There is provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of responding
to a status request with the minimum possible energy consumption even when the
image forming apparatus is in a sleep state, to thereby achieve energy conservation.
A main-chip microcomputer Q701 responds to an externally input status request
when the image forming apparatus is in a normal standby mode, and enters an inoperative
state where it does not respond to the externally input status request when the
image forming apparatus is in a reduced power consumption mode. A 1-chip microcomputer
Q702 responds to the externally input status request on behalf of the main-chip
microcomputer Q701 when the image forming apparatus is in the reduced power
consumption mode.
