Patent Description:
When an image forming apparatus is in a power-saving mode (S3 state in the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) standard), the image forming apparatus cuts off the power supply to the printer unit or the like. The image forming apparatus mainly supplies power to a part of the main central processing unit (CPU), the main memory, and the Network Interface Card (NIC) to maintain the functions related to the network of the image forming apparatus.

In the related art, when the image forming apparatus receives a NW packet during the power-saving mode, the NIC determines whether or not the packet requires restoration processing of the image forming apparatus. When the NIC determines that the packet requires restoration of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus resumes the power supply to the entire system board and communicates with the client. When the client requests printing to the image forming apparatus by communication and the image forming apparatus receives the print data, the image forming apparatus resumes the power supply to the printer unit. The image forming apparatus enters the print-ready state based on the initialization of the printer unit and the completion of the warm-up operation and then performs the printing process based on the data received from the client.

The Energy Star, which is an international energy conservation system for office equipment, and the Blue Angel Mark, which is a German environmental label, set standards for the time required to complete the NW printing process from the power-saving mode. In order to obtain the certification, the print return time is shortened by various methods. <CIT> relates to an image forming apparatus including a printing unit for making printing on a print medium; a communicating unit for communicating with an external apparatus; a controlling unit for controlling the image forming apparatus; a storing unit for storing print data which is used by the printing unit and a power controlling unit for transferring the image forming apparatus to a power saving state in which power supply to the controlling unit and the storing unit is stopped. The communicating unit outputs a first signal to the power controlling unit in a case where a destination port number of data received from the external apparatus in the power saving state is a predetermined port number, and the power controlling unit supplies power at least to the storing unit in response to input of the first signal.

One of the object of the present invention is to improve prior art techniques and overcome at least some of the prior art problems as for instance above illustrated.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, it is provided an image forming apparatus configured to perform non-decolorable printing and decolorable printing, comprising a first control circuit configured to communicate with an information processing device; a second control circuit configured to communicate with the first control circuit; and a third control circuit configured to communicate with the second control circuit and control a printer, the first control circuit being configured to receive print information from the information processing device during a power-saving mode; and control a start of the second control circuit based on the print information; and the second control circuit being configured to control a power supply to the third control circuit based on the start by the first control circuit; and transmit a warm-up start instruction for the printer to the third control circuit based on the print information acquired from the first control circuit after communication with the third control circuit becomes possible.

Optionally, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention further comprises a plurality of signal lines connecting the first control circuit and the second control circuit, wherein each of the plurality of signal lines is associated with a different type of processing in the image forming apparatus, and wherein the first control circuit is configured to transmit a print signal via a first signal line of the plurality of signal lines associated with printing based on the print information.

In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the print information includes a print mode indicating either non-decolorable printing or decolorable printing.

Optionally, there is provided an image forming apparatus operable in a power-saving mode, the image forming apparatus comprising a first control circuit configured to communicate with an information processing device; a second control circuit; a first signal line connecting the first control circuit and the second control circuit; and a second signal line connecting the first control circuit and the second control circuit; the first control circuit being configured to receive a request signal from the information processing device during the power-saving mode; determine whether the request signal includes information regarding a first type of request or a second type of request, the first type of request including a print request; transmit a first signal to the second control circuit via the first signal line in response to the request signal including the first type of request; and transmit a second signal to the second control circuit via the second signal line in response to the request signal including the second type of request; and the second control circuit being configured to start in response to receiving the first signal or the second signal; and perform printing-related control based on the start and in response to receiving the first signal.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the first control circuit is or includes a network interface card.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the first control circuit is or includes a wireless local area network unit.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the second control circuit is only provided enough power during the power-saving mode so that the second control circuit can receive the first signal or the second signal from the first control circuit and start.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, when performing the printing-related control, the second control circuit is configured to provide power to a printer and transmit a warm-up instruction to the printer.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the printer includes a third control circuit, and wherein the third control circuit is configured to control warm-up of the printer based on the warm-up instruction received from the second control circuit.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the first control circuit is configured to acquire an index value from the information in response to the request signal including the first type of request.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the first control circuit is configured to store the index value.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the second control circuit is configured to acquire the index value from the first control circuit in response to receiving the first signal.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the warm-up instruction is based on the index value.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the second control circuit is configured to not provide the power to the printer in response to receiving the second signal.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, the second type of request is a file transfer request, and wherein the second control circuit is configured to perform file transfer related control based on the start and in response to receiving the second signal.

Optionally, in the image forming apparatus, when performing the printing-related control, the second control circuit is configured to receive print data provided to the image forming apparatus by the information processing device separate from and subsequent to the request signal; and transmit a print instruction to the printer to perform a print job based on the print data.

According to another aspect of the invention, it is provided a method executable by a computer, the method comprising communicating, via a control circuit, with an image processing device operable in a power-saving mode; transmitting print information including a print mode indicating either non-decolorable printing or decolorable printing to the image processing device; transmitting a warm-up start instruction to the image processing device based on the print information acquired via the control circuit; and transmitting print data to the image processing device during the power-saving mode after the print information is transmitted.

In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided a technique for shortening the time required to return from a power-saving mode to a printable state.

In one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a first control circuit, a second control circuit, and a third control circuit. The first control circuit communicates with an information processing device. The second control circuit communicates with the first control circuit. The third control circuit is a control circuit that communicates with the second control circuit and controls a printer unit. The first control circuit receives print information from the information processing device during a power-saving mode and controls the start of the second control circuit based on the print information. The second control circuit controls the power supply to the third control circuit based on the start by the first control circuit, and transmits a warm-up start instruction for the printer unit to the third control circuit based on the print information acquired from the first control circuit after communication with the third control circuit becomes possible.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system S. The information processing system S includes an image forming apparatus <NUM> and a terminal <NUM>. The image forming apparatus <NUM> and the terminal <NUM> are connected to freely communicate to each other by wire or wirelessly via a network. For example, the network is, but is not limited to, a local area network (LAN).

