Patent ID: 12244779

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following further details the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in every aspect, and is not to be construed to limit the present disclosure.

First Embodiment

Configuration of Digital Compound Machine1

The following describes a digital compound machine1, as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference toFIG.1andFIG.2.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a digital compound machine according to the present disclosure.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of the digital compound machine illustrated inFIG.1.

The digital compound machine1is an apparatus that has a copier function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, and that performs digital processing on image data read from a document and outputs the result.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the digital compound machine1includes a controller10, an image reader11, an image former12, a storage13, an image processor14, a communicator15, a clock16, an operation panel17, a power source18, a power-source controller19, and a mode setter20.

The following describes each constituting element of the digital compound machine1.

The controller10comprehensively controls the digital compound machine1, and is constituted by one or more central processing units (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a various types of interface circuits, and the like.

The controller10performs detection of each sensor, and monitoring and control of every load, such as a motor, a clutch, the operation panel17, or the like, so as to control an entire operation of the digital compound machine1.

The image reader11is a portion that detects and reads either a document placed on a document setting platen or a document having been conveyed from a paper tray, and generates image data.

The image former12is a portion that prints and outputs, on a recording medium, the image data generated by the image processor14.

The image former12includes one or more motors to drive the image former12, and can operate by switching between two image formation modes, depending on types of jobs. The two image formation modes are a normal mode, in which image formation is performed at a predetermined normal motor speed, and a silent mode, in which an operating sound is restrained than in normal cases to reduce a sound and image formation is performed silently. Examples of the silent mode include a silent mode in which image formation is performed at a motor speed which is slower than the normal motor speed, and a silent mode in which the number of times of an operating sound made is reduced.

In addition, the image former12performs a predetermined initial operation at the time when a power source is turned ON from a shutoff state, so as to check an initial position of each unit or whether an operation is feasible, or to perform an adjusting operation.

The storage13is one or more devices or storage media storing information or control programs necessary for realizing each type of function of the digital compound machine1. Examples of the storage media include a semiconductor device such as RAM and ROM, a hard disk, a flash storage, and a solid state drive (SSD).

Note that programs and data may be retained in different devices from each other, in such a manner that a region to retain the data is a hard disk drive, and a region to retain the programs is a flash storage.

The image processor14is a portion that converts, into an appropriate electric signal, the image of the document read by the image reader11and generates image data.

The communicator15is a portion that communicates with computers, personal digital assistants, and outside information processing apparatuses and facsimile apparatuses, or the like, via a network, or the like, to transmit and receive various information such as mails and facsimiles to and from these outside communication apparatuses.

The clock16is a portion that acquires a time through an internal clock or a network, and measures and counts time.

The operation panel17is configured by a display panel configured by a liquid crystal panel, or the like, and a touch panel of an electrostatic capacitance system, or the like, which is displayed by being overlayed on the display panel and detects a position at which a finger has touched. The operation panel17includes a display171and an operation acceptor172.

The display171is a portion that displays various types of information, and accepts an instruction from a user by means of a touch panel function.

For example, the display171is configured by a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and is a display apparatus, such as a monitor and a line display, on which an operating system or application software displays electronic data, such as processing states. The controller10displays an operation and a state of the digital compound machine1through the display171.

The operation acceptor172is an interface to operate the digital compound machine1, and is a portion that accepts an instruction from a user.

The power source18supplies power to each portion of the digital compound machine1. Examples of the power source18include an AT power source, an ATX power source, and an SFX power source.

The power-source controller19is a portion that controls ON and OFF of the power source18, based on an instruction from the controller10.

The power-source controller19controls the digital compound machine1to transition to a sleep state, based on a predetermined sleep state transition condition.

In addition, the power-source controller19controls the digital compound machine1to the shutoff state, based on a predetermined shutoff transition condition.

The mode setter20is a portion that accepts setting whether to execute each type of job in a normal mode or in a silent mode.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the operation panel17may include a power saving key as a hard key, and may be able to switch between enabling and disabling of the power saving mode, by means of pressing of the power saving key.

In addition, the mode setter20accepts setting of a time zone for a normal mode and a silent mode, and setting of a standby time and a sleep time in the normal mode and the silent mode.

