JP2003110762A - Input/output apparatus and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input/output apparatus which can set flexibly the power saving mode depending on the application conditions. SOLUTION: A facsimile apparatus A is used stand-alone and is also used by connecting to a personal computer B via a USB interface cable 26. A CPU 10 checks whether keying or facsimile transmission/reception is performed or not when it detects via the USB interface cable that the personal computer B is turned off. When keying or facsimile transmission/reception is not executed, the CPU 10 sets the operation waiting condition as the power saving mode.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input / output device such as a facsimile device which is used in a stand-alone manner and is connected to a personal computer, and a computer for controlling such an input / output device. Regarding the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent facsimile machines include multi-function multifunction peripherals which are connected to a personal computer through a communication cable and have a printer function and a scanner function as peripheral devices of the personal computer. This type of multi-function multifunction peripheral, even if the personal computer is powered off while connected to the personal computer,
Since it is used for transmitting and receiving facsimile data, it is often turned on as it is.

On the other hand, when the power of the personal computer is turned off, for example, at night, and the power is turned on mainly for receiving the facsimile data sent from the other party, the operation is performed according to the user's operation. There is also a multifunctional multi-function peripheral that can reduce power consumption by setting the power-saving operation mode (sleep state). In addition, at a preset time, the power saving operation mode may be automatically set.

[0004]

However, in the multi-function multifunction peripheral having the conventional power saving function, there is a problem that the user is forced to operate in the power saving operation mode and the operation is troublesome.

On the other hand, if the power saving operation mode is automatically set at the set time, it is not necessary to perform the operation each time, but the personal computer is still in operation depending on the set time, and the multifunctional multi-function peripheral is used as a printer or scanner. However, there has been an inconvenience that the personal computer cannot be switched to the power saving operation mode at an appropriate timing because a long time has passed since the personal computer was turned off.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an input / output device and a computer program which can be easily operated in a power-saving operation mode in accordance with a use situation. And

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the input / output device of the invention described in claim 1 is used not only in a stand-alone mode but also in a state of being connected to an external device via a communication interface. An external input / output device for detecting that the external device is in a power-off state through the communication interface; and a stand-alone device when the external power-off state is detected by the external power-off detection unit. A state confirmation means for confirming whether or not the function used in the above is being executed, and an operation standby means for putting the function in an operation standby state as a power saving operation mode when the state confirmation means confirms that the function is not being executed. Is characterized by.

According to such an input / output device, when the external device connected to the present device is no longer in the power-off state and the operation or operation corresponding to the stand-alone function is not being executed, the power saving operation mode is set. As a result, the user is not required to perform the operation for shifting to the power saving operation mode automatically, and the power saving operation mode can be conveniently set according to the usage situation.

An input / output device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the input / output device according to the first aspect, wherein a series of operations by the respective means is performed by the external device via the communication interface. Only when the power-on state of the external device is recognized once in the connected state, the operation can be executed as an effective operation.

According to such an input / output device, claim 1
In addition to the effects of the input / output device described in, once the external device connected to this device is powered on, it can automatically enter the power saving operation mode in conjunction with the power off state of the external device. it can.

Further, the input / output device of the invention described in claim 3 is the input / output device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a series of operations by each means is enabled or disabled according to a user setting. It is said that

According to such an input / output device, claim 1
Alternatively, in addition to the effect of the input / output device described in item 2, whether or not to automatically shift to the power saving operation mode can be determined in advance by user setting.

An input / output device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the input / output device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the communication interface is provided between the input / output device and a computer device as the external device. It has a function of exchanging input / output data through the communication line and a function of transmitting / receiving the input / output data through a communication line.

According to such an input / output device, claim 1
In addition to the effect of the input / output device described in any one of 1 to 3, a facsimile device as a multifunctional multifunction peripheral having a facsimile communication function in addition to a printer function or a scanner function as a peripheral device of a personal computer is realized. be able to.

Further, the computer program of the invention described in claim 5 is a computer program for controlling an input / output device which is used in a stand-alone state and is also connected to an external device through a communication interface. An external power-off detection program for detecting that the external device is in a power-off state through the communication interface, and when the power-off state is detected based on the external power-off detection program, it is used as a standalone. Status confirmation program for confirming whether or not a function to be executed is executed, and an operation standby program for setting an operation standby state as a power saving operation mode when it is confirmed that the function is not being executed based on the status confirmation program It is characterized by including and.

