Patent Publication Number: US-11394846-B2

Title: Information processing apparatus and control method for information processing apparatus for transitioning from one power state to another power state

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to an information processing apparatus and a control method for the information processing apparatus. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     External storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs), employ an interface compliant with the Serial ATA (SATA) standard. Such a SATA interface is equipped with a spin-up control function (staggered spin-up function), which decentralizes rush currents occurring when a plurality of external storage devices starts up. 
     A spindle motor for use in HDDs requires the largest current at the instant of starting of spin-up at start-up. Usually, when powered on, an HDD performs initialization of a physical layer (PHY) of the SATA interface, and then starts spin-up of the spindle motor. On the other hand, the staggered spin-up function is a technique which performs only the initialization of a PHY of the SATA interface and starts spin-up of the spindle motor only after receiving a command via the SATA interface. 
     Thus, using the staggered spin-up function enables reducing power consumption occurring at the time of power-on of the HDD. However, since spin-up of the spindle motor is started after reception of a SATA command, the time required for the HDD to become accessible may become longer than at the usual time. 
     Under such circumstances, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-45452 discusses a method of controlling spin-up of an HDD by providing a SATA connector with a pin base, which is used to switch between enablement and disablement of a staggered spin-up function, and physically switching jumper connections. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus including a non-volatile storage device equipped with a spindle motor includes a state controller configured to cause the information processing apparatus to transition to one of a first power state, in which electric power is supplied to the storage device, and a second power state, in which power consumption is lower than in the first power state and electric power is not supplied to at least the storage device, and a power controller configured to perform one of first control, which, in response to the information processing apparatus transitioning from the second power state to the first power state, supplies electric power to the storage device and drives the spindle motor, and second control, which, in response to the information processing apparatus transitioning from the second power state to the first power state, supplies electric power to the storage device without driving the spindle motor, wherein, when the information processing apparatus is in the second power state, the power controller performs the first control based on the state controller receiving a first request signal, and the power controller performs the second control based on the state controller receiving a second request signal different from the first request signal. 
     Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a controller unit included in the image processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a hard disk drive (HDD) included in the controller unit. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a power control unit included in the controller unit. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an HDD control unit included in the controller unit. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for return-from-sleep processing which a local area network (LAN) controller included in the controller unit performs. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen structure which is displayed on an operation unit, which is included in the image processing apparatus, to register or change setting values for the image processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen structure which is displayed on the operation unit, to register or change priority setting at the time of network response. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for return-from-sleep processing which the power control unit performs. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are timing charts each illustrating return-from-sleep processing which the HDD control unit performs. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the power control unit. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen structure which is displayed on the operation unit to register or change setting values for the image processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen structure which is displayed on the operation unit, to register or change priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for return-from-sleep processing which the power control unit performs. 
         FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C  are diagrams illustrating lists of pieces of return setting information. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and not all of the combinations of characteristics described in the respective exemplary embodiments are necessarily essential for solutions in the disclosure. According to some exemplary embodiments, an image processing apparatus is used as an example of an information processing apparatus. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a power control configuration included in an image processing apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the image processing apparatus includes a controller unit  101 , an alternating current (AC) plug  102 , a power source unit  103 , a power switch  104 , a first power supply unit  106 , an operation unit  105 , a scanner unit  108 , a printer unit  107 , and a facsimile (FAX) unit  109 . 
     The image processing apparatus is able to perform various processing operations such as scan processing and print processing, and the controller unit  101  comprehensively controls the entire image processing apparatus. The AC plug  102  is inserted into an external outlet, and electric power is supplied from the external outlet to the power source unit  103  via the AC plug  102 . The power source unit  103  converts alternating current power into direct current power, and supplies the direct current power to each of the controller unit  101  and the first power supply unit  106 . 
     The power switch  104  is a switch used for the user to control start-up and stopping of the image processing apparatus, and is configured with, for example, a seesaw switch which physically retains a state indicating one of start-up and stopping of the image processing apparatus. 
     The power switch  104 , when operated by the user, notifies the power source unit  103  that the power switch  104  has been operated. The operation unit  105  includes a display unit and operation keys, and receives an instruction for execution of each processing operation input from the user. The first power supply unit  106  supplies electric power supplied from the power source unit  103  to each of the operation unit  105 , the scanner unit  108 , the printer unit  107 , and the FAX unit  109 . 
     The scanner unit  108  reads a document placed on a platen to generate image data. Alternatively, the scanner unit  108  reads a document placed on an auto document feeder (ADF) to generate image data. The ADF of the scanner unit  108  includes a document detection circuit  110 . The document detection circuit  110  is a sensor which detects a document placed on the ADF, and electric power is supplied to the document detection circuit  110  even when the image processing apparatus is in sleep mode. 
     The printer unit  107  performs printing on a sheet based on, for example, image data generated by the scanner unit  108 . The printer unit  107  includes a manual feed tray (not illustrated) including a manual feed detection circuit  111 . The manual feed detection circuit  111  is a sensor which, when a sheet is placed on the manual feed tray, detects the sheet, and electric power is supplied to the manual feed detection circuit  111  even when the image processing apparatus is in sleep mode. 
     The FAX unit  109  performs transmission and reception of digital data (a facsimile job) via a communication line such as a telephone line. The FAX unit  109  includes a communication interface (IF)  112  connected to a telephone line. The communication IF  112  is an IF which receives a communication from an external apparatus, and electric power is supplied to the communication IF  112  even when the image processing apparatus is in sleep mode. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the controller unit  101  included in the image processing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     The controller unit  101  includes a voltage conversion unit  201 , a second power supply unit  202 , a hard disk drive (HDD) control unit (storage control unit)  203 , a power control unit  204 , a local area network (LAN) controller  205 , a central processing unit (CPU)  206 , a memory  207 , an image processing unit  208 , and an HDD  209 . 