The image forming apparatus <NUM> is a device having an electrophotographic printing function. The image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described as being a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copy function, a print function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and the like. The image forming apparatus <NUM> can perform non-decolorable printing and decolorable printing.

Non-decolorable printing is suitable for creating documents to be saved. Non-decolorable toner is used for non-decolorable printing. The non-decolorable toner is also called a permanent toner, a normal toner, or the like.

Decolorable printing is printing for creating a document that can "erase" printed characters and the like. Decolorable toner is used for decolorable printing. The decolorable toner is a toner that decolorizes by an external stimulus such as temperature, light with a specific wavelength, or pressure. In the present embodiment, the decolorable toner is assumed to be a toner that decolorizes when the heat of a certain temperature or higher is applied. In the present embodiment, "decoloring" means making an image such as characters formed in a color different from the base color of the sheet visually invisible. Here, the color includes not only a chromatic color but also an achromatic color such as white and black.

The terminal <NUM> is a device capable of information processing. For example, the terminal <NUM> is, but is not limited to, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. The terminal <NUM> is an example of an information processing device.

A configuration example of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a control unit <NUM> (a controller), a control panel <NUM> (a user interface), a scanner unit <NUM> (a scanner), a power supply circuit <NUM>, and a printer unit <NUM> (a printer).

The control unit <NUM> controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a NIC <NUM>, a main memory <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, and a wireless LAN unit <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> corresponds to the central portion of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> is a CPU but is not limited thereto. The processor <NUM> may be composed of various circuits. The processor <NUM> loads the program stored in advance in the main memory <NUM> or the storage <NUM> into the main memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> executes various operations by executing a program loaded in the main memory <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> includes a plurality of General Purpose Input/Output (GPIOs) associated with respective processes in the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The GPIO may also be referred to as a GPIO port. The plurality of GPIOs include a print request wake-up GPIO <NUM>. The print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> is associated with processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> that requires a power supply to the printer unit <NUM>. Here, printing will be described as an example of the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> that requires a power supply to the printer unit <NUM>. Printing is a process using the printer unit <NUM>. A signal for starting the processor <NUM> transmitted by the NIC <NUM> is input to the print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> with printing as a wake-up factor. Waking up corresponds to the start.

The plurality of GPIOs include a network wake-up GPIO <NUM>. The network wake-up GPIO <NUM> is associated with processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> that does not require a power supply to the printer unit <NUM>. Here, a file transfer will be described as an example of the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> that does not require a power supply to the printer unit <NUM>. The file transfer is a process that can be completed by the control unit <NUM> that controls the network between the control unit <NUM> and the terminal <NUM>. The file transfer does not require the printer unit <NUM>. A signal for starting the processor <NUM> transmitted by the NIC <NUM> is input to the network wake-up GPIO <NUM> with a file transfer as a wake-up factor.

The processor <NUM> may include three or more GPIOs associated with different processes in the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The NIC <NUM> communicates with the terminal <NUM> connected by wire. The NIC <NUM> is a module having a processor. For example, the processor is a CPU but is not limited thereto. The processor may be composed of various circuits.

The NIC <NUM> includes a plurality of GPIOs associated with respective processes in the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The plurality of GPIOs include a print request wake-up GPIO <NUM>. The print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> is associated with printing, like the print request wake-up GPIO <NUM>. The print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> outputs a signal for starting the processor <NUM> with printing as a wake-up factor.

The plurality of GPIOs include a network wake-up GPIO <NUM>. The network wake-up GPIO <NUM> is associated with a file transfer, like the network wake-up GPIO <NUM>. The network wake-up GPIO <NUM> outputs a signal for starting the processor <NUM> with a file transfer as a wake-up factor.

The NIC <NUM> may include three or more GPIOs associated with different processes in the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The NIC <NUM> includes a register <NUM>. The register <NUM> is a storage circuit.

The main memory <NUM> corresponds to the main memory portion of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The main memory <NUM> includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory <NUM> stores an operating system or a program in a non-volatile memory area. The main memory <NUM> uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor <NUM>. For example, the main memory <NUM> includes a Read Only Memory (ROM) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory <NUM> includes a Random Access Memory (RAM) as a volatile memory area.

The storage <NUM> corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. For example, the storage <NUM> includes a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage <NUM> may include a semiconductor storage medium such as a Solid State Drive (SSD) in addition to or instead of the HDD. The storage <NUM> stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processor <NUM> for performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor <NUM>. The storage <NUM> is an example of a storage unit.

The wireless LAN unit <NUM> communicates with the wirelessly connected terminal <NUM>. The wireless LAN unit <NUM> is configured in the same manner as the NIC.

The control unit <NUM> includes a plurality of signal lines provided between the NIC <NUM> and the processor <NUM>. The signal line corresponds to the bus. The plurality of signal lines are associated with respective processes in the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The plurality of signal lines connect the plurality of GPIOs included in the processor <NUM> and the plurality of GPIOs included in the NIC <NUM>. The processor <NUM> communicates with the NIC <NUM> via the plurality of signal lines.

The plurality of signal lines include a print request wake-up signal line <NUM>. The print request wake-up signal line <NUM> is associated with processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> that requires a power supply to the printer unit <NUM>. The print request wake-up signal line <NUM> connects the print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> included in the processor <NUM> and the print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> included in the NIC <NUM>. The print request wake-up signal line <NUM> transmits a signal for starting the processor <NUM> from the print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> to the print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> with printing as a wake-up factor.

The plurality of signal lines include a network wake-up signal line <NUM>. The network wake-up signal line <NUM> is associated with processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> that does not require a power supply to the printer unit <NUM>. The network wake-up signal line <NUM> connects the network wake-up GPIO <NUM> included in the processor <NUM> and the network wake-up GPIO <NUM> included in the NIC <NUM>. The network wake-up signal line <NUM> transmits a signal for starting the processor <NUM> from the network wake-up GPIO <NUM> to the network wake-up GPIO <NUM> with a file transfer as a wake-up factor.

