JP2007336402A - Digital composite machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital composite machine whose power consumption can be effectively reduced according to its usage pattern. <P>SOLUTION: Voltages to be supplied to a function module 6 made to correspond to each function are controlled, based on that a recording portion 19 is made into a recordable state to operate an automatic telephone answering function on the basis of user operation, Thereby, concerning functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a network function, a photograph printing function or an infrared communication function which are not used during the operation of the automatic telephone answering function, the power consumption can be effectively reduced according to the usage pattern by interrupting the voltages to be supplied to modules for operating the functions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital multifunction peripheral, and more particularly to a digital multifunction peripheral having a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like.

  In recent years, digital multifunction peripherals having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function are becoming popular not only in companies but also in general households. In such a digital multi-function peripheral, the copy function is executed by recording an image on a sheet based on image data of a document read by a scanner. The printer function is executed by receiving image data from a client terminal connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) and recording an image on a sheet based on the image data. The scanner function is executed by transmitting image data of a document read by the scanner to the client terminal. The facsimile function is executed by performing facsimile communication with a facsimile apparatus connected to a telephone line outside the LAN.

  Some digital multi-function peripherals can execute a call function for making a call with a telephone connected to a telephone line. When this type of digital multifunction device receives a call signal for a call, it automatically responds to the call signal to establish a communication state, and records voice based on the voice signal received in the communication state. As a result, what can perform a so-called answering machine function has become the mainstream.

Such a digital multi-function peripheral includes a large number of modules for executing a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. Therefore, if the modules related to all functions are always activated, the modules related to functions that are not frequently executed also consume power, and consume more power than necessary. Patent Documents 1 to 3 propose various configurations that can reduce power consumption as techniques related to a facsimile apparatus.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-130069 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-8969 JP-A-10-164293

  In a digital multi-function peripheral having an answering machine function, the answering machine function is usually executed by performing a predetermined operation when the user goes out, and enters a call signal reception standby state. Therefore, when the answering machine function is executed, the user is not at home and does not directly operate the digital multifunction peripheral, and the modules relating to the copy function, the printer function, the scanner function, and the like do not operate based on the user operation. It is common.

  On the other hand, the module related to the call function may operate even when the user is away when receiving a call signal from an external telephone and recording a voice during execution of the answering machine function. The module related to the facsimile function may operate when image data is received from an external facsimile apparatus by facsimile communication while the user is away.

  As described above, in a digital multi-function peripheral having an answering machine function, functions that may be used may differ depending on whether the answering machine function is being executed. Therefore, if a module that supplies a voltage is selected according to whether the answering machine function is being executed, power consumption can be more effectively reduced.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a switch circuit is individually provided for each functional part of the facsimile apparatus and power is supplied only to the operating part. However, power supply in relation to the answering machine function is disclosed. No specific aspects or problems are described. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for reducing power consumption by supplying power using a secondary battery in the standby state. However, the relationship with the answering machine function is also disclosed. There is no specific description.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a technique in which the operation of the main power supply is stopped with the transition to the answering machine mode, and power is supplied using a secondary battery. However, since power is supplied from the secondary battery to modules that are not used during the answering machine mode, useless power is consumed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital multi-function peripheral that can more effectively reduce power consumption in accordance with usage conditions.

  A digital multi-function peripheral according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an original reading unit and an image recording unit, and the image recording unit records an image on a recording medium based on image data of the original read by the original reading unit. In addition, the image data can be transmitted or received with a client terminal connected via a communication line, and a telephone call and facsimile can be made with an external terminal connected to a communication network outside the communication line. A digital multi-function apparatus capable of performing communication, wherein a signal receiving means for receiving a signal from an external terminal via the communication network, and a response to the call signal received by the signal receiving means, Based on the signal from the external terminal received by the signal receiving means and the automatic response means that establishes the communication state between the phone, either communication or facsimile communication is selected A communication selection means, a recording means for recording a voice based on a voice signal received in the communication state when a call is selected by the communication selection means, and a recording enabled state for the recording means based on a user operation. An answering machine activation means, and a voltage supply control means for controlling a voltage supplied to a driving object including the original reading means and the image recording means based on the recording means being in a recordable state. Configured.

  With such a configuration, the voltage supplied to the drive target can be controlled based on the voice recording function being performed and the answering machine function being executed based on the user operation. Therefore, for functions that are not used during the execution of the answering machine function, the power supplied to the drive target for executing the function is reduced to effectively reduce the power consumption according to the usage situation. be able to.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital multi-function peripheral comprising: a modem connected to the communication network; a facsimile image storage means for storing image data received from an external terminal via the modem via the modem; and a modem from the external terminal. Facsimile image processing means for performing image processing on image data received by facsimile communication via the voltage supply control means, the voltage supply control means, based on the fact that the recording means is ready for recording, the signal receiving means, The modem, the facsimile image storage means, and the facsimile image processing means are configured to cut off a voltage supplied to at least one drive target.

  With such a configuration, the recording means is enabled to record based on user operation, and the operations other than the signal receiving means, the modem, the facsimile image storage means, and the facsimile image processing means are performed when the answering machine function is executed. The voltage supplied to the object can be cut off.