     The voltage conversion unit  201  converts a power source voltage supplied from the power source unit  103  into a voltage requested from each power source system and supplies the requested voltage to each power source system via a power source path  236 . The second power supply unit  202  supplies electric power supplied from the voltage conversion unit  201  to a power source system  2  ( 211 ) via a power source path  237  or interrupts supplying the electric power, according to a control signal  215  output from the power control unit  204 . 
     The power source system  2  ( 211 ) includes the CPU  206  and the image processing unit  208 , and electric power is supplied from the second power supply unit  202  to the power source system  2  ( 211 ). The CPU  206  controls an operation of the entire image processing apparatus, and operates by software loaded onto the memory  207 . Moreover, the CPU  206  executes a program stored in the HDD  209  via a SATA interface (I/F)  231  to perform various control operations. 
     The image processing unit  208  performs image processing such as color space conversion on a digital image input from the scanner unit  108  or the FAX unit  109 , and outputs data obtained by performing such image processing to the CPU  206 . Moreover, the image processing unit  208  performs image processing such as color space conversion based on image data input from the CPU  206  to convert the image data into bit-mapped data, and outputs the bit-mapped data to the printer unit  107 . 
     The HDD control unit (storage control unit)  203  is a control unit which performs power control and signal control over the HDD  209 . The HDD control unit  203  supplies electric power supplied from the voltage conversion unit  201  to the HDD  209 , which is a power source system  3  ( 212 ), via a power path  238  or interrupts supplying the electric power, according to an HDD power control signal  216  output from the power control unit  204 . 
     Moreover, the HDD control unit  203  receives a staggered spin-up control signal  217  output from the power control unit  204 . Then, the HDD control unit  203  controls a staggered spin-up signal  218 , which is transmitted to the HDD  209 , according to the received staggered spin-up control signal  217 . 
     The HDD  209  is a non-volatile storage device which temporarily stores programs which the CPU  206  executes and print data received from a network via the LAN controller  205 . 
     Electric power is supplied to the LAN controller  205  even when the image processing apparatus is in a sleep state, which is a power-saving state, so that the LAN controller  205  is able to receive a network packet. Upon receiving the network packet, the LAN controller  205  analyzes the received network packet. Then, if the received network packet is a print job such as print data, the LAN controller  205  communicates a return-from-sleep request to the power control unit  204  via a print job return request signal  223 . Moreover, if the received network packet is other than a print job, for example, an inquiry about status information, the LAN controller  205  communicates a return-from-sleep request to the power control unit  204  via a non-print job return request signal  224 . 
     A power source system  1  ( 210 ) includes the power control unit  204 , the LAN controller  205 , and the memory  207 , and electric power is supplied from the voltage conversion unit  201  to the power source system  1  ( 210 ). 
     The power control unit  204  performs switching control of the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  to supply electric power to each unit of the image processing apparatus or interrupt supplying the electric power, according to a control program which the CPU  206  executes. Additionally, the power control unit  204  receives return request signals  219  to  224  from respective units of the image processing apparatus. 
     The LAN controller  205  is connected to an information processing apparatus, such as a personal computer (PC), via a network (not illustrated). Then, the LAN controller  205  performs reception processing for print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus and response processing for an inquiry about status information, such as an operating status of the image processing apparatus and information about consumables. 
     The memory  207  is a volatile memory such as a double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM), and is a main memory which stores, for example, data generated by the CPU  206  executing each control program. 
     Next, power source systems of the image processing apparatus are described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     Since the power source system  1  ( 210 ) performs processing for managing a power-supply state of the entire image processing apparatus and processing for returning from a power-saving state (sleep state) thereof, as long as the power switch  104  is in a power-on state, electric power is never blocked from being supplied to the power source system  1  ( 210 ) even in any power state. In other words, electric power is supplied to the power source system  1  ( 210 ) in a case where the image processing apparatus is a power-saving state and in a normal power state. 
     Control over blocking and supplying of electric power to the power source system  2  ( 211 ) is performed by the second power supply unit  202  being controlled via the control signal  215  output from the power control unit  204 . Electric power is stopped from being supplied to the power source system  2  ( 211 ) in a case where the image processing apparatus is in a power-saving state, and electric power is supplied to the power source system  2  ( 211 ) in a case where the image processing apparatus is in a normal power state. 
     Control over blocking and supplying of electric power to the power source system  3  ( 212 ) is performed by the HDD control unit  203  being controlled via the HDD power control signal  216  output from the power control unit  204 . 
     Electric power is stopped from being supplied to the power source system  3  ( 212 ) in a case where the image processing apparatus is in a power-saving state, and electric power is supplied to the power source system  3  ( 212 ) in a case where the image processing apparatus is in a normal power state. 
     A power source system  4  ( 213 ) is a power source system which supplies electric power to the operation unit  105 , the printer unit  107 , the scanner unit  108 , and the FAX unit  109 . Control over blocking and supplying of electric power to the power source system  4  ( 213 ) is performed by the first power supply unit  106  being controlled via the control signal  214  output from the power control unit  204 . Furthermore, electric power is stopped from being supplied to the power source system  4  ( 213 ) in a case where the image processing apparatus is in a power-saving state, and electric power is supplied to the power source system  4  ( 213 ) in a case where the image processing apparatus is in a normal power state. 