Automatic Shutoff Transition Processing of Digital Compound Machine1in Normal Mode Next, the following describes automatic shutoff transition processing of the digital compound machine1in a normal mode, with reference toFIG.3.

FIG.3is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of the automatic shutoff transition processing of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure in the normal mode.

In step S1inFIG.3, the controller10determines whether there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (step S1).

When there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (No in the determination in step S1), in step S2, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a sleep state (step S2).

Next, in step S3, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring an elapsed time t after transition to a sleep state (step S3).

Next, in step S4, the controller10determines whether the time t has elapsed a predetermined first sleep time T1 (step S4).

When the time t has elapsed the predetermined first sleep time T1 (Yes in the determination in step S4), in step S5, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the shutoff state (step S5), and the processing ends.

Automatic Shutoff Transition Processing of Digital Compound Machine1in Silent Mode Next, the following describes automatic shutoff transition processing of the digital compound machine1in a silent mode, with reference toFIG.4.

FIG.4is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure in a silent mode.

In step S11inFIG.4, the controller10determines whether there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (step S11).

When there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (No in the determination in step S11), in step S12, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a sleep state (step S12).

Next, in step S13, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring an elapsed time t after transition to the sleep state (step S13).

Next, in step S14, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time t has elapsed a predetermined second sleep time T2 (step S14).

When the elapsed time t has elapsed the second sleep time T2 (Yes in the determination in step S14), in step S15, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to the shutoff state (step S15), and the processing ends.

FIGS.5A and5Bare each an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of a sleep mode setting screen in system setting of the digital compound machine1illustrated inFIG.1.

As illustrated inFIG.5A, when the silent mode of the digital compound machine1is enabled, an item for a silent mode is checked off.

As illustrated inFIG.5B, a user can select either a normal mode or a silent mode, in sleep mode setting in system setting of the digital compound machine1.

FIG.6Ais an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure in the normal mode, andFIG.6Bis an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure in the silent mode.

FIG.6Aillustrates an example of the automatic shutoff transition processing in the normal mode.

As illustrated inFIG.6A, when a power source of the digital compound machine1is turned ON, the controller10controls to perform a predetermined initial operation.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time and then to a sleep state.

In the normal mode, if an elapsed time has elapsed a first sleep time T1 after transition to a sleep state (first condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again, the controller10performs an initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

Thereafter, just as previously, transition to the shutoff state is performed after the user usage time, the standby state, and the first condition being satisfied.

FIG.6Billustrates an example of the automatic shutoff transition processing in the silent mode.

As illustrated inFIG.6B, when the power source of the digital compound machine1is turned ON, the controller10performs a predetermined initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time and then to a sleep state.

In the silent mode, if an elapsed time has elapsed a second sleep time T2 which is longer than a first sleep time T1 for the normal mode after transition to a sleep state (second condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again before the digital compound machine1transitions to the shutoff state, the digital compound machine1returns from the sleep state without performing an initial operation.

Thereafter, just as previously, transition to the sleep state is performed again after the user usage time and the standby state. However, when the second condition is satisfied, transition to the shutoff state is performed.

In this case, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again, the controller10performs a predetermined initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

In this way, in the silent mode, the number of times of initial operation attributed to power source being turned ON is reduced, by making a time required to transition from the sleep state to the shutoff state longer than in the normal mode. Accordingly, the number of times of generation of an operating sound attributed to performance of the initial operation at the time of the power source being turned ON is reduced than in conventional cases, and the digital compound machine1which is more useful for users than conventionally can be realized.

First Modification

Setting of Time Zone for Silent Mode

Next, the following describes, as a first modification, a setting method of a time zone of a silent mode of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure, with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.7is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of a setting screen of a time zone of the silent mode of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG.7, when the silent mode of the digital compound machine1is enabled, an item for a silent mode is checked off.

If an item “ENABLE DEPENDING ON THE TIME ZONE” is checked off, a user can select a day of the week to be enabled, and can set a start time and an ending time of the time zone to be enabled.

Second Modification

Setting of Sleep Time 1

Next, the following describes, as a second modification, a setting method of a sleep time of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure, with reference toFIG.8.