  In order to execute the call function, it is necessary to operate the signal receiving means, and in order to execute the facsimile function, it is necessary to operate the signal receiving means, the modem, the facsimile image storage means, and the facsimile image processing means. According to the configuration of the present invention, the voltage supplied to the drive target other than the drive target related to the call function and the facsimile function that may operate even when the user is away is effective depending on the use situation. In addition, power consumption can be reduced.

  The digital multifunction peripheral according to a third aspect of the present invention is performed during the notification process, a notification processing unit that performs a notification process for notifying the fact that the recording unit is in a recordable state. And a selection processing unit that selects a driving target whose voltage is controlled by the voltage supply control unit based on a user operation.

  Depending on the user, there is a case where it is desired to set the driving target other than the driving target related to the call function and the facsimile function so as not to cut off the voltage. For example, in the case of a user who uses an answering machine function while not answering, the copy function, printer function or scanner function may be executed while the answering machine function is being executed. . In such a case, when the answering machine function is executed, if the supply voltage to the driving object related to those functions is cut off, it takes time to activate the corresponding driving object when the function is executed. It will take.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to select a driving target for controlling the voltage by the user performing the operation himself / herself according to the usage situation. In particular, since a driving target can be selected by a user operation during notification processing such as reproduction of a response message performed when the answering machine function is executed, a mode for selecting the driving target is separately activated. There is no need to improve the operability.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the voltage supply control means is configured to cut off the voltage supplied to the drive target selected by the selection processing means.

  With such a configuration, the voltage supplied to the selected drive target can be cut off by the user performing an operation of selecting the drive target. That is, the user can cut off the voltage supplied to the drive target by selecting the drive target related to the function that is not used during the answering machine function.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the voltage supply control means is configured to cut off a voltage supplied to a drive target other than the drive target selected by the selection processing means.

  With such a configuration, the voltage supplied to the drive target other than the selected drive target can be cut off by the user performing an operation of selecting the drive target. That is, the user can cut off the voltage supplied to other driving targets by selecting the driving target related to the function to be used even while the answering machine function is being executed.

  Whether the digital multifunction peripheral according to the sixth aspect of the present invention cuts off the voltage supplied to the drive target selected by the selection processing means or cuts off the voltage supplied to the drive target other than the selected drive target Setting storage means for storing the setting in advance based on a user operation is provided, and the voltage supply control means is configured to control the voltage based on the setting stored in the setting storage means. .

  With such a configuration, the voltage supplied to the selected drive target is cut off by the user performing an operation of selecting the drive target, or the voltage supplied to the drive target other than the selected drive target is cut off. It can be set in advance.

  According to the present invention, for functions that are not used during execution of the answering machine function, based on the execution of the answering machine function, the voltage supplied to the drive target for executing the function is reduced. As a result, power consumption can be effectively reduced according to the use situation.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The digital multifunction device 1 includes a call function for making a call with an external telephone, a copy function for reading an image of a document and recording an image based on the image data on a sheet, and a sheet based on image data received from a client terminal. A plurality of functions such as a printer function for recording an image on a document, a scanner function for reading an image of a document and transmitting image data to a client terminal, and a facsimile function for performing facsimile communication with an external facsimile apparatus can be executed.

  The digital multifunction device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 12, an operation display unit 13, and an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) controlled by the CPU 10. ) Display unit 14, key scanning unit 15, line control device 16, receiver 17, speaker 18, recording unit 19, modem 20, image codec 21, image data storage unit 22, NIC (Network Interface Card) 23, scanner 24, scanner A control unit 25, a printer 26, a printer control unit 27, a card interface 28, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 29, and an infrared interface 30 are provided.

  The ROM 12 stores a program to be executed by the CPU 10, and various data generated when the CPU 10 executes the program is appropriately stored in the RAM 11. The operation display unit 13 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 131 and a backlight 132 for illuminating the LCD 131, and various displays can be performed on the display screen of the LCD 131. . The operation display unit 13 includes a large number of operation keys (not shown), and various key operations can be performed by pressing the operation keys.

  The LED display unit 14 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, and displays the internal state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the communication state with the outside depending on the light emission mode. The key scanning unit 15 is for detecting a key operation on the operation display unit 13. The line control device 16 includes a call signal transmission / reception unit 161 and a voice signal transmission / reception unit 162, and is connected to an external terminal such as a telephone or a facsimile machine via the telephone line 2.

  The call signal transmission / reception unit 161 is used to transmit a call signal to an external terminal or to receive a call signal from the external terminal in order to perform a call or facsimile communication. A communication state is established by replying a response signal to the call signal, and a telephone call or facsimile communication becomes possible. The audio signal transmission / reception unit 162 transmits / receives an audio signal to / from an external terminal in a state where the communication state is established. In a state where the communication state is established, a call can be performed by transmitting and receiving a voice signal based on the voice of the caller, and a facsimile communication can be performed by transmitting and receiving a voice signal based on image data.

