state of the image forming apparatus 22 to the normal state before a part of the shutdown process is executed. Then, the power control unit 39 reduces the amount of power supplied to some of the units of the image forming apparatus 22 such as the hardware unit 30 from the normal state, so that each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 Some of the states are set to a low power operation state or an operation stop state. By this power saving state transition processing, the image forming apparatus 22 only receives various data and various signals via the network 20 and returns to the normal state according to the input operation from the operation interface unit of the operation panel 36. Ready to do.

  On the other hand, if the system control unit 24 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed and determines that the normal state transition setting is set, the system control unit 24 executes normal state transition processing. When the normal state transition process is executed, the system control unit 24 returns the state of the image forming apparatus 22 to the normal state before a part of the shutdown process is executed (S208).

  On the other hand, if the system control unit 24 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed and determines that the shutdown transition setting is set, the system control unit 24 inputs the password to the display output unit of the operation panel 36. A message for prompting is displayed and a predetermined time is waited (S303).

  The administrator confirms the message and inputs the password by an input operation from the operation interface unit of the operation panel 36. When the password is input, the system control unit 24 determines whether the password stored in advance in the HDD 46 matches the input password (S304). If it is determined that the passwords match, shutdown transition processing is executed. When the shutdown transition process is executed, the system control unit 24 performs the rest of the shutdown process, such as a process of saving necessary setting information and data from the RAM 44 to the HDD 46 for each unit of the image forming apparatus 22. This is executed (S205). When the remaining part of the shutdown process is executed, the power supply control unit 39 cuts off the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 22 (S206).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 24 determines that the passwords do not match (including the case where the password is not input within a predetermined time period), the system control unit 24 sets the state of the image forming apparatus 22 to one of the shutdown processes. Return to the normal state before the processing of the part is executed (S208).

<Action and effect>
According to the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 22 that executes a plurality of processes including the shutdown process includes the display output unit, the power button that receives the power-off instruction, and the user who has confirmed based on the shutdown confirmation screen 400 In response to the received power-off instruction, the operation panel 36 including an execution button 404 that receives an execution instruction for requesting execution of the shutdown process, the power control unit 39 that controls power supply to each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 The first operation control function that causes each part of the image forming apparatus 22 to execute a part of the shutdown process, and the shutdown process is executed in response to the execution of a part of the shutdown process. Display of the shutdown confirmation screen 400 for allowing the user to confirm whether or not the operation panel 36 is displayed. In response to the display control function to be displayed on the power unit and the received execution instruction, each part of the image forming apparatus 22 is caused to execute the remaining part of the shutdown process, and the power controller 39 is And a system control unit 24 having a second operation control function for cutting off power supply to each unit of the forming apparatus 22.

  As described above, in the system control unit 24, the first operation control function causes each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 to execute a part of the shutdown process in response to the received power-off instruction. The display control function displays a shutdown confirmation screen 400 on the display output unit of the operation panel 36 in response to execution of a part of the shutdown processing, and the second operation control function is displayed on the shutdown confirmation screen 400. In response to the execution instruction by the user who confirms based on this, the respective parts of the image forming apparatus 22 are caused to execute the remaining part of the shutdown process, and the power control unit 39 is caused to execute the respective parts of the image forming apparatus 22. The power supply to is cut off. Therefore, since a part of the shutdown process is executed before the execution instruction is received, the time from when the execution instruction is given until the shutdown process is completed can be shortened. Therefore, even when the time until the user issues an execution instruction becomes long, the shutdown process can be performed efficiently and promptly.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the system control unit 24 executes a new process for each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 as a part of the shutdown process in response to the received power-off instruction. A process for stopping and a process for stopping the periodically executed process are executed, and the power supply control unit 39 is caused to execute a process for cutting off the power supply to a part of each part of the image forming apparatus 22.

  Thus, since the system control unit 24 stops the execution of the new process before receiving the execution instruction, it is possible to prevent the shutdown process from being interrupted until the newly received process is completed during the shutdown process. it can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time required for the shutdown process from becoming long, and the shutdown process can be performed more quickly. In addition, since it is not necessary to stop the newly accepted process in the middle of execution, the user is not discomforted, and the convenience for the user is further improved. Furthermore, the load on the image forming apparatus 22 can be reduced by analyzing and executing a new process.