     At the time of a transition of the image processing apparatus from a power-saving state to a normal power state, the following processing is performed. When the image processing apparatus is in a power-saving state, upon receiving a return request signal out of the return request signals  219  to  224 , the power control unit  204  causes the CPU  206  to return from a power-saving state. Specifically, the power control unit  204  communicates returning from a power-saving state to the CPU  206  via the return request signal  225 , thus causing the CPU  206  to transition from a power-saving state to a normal power state. Then, the CPU  206  checks which of the return request signals  219  to  224  the return request signal received by the power control unit  204  is, and then performs processing corresponding to a return factor. Details of such processing are described below. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the HDD  209 . 
     The HDD  209  includes a SATA I/F unit  301 , a flash ROM  302 , a random access memory (RAM)  303 , a control unit  304 , an arm drive unit  305 , a motor drive unit  306 , an arm  307 , a magnetic head  308 , a spindle motor  309 , and a platter  310 . 
     The SATA I/F unit  301  is a unit which performs transmission and reception of data to and from the CPU  206  via the SATA interface (I/F)  231 . The control unit  304  is a control unit which controls the entire HDD  209  and performs control by executing a program stored in the flash ROM  302 . The RAM  303  is a temporary region which, at the time of writing data into the platter  310  via the magnetic head  308 , is used to make such writing more efficient, and is a volatile memory. 
     The arm drive unit  305  is a unit which drives the arm  307 , to which the magnetic head  308  is attached, and moves the magnetic head  308  to a data region stored on the platter  310 . 
     The magnetic head  308  is a unit which performs data writing by exerting a magnetic force onto a magnetic substance on the surface of the platter  310  and, moreover, performs data reading by reading a magnetic resistance which varies due to the influence of a magnetic field on the platter  310 . The motor drive unit  306  is a unit which drives the spindle motor  309 . The spindle motor  309  is a motor which operates to rotate the platter  310 . The platter  310  has a magnetic substance for recording applied to the surface of the platter  310 , so that data is able to be magnetically stored on the platter  310  via the magnetic head  308 . 
     Next, a staggered spin-up function of the HDD  209  is described with reference to  FIG. 3 . In a case where the logical signal of the staggered spin-up signal  218  which the HDD control unit  203  outputs is “low”, upon recognition that the staggered spin-up function is disabled, the HDD  209  starts start-up processing. At the time of the staggered spin-up function being disabled, first, the control unit  304  performs initialization of the SATA I/F unit  301  according to a program stored in the flash ROM  302 . After ending of initialization of the SATA I/F unit  301 , the control unit  304  starts spin-up of the spindle motor  309  via the motor drive unit  306 . At a point of time when the spindle motor  309  has reached a prescribed number of revolutions, the HDD  209  enters into a state of being accessible for data. 
     Next, in a case where the logical signal of the staggered spin-up signal  218  which the HDD control unit  203  outputs is “open” (enabled), since pull-up processing is being performed on the side of the HDD  209 , the staggered spin-up signal  218  enters into a high state following up the HDD power path  238 . 
     In a case where the staggered spin-up signal  218  is in a high (enabled) state at the time of power-on of the HDD  209 , the HDD  209  recognizes that the staggered spin-up function is enabled and thus starts start-up processing. When the staggered spin-up function is enabled, the control unit  304  performs only initialization of the SATA I/F unit  301  and does not start spin-up of the spindle motor  309 , according to a program stored in the flash ROM  302 . 
     After recognizing that a data access request generated by the CPU  206  has been received via the SATA I/F unit  301 , the control unit  304  starts spin-up of the spindle motor  309  via the motor drive unit  306 . At a point of time when the spindle motor  309  has reached a prescribed number of revolutions, the HDD  209  enters into a state of being accessible for data. Furthermore, the data access request is, for example, a write request for data or a read request for data. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the power control unit  204 . The power control unit  204  includes a setting retaining unit  401 , a return factor determination unit  402 , a CPU I/F  403 , and a power state control unit  404 . The setting retaining unit  401  retains return setting information indicating whether to start up the staggered spin-up function in an enabled state or in a disabled state with respect to the HDD  209 , for each return-from-sleep factor.  FIG. 15A  illustrates a list of pieces of return setting information. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15A , if a return-from-sleep factor received from the LAN controller  205  is a non-print job system (an inquiry system), the staggered spin-up function is made enabled as shown in row  1502 . If a return-from-sleep factor received from the LAN controller  205  is a print job system, the staggered spin-up function is made disabled as shown in row  1501 . 
     In the first exemplary embodiment, at the time of receiving a return request signal  224  for a non-print job serving as a return-from-sleep factor transmitted from the LAN controller  205 , since there is a high possibility that a response is able to be made without use of an HDD, the staggered spin-up function is assumed to be made enabled. This enables reducing power consumption caused by spin-up of the spindle motor at the time of start-up of an HDD. Moreover, although the spindle motor of an HDD is limited in the number of times of spin-up, if the staggered spin-up function is used, even when the HDD is powered on, unless a SATA command is received, the number of times of spin-up is not consumed. 
     On the other hand, at the time of receiving a return request signal involving the use of an HDD, the staggered spin-up function is assumed to be made disabled. For example, in the first exemplary embodiment, since, at the time of receiving a print job, the HDD  209  is necessarily used, the staggered spin-up function at the time of receiving the print job return request signal  223  is assumed to be made disabled. Therefore, before a SATA command involving the use of the HDD  209  is received, spin-up of the spindle motor  309  is started. Thus, disabling the staggered spin-up function enables shortening a time required for an HDD access to become possible as compared with a case where the staggered spin-up function is enabled. 