FIG.8is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of a setting screen of a sleep time of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG.8, when the silent mode of the digital compound machine1is enabled, an item for a silent mode is checked off.

If a user sets “one minute” to a sleep time in a normal mode, as sleep time setting, for example, the sleep time in the silent mode setting is automatically set to a longer time (“five minutes” in the example ofFIG.8) than the sleep time in the normal mode.

Third Modification

Setting of Sleep Time 2

Next, the following describes, as a third modification, a setting method of a sleep time of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure, with reference toFIG.9.

FIG.9an explanatory drawing illustrating an other example of the setting screen of the sleep time of the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG.9, when the silent mode of the digital compound machine1is enabled, an item for a silent mode is checked off.

A user can set a sleep time for both of a normal mode and a silent mode, as the sleep time setting, on condition that the sleep time of the normal mode is shorter than the sleep time of the silent mode.

For example, if a user sets “one minute” to the sleep time of the normal mode, only a longer time (“five minutes” in the example ofFIG.8) than “one minute” is settable as the sleep time of the silent mode.

On the other hand, for example if a user sets “five minutes” to the sleep time of the silent mode, only a shorter time (“1 minute” in the example ofFIG.8) than “five minutes” is settable as the sleep time of the normal mode.

Fourth Modification

Setting of Condition for Transitioning to Sleep State and Shutoff State Based on Temperature Change of Fuser

Next, the following describes, as a fourth modification, a method of setting a condition for transitioning to a sleep mode and a shutoff mode to the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure.

In the fourth modification, the digital compound machine1according to the present disclosure further includes a temperature detector not illustrated, and detects an outside air temperature around the digital compound machine1and a fusing temperature of the image former12.

Generally, when the digital compound machine1enters the sleep state and energization to a heating circuit of a fuser not illustrated is interrupted, a temperature of the fuser falls as the time elapses, and the temperature change is larger as the outside air temperature is lower.

For this reason, instead of setting the standby time and the sleep time, the condition for transitioning to the sleep state and the shutoff state may be that the fusing temperature has fallen by a certain degree.

Note that as the sleep time gets longer, it takes time to heat the fuser to the fusing temperature again, and the user cannot start printing and has to wait. Therefore, the sleep time may be set taking into consideration the time required for the fusing temperature to reach a predetermined temperature.

In addition, when the outside air temperature is high, the temperature fall of the fuser due to the elapse of time decreases, and the sleep time can be set longer than when the outside air temperature is low.

Second Embodiment

Automatic Shutoff Transition Processing of Digital Compound Machine1According to Second Embodiment of the Present Disclosure

Next, the following describes automatic shutoff transition processing in the digital compound machine1according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference toFIGS.10to12B.

A configuration of the digital compound machine1according to the second embodiment is the same as a configuration of the digital compound machine1according to the first embodiment (FIG.2), and therefore description thereof is omitted.

FIG.10is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing of the digital compound machine1according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in a normal mode.

In step S21inFIG.10, the controller10determines whether there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (step S21).

When there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (No in the determination in step S21), in step S22, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring an elapsed time ta after a final operation (step S22).

Next, in step S23, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time ta has elapsed a predetermined first standby time Ta1 (step S23).

When the elapsed time ta has elapsed the first standby time Ta1 having been determined (Yes in the determination in step S23), in step S24, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the sleep state (step S24).

Next, in step S25, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring an elapsed time tb after transition to the sleep state (step S25).

Next, in step S26, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time tb has elapsed a predetermined first sleep time Tb1 (step S26).

When the elapsed time tb has elapsed the first sleep time Tb1 (Yes in the determination in step S26), in step S27, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the shutoff state (step S27), and the processing ends.

Automatic Shutoff Transition Processing of Digital Compound Machine1According to Second Embodiment of the Present Disclosure in Silent Mode

FIG.11is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing of the digital compound machine1according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in a silent mode.

In step S31inFIG.11, the controller10determines whether there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (step S31).

When there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (No in the determination in step S31), in step S32, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring the elapsed time tb after a final operation (step S32).

Next, in step S33, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time tb has elapsed a second standby time Ta2 (step S33).