The control unit <NUM> may include three or more signal lines associated with different processes in the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The control panel <NUM> may include a display element <NUM> (a display), a touch panel <NUM>, and an input button <NUM>. The display element <NUM> is a display element such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display element <NUM> displays information such as the state of the image forming apparatus <NUM> and various settings. Further, the display element <NUM> displays options for changing the settings of the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the like. The touch panel <NUM> is provided on the display element <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> forms a touch screen together with the display element <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> acquires a user's instruction. The input button <NUM> includes, for example, a printing start button. The input button <NUM> acquires a user's instruction.

The scanner unit <NUM> reads images such as characters, figures, and photographs drawn on a medium placed at a predetermined position. Therefore, the scanner unit <NUM> includes a line sensor. As the line sensor, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) method may be adopted, a Contact Image Sensor (CIS) method may be adopted, or another method may be adopted. The line sensor is an example of an image element. The scanner unit <NUM> generates image data based on the image read by using the line sensor. The scanner unit <NUM> transmits the generated image data to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> stores the received image data in the storage <NUM> or transmits the received image data to the printer unit <NUM>.

The power supply circuit <NUM> converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power and supplies power to the control unit <NUM>, the control panel <NUM>, the scanner unit <NUM>, and the printer unit <NUM>. The power supply circuit <NUM> can be controlled by the processor <NUM>, the NIC <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>.

The printer unit <NUM> forms an image on the medium. For example, the printer unit <NUM> forms an image on the surface of the medium based on the image data transmitted from the terminal <NUM> via the network.

Here, an example of the printer unit <NUM> using a tandem type toner image transfer unit will be described. The printer unit <NUM> includes the processor <NUM>, an accommodation unit <NUM>, a conveyance unit <NUM>, an image forming unit <NUM>, and a fixing device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> communicates with the processor <NUM> by a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART). The processor <NUM> controls the printer unit <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> is a CPU but is not limited thereto. The processor <NUM> may be composed of various circuits. The accommodation unit <NUM> accommodates a medium such as paper, cloth, or plastic film. The medium is sequentially conveyed from the accommodation unit <NUM> to the image forming unit <NUM> and then the fixing device <NUM> by the conveyance unit <NUM>. The image forming unit <NUM> forms an image such as characters, figures, and photographs on the medium. The fixing device <NUM> fixes the toner image transferred to the medium by heat and pressure. A configuration example of the fixing device <NUM> will be described later.

<FIG> is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the printer unit <NUM>. The printer unit <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The accommodation unit <NUM> includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes. In the example shown in <FIG>, the accommodation unit <NUM> includes a first paper cassette <NUM>, a second paper cassette <NUM>, and a third paper cassette <NUM>. Each paper cassette stores a medium <NUM> of a predetermined size and type. That is, the first paper cassette <NUM> accommodates first media <NUM>. The second paper cassette <NUM> accommodates second media <NUM>. The third paper cassette <NUM> accommodates third media <NUM>. Here, an example of three paper cassettes is shown, but the number of paper cassettes may be one or any number.

Each paper cassette includes a pickup roller. That is, the first paper cassette <NUM> includes a first pickup roller <NUM>. The second paper cassette <NUM> includes a second pickup roller <NUM>. The third paper cassette <NUM> includes a third pickup roller <NUM>. Each pickup roller picks up a medium <NUM> from each paper cassette one by one. Each pickup roller supplies the picked-up medium <NUM> to the conveyance unit <NUM>.

The conveyance unit <NUM> (a conveyor assembly, a conveyor) conveys the medium <NUM> in the printer unit <NUM>. The conveyance unit <NUM> includes conveyance rollers <NUM> to <NUM>, a registration roller <NUM>, and a conveyance roller <NUM>. The conveyance roller <NUM> conveys the first medium <NUM> supplied by the first pickup roller <NUM> to the conveyance roller <NUM>. The conveyance roller <NUM> conveys the second medium <NUM> supplied by the second pickup roller <NUM> to the conveyance roller <NUM>. The conveyance roller <NUM> conveys the third medium <NUM> supplied by the third pickup roller <NUM> to the conveyance roller <NUM>. The conveyance roller <NUM> further conveys the medium <NUM> to the registration roller <NUM>. The registration roller <NUM> conveys the medium <NUM> to a transfer unit <NUM> according to the timing at which the transfer unit <NUM> of the image forming unit <NUM>, which will be described later, transfers the toner image to the medium <NUM>. The conveyance roller <NUM> is provided on the downstream side of the fixing device <NUM> and discharges the medium <NUM> to a paper discharge unit <NUM>. The paper discharge unit <NUM> may be an opening having a paper receiving surface <NUM>, or a tray. The conveyance unit <NUM> may include an inverting unit <NUM> that inverts the medium <NUM> when forming an image on both sides of the medium <NUM>.

The image forming unit <NUM> forms a toner image on the medium <NUM>. The image forming unit <NUM> includes a plurality of developing units <NUM> to <NUM>, an exposure device <NUM>, an intermediate transfer belt <NUM>, the transfer unit <NUM>, and a transfer belt cleaner <NUM>. The plurality of developing units <NUM> to <NUM> correspond to the number of types of toner.

The image forming unit <NUM> is configured to perform monochrome printing (black and white) and color printing of non-decolorable printing, and monochromatic decolorable printing. The image forming unit <NUM> includes a black developing unit <NUM>, a cyan developing unit <NUM>, a magenta developing unit <NUM>, a yellow developing unit <NUM>, and a decolorable developing unit <NUM>. The black developing unit <NUM> is a developing unit corresponding to the black (K) toner. The cyan developing unit <NUM> is a developing unit corresponding to the cyan (C) toner. The magenta developing unit <NUM> is a developing unit corresponding to the magenta (M) toner. The yellow developing unit <NUM> is a developing unit corresponding to the yellow (Y) toner. The decolorable developing unit <NUM> is a developing unit corresponding to the decolorable toner. Each developing unit has the same configuration.