According to such a computer program, the operation of the input / output device according to the first aspect can be realized by operating the CPU based on the computer program.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus as an embodiment of the input / output apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in this figure, the facsimile apparatus A according to the present invention includes a CPU 10, an NCU 11, a RAM 12,
Modem 13, ROM 14, EEPROM 15, gate array 16, codec 17, DMAC 18, reading unit 2
1, a printing unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, an external connection unit 25, and the like, and are generally configured. CPU
10, NCU11, RAM12, modem 13, ROM1
4, the EEPROM 15, the gate array 16, the codec 17, and the DMAC 18 are connected to each other by a bus line 27. The bus line 27 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line. Gate array 1
The reading unit 21, the printing unit 22, the operation unit 23, the display unit 24, and the external connection unit 25 are connected to the unit 6. NCU
A public telephone line 28 is connected to 11. Also,
A personal computer B as an external device is connected to the external connection section 25 via a USB interface cable 26, for example. That is, the facsimile apparatus A has a function as a peripheral device of the personal computer B in addition to the facsimile communication function.

The CPU 10 controls the operation of the entire facsimile apparatus. The NCU 11 is connected to the public telephone line 28 and performs network control. The RAM 12 provides a work area for the CPU 10 and a storage area for various data. Modem 1
Reference numeral 3 performs modulation and demodulation of facsimile data. R
The OM 14 stores data such as programs and set values to be executed by the CPU 10. EEPROM15,
It stores various flags and setting data. The gate array 16 functions as an interface between the CPU 10 and each unit 21 to 25. The codec 17 encodes and decodes facsimile data. The DMAC 18 mainly writes and reads data to and from the RAM 12.

The reading section 21 is equipped with an image sensor, an LED light source, etc., and reads images such as characters and figures from a manuscript or the like. The printing unit 22 prints images such as characters and figures by, for example, an electrophotographic method. The operation unit 23 includes a key switch group such as a numeric keypad and a character key, and transmits a command according to a user's key operation to the CPU 10. The display unit 24 includes a display such as an LCD, and displays an operating state and operation guidance. The external connection portion 25 is U
It has a communication function corresponding to the SB interface and exchanges data and signals with the personal computer B. According to the USB interface, as long as the personal computer B is in the power-on state, power is supplied from the personal computer B to the external connection section 25 via the cable 26, and this supplied power is used as the main power source. The main power source is separately provided although not shown.

Explaining the main points, the facsimile apparatus A has the functions of receiving and transmitting facsimile data, copying, and printing the data stored in the internal memory as a stand-alone function separated from the personal computer B. . When used as a peripheral device of the personal computer B, the facsimile device A is used as a printer or a scanner.

Such a facsimile device A has a function of suppressing power consumption in a power saving operation mode (sleep state). In this power saving mode, C
The operation clock of the PU 10 is lowered from the normal operation mode, or the power supply to a specific processing circuit in the gate array 16 is cut off. Of course, when a key operation is performed or some operation is performed during the power saving operation mode, the required operation is performed by returning from the power saving operation mode to the normal operation mode.

By the way, the facsimile apparatus A is constructed so that the normal operation mode is automatically switched to the power saving operation mode. Specifically, when the personal computer B is in the power-on state and the USB
External connection 25 via interface cable 26
When power is supplied to the device, the normal operation mode is set. Then, when the personal computer B is powered off, a state in which power is not supplied to the external connection unit 25 is detected. At this time, on condition that there is no operation related to key operation or facsimile transmission / reception,
The normal operation mode is automatically changed to the power saving operation mode, and the operation standby state according to the stand-alone mode is set.

Of course, whether to automatically enable or disable the automatic power saving operation mode can be determined in advance by the user's setting operation, and only when it is set to be effective. The transition to the power saving operation mode as described above is realized. By the way, by default at the factory shipment stage, the transition to the power saving operation mode is set to be valid. Therefore, if the user does not specifically set valid / invalid, only when the personal computer B has been activated even once with the facsimile apparatus A connected to the personal computer B,
Under the above conditions, the facsimile apparatus A automatically shifts to the power saving operation mode.