Here, the second standby time Ta2 is assumed to be set to a shorter time than the first standby time Ta1.

When the elapsed time tb has elapsed the second standby time Ta2 (Yes in the determination in step S33), in step S34, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the sleep state (step S34).

Next, in step S35, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring an elapsed time tb after transition to the sleep state (step S35).

Next, in step S36, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time tb has elapsed a predetermined second sleep time Tb2 (step S36).

When the elapsed time tb has elapsed the second sleep time Tb2 (Yes in the determination in step S36), in step S37, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the shutoff state (step S37), and the processing ends.

FIG.12Ais an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing in the normal mode, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.12Bis an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing in the silent mode of the digital compound machine1, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.12Aillustrates an example of the automatic shutoff transition processing in the normal mode.

As illustrated inFIG.12A, when a power source of the digital compound machine1is turned ON, the controller10performs a predetermined initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time.

In the normal mode, when the elapsed time ta has elapsed the first standby time Ta1 after transition to the standby state (first sleep transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the sleep state.

Next, when the elapsed time tb has elapsed the first sleep time Tb1 after transition to the sleep state (first shutoff transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again, the controller10performs an initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

Thereafter, just as previously, transition to the sleep state is performed after the user usage time, the standby state, and the first sleep transition condition being satisfied, and transition to the shutoff state is performed after the first shutoff transition condition is satisfied.

FIG.12Billustrates an example of the automatic shutoff transition processing in the silent mode.

As illustrated inFIG.12B, when a power source of the digital compound machine1is turned ON, the controller10performs a predetermined initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time.

In the silent mode, when the elapsed time ta has elapsed the second standby time Ta2 which is longer than the first standby time Ta1 after transition to the standby state (second sleep transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the sleep state.

Next, when the elapsed time tb has elapsed a second sleep time Tb2 which is longer than the first sleep time Tb1 after transition to the sleep state (second shutoff transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again before the digital compound machine1transitions to the sleep state, the digital compound machine1returns from the standby state without performing an initial operation.

Thereafter, just as previously, after the standby state is entered after ending of the user usage time, transition to the sleep state is performed again after the first condition is satisfied. If the second condition is further satisfied, transition to the shutoff state is performed.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again before the digital compound machine1transitions to the shutoff state, the digital compound machine1returns from the sleep state without performing an initial operation.

In this way, in the silent mode, not only by making a time required to transition from the sleep state to the shutoff state longer than in the normal mode but also by making a time required to transition from the standby state to the sleep state longer than in the normal mode, the number of times of initial operation attributed to power source being turned ON is reduced.

Accordingly, the number of times of generation of an operating sound attributed to performance of the initial operation at the time of the power source being turned ON is reduced than in conventional cases, and the digital compound machine1which is more useful for users than conventionally can be realized.

Third Embodiment

Automatic Shutoff Transition Processing of Digital Compound Machine1According to Third Embodiment of the Present Disclosure

Next, the following describes automatic shutoff transition processing in the digital compound machine1according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference toFIGS.13to16B.

A configuration of the digital compound machine1according to the third embodiment is the same as a configuration of the digital compound machine1according to the first embodiment (FIG.2), and therefore description thereof is omitted.

FIG.13is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of an operation panel of the digital compound machine1according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the operation panel17of the digital compound machine1is provided with a touch panel screen, as a display171and an operation acceptor172(soft key).

In addition, a power source key, a HOME key, a power saving key, and a silent key are provided next to the touch panel screen, as operation acceptors172(hard keys).

Here, the digital compound machine1is assumed to enter the power saving priority mode when a user presses the power saving key.

FIG.14is a flowchart illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing in a silent mode during a power saving priority mode of the digital compound machine1according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.15is a flowchart illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing in a silent mode not during the power saving priority mode of the digital compound machine1according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S41inFIG.14, the controller10determines whether the digital compound machine1is in the power saving priority mode (step S41).

When the digital compound machine1is not in the power saving priority mode (No in the determination in step S41), the controller10performs the processing in steps S51to S57inFIG.15.