Each developing unit includes a photoconductor drum <NUM> that functions as an image carrier. Each developing unit includes a charger <NUM>, a developing device <NUM>, a primary transfer roller <NUM>, a cleaning unit <NUM>, and a static eliminator <NUM>, around the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is an endless belt. The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is passed between the photoconductor drum <NUM> and the primary transfer roller <NUM> of each developing unit. Further, the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is hung on a support roller <NUM> of the transfer unit <NUM> and a support roller <NUM>. The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> rotates counterclockwise in <FIG>.

The photoconductor drum <NUM> has a photoconductor layer on its surface. The photoconductor drum <NUM> rotates about an axis clockwise in <FIG>. The charger <NUM> uniformly charges the photoconductor layer on the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM>. For example, the charger <NUM> charges the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> negatively.

The exposure device <NUM> is located at a position facing the photoconductor drum <NUM> of each developing unit. The exposure device <NUM> includes a semiconductor laser light source. The exposure device <NUM> irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> of each developing unit with laser light via an optical system such as a polygon mirror. Under the control of the control unit <NUM>, the exposure device <NUM> executes an operation including light emission based on the image data. The exposure device <NUM> forms an electrostatic pattern as an electrostatic latent image at a position irradiated with a laser beam on the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM>. The exposure device <NUM> may use a Light Emitting Diode (LED) instead of the laser light source.

The developing device <NUM> develops an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> with toner. That is, the toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image of the photoconductor drum <NUM>. As a result, the developing device <NUM> forms a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

The primary transfer roller <NUM> faces the photoconductor drum <NUM> and sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. The primary transfer roller <NUM> functions as a bias roller. The primary transfer roller <NUM> transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> onto the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. This transfer is called primary transfer. The black developing unit <NUM>, the cyan developing unit <NUM>, the magenta developing unit <NUM>, and the yellow developing unit <NUM> can multiplex transfer toner images of each color on the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

The cleaning unit <NUM> is located after the position where the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> scrapes off untransferred toner and the like on the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM>. The cleaning unit <NUM> collects the removed toner in a waste toner tank.

The static eliminator <NUM> faces the photoconductor drum <NUM> that has passed through the cleaning unit <NUM>. The static eliminator <NUM> irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> with light. The static eliminator <NUM> removes static electricity from the photoconductor layer by irradiating it with light. The charge of the photoconductor layer becomes uniform.

The transfer unit <NUM> includes the support roller <NUM> and a secondary transfer roller <NUM>. The support roller <NUM> and the secondary transfer roller <NUM> are configured to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> and the medium <NUM> from both sides in the thickness direction. The support roller <NUM> is a drive roller for the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. The secondary transfer roller <NUM> faces the support roller <NUM> with the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> interposed therebetween. The transfer unit <NUM> transfers the charged toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> to the surface of the medium <NUM>. This transfer is called secondary transfer.

The transfer belt cleaner <NUM> is located between the transfer unit <NUM> and the developing unit in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. The transfer belt cleaner <NUM> removes the untransferred toner on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> after the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> to the medium <NUM>.

The fixing device <NUM> applies heat and pressure to the medium <NUM> on which the toner image supplied from the image forming unit <NUM> is formed. The fixing device <NUM> fixes the toner image formed on the medium <NUM> by heat and pressure.

<FIG> is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the fixing device <NUM>. For example, the fixing device <NUM> is an induction heating type fixing device. The fixing device <NUM> includes a pressure roller <NUM>, a pressure pad <NUM>, a magnetizing alloy position adjustment mechanism <NUM>, an aluminum member <NUM>, a magnetizing alloy <NUM>, a ferrite core <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, a fixing belt <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, and a sensor <NUM>.

The pressure roller <NUM> is positioned so as to face the fixing belt <NUM> on the circumference. The pressure roller <NUM> comes into contact with the fixing belt <NUM> by the springs at both ends. The pressure roller <NUM> has a metal member as a core material and has an elastic layer such as a rubber layer on the outside thereof. The pressure roller <NUM> has a release layer on the surface. The pressure roller <NUM> is rotationally driven. The pressure roller <NUM> may drive the fixing belt <NUM>. The pressure roller <NUM> may have a one-way clutch so as not to cause a speed difference with the fixing belt <NUM>.

The pressure pad <NUM> is located inside the fixing belt <NUM>. The pressure pad <NUM> presses the fixing belt <NUM> toward the pressure roller <NUM>. A nip portion is formed between the fixing belt <NUM> and the pressure roller <NUM>. The shape of the portion of the pressure pad <NUM> facing the pressure roller <NUM> is the same as the outer peripheral shape of the pressure roller <NUM>. The width of the pressure pad <NUM> in the longitudinal direction is wider than the width of the medium <NUM> to be conveyed. The pressure pad <NUM> has a low friction sheet between the pressure pad <NUM> and the pressure roller <NUM> in order to improve the slidability.

The magnetizing alloy position adjustment mechanism <NUM> is fixed to the frame <NUM>. The magnetizing alloy position adjustment mechanism <NUM> is a position adjustment mechanism of the magnetizing alloy <NUM>. The aluminum member <NUM> is connected to the magnetizing alloy position adjustment mechanism <NUM>. The aluminum member <NUM> shields the magnetic flux generated by the coil <NUM>. The magnetizing alloy <NUM> faces the coil <NUM> with the fixing belt <NUM> interposed therebetween. When the temperature of the magnetizing alloy <NUM> is equal to or higher than the Curie point temperature, the magnetic permeability is lowered and the magnetic flux density transmitted through the fixing belt <NUM> is reduced. The ferrite core <NUM> is located outside the coil <NUM>. The ferrite core <NUM> shields the magnetic flux generated by the coil <NUM>. The coil <NUM> is located outside the fixing belt <NUM>. The coil <NUM> forms a magnetic flux.

The fixing belt <NUM> is an endless belt. The fixing belt <NUM> rotates counterclockwise in <FIG>. The fixing belt <NUM> has a plurality of layers. The fixing belt <NUM> has a conductive layer that is induced to generate heat by a magnetic field generated by the coil <NUM>. For example, the conductive layer is made of a conductive material such as iron, nickel, or copper. The fixing belt <NUM> may have a copper layer laminated on the Nickel layer. The fixing belt <NUM> has an elastic layer on the conductive layer. The fixing belt <NUM> has a release layer on the conductive layer. The release layer is a layer that is in direct contact with the toner. As the release layer, a tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer resin (PFA) having good releasability is preferable.