     Upon receiving a return request signal, the return factor determination unit  402  reads, from the setting retaining unit  401 , staggered spin-up setting information corresponding to the received return request signal. In a case where the staggered spin-up setting information corresponding to the received return request signal indicates that the staggered spin-up function is enabled, the return factor determination unit  402  notifies the power state control unit  404  of that effect via a spin-up enabling signal  408 . In a case where the staggered spin-up setting information indicates that the staggered spin-up function is disabled, the return factor determination unit  402  notifies the power state control unit  404  of that effect via a spin-up disabling signal  409 . 
     Upon receiving the spin-up enabling signal  408 , the power state control unit  404  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to an enabled state so as to cause the HDD  209  to return from sleep with the staggered spin-up function set to an enabled state. After such setting, the power state control unit  404  sets a return-from-sleep state to the CPU  206  via the return request signal  225 . Then, the power state control unit  404  notifies the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  of starting of power supply via the control signals  214  and  215  and the HDD power control signal  216 . 
     Moreover, upon receiving the spin-up disabling signal  409 , the power state control unit  404  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to a disabled state so as to cause the HDD  209  to return from sleep with the staggered spin-up function set to a disabled state. After such setting, the power state control unit  404  sets a return-from-sleep state to the CPU  206  via the return request signal  225 . Then, the power state control unit  404  notifies the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  of starting of power supply via the control signals  214  and  215  and the HDD power control signal  216 . 
     The CPU I/F  403  performs access control with respect to the CPU  206 . When the CPU  206  sets staggered spin-up setting information to the setting retaining unit  401 , data is transmitted and received via the CPU I/F  403 . Moreover, at the time of a transition to a sleep state, the CPU  206  sets such a transition to the power state control unit  404  via the CPU I/F  403 . Then, the power state control unit  404  notifies the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  of power shut-down via the control signals  214  and  215  and the HDD power control signal  216 . 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the HDD control unit  203 . 
     The HDD control unit  203  includes a field-effect transistor (FET)  501  and digital transistors  502  and  503 . The FET  501  has a source terminal connected to power  236  supplied from the voltage conversion unit  201 , a gate terminal connected to a collector terminal of the digital transistor  502 , and a drain terminal connected to an HDD power path  238  of the HDD  209 . 
     Furthermore, the FET  501  to be used includes a p-channel power metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). The digital transistor  502  has a base terminal connected to an HDD power control signal  216  output from the power control unit  204 , a collector element connected to the gate terminal of the FET  501 , and an emitter terminal connected to ground. Furthermore, the gate terminal of the FET  501  is processed for pull-up with the power  236  supplied from the voltage conversion unit  201 . 
     The digital transistor  503  has a base terminal connected to a staggered spin-up control signal  217  supplied from the power control unit  204 , a collector terminal connected to a staggered spin-up signal  218  connected to the HDD  209 , and an emitter terminal connected to ground. Furthermore, with regard to the pin arrangement of power connectors of the HDD  209 , pins  7 ,  8 , and  9  are allocated to power of 5 volts (V), pins  4 ,  5 , and  6  are allocated to ground, and pin  11  is allocated to the staggered spin-up function. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are timing charts illustrating return-from-sleep processing for the HDD control unit  203 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a timing chart in the HDD control unit  203  when the staggered spin-up function is set disabled. Upon receiving a return-from-sleep request, the power control unit  204  starts return-from-sleep processing according to the staggered spin-up setting information. In return processing which is performed when the staggered spin-up function is disabled, the power control unit  204  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to “high” (H) at timing  1001 . 
     When a voltage is applied to the staggered spin-up control signal  217 , the digital transistor  503  enters into an on-state. When the digital transistor  503  enters into an on-state, the staggered spin-up signal  218  becomes “low” (L). 
     Next, the power control unit  204  sets the HDD power control signal  216  to “high” (H) at timing  1002 . When a voltage is applied to the HDD power control signal  216 , the digital transistor  502  enters into an on-state. When the digital transistor  502  enters into an on-state, an electrical potential difference occurs between the source terminal and gate terminal of the FET  501 , so that the FET  501  enters into an on-state. When the FET  501  enters into an on-state, electrical power is supplied to the HDD  209  via the FET  501  at timing  1003 . 
     Next,  FIG. 10B  is a timing chart in the HDD control unit  203  when the staggered spin-up function is set enabled. Upon receiving a return-from-sleep request, the power control unit  204  starts return-from-sleep processing according to the staggered spin-up setting information. In return processing which is performed when the staggered spin-up function is enabled, the power control unit  204  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to “low” (L) at timing  1004 . 
     When no voltage is applied to the staggered spin-up control signal  217 , the digital transistor  503  remains in an off-state. When the digital transistor  503  is in an off-state, the staggered spin-up signal  218  enters into an open state, so that, following the HDD power path  238 , the staggered spin-up signal  218  becomes “high” (H). Next, the power control unit  204  sets the HDD power control signal  216  to “high” (H) at timing  1005 . 
     When a voltage is applied to the HDD power control signal  216 , the digital transistor  502  enters into an on-state. When the digital transistor  502  enters into an on-state, an electrical potential difference occurs between the source terminal and gate terminal of the FET  501 , so that the FET  501  enters into an on-state. When the FET  501  enters into an on-state, electrical power is supplied to the HDD  209  via the FET  501  at timing  1006 . 