That is, the CPU 10 of the facsimile apparatus A
Is the external power off detection means for detecting that the external device is in the power off state through the communication interface, and when the power off state is detected by the external power off detection means, whether the function used in the stand-alone mode is being executed or not. A status confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the operation is confirmed, and an operation standby unit that enters an operation standby state as a power saving operation mode when the status confirmation unit determines that the operation is not being performed.

The program stored in the ROM 14 is a computer program for controlling an input / output device used in a stand-alone manner and connected to an external device via a communication interface. An external power-off detection program for detecting that the device is in the power-off state, and if the power-off state is detected based on the external power-off detection program, check whether the function used in the stand-alone mode is being executed. A computer program including a status confirmation program for confirmation and an operation standby program for setting an operation standby state as a power saving operation mode when it is confirmed that it is not being executed based on the status confirmation program is realized. .

Next, the operation will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure when shifting to the power saving operation mode. The power saving mode transition process is executed at regular timings while the main routine for controlling the facsimile apparatus A is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the power off state of the personal computer B is detected (S1: YES), C
The PU 10 resets the timer (S2). here,
Whether or not the personal computer B is in the power-off state is U
The determination is made according to the voltage level of the electric power supplied to the external connection portion 25 through the SB interface cable 26. Specifically, when the CPU 10 monitors the voltage level of a specific terminal of the external connection unit 25 and detects that the voltage has changed (for example, from a predetermined voltage to 0V), it is determined that the personal computer B has been turned off. To do. The timer is executed as a function of the CPU 10, and the time-up time interval at which the timer finishes counting is, for example, about 10 seconds.

After resetting the timer, the CPU 10
For example, it is confirmed whether or not any key operation for performing facsimile transmission or copying is performed (S
3).

When no key operation is performed (S3: N
O), and further, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not any operation is being executed (S4). The operation executed at this time includes transmission, reception, copying of facsimile data, which can be executed even when the personal computer B is powered off.

If the operation is not being executed (S4: N
O), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the time has come up as a time point at which the timer ends (S).
5).

When the time is up (S5: YES), C
The PU 10 performs the power saving operation mode execution process (S
6). According to this, as described above, the operation clock of the CPU 10 is lowered from the normal operation mode, and the power supply to some circuits in the gate array 16 is cut off, so that the power consumption in the standby mode is suppressed. In short, after the personal computer B is turned off, if no operation including key operation is performed within a time of about 10 seconds in a state where all key operation and predetermined operation are completed, the normal operation is automatically performed. That is, the operation mode can be switched to the power saving operation mode.

During execution of the power saving operation mode as described above, the CPU 10 monitors whether or not there is an interrupt request (S7). As the interrupt request, a request to start facsimile transmission by a user's key operation or a request to start copying, and further, when the NCU 11 receives a call signal from the transmission destination through the public telephone line 28, the facsimile is transmitted. For example, a request to start reception can be given. The interrupt request also includes a request for print output from the personal computer B switched from power-off to power-on, a request for scanning, and the like.

When there is an interrupt request (S7: YE
S), the CPU 10 ends the power saving mode transition processing so as to release the power saving operation mode and return to the normal operation mode (S8). Even when the power saving mode transition process is completed and the process returns to the main routine, the operation of S1 for detecting whether or not the personal computer B is in the power-off state is as follows.
It is executed regularly.

When there is no interrupt request in S7 (S7: NO), the CPU 10 executes the power saving operation mode until the interrupt request is issued.

If the time is not up in S5 (S5: NO), the CPU 10 returns to S3.

If any operation is being executed in S4 (S4: YES), the CPU 10 returns to S1.

In S3, if the key operation is performed or is newly started (S3: YES),
The CPU 10 returns to S1.

At S1, the personal computer B
If the power is on (S1: NO), the CPU 10 does not execute the series of operations after S2 until the personal computer B is powered off.

That is, immediately after the personal computer B is turned off, if a key operation or some operation is performed, the power saving operation mode is not immediately switched to the normal operation mode. It does not take long to warm up.