The frame <NUM> is located inside the fixing belt <NUM>. The frame <NUM> holds the pressure pad <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is located inside the fixing belt <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> detects the temperature of the fixing belt <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is located on the downstream side of the heating portion composed of the magnetizing alloy <NUM> and the coil <NUM>, and on the upstream side of the nip portion formed between the fixing belt <NUM> and the pressure roller <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be a contact thermistor.

The operation mode of the image forming apparatus <NUM> configured as described above will be described. The image forming apparatus <NUM> has at least a power-saving mode and a normal mode. The power-saving mode is a mode in which the power consumed by the image forming apparatus <NUM> is reduced as compared with the normal mode.

The power-saving mode is a mode in which the power supply from the power supply circuit <NUM> to the printer unit <NUM> is stopped, the power supply to a part of the control unit <NUM> is maintained, and the power supply to the other parts of the control unit <NUM> is stopped. The power supply may be read as an electric power supply. The reason why the power supply to a part of the control unit <NUM> is maintained is to maintain the network-related function of the image forming apparatus <NUM> even in the power-saving mode. For example, a part of the control unit <NUM> includes the NIC <NUM> and the wireless LAN unit <NUM>. A part of the control unit <NUM> may include the main memory <NUM>. A part of the control unit <NUM> may include a part or all of the processor <NUM>.

In the power-saving mode, the power supply circuit <NUM> stops the power supply to the printer unit <NUM>. For example, the power supply circuit <NUM> stops the power supply to the processor <NUM> in the printer unit <NUM>. As a result, the processor <NUM> stops operating during the power-saving mode. For example, the power supply circuit <NUM> stops the power supply to the coil <NUM> of the fixing device <NUM>. As a result, the fixing device <NUM> stops operating during the power-saving mode. The temperature of the fixing device <NUM> detected by the sensor <NUM> drops during the power-saving mode.

In the power-saving mode, the power supply circuit <NUM> maintains the power supply to a part of the control unit <NUM>. The power supply circuit <NUM> stops the power supply to other parts of the control unit <NUM>. For example, the power supply circuit <NUM> supplies power to the NIC <NUM>, the main memory <NUM>, and the wireless LAN unit <NUM> in the control unit <NUM>. As a result, the NIC <NUM> and the wireless LAN unit <NUM> operate during the power-saving mode and can communicate with the terminal <NUM>. The main memory <NUM> operates during the power-saving mode and stores the work details before the transition to the power-saving mode. The power supply circuit <NUM> supplies power to at least a part of the processor <NUM> in the control unit <NUM>. As a result, the processor <NUM> can receive the signal for starting the processor <NUM> during the power-saving mode. The processor <NUM> can be started based on the reception of the signal for starting the processor <NUM> during the power-saving mode. The processor <NUM> only needs to be supplied with a minimum amount of power during the power-saving mode so that the processor <NUM> can be started based on the reception of the signal for starting the processor <NUM>.

The normal mode is a mode in which the power supply from the power supply circuit <NUM> to the printer unit <NUM> is maintained and the power supply to the entire control unit <NUM> is maintained. In the normal mode, the power supply circuit <NUM> maintains the power supply to the printer unit <NUM>. For example, the power supply circuit <NUM> supplies power to the processor <NUM> in the printer unit <NUM>. As a result, the processor <NUM> operates in the normal mode. For example, the power supply circuit <NUM> supplies power to the coil <NUM> of the fixing device <NUM>. As a result, the fixing device <NUM> operates during the normal mode.

In the normal mode, the power supply circuit <NUM> maintains the power supply to the entire control unit <NUM>. For example, the power supply circuit <NUM> supplies power to the processor <NUM> in the control unit <NUM>. As a result, the processor <NUM> operates during the normal mode. For example, the power supply circuit <NUM> supplies power to the NIC <NUM> and the wireless LAN unit <NUM> in the control unit <NUM>. As a result, the NIC <NUM> and the wireless LAN unit <NUM> operate during the normal mode.

In the normal mode, there are various states such as a warm-up state and a ready state. The warm-up state is a state in which the processor <NUM> controls the warm-up with respect to the fixing device <NUM>. The warm-up is a control in which the processor <NUM> controls the power supply to the coil <NUM> in the state where the power supply has been stopped, and stabilizes the temperature of the fixing device <NUM> at a target temperature. The target temperature is determined according to the fixing temperature for each printing process based on the job related to printing. The warm-up is a control before starting the printing process based on the job related to printing by the printer unit <NUM>. The warm-up requires a large amount of processing time since the temperature of the fixing device <NUM> needs to be raised to the target temperature. The ready state is a state in which a printing process based on a job related to printing can be executed. The ready state is the state after the warm-up state.

The transition from the power-saving mode to the ready state will be described. The image forming apparatus <NUM> shifts from the power-saving mode to the warm-up state of the normal mode. After the warm-up is completed, the image forming apparatus <NUM> shifts from the warm-up state to the ready state. As a result, the image forming apparatus <NUM> transitions from the power-saving mode to the ready state.

<FIG> is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the terminal <NUM>. The terminal <NUM> is a computer including a processor <NUM>, a main memory <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, a communication interface <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, and a display device <NUM>. Each part constituting the terminal <NUM> is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In <FIG>, the interface is described as "I/F".

The processor <NUM> corresponds to the central portion of the terminal <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> is a CPU but is not limited thereto. The processor <NUM> may be composed of various circuits. The processor <NUM> loads the program stored in advance in the main memory <NUM> or the storage <NUM> into the main memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> executes various processes by executing a program loaded in the main memory <NUM>.