     Furthermore, here, a configuration has been described in which, in a case where the staggered spin-up function is enabled, the staggered spin-up control signal  217  is set to “low” (L) and the staggered spin-up signal  218  is set to “high” (H) and, in a case where the staggered spin-up function is disabled, the staggered spin-up control signal  217  is set to “high” (H) and the staggered spin-up signal  218  is set to “low” (L). However, due to depending on the circuit configuration of the HDD control unit  203  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which, in a case where the staggered spin-up function is enabled, the staggered spin-up control signal  217  is set to “high” and the staggered spin-up signal  218  is set to “low” (L) and, in a case where the staggered spin-up function is disabled, the staggered spin-up control signal  217  is set to “low” (L) and the staggered spin-up signal  218  is set to “high” can be employed. This also applies to the HDD power control signal  216 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for return-from-sleep processing which the LAN controller  205  performs. Furthermore, specifically, a CPU (not illustrated) included in the LAN controller  205  performs the return-from-sleep processing. 
     In step S 601 , the LAN controller  205  waits until receiving a network packet. 
     Upon receiving the network packet (YES in step S 601 ), in step S 602 , the LAN controller  205  determines whether the received network packet is a print job packet such as print data. The method of determining whether the received network packet is a print job packet can include making a determination based on a destination port number of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) of the network packet. For example, in a case where the destination port number of TCP is the RAW print port number (0X238C), the LAN controller  205  can determine that the received network packet is a print job packet, and, in the other cases, the LAN controller  205  can determine that the received network packet is not a print job packet. The print job packet is a packet signal which the LAN controller  205  receives. 
     If, in step S 602 , it is determined that the received network packet is a print job packet (YES in step S 602 ), then in step S 603 , the LAN controller  205  notifies the power control unit  204  of that effect via the print job return request signal  223 . 
     If, in step S 602 , it is determined that the received network packet is not a print job packet (NO in step S 602 ), then in step S 604 , the LAN controller  205  notifies the power control unit  204  of that effect via the non-print job return request signal  224 . The case where the received network packet is not a print job packet is, for example, a case where the received network packet is a packet for making an inquiry to the image processing apparatus. The packet for making an inquiry includes, for example, a packet for requesting status information. The status information includes, for example, an operating time of the image processing apparatus, a paper type, information about the remaining amount of ink, and billing information. Since these pieces of information are retained in the memory  207 , when the image processing apparatus is in a sleep state, it is not necessary to spin up the spindle motor of the HDD. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen structure which is displayed on the operation unit  105  to be used to set and register setting values of the image processing apparatus. The user interface screen structure for setting and registration illustrated in  FIG. 7  is controlled by the CPU  206  based on software stored in the HDD  209 . 
     The user interface screen for setting and registration transitions in the case of changing setting values of the image processing apparatus. The title  701  of the user interface screen for setting and registration is displayed as “setting/registration”. A hierarchy window  702 , which indicates the hierarchy of a setting/registration menu, shows hierarchy information about the setting/registration menu in the image processing apparatus which is currently selected. A detailed menu display window  704  displays a list of detailed menus which the user is able to select in the current menu layer and the current setting values. 
     In the user interface screen for setting and registration illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the user is able to set priority setting at the time of network response in the image processing apparatus. Since a configuration in which setting information registered via the user interface screen for setting and registration is set to the setting retaining unit  401  and, at the same time, retained in the HDD  209  based on control of the CPU  206  is employed, even if the image processing apparatus is powered off, various settings are stored. 
     An up button  703  is a button used for the user to select to move to a menu which is one layer upper than the current menu layer. A close button  707  is a button used for the user to select to close a menu which is being displayed. 
     A detailed menu page number display field  708  is displayed to inform the user of a page number of the page which is currently displayed in the detailed menu composed of a plurality of pages. A movement-to-previous-page instruction button  705  is a button used to issue an instruction to move to a page one page previous to the page number of the page which is currently displayed in the detailed menu composed of a plurality of pages and is displayed in cooperation with the detailed menu page number display field  708 . A movement-to-next-page instruction button  706  is a button used to issue an instruction to move to a page one page next to the page number of the page which is currently displayed in the detailed menu composed of a plurality of pages and is displayed in cooperation with the detailed menu page number display field  708 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen structure which is displayed on the operation unit  105  to register and change priority setting at the time of network response. 
     The user interface screen structure for network response priority setting illustrated in  FIG. 8  is controlled by the CPU  206  based on software stored in the HDD  209 . A network response priority setting user interface screen  801  is a user interface screen which is displayed on the operation unit  105  when the item of priority setting at the time of network response in the detailed menu display window  704  has been selected. A configuration in which the settings illustrated in  FIG. 15A  are able to be changed via the user interface screen can be employed. 
     Furthermore, a network response priority setting which is able to be set via the network response priority setting user interface screen  801  is an operation setting at the time of reception of a return-from-sleep request in receiving a packet which is not a print job packet. A title  802  of the network response priority setting user interface screen is displayed as “priority setting at the time of network response”. In the case of setting the priority setting at the time of network response to “response speed”, the user selects a response speed button  803  and then presses an OK button  806 . 
     After detecting selection of the response speed button  803  and pressing of the OK button  806 , the CPU  206  sets, in the setting retaining unit  401 , staggered spin-up setting information at the time of reception of a return-from-sleep request in receiving a packet which is not a print job packet to “disabled”. Additionally, the CPU  206  also performs updating of setting values of a target stored in the HDD  209 . In the case of setting priority setting at the time of network response to power saving, the user selects a power saving button  804  and then presses the OK button  806 . 
     After detecting selection of the power saving button  804  and pressing of the OK button  806 , the CPU  206  sets, in the setting retaining unit  401 , staggered spin-up setting information at the time of reception of a return-from-sleep request in a non-print job to “enabled”. Additionally, the CPU  206  also performs updating of setting values of a target stored in the HDD  209 . A cancel button  805  is a button which the user selects when canceling registration or change of the priority setting at the time of network response. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for return-from-sleep processing which the power control unit  204  performs. In the first exemplary embodiment, the present flowchart is implemented by a circuit configuration of the power control unit  204 . However, a CPU can be incorporated in the power control unit  204  to implement the present flowchart. 
