Image processing apparatus for delaying a scheduled sleep mode for a specific process

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• an image reading unit that reads out a document image;
• an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper on the basis of received information;
• a communication circuit unit that receives and transmits image information via a communication network;
• a main power supply that supplies power to each of the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the communication circuit unit;
• a process controller that controls execution of a process using at least one of the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and a facsimile communication circuit unit, on the basis of a type of a processing pattern selected from processing patterns including scanning, copying, printing, facsimile transmission, and facsimile reception;
• a setting unit that restricts power supply from the main power supply to processors including the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the communication circuit unit, and that sets a restricted period in which a process in the processors is prohibited from being executed;
• a delay unit that, in the case where a specific process which is being executed when the restricted period is to start will be completed within a predetermined allowed time period, delays the time when the restricted period is to start at least until the specific process is completed;
• and
• a restart unit that, in the case where the specific process which is being executed when the restricted period is to start will not be completed within the predetermined allowed time period, restarts a remaining process of the specific process after the restricted period ends, the remaining process being generated on the basis of the prohibition of execution of a process in the processors.

A processing control method comprising:

• executing a process with a processor on the basis of received information, by using power supplied from a main power supply;
• restricting power supply from the main power supply to the processor and setting a restricted period in which a process is prohibited from being executed in the processor;
• in the case where a specific process which is being executed when the restricted period is to start will be completed within a predetermined allowed time period, delaying the time when the restricted period is to start at least until the specific process is completed;
• and
• in the case where the specific process which is being executed when the restricted period is to start will not be completed within the predetermined allowed time period, restarting a remaining process of the specific process with a restart unit after the restricted period ends, the remaining process being generated on the basis of the prohibition of execution of a process in the processor.