The main memory <NUM> corresponds to the main memory portion of the terminal <NUM>. The main memory <NUM> includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory <NUM> stores an operating system or program in a non-volatile memory area. The main memory <NUM> uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor <NUM>. For example, the main memory <NUM> includes a ROM as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory <NUM> includes a RAM as a volatile memory area.

The storage <NUM> corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the terminal <NUM>. For example, the storage <NUM> includes an HDD. The storage <NUM> may include a semiconductor storage medium such as an SSD in addition to or instead of the HDD. The storage <NUM> stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processor <NUM> for performing various processes, and data generated by the processes of the processor <NUM>. The storage <NUM> is an example of a storage unit.

The storage <NUM> stores a printer driver <NUM>. The printer driver <NUM> is a program that causes the terminal <NUM> to execute various processes in order to enable printing by the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The communication interface <NUM> includes various interfaces for communicably connecting the terminal <NUM> to other devices by wire or wirelessly according to a predetermined communication protocol.

The input device <NUM> is a device capable of inputting data or instructions to the terminal <NUM> by touch operation. For example, the input device <NUM> is a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

The display device <NUM> is a device capable of displaying an image. For example, the display device <NUM> is a liquid crystal display or the like.

A management information base (MIB) used for communication between the terminal <NUM> and the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a diagram showing an outline of the MIB. The MIB is a collection of device information and is exchanged by the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The SNMP format is the format illustrated in <FIG>. An Object Identifier (OID) refers to which information in the MIB is exchanged. In addition to the publicly defined OIDs, there are also OIDs that can be defined privately for each company.

Y" shown in <FIG> is an OID indicating a print request. The print request is a request for executing a printing process based on a job related to printing from the terminal <NUM> to the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The OID indicating the print request uses an OID that can be defined privately. Among the OIDs indicating the print request, "<NUM>. X" indicates that the print request is made. "Y" in the OID indicating the print request indicates the index value.

<FIG> is a diagram showing an example of an index value. The index value is a value indicating the printing condition. The printing condition is a printing condition that affects the target temperature of the fixing device <NUM> in warming up among the print settings set by the user via the input device <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>.

For example, the printing condition includes one or more of the color mode, the medium type, and the print mode. The color mode is a mode related to printing colors. For example, the color mode indicates either monochrome printing or color printing. Since the fixing temperature differs depending on monochrome printing or color printing, the target temperature of the fixing device <NUM> in warming up also differs depending on monochrome printing or color printing. The medium type is a type related to the medium on which the image is formed. For example, the medium type indicates any type of plain paper and others (such as plastic film). The medium type is not limited to two stages including plain paper and the other and may be divided into three or more stages. Since the fixing temperature differs depending on the type of medium, the target temperature of the fixing device <NUM> in warming up also differs depending on the type of medium. The print mode is a mode related to the decolorability of printing. For example, the print mode indicates either non-decolorable printing or decolorable printing. Since the fixing temperature differs depending on the non-decolorable printing or the decolorable printing, the target temperature of the fixing device <NUM> in warming up also differs depending on the non-decolorable printing or the decolorable printing.

For example, the index value indicates a different value depending on the combination of the color mode, the medium type, and the print mode included in the printing conditions. In the example of <FIG>, when the color mode is color printing, the medium type is plain paper, and the print mode is non-decolorable printing, the index value is <NUM>. When the medium type is plain paper and the print mode is decolorable printing, the index value is <NUM>. The correspondence between the printing condition and the index value can be set as appropriate.

The index value is an example of print information including printing conditions. At least the index value based on the color mode is an example of print information including the color mode. At least the index value based on the medium type is an example of print information including the medium type. At least the index value based on the print mode is an example of print information including the print mode.

The processing by the processor <NUM> of the terminal <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating processing by the processor <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be changed as much as possible. Further, with respect to the processing procedure described below, the operation can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate according to the embodiment.

The processor <NUM> executes the process illustrated in <FIG> by the printer driver <NUM>. The user shall perform printing-related input via the input device <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>. The printing-related input includes the input of specifying the image data to be printed, the input of the print setting, and the input of the instruction to start printing. The print settings include various print-related settings such as color mode, medium type, print mode, number of copies to print, and medium size.

The processor <NUM> transmits a MIB packet (a request signal) related to a print request to the image forming apparatus <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> starts generating a MIB packet related to a print request based on the print start instruction input via the input device <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>. The MIB packet related to the print request is a MIB packet to specify the OID indicating the print request. The MIB packet related to the print request is an example of a packet related to printing. The processor <NUM> determines the printing conditions of the combination of the color mode, the medium type, and the print mode based on the printing settings input via the input device <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>. The processor <NUM> selects an index value corresponding to the determined printing condition. The processor <NUM> generates a MIB packet for the print request in which the OID indicating the print request is specified. The OID indicating the print request includes the selected index value. Thus, the MIB packet related to the print request includes the index value. For example, the MIB packet related to the print request includes an index value based on the print mode. For example, the MIB packet related to the print request includes an index value based on at least one of the print mode and the color mode and the medium type.

The processor <NUM> transmits the generated MIB packet related to the print request to the image forming apparatus <NUM> separately from the print data before transmitting the print data. The print data is data of a job related to printing requested from the terminal <NUM> to the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The print data includes print settings input by the user via the input device <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>. The print data includes image data to be printed specified by the user via the input device <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>.

Transmitting a MIB packet related to a print request is an example of transmitting print information. For example, the processor <NUM> transmits a MIB packet related to a print request including an index value based on the print mode to the image forming apparatus <NUM>. Transmitting a MIB packet related to a print request including an index value based on the print mode is an example of transmitting print information including the print mode. The same applies to the color mode and the medium type.

The processor <NUM> transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus <NUM> after transmitting the MIB packet related to the print request (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> generates print data based on the print settings input via the input device <NUM> of the terminal <NUM> and the designated image data to be printed. The processor <NUM> transmits the generated print data to the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may repeatedly transmit the print data until receiving a response to the transmission of the print data from the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The processing by the NIC <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating the processing by the NIC <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be changed as much as possible. Further, with respect to the processing procedure described below, the operation can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate according to the embodiment. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus <NUM> is in the power-saving mode. The NIC <NUM> is an example of a first processor or a first control circuit.