     Furthermore, in the first exemplary embodiment, the power control unit  204  is assumed to retain setting information concerning the non-print job return request signal  224 , which is a return-from-sleep factor, supplied from the LAN controller  205 . Then, since, at the time of reception of a print job, the HDD  209  is used, the staggered spin-up function is assumed to be set disabled. 
     In step S 901 , the return factor determination unit  402  of the power control unit  204  checks signal states of the print job return request signal  223  and the non-print job return request signal  224  suppled from the LAN controller  205 , and waits until receiving a return request. Upon receiving the return request (YES in step S 901 ), the return factor determination unit  402  advances the processing to step S 902 . 
     In step S 902 , the return factor determination unit  402  determines whether the received return request is a return request that is based on the non-print job return request signal  224 . If it is determined that the received return request is a return request that is based on the non-print job return request signal  224  (YES in step S 902 ), the return factor determination unit  402  advances the processing to step S 903 . 
     In step S 903 , the return factor determination unit  402  acquires, from the setting retaining unit  401 , staggered spin-up setting information obtained at the time of reception of the non-print job return request signal  224  and determines whether the acquired setting information indicates an enabled state. If it is determined that the acquired setting information indicates an enabled state (YES in step S 903 ), the return factor determination unit  402  advances the processing to step S 904 . 
     In step S 904 , the return factor determination unit  402  communicates the spin-up enabling signal  408  to the power state control unit  404 . Upon receiving the spin-up enabling signal  408 , the power state control unit  404  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to an enabled state to cause the staggered spin-up function to return from sleep. In response to the staggered spin-up control signal  217  being set to an enabled state, the staggered spin-up function is set enabled with respect to the HDD control unit  203 . Therefore, when the HDD  209  returns from sleep, the staggered spin-up function is caused to return in an enabled state. 
     Upon completion of step S 904 , the power state control unit  404  advances the processing to step S 906 . 
     The description refers back to step S 903 . If, in step S 903 , it is determined that the acquired staggered spin-up setting information indicates a disabled state (NO in step S 903 ), the return factor determination unit  402  advances the processing to step S 905 . Step S 905  is described below. 
     The description refers back to step S 902 . If, in step S 902 , it is determined that the received return request is a return request that is based on other than the non-print job return request signal  224  (NO in step S 902 ), the return factor determination unit  402  advances the processing to step S 905 . 
     In step S 905 , the return factor determination unit  402  communicates the spin-up disabling signal  409  to the power state control unit  404 . Upon receiving the spin-up disabling signal  409 , the power state control unit  404  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to a disabled state. In response to the staggered spin-up control signal  217  being set to a disabled state, the staggered spin-up function is set disabled with respect to the HDD control unit  203 . Therefore, when the HDD  209  returns from sleep, the staggered spin-up function is caused to return in a disabled state. Upon completion of step S 905 , the power state control unit  404  advances the processing to step S 906 . 
     In step S 906 , the power state control unit  404  sets an interrupt for return from sleep to the CPU  206  via the return-from-sleep request signal  225 . Upon receiving the return-from-sleep request signal  225 , the CPU  206  transitions from the sleep state to the normal state. 
     In step S 907 , finally, the power state control unit  404  communicates starting of power supply to the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  via the control signals  214  and  215  and the HDD power control signal  216 , thus completing the return-from-sleep processing. 
     According to the configuration of the first exemplary embodiment, at the time of a return from sleep occurring due to a print job, in which an HDD access occurs immediately after the return from sleep, processing for setting the staggered spin-up function disabled and powering on the HDD enables preventing delaying of the HDD access enabled time. Moreover, at the time of a return from sleep occurring due to a non-print job, in which an HDD access is unlikely to occur after the return from sleep, processing for setting the staggered spin-up function enabled and powering on the HDD enables reducing power consumption. Thus, performing spin-up control which is adapted to a situation occurring at the time of power-on of the HDD enables optimizing a response capability for the HDD access and a reduction in power consumption at the time of power-on of the HDD. 
     Furthermore, at the time of a return from sleep occurring due to a non-print job, in which an HDD access is unlikely to occur after the return from sleep, processing for setting the staggered spin-up function enabled and powering on the HDD further enables reducing the number of times of spin-up of the spindle motor. 
     Next, a second exemplary embodiment is described. In the second exemplary embodiment, portions having similar functions to those illustrated in  FIG. 1  to  FIGS. 10A  and  10 B are assigned the respective same reference characters, and the detailed description thereof is omitted here. 
     The second exemplary embodiment is configured to disable the staggered spin-up function not only with respect to a return-from-sleep factor supplied from the LAN controller  205  but also with respect to a return factor in which an access to an HDD occurs. Then, the second exemplary embodiment is configured to enable the staggered spin-up function with respect to a return factor in which an access to an HDD does not occur. 
     Furthermore, even the second exemplary embodiment is also able to set enabling and disabling of the staggered spin-up function with respect to a return-from-sleep factor via an operation screen described below. 
     Furthermore, descriptions with regard to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIGS. 10A and 10B , and  FIG. 15A  are similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment and are, therefore, omitted here. 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the power control unit  204  in the second exemplary embodiment. The power control unit  204  includes a start-up setting retaining unit  1101 , a return factor determination unit  1102 , a CPU I/F  1103 , and a power state control unit  1104 . The start-up setting retaining unit  1101  retains setting information indicating whether to start up the HDD  209  in a staggered spin-up function enabled state or in a staggered spin-up function disabled state, for each return-from-sleep factor. 