  Further, before receiving the execution instruction, the system control unit 24 stops the execution of periodic processing such as self-maintenance processing and toner supply processing for stabilizing the state of the image forming apparatus 22, for example, during shutdown processing. It is possible to prevent the shutdown process from being interrupted until the periodic process that has started execution is completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time required for the shutdown process from becoming long, and the shutdown process can be performed more quickly. Further, it is possible to prevent a problem caused by the periodic process being stopped during execution. Furthermore, the load on the image forming apparatus 22 can be reduced by analyzing and executing the periodic processing.

  Further, the system control unit 24 instructs the power supply control unit 39 to accept a part of each unit of the image forming apparatus 22 such as hardware that is not used in the shutdown process before receiving the execution instruction. Since the power supply is stopped, the shutdown process can be performed more quickly.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 22 instructs execution of various processes such as an image forming process transmitted from the information processing apparatus 12 that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus 22 via the network 20. The system control unit 24 further includes a NIC 38 that receives a command signal to be received, and the system control unit 24 causes the NIC 38 to stop receiving the command signal as a part of the shutdown process in response to the received power-off instruction. Or the image forming apparatus 22 is caused to execute a process of stopping data communication with the information processing apparatus 12 via the network 20.

  As described above, the system control unit 24 causes the NIC 38 to stop receiving the command signal before receiving the execution instruction. Therefore, during the shutdown process, the system control unit 24 shuts down until the newly received process is completed by receiving the command signal. Processing can be prevented from being interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time required for the shutdown process from becoming long, and the shutdown process can be performed more quickly. In addition, since it is not necessary to stop the process newly received by receiving the command signal in the middle of execution, the user is not uncomfortable and the convenience for the user is further improved. Furthermore, the load on the image forming apparatus 22 can be reduced by analyzing and executing the newly accepted process.

  Further, the system control unit 24 causes the image forming apparatus 22 to stop data communication with the information processing apparatus 12 via the network 20 before receiving the execution instruction. The load on the image forming apparatus 22 can be reduced by processing such as reception, analysis, and response of various data transmitted from. In addition, it is possible to prevent the shutdown process from being interrupted by processes such as receiving, analyzing, and responding to various types of data. You can do it.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 22, the system control unit 24 activates each part of the image forming apparatus 22 when the execution button 404 is not pressed within a predetermined time after displaying the shutdown confirmation screen 400. The state before the execution of a part of the shutdown process is restored. As a result, it is possible to prevent a problem that a state in which other processing cannot be performed becomes long due to a long waiting time until an execution instruction is given after the shutdown confirmation screen 400 is displayed. . Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 22, the system control unit 24 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 22 when the execution button 404 is not pressed within a predetermined time after displaying the shutdown confirmation screen 400. On the other hand, a power saving state transition process is executed. As a result, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption when the standby time until the execution instruction is given after the shutdown confirmation screen 400 is displayed is long and the state in which other processing cannot be performed becomes long. be able to. Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

  In the above embodiment, the shutdown confirmation screen 400 is displayed on the display output unit of the operation panel 36. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, instead of the shutdown confirmation screen 400, a dialog message for executing the shutdown process, an execution button for receiving an execution instruction for requesting execution of the shutdown process, and a cancel button for receiving a cancellation instruction for requesting cancellation of the shutdown process A dialog box containing may be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, the shutdown confirmation screen 400 is displayed on the display output unit of the operation panel 36. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the image forming apparatus 22 may include an external connection terminal and may be displayed on an external display connected to the external connection terminal, or may be displayed on the display unit 116 of the information processing apparatus 12b.

  When the shutdown confirmation screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 116 of the information processing apparatus 12b, a notification signal for notifying that part of the shutdown process has been executed is sent from the image forming apparatus 22 to the information processing apparatus. It is transmitted to the device 12b. When the execution button 404 is pressed by the administrator, a notification signal notifying that the execution instruction has been made is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 12b to the image forming apparatus 22. In such a configuration, depending on the communication status of the network 20, there is a possibility that the time until the image forming apparatus 22 receives the execution instruction may become long. However, according to the present embodiment, since a part of the shutdown process is executed before the execution instruction is received, the time from when the execution instruction is made until the shutdown process is completed is shortened. Therefore, even when the time for receiving the execution instruction becomes longer due to the communication status of the network, the shutdown process can be performed efficiently and promptly. In the case of such a configuration, when a process for stopping data communication with the information processing apparatus 12 via the network 20 is executed as part of the shutdown process, the image forming apparatus 22 receives information. Since the notification signal notifying that the execution instruction has been given from the processing device 12b cannot be received, the above processing is not performed.