Therefore, when the personal computer B connected to the facsimile apparatus A is no longer in the power-off state and the operation or operation of the facsimile apparatus A according to the stand-alone function is not being executed, the power saving operation mode is automatically set. Since it is in the operation standby state, the user does not need to perform the operation for shifting to the power saving operation mode, and the power saving operation mode can be conveniently set according to the usage situation.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

The facsimile device A and the personal computer B may be connected by a form different from the USB interface cable 26, for example, a parallel cable or serial cable for printer connection, or by wireless communication. In this case, the facsimile apparatus A periodically sends a signal to the personal computer B, and if there is no response accordingly, it can be recognized that the personal computer B is in the power-off state.

To send the facsimile data, the other party's telephone number is specified on the spot, the original image is read and transmitted, and the scheduled transmission time and the other party's telephone number are registered in advance. Also, timer transmission is included in which the transmission data is stored in the memory and the transmission data is read and transmitted at the scheduled transmission time.

If the memory card is inserted in the facsimile apparatus A and the data stored in the memory card can be directly printed, the power saving operation mode can be canceled when the memory card is inserted. good.

The input / output device according to the present invention is not limited to a facsimile device, but may be a multifunctional multifunction peripheral having only a copy function in addition to a printer function and a scanner function as peripheral devices.

[0048]

As described above, according to the input / output device of the invention described in claim 1, the external device connected to this device is no longer in the power-off state, and the operation corresponding to the stand-alone function is performed. If no operation is in progress, it automatically enters standby mode as a power saving operation mode.
It is not necessary for the user to purposely perform the operation for shifting to the power saving operation mode, and the power saving operation mode can be set to be convenient according to the usage situation.

According to the input / output device of the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the input / output device according to claim 1, after the external device connected to the present device is once powered on. Can automatically enter the power saving operation mode in association with the power-off state of the external device.

Further, according to the input / output device of the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the input / output device according to claim 1 or 2, whether or not to automatically shift to the power saving operation mode Can be determined in advance by user setting.

Further, according to the input / output device of the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the input / output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for example, a printer function as a peripheral device of a personal computer is provided. In addition to the scanner function and the scanner function, it is possible to realize a facsimile device as a multifunctional multifunction peripheral having a facsimile communication function.

Further, according to the computer program of the invention described in claim 5, the operation of the input / output device according to claim 1 can be realized by operating the CPU based on the computer program.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an input / output device according to the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when shifting to a power saving operation mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 CPU 11 NCU 12 RAM 13 modem 14 ROM 15 EEPROM 16 gate array 17 codecs 18 DMAC 21 Reader 22 Printing department 23 Operation part 24 Display 25 External connection 26 USB interface cable A facsimile machine B personal computer

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An input / output device used in a stand-alone manner and connected to an external device through a communication interface, wherein the input / output device detects that the external device is in a power-off state through the communication interface. External power-off detection means, status confirmation means for confirming whether or not a function used in a stand-alone mode is being executed when the power-off state is detected by the external power-off detection means, and execution status by the status confirmation means An input / output device comprising: an operation standby unit that enters an operation standby state as a power saving operation mode when it is confirmed that the input / output is not satisfied. 2. A series of operations by the respective means are effective only when the external device is connected via the communication interface and when the power-on state of the external device is once recognized. The input / output device according to claim 1, which is executable as an operation. 3. The input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the series of operations performed by each of the means is enabled or disabled according to a user setting. 4. A function of exchanging input / output data with the computer device as the external device via the communication interface, and a function of transmitting / receiving the input / output data via a communication line. 1
The input / output device according to any one of 1 to 3. 5. A computer program for controlling an input / output device, which is used in a stand-alone manner and is connected to an external device via a communication interface, wherein the external device is powered off through the communication interface. An external power-off detection program for detecting that the power-off state is detected based on the external power-off detection program to confirm whether a function used in a stand-alone mode is being executed. 2. The computer program, comprising: the status confirmation program according to item 1; and an operation standby program for bringing the operation standby state into a power saving operation mode when it is confirmed that the program is not being executed based on the status confirmation program.