     In the second exemplary embodiment, the start-up setting retaining unit  1101  is assumed to retain not only a return-from-sleep factor supplied from the LAN controller  205  but also setting information concerning the return request signals  219  to  222  output from the operation unit  105 , the printer unit  107 , the scanner unit  108 , and the FAX unit  109 . 
     The return factor determination unit  1102  receives the print job return request signal  223 , the non-print job return request signal  224 , and the return request signals  219  to  222  output from the respective units of the image processing apparatus. Then, the return factor determination unit  1102  reads staggered spin-up setting information corresponding to a return request signal received from the start-up setting retaining unit  1101 . 
     In a case where the staggered spin-up setting information indicates an enabled state, the return factor determination unit  1102  notifies the power state control unit  1104  of that effect via a spin-up enabling signal  1108 . In a case where the staggered spin-up setting information indicates a disabled state, the return factor determination unit  1102  notifies the power state control unit  1104  of that effect via a spin-up disabling signal  1109 . 
     Upon receiving the spin-up enabling signal  1108 , the power state control unit  1104  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to an enabled state so as to cause the HDD  209  to return from sleep with the staggered spin-up function set to an enabled state. After such setting, the power state control unit  1104  sets a return-from-sleep state to the CPU  206  via a return-from-sleep interrupt signal  225 . Then, the power state control unit  1104  notifies the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  of starting of power supply via the control signals  214  and  215  and the HDD power control signal  216 . 
     Moreover, upon receiving the spin-up disabling signal  1109 , the power state control unit  1104  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to a disabled state so as to cause the HDD  209  to return from sleep with the staggered spin-up function set to a disabled state. After such setting, the power state control unit  1104  sets a return-from-sleep state to the CPU  206  via the return-from-sleep interrupt signal  225 . Then, the power state control unit  1104  notifies the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  of starting of power supply via the control signals  214  and  215  and the HDD power control signal  216 . The CPU I/F  1103  performs access control with respect to the CPU  206 . 
     When the CPU  206  sets staggered spin-up setting information to the start-up setting retaining unit  1101 , data is transmitted and received via the CPU I/F  1103 . Moreover, at the time of a transition to a sleep state, the CPU  206  sets such a transition to the power state control unit  1104  via the CPU I/F  1103 . Then, the power state control unit  1104  notifies the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  of power shut-down via the control signals  214  and  215  and the HDD power control signal  216 . 
       FIG. 15B  illustrates an example of return setting information for each return-from-sleep factor which the start-up setting retaining unit  1101  retains in the second exemplary embodiment. The second exemplary embodiment is configured to set the staggered spin-up function disabled with respect to a return factor in which an access to an HDD occurs and to set the staggered spin-up function enabled with respect to a return factor in which an access to an HDD does not occur, as shown in row  1502 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15B , if a return-from-sleep factor received from the LAN controller  205  is each of the manual feed detection  1503 , the ADF document detection  1504 , and the FAX incoming detection  1505 , the staggered spin-up function is made disabled. Moreover, even when the received return-from-sleep factor is the time of multifunction peripheral (MFP) start-up  1506 , the staggered spin-up function is made disabled. 
     In the manual feed detection  1503 , when a sheet of paper is placed on a manual feed tray (not illustrated) included in the printer unit  107 , a paper detection sensor for the manual feed tray detects the sheet and a return request signal  221  is input from the paper detection sensor to the power control unit  204 . 
     In the ADF document detection  1504 , when a document detection sensor for an auto document feeder (ADF) (not illustrated) included in the scanner unit  108  detects a document, a return request signal  220  is input from the document detection sensor to the power control unit  204 . 
     In the FAX incoming detection  1505 , when a communication interface (IF) (not illustrated) included in the FAX unit  109  receives a communication, a return request signal  219  is input from the communication IF to the power control unit  204 . 
     Furthermore, even when the image processing apparatus is in a power-saving state, electric power is supplied to the paper detection sensor for the manual feed tray, the document detection sensor for the ADF, and the communication IF of the FAX unit  109 . In the above-mentioned return-from-sleep factors, an access to an HDD for printing or scanning occurs. Therefore, the staggered spin-up function is made disabled, and, when electric power is supplied to the HDD  209  at the time of a return from the power-saving state, the spindle motor is driven. 
     Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 15C , even in a case where the return-from-sleep factor is receiving an operation in the operation unit  105 , the staggered spin-up function is made disabled, as shown in row  1507 . This is because, when an operation in the operation unit  105  is performed, processing in which an access to an HDD occurs is likely to be performed. Furthermore, electric power can be supplied to all of the portions of the operation unit or electric power can be supplied to a part of the portions (for example, only a key used for issuing an instruction for return from sleep) of the operation unit. Moreover, at the time of start-up of the image processing apparatus (the time of a transition from the state of power-off to the state of power-on), the staggered spin-up function is made disabled. This is because, at the time of start-up of the image processing apparatus, it is necessary to read data from the HDD in association with the start-up. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen structure which is displayed on the operation unit  105  to be used to set and register setting values of the image processing apparatus in the second exemplary embodiment. The basic portions of the user interface screen structure are similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment and are, therefore, omitted from description here. The user interface screen structure for setting and registration illustrated in  FIG. 12  is controlled by the CPU  206  based on software stored in the HDD  209 . A configuration in which the settings illustrated in FIGS.  15 B and  15 C are able to be changed via a setting operation on the user interface screen structure illustrated in  FIG. 12  can be employed. 