Note that the processing in steps S51to S57inFIG.15corresponds to the processing in steps S31to S37inFIG.11(the second embodiment), respectively, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

On the other hand, when the digital compound machine1is in the power saving priority mode (Yes in the determination in step S41), in step S42, the controller10determines whether there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (step S42).

When there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (No in the determination in step S42), in step S43, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring the elapsed time tb after a final operation (step S43).

Next, in step S44, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time tb has elapsed a predetermined third standby time Ta3 (step S44).

Here, the third standby time Ta3 is assumed to be set to a shorter time than the second standby time Ta2.

When the elapsed time tb has elapsed the third standby time Ta3 (Yes in the determination in step S44), in step S45, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the sleep state (step S45).

Next, in step S46, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring an elapsed time tb after transition to the sleep state (step S46).

Next, in step S47, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time tb has elapsed a predetermined third sleep time Tb3 (step S47).

Here, the third sleep time Tb3 is assumed to be set to a shorter time than the second sleep time Tb2.

When the elapsed time tb has elapsed the third sleep time Tb3 (Yes in the determination in step S47), in step S48, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the shutoff state (step S48), and the processing ends.

FIGS.16A and16Bare explanatory drawings illustrating examples of automatic shutoff transition processing in a silent mode before and after pressing of a power saving key of the digital compound machine1, respectively, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Note that inFIGS.16A and16B, a second standby time Ta2 and a second sleep time Tb2 are assumed to be the same as their counterparts in the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.16A, when the power source of the digital compound machine1is turned ON, the controller10performs a predetermined initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time.

In the silent mode, when the elapsed time ta has elapsed the second standby time Ta2 after transition to the standby state (second sleep transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the sleep state.

Next, when the elapsed time tb has elapsed the second sleep time Tb2 after transition to the sleep state (second shutoff transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again before the digital compound machine1transitions to the shutoff state, the digital compound machine1returns from the sleep state without performing an initial operation.

Here, when a user presses the power saving key while using the digital compound machine1, the digital compound machine1enters the power saving priority mode.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time again, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time.

In the power saving priority mode, when the elapsed time ta has elapsed a third standby time Ta3 which is shorter than the second standby time Ta2 after transition to the standby state (third sleep transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the sleep state.

Next, when the elapsed time tb has elapsed the third sleep time Tb3 which is shorter than the second sleep time Tb2 after transition to the sleep state (third shutoff transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again, the digital compound machine1performs an initial operation and is activated from the shutoff state.

On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG.16B, when the power source of the digital compound machine1is turned ON during the power saving priority mode, the controller10performs a predetermined initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time.

In the power saving priority mode, when the elapsed time ta has elapsed the third standby time Ta3 after transition to the standby state (third sleep transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the sleep state.

Next, when the elapsed time tb has elapsed the third sleep time Tb3 after transition to the sleep state (third shutoff transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again, the digital compound machine1performs an initial operation and is activated from the shutoff state.

Here, when the user presses the power saving key again while using the digital compound machine1, the power saving priority mode of the digital compound machine1is cancelled.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time again, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time.

In the power saving priority mode, when the elapsed time ta has elapsed the second standby time Ta2 after transition to the standby state (second sleep transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the sleep state.

Next, when the elapsed time tb has elapsed the second sleep time Tb2 after transition to the sleep state (second shutoff transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again before the digital compound machine1transitions to the shutoff state, the digital compound machine1returns from the sleep state without performing an initial operation.

In this way, when a user has enabled the power saving priority mode, not only the time required to transition from the sleep state to the shutoff state but also the time required to transition from the standby state to the sleep state are shortened even in the silent mode. Therefore, the digital compound machine1which is more useful for users than conventionally can be realized.

Fourth Embodiment

Automatic Shutoff Transition Processing of Digital Compound Machine1According to Fourth Embodiment of the Present Disclosure

Next, the following describes automatic shutoff transition processing in the digital compound machine1according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference toFIGS.17to19.

FIG.17is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a digital compound machine1according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG.17, a configuration of the digital compound machine1according to the fourth embodiment is the same as a configuration of the digital compound machine1according to the first embodiment (FIG.2), except that the digital compound machine1according to the fourth embodiment includes an error detector21.

The error detector21is a portion that detects an error occurring in each portion of the digital compound machine1.