The NIC <NUM> receives a packet related to processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> from the terminal <NUM> during the power-saving mode (ACT <NUM>). Receiving a packet related to processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> is an example of receiving information related to processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM>. In ACT <NUM>, for example, the NIC <NUM> receives the MIB packet related to the print request from the terminal <NUM> during the power-saving mode. Receiving the MIB packet related to the print request is an example of receiving print information.

The NIC <NUM> analyzes the received packet (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the NIC <NUM> analyzes the received packet and determines the processing regarding the received packet in the image forming apparatus <NUM>. When the received MIB packet contains an OID indicating a print request, the NIC <NUM> determines that the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> is printing. When the received packet is a packet related to file transfer, the NIC <NUM> determines that the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> is file transfer.

The NIC <NUM> determines whether or not the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> is printing based on the analysis result (ACT <NUM>). When the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> is printing (ACT <NUM>, YES), the process transitions from ACT <NUM> to ACT <NUM>. When the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> is not printing (ACT <NUM>, NO), the process transitions from ACT <NUM> to ACT <NUM>. Here, when the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> is not printing, it is assumed that the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> is file transfer. As will be described later, the NIC <NUM> transmits a signal based on the received packet via the signal line associated with the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> shown in the received packet among the plurality of signal lines.

The NIC <NUM> stores the index value included in the MIB packet related to the print request in the register <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). The NIC <NUM> transmits a signal (a print transfer signal, a first signal, a first wake-up signal, etc.) based on the MIB packet related to the print request via the print request wake-up signal line <NUM> among the plurality of signal lines (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the NIC <NUM> starts the processor <NUM> with printing as a wake-up factor by transmitting a signal via the print request wake-up signal line <NUM>. Transmitting a signal via the print request wake-up signal line <NUM> based on the MIB packet related to the print request is an example of transmitting a signal via the print request wake-up signal line <NUM> based on the print information. Transmitting a signal via the print request wake-up signal line <NUM> based on the print information is an example of controlling the start of the processor <NUM> based on the print information.

The NIC <NUM> transmits a signal (a file transfer signal, a second signal, a second wake-up signal, etc.) via the network wake-up signal line <NUM> among the plurality of signal lines based on the packet related to the file transfer (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the NIC <NUM> starts the processor <NUM> with the file transfer as a wake-up factor by transmitting a signal via the network wake-up signal line <NUM>.

When the image forming apparatus <NUM> is in a mode other than the power-saving mode, such as the normal mode, the NIC <NUM> neglects the MIB packet related to the print request received from the terminal <NUM>.

The processing by the processor <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating processing by the processor <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be changed as much as possible. Further, with respect to the processing procedure described below, the operation can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate according to the embodiment. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus <NUM> is in the power-saving mode. The processor <NUM> is an example of a second processor or a second control circuit.

The processor <NUM> receives a signal transmitted from the NIC <NUM> via any one of a plurality of signal lines during the power-saving mode (ACT <NUM>). For example, in ACT <NUM>, the processor <NUM> is started based on the reception of the signal transmitted via any of a plurality of signal lines. The processor <NUM> controls the power supply to the entire processor <NUM> by the start based on the reception of the signal from the NIC <NUM>. The processor <NUM> transitions to a state in which each part of the image forming apparatus <NUM> can be controlled based on the power supply to the entire processor <NUM> by the power supply circuit <NUM>. Being based on the start includes being based on the power supply to the entire processor <NUM> by starting. As will be described later, the processor <NUM> controls the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> associated with the signal line, which has transmitted the signal from the NIC <NUM>, based on the start. In one example, the processor <NUM> is started based on the reception of the signal transmitted from the NIC <NUM> via the print request wake-up signal line <NUM>. In this example, the processor <NUM> performs printing-related control based on the start, as described with reference to ACTS <NUM> to <NUM>. In another example, the processor <NUM> is started based on the reception of a signal transmitted from the NIC <NUM> via the network wake-up signal line <NUM>. In this example, the processor <NUM> performs file-transfer-related control based on the start, as described with reference to ACT <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> identifies the GPIO input by the signal based on the reception of the signal from the NIC <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> identifies the GPIO to which the signal from the NIC <NUM> is input among the print request wake-up GPIO <NUM> and the network wake-up GPIO <NUM>. Identifying the GPIO to which the signal from the NIC <NUM> is input corresponds to identifying the signal line that has transmitted the signal from the NIC <NUM>. The processor <NUM> determines the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> that causes the wake-up based on the identification of the GPIO to which the signal from the NIC <NUM> is input. In one example, the processor <NUM> determines that the wake-up factor is printing based on the signal from the NIC <NUM> input to the print request wake-up GPIO <NUM>. In another example, the processor <NUM> determines that the wake-up factor is file transfer based on the signal from the NIC <NUM> input to the network wake-up GPIO <NUM>. As a result, the processor <NUM> can determine the wake-up factor based on the signal from the NIC <NUM> without requiring the analysis of the packet.

The processor <NUM> determines whether or not the wake-up factor is printing (ACT <NUM>). When the wake-up factor is printing (ACT <NUM>, YES), the process transitions from ACT <NUM> to ACT <NUM>. If the wake-up factor is not printing (ACT <NUM>, NO), the process transitions from ACT <NUM> to ACT <NUM>. Here, when the wake-up factor is not printing, it is assumed that the wake-up factor is file transfer.

The processor <NUM> acquires the index value stored in the register <NUM> from the NIC <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> acquires the index value from the NIC <NUM> by reading the register <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> controls the power supply to the printer unit <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> controls the power supply to each part of the printer unit <NUM> such as the processor <NUM> based on the start by the NIC <NUM>. The printer unit <NUM> starts up based on the start of the power supply.