  In the above embodiment, various instructions are given to the image forming apparatus 22 by an input operation in the operation interface unit of the operation panel 36, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the image forming apparatus 22 includes an external connection terminal, and various instructions may be given by a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a voice recognition apparatus, or the like connected to the external connection terminal, or the information processing apparatus 12b. Various instructions may be given by the operation unit 114.

  In the above modification, the password is used to check whether or not the user is an administrator. When the user is an administrator, the rest of the shutdown processing is executed. It is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the remaining part of the shutdown process may be executed without confirming whether the user is an administrator.

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

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the computer program for implement | achieving a shutdown process in the flowchart format. It is a figure which shows an example of a shutdown confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the computer program for implement | achieving the shutdown process which concerns on this modification in a flowchart format. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the computer program for implement | achieving the shutdown process which concerns on this modification in a flowchart format.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming system 12 Information processing apparatus 20 Network 22 Image forming apparatus 24 System control part 26,128 BUS line 30 Hardware part 32 Scanner part 34 Printer part 35 Image processing apparatus 36 Operation panel 38,118 NIC
39 Power control unit 40, 122 CPU
42,124 ROM
44,126 RAM
46,112 HDD
48 Image memory 50 Printing unit 52 External power source 100 Control unit 114 Operation unit 116 Display unit

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus that executes a plurality of processes including a shutdown process,
Display means;
Power supply control means for controlling power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving a power-off instruction;
First control means for causing each unit of the image forming apparatus to execute a part of the shutdown process in response to the received power-off instruction;
Display control means for causing the display means to display a confirmation screen for allowing a user to confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process in response to execution of a part of the shutdown process;
Second receiving means for receiving an execution instruction for requesting execution of the shutdown process by the user who has performed the confirmation based on the confirmation screen;
In response to the received execution instruction, each part of the image forming apparatus is caused to execute the remaining part of the shutdown process, and the power control unit supplies power to each part of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: a second control unit for blocking.   In response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit performs a process for causing each unit of the image forming apparatus to stop the execution of a new process as a part of the shutdown process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed.   In response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit performs, on each part of the image forming apparatus, processing that is periodically executed as part of the shutdown processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a process for stopping is executed.   In response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit performs a part of the shutdown process on the power control unit with respect to some of the units of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a process for cutting off power supply is executed. Receiving means for receiving an instruction signal for instructing execution of the processing, which is transmitted from an information processing apparatus that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus via a network;
In response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit causes the reception unit to execute a process of stopping reception of the command signal as a part of the shutdown process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   In response to the received power-off instruction, the first control unit sends data to the information processing apparatus via the network as a part of the shutdown process for the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein processing for stopping communication is executed.   When the execution instruction is not received within a predetermined time after the confirmation screen is displayed, each part of the image forming apparatus is returned to a state before a part of the shutdown process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit.   And a third control unit for causing each unit of the image forming apparatus to execute a power saving state transition process when the execution instruction is not received within a predetermined time after the confirmation screen is displayed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A computer program that causes a computer to function as an image forming apparatus that includes a display unit and executes a plurality of processes including a shutdown process,
The computer
Power supply control means for controlling power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving a power-off instruction;
First control means for causing each unit of the image forming apparatus to execute a part of the shutdown process in response to the received power-off instruction;
Display control means for causing the display means to display a confirmation screen for allowing a user to confirm whether or not to execute the shutdown process in response to execution of a part of the shutdown process;
Second receiving means for receiving an execution instruction for requesting execution of the shutdown process by the user who has performed the confirmation based on the confirmation screen;
In response to the received execution instruction, each part of the image forming apparatus is caused to execute the remaining part of the shutdown process, and the power control unit supplies power to each part of the image forming apparatus. A computer program which functions as a second control means for blocking.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 9 is recorded.

Images