The error detector21detects such an error occurrence as jam occurrence, out of ink toner, paper jam occurrence, out of paper, opening of a predetermined door of the main body.

FIG.18is a flowchart illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing in a silent mode after an error occurrence in the digital compound machine1according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.19is a flowchart illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing in a silent mode when no error has occurred in the digital compound machine1according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S61inFIG.18, the controller10determines whether the error detector21has detected a predetermined error (step S61).

In this case, the types of errors may be limited to be errors against which an initial operation is required for the next activation of the digital compound machine1, such as jam occurrence or the like.

When the error detector21has not detected a predetermined error (No in the determination in step S61), the controller10performs the processing in steps S71to S77inFIG.19.

Note that the processing in steps S71to S77inFIG.19corresponds to the processing in steps S31to S37inFIG.11(the second embodiment), respectively, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

On the other hand, when the error detector21has detected a predetermined error (Yes in the determination in step S61), in step S62, the controller10determines whether there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (step S62).

When there is no operation on the operation acceptor172for a certain time (No in the determination in step S62), in step S63, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring the elapsed time tb after a final operation (step S63).

Next, in step S64, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time tb has elapsed a predetermined fourth standby time Ta4 (step S64).

Here, the fourth standby time Ta4 is assumed to be set to a shorter time than the second standby time Ta2.

When the elapsed time tb has elapsed the fourth standby time Ta4 (Yes in the determination in step S64), in step S65, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the sleep state (step S65).

Next, in step S66, the controller10controls the clock16to start measuring an elapsed time tb after transition to the sleep state (step S66).

Next, in step S67, the controller10determines whether the elapsed time tb has elapsed a predetermined fourth sleep time Tb4 (step S67).

Here, the fourth sleep time Tb4 is assumed to be set to a shorter time than the second sleep time Tb2.

When the elapsed time tb has elapsed the fourth sleep time Tb4 (Yes in the determination in step S67), in step S68, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to the shutoff state (step S68), and the processing ends.

FIG.20is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of automatic shutoff transition processing in a silent mode after an error occurrence in the digital compound machine1according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Note that inFIG.20, the second standby time Ta2 and the second sleep time Tb2 are assumed to be the same as their counterparts in the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.20, when the power source of the digital compound machine1is turned ON, the controller10performs a predetermined initial operation and activates the digital compound machine1.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time.

In the silent mode, when the elapsed time ta has elapsed the second standby time Ta2 after transition to the standby state (second sleep transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the sleep state.

Next, when the elapsed time tb has elapsed the second sleep time Tb2 after transition to the sleep state (second shutoff transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again before the digital compound machine1transitions to the shutoff state, the digital compound machine1returns from the sleep state without performing an initial operation.

Here, when a predetermined error occurs while a user uses the digital compound machine1, the digital compound machine1enters the silent mode after the error occurrence.

Thereafter, after a final operation after ending of a user usage time again, the controller10controls the power-source controller19to transition to a standby state for a predetermined time.

In the silent mode after the error occurrence, if the elapsed time ta has elapsed the fourth standby time Ta4 which is shorter than the second standby time Ta2 after transition to the standby state (fourth sleep transition condition), the power-source controller19transitions to the sleep state.

Next, when the elapsed time tb has elapsed the fourth sleep time Tb4 which is shorter than the second sleep time Tb2 after transition to the sleep state (fourth shutoff transition condition), the power-source controller19is controlled to transition to the shutoff state.

Thereafter, when the user turns ON the power source of the digital compound machine1again, the digital compound machine1performs an initial operation and is activated from the shutoff state.

In this way, when a predetermined error has occurred, not only the time required to transition from the sleep state to the shutoff state but also the time required to transition from the standby state to the sleep state are shortened even in the silent mode. Therefore, the digital compound machine1which is more useful for users than conventionally can be realized.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure include any combination of the above-described plurality of embodiments.

Not limited to the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure may include various modifications. Such modifications should not to be construed not to belong to the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure should include all the modifications having meanings equivalent to those of the scope of claims and falling within the above-mentioned scope.

While there have been described what are at present considered to be certain embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made thereto, and it is intended that the appended claim cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.