The processor <NUM> transmits a warm-up start instruction for the printer unit <NUM> based on the index value acquired from the NIC <NUM> to the processor <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> generates a warm-up start instruction based on the index value acquired from the NIC <NUM>. The warm-up start instruction is an instruction to cause the processor <NUM> to control the start of warm-up based on the printing conditions. The warm-up start instruction includes information on printing conditions corresponding to the index value. For example, when the index value is <NUM>, the warm-up start instruction includes information on printing conditions including color printing, plain paper, and non-decolorable printing corresponding to the index value "<NUM>". The processor <NUM> can add the information of the printing condition corresponding to the index value to the format of the warm-up start instruction packet as a parameter. The processor <NUM> transmits the warm-up start instruction to the processor <NUM> after communication with the processor <NUM> becomes possible. The processor <NUM> can shift the operation mode of the image forming apparatus <NUM> from the power-saving mode to the warm-up state of the normal mode by transmitting the warm-up start instruction.

The processor <NUM> receives print data from the terminal <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). The processor <NUM> transmits a print instruction based on the print data to the processor <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> transmits a print instruction based on the print data to the processor <NUM> after shifting from the warm-up state of the normal mode to the ready state. The print instruction may include information necessary for a printing process based on the job related to printing by the printer unit <NUM>, such as print settings and image data.

When the wake-up factor is file transfer, the processor <NUM> controls the file transfer process (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> controls the file transfer process without controlling the start of the power supply to the printer unit <NUM>.

The processing by the processor <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating processing by the processor <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be changed as much as possible. Further, with respect to the processing procedure described below, the operation can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate according to the embodiment. It is assumed that the printer unit <NUM> is started by the control of the power supply by the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is an example of a third processor or a third control circuit.

The processor <NUM> receives a warm-up start instruction from the processor <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). The processor <NUM> controls the warm-up based on the warm-up start instruction (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> sets a target temperature according to the printing condition based on the information of the printing condition included in the warm-up start instruction. The processor <NUM> controls the power supply to the coil <NUM> so that the temperature of the fixing device <NUM> becomes a target temperature according to the printing condition. The image forming apparatus <NUM> shifts from the warm-up state to the ready state based on the completion of the warm-up.

The processor <NUM> receives a print instruction from the processor <NUM> (ACT <NUM>). The processor <NUM> controls the printing process based on the job related to printing based on the printing instruction (ACT <NUM>). In ACT <NUM>, for example, the processor <NUM> controls each part of the printer unit <NUM> and controls the printing process according to the color mode, the medium type, and the print mode indicated by the printing condition.

According to the present embodiment, in the first control circuit, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can control the start of the second control circuit based on the print information received from the terminal <NUM> during the power-saving mode. In the second control circuit, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can control the power supply to the third control circuit based on the start by the first control circuit and can transmit a warm-up start instruction based on the print information to the third control circuit. Thereby, for example, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can set a target temperature of the fixing device <NUM> based on the print information. By setting the target temperature of the fixing device <NUM> based on the print information, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can start a warm-up operation suitable for the printing process before receiving the print data. The image forming apparatus <NUM> can shorten the time required to transit from the warm-up state to the ready state after the start of the warm-up by executing the warm-up operation suitable for the printing process. Therefore, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can shorten the time required to return from the power-saving mode to the printable ready state.

The terminal <NUM> can transmit the print information to the image forming device <NUM> before transmitting the print data. As a result, the terminal <NUM> can support the reduction of the time required for the image forming apparatus <NUM> to return from the power-saving mode to the printable ready state.

The print information includes a print mode indicating either non-decolorable printing or decolorable printing. As mentioned above, the fixing temperature varies depending on the non-decolorable printing or the decolorable printing. Thereby, for example, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can set the target temperature of the fixing device <NUM> based on the print mode by receiving the printing information including the print mode. The image forming apparatus <NUM> can execute a warm-up operation suitable for the printing process by setting the target temperature of the fixing device <NUM> based on the print mode. Therefore, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can shorten the time required to return from the power-saving mode to the printable ready state. The terminal <NUM> can support the reduction of the time required for the image forming apparatus <NUM> to return from the power-saving mode to the printable ready state by transmitting the print information including the print mode.

In the first control circuit, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can transmit a signal via a signal line associated with printing among a plurality of signal lines based on print information. In the second control circuit, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can be started based on the reception of the signal transmitted via the signal line associated with printing and can perform printing-related control based on the start. Thereby, for example, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can determine the wake-up factor in the second control circuit based on the signal from the first control circuit. In the second control circuit, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can immediately control the processing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> corresponding to the wake-up factor based on the start. For example, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can immediately perform printing-related control in the second control circuit based on the start. Therefore, the image forming apparatus <NUM> can shorten the time required to return from the power-saving mode to the printable ready state.

In the above example, the NIC <NUM> has been illustrated as an example, but the wireless LAN unit <NUM> can also operate in the same manner as the NIC <NUM>. In this example, the wireless LAN unit <NUM> is an example of the first processor or the first control circuit.

The transfer of a device is generally performed with the program stored in the main memory or storage. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the transfer may be performed in a state that the program is not stored in the main memory or storage. Then, in this case, the program transferred separately from the device is written to the writable storage device provided in the device according to the operation of the user or the like. The program can be transferred by recording the program on a removable recording medium or by communicating via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be one that realizes the function in cooperation with the operating system (OS) inside the device.

Claim 1:
An image forming apparatus (<NUM>) configured to perform non-decolorable printing and decolorable printing, comprising:
a first control circuit (<NUM>) configured to communicate with an information processing device (<NUM>);
a second control circuit (<NUM>) configured to communicate with the first control circuit;
and
a third control circuit (<NUM>) configured to communicate with the second control circuit and control a printer (<NUM>),
the first control circuit being configured to:
receive print information from the information processing device during a power-saving mode; and
control a start of the second control circuit based on the print information; and
the second control circuit being configured to:
control a power supply to the third control circuit based on the start by the first control circuit; and
transmit a warm-up start instruction for the printer (<NUM>) to the third control circuit based on the print information acquired from the first control circuit after communication with the third control circuit becomes possible;
wherein the print information includes a print mode indicating either non-decolorable printing or decolorable printing.