     The user interface screen for setting and registration transitions in the case of changing setting values of the image processing apparatus. A detailed menu display window which is displayed in  FIG. 12  is able to be used to set priority setting  1201  at the time of network response, priority setting  1202  at the time of network printing, priority setting  1203  at the time of operating an operation unit, and priority setting  1204  at the time of FAX reception. Displaying illustrated in  FIG. 12  is composed of a plurality of pages and is also configured to allow priority setting to be performed with respect to another return-from-sleep factor. Since a configuration in which setting information registered via the user interface screen for setting and registration is set to the start-up setting retaining unit  1101  and, at the same time, retained in the HDD  209  based on control of the CPU  206  is employed, even if the image processing apparatus is powered off, various settings are stored. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen structure which is displayed on the operation unit  105  to register and change priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit in the second exemplary embodiment. 
     The user interface screen structure for priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit illustrated in  FIG. 13  is controlled by the CPU  206  based on software stored in the HDD  209 . The user interface screen for priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit is a user interface screen which is displayed on the operation unit  105  when the priority setting  1203  at the time of operating an operation unit in the detailed menu display window has been selected. 
     Furthermore, a priority setting which is able to be set via the user interface for priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit is an operation setting at the time of detecting an operation on the operation unit when the image processing apparatus is in a sleep state. A title  1301  of the user interface screen for priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit is displayed as “priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit”. 
     In the case of setting the priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit to “response speed”, the user selects a response speed button  1302  and then presses an OK button  1305 . After detecting selection of the response speed button  1302  and pressing of the OK button  1305 , the CPU  206  sets, in the start-up setting retaining unit  1101 , staggered spin-up setting information at the time of reception of a return-from-sleep request in operating an operation unit to “disabled”. Additionally, the CPU  206  also performs updating of setting values of a target stored in the HDD  209 . 
     In the case of setting priority setting at the time of operating an operation unit to power saving, the user selects a power saving button  1303  and then presses the OK button  1305 . After detecting selection of the power saving button  1303  and pressing of the OK button  1305 , the CPU  206  sets, in the start-up setting retaining unit  1101 , staggered spin-up setting information at the time of reception of a return-from-sleep request in operating an operation unit to “enabled”. Additionally, the CPU  206  also performs updating of setting values of a target stored in the HDD  209 . 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for return-from-sleep processing which the power control unit  204  performs in the second exemplary embodiment. In the second exemplary embodiment, the present flowchart is implemented by a circuit configuration of the power control unit  204 . However, a CPU can be incorporated in the power control unit  204  to implement the present flowchart. 
     In step S 1401 , the return factor determination unit  1102  of the power control unit  204  checks signal states of the print job return request signal  223 , the non-print job return request signal  224 , and the return request signals  219  to  222  output from the respective portions of the image processing apparatus. Then, the return factor determination unit  1102  waits until receiving a return request. 
     Upon receiving the return request (YES in step S 1401 ), then in step S 1402 , the return factor determination unit  1102  acquires staggered spin-up setting information corresponding to the return request signal from the start-up setting retaining unit  1101 . Then, if, in step S 1403 , it is determined that the acquired staggered spin-up setting information corresponding to the received return request signal indicates an enabled state, the return factor determination unit  1102  notifies the power state control unit  1104  of that effect via the spin-up enabling signal  1108 . 
     Upon receiving the spin-up enabling signal  1108  (YES in step S 1403 ), in step S 1404 , the power state control unit  1104  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to an enabled state. In response to the staggered spin-up control signal  217  being set to an enabled state, the staggered spin-up function is set enabled with respect to the HDD control unit  203 . Therefore, when the HDD  209  returns from sleep, the staggered spin-up function is caused to return in an enabled state. 
     The description refers back to step S 1403 . If, in step S 1403 , it is determined that the acquired staggered spin-up setting information corresponding to the received return request signal indicates a disabled state, the return factor determination unit  1102  notifies the power state control unit  1104  of that effect via the spin-up disabling signal  1109 . 
     Upon receiving the spin-up disabling signal  1109  (NO in step S 1403 ), in step S 1405 , the power state control unit  1104  sets the staggered spin-up control signal  217  to a disabled state. In response to the staggered spin-up control signal  217  being set to a disabled state, the staggered spin-up function is set disabled with respect to the HDD control unit  203 . Therefore, when the HDD  209  returns from sleep, the staggered spin-up function is caused to return in a disabled state. 
     In step S 1406 , after setting the staggered spin-up control signal  217 , the power state control unit  1104  sets an interrupt for return from sleep to the CPU  206  via the return-from-sleep request signal  225 . Finally, in step S 1407 , the power state control unit  1104  communicates starting of power supply to the second power supply unit  202 , the HDD control unit  203 , and the first power supply unit  106  via the control signals  214  and  215  and the HDD power control signal  216 , thus completing the return-from-sleep processing. 
     According to the configuration of the second exemplary embodiment, setting the staggered spin-up function enabled or disabled depending on whether the received return factor is a return factor in which an access to an HDD occurs enables performing spin-up control which is adapted to a situation occurring at the time of power-on of the HDD. Then, performing such setting enables optimizing a response capability for the HDD access and a reduction in power consumption at the time of power-on of the HDD. 
     Moreover, since setting the staggered spin-up function enabled or disabled is able to be optionally performed for each return-from-sleep factor, for example, setting for reducing power consumption as much as possible depending on users or setting for making a processing time after return from sleep earlier even if only slightly becomes able to be performed. 
     While various examples and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the gist and scope of the present disclosure are not restricted by the specific descriptions in the present specification. 
     Other Embodiments 
     Embodiment(s) of the present disclosure can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. 
     While the present disclosure includes exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-015839, filed Jan. 31, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.