  The receiver 17 is provided with a receiver for receiving and a microphone for transmitting (both not shown). The user can hear the voice from the external telephone through the receiver for receiving a call by bringing the receiver 17 close to the ear and mouth while the communication state is established. The user's voice can be output to an external telephone. The speaker 18 is for amplifying and outputting audio from an external telephone or audio generated in the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

  When the digital multifunction device 1 receives a call signal for a call, it automatically responds to the call signal to establish a communication state, and records a voice based on a voice signal received from an external telephone in the communication state. By doing so, a so-called answering machine function can be executed. The recording unit 19 is for recording a voice based on a voice signal received from an external telephone in a communication state during execution of the answering machine function. The answering machine function is executed by setting the recording unit 19 in a recordable state based on a key operation by the user.

  The modem 20 is connected to the telephone line 2 via the line control device 16. When performing facsimile communication with an external facsimile apparatus, image data of a document is transmitted / received via the modem 20. Image data received from an external facsimile machine is stored in the image data storage unit 22. The image codec 21 is for performing image processing such as decoding processing for image data received from an external facsimile apparatus and encoding processing for image data transmitted to the external facsimile apparatus.

  The NIC 23 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 3. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can execute a network function by transmitting / receiving data to / from a client terminal such as a personal computer connected to the LAN 3. In particular, the scanner function can be executed by transmitting image data to and from the client terminal via the LAN 3, and the printer function can be executed by receiving the image data.

  The scanner 24 is a document reading unit that reads an image of a document and generates image data. The scanner 24 includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward the original and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the light emitted from the light emitting unit (none of which is shown). An original image can be read by optical scanning. The scanner function is executed by transmitting image data of a document read by the scanner 24 to the client terminal via the LAN 3.

  The scanner control unit 25 includes a scanner reading control unit 251 and a scanner motor control unit 252. The scanner reading control unit 251 performs control for generating image data of a document based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit of the scanner 24. The scanner motor control unit 252 includes a motor that moves a light emitting unit for optical scanning of a document, and a motor that is provided in an automatic document feeder (not shown) that supplies documents one by one to the scanner 24. It is for controlling.

  The printer 26 is image recording means for recording an image on a sheet as a recording medium using toner, ink, or the like. The printer function is executed by the printer 26 recording an image on a sheet based on image data received from a client terminal via the LAN 3. The copy function is executed by the printer 26 recording an image on a sheet based on the image data of the document read by the scanner 24.

  The printer control unit 27 includes a printer print control unit 271 and a printer motor control unit 272. When the printer 26 is a so-called laser printer, the printer motor control unit 272 controls a motor that rotates a drum for attaching toner and transferring the toner onto a sheet, and the printer print control unit 271 Control for adhering toner, control for a heat source for fixing the toner transferred to the paper, and the like are performed. When the printer 26 is a so-called inkjet printer, the printer motor control unit 272 controls a motor that moves the print head for ejecting ink, and the printer print control unit 271 ejects ink from the print head. Control to make it happen.

  The card interface 28 is for inputting / outputting data to / from a memory card such as an SD card. When shooting is performed with the memory card mounted on an imaging device such as a digital camera, the captured image data is stored on the memory card, and then the memory card is mounted on the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the card interface 28 is set. The image data stored in the memory card can be read out. In this way, the image data is read from the memory card, and an image based on the image data is recorded on the paper by the printer 26, whereby the photo printing function can be executed.

  The USB interface 29 is for inputting / outputting data to / from another terminal connected via USB. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be connected to a personal computer via a LAN 3, but can also be connected via a USB. Therefore, the scanner function can also be executed by transmitting image data of a document read by the scanner 24 to a personal computer via USB. The printer function can also be executed by the printer 26 recording an image on paper based on image data received from a personal computer via USB.

  The infrared interface 30 is for inputting / outputting data with other terminals by non-contact communication using infrared rays. By communicating with other terminals via the infrared interface 30, the infrared communication function can be executed.

  In the present embodiment, when the answering machine function is executed, the recording unit 19 is set in a recordable state, and among the modules as driving targets provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 1, The voltage supplied to the module selected based on the user operation is cut off. Whether or not to cut off the voltage can be selected by selecting functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a network function, a photo printing function, and an infrared communication function. The RAM 11 can store in advance a setting for shutting off a voltage supplied to a selected module or shutting off a voltage supplied to a module other than the selected module.

  Here, the CPU 10, the RAM 11, the ROM 12, the LED display unit 14, the key scan unit 15, and the line control device 16 are non-power-saving modules 4 that do not block voltage based on a selection operation by the user. The operation display unit 13, the handset 17, and the speaker 18 are the common power saving module 5 whose voltage is cut off in common regardless of the selection operation by the user. The recording unit 19, modem 20, image codec 21, image data storage unit 22, NIC 23, scanner 24, scanner control unit 25, printer 26, printer control unit 27, card interface 28, USB interface 29 and infrared interface 30 Is a function-corresponding module 6 associated with.

  In the function correspondence module 6, the recording unit 19 is associated with the call function. Of the function correspondence module 6, the modem 20, the image codec 21, and the image data storage unit 22 are associated with the facsimile function.

  Among the function corresponding modules 6, the scanner 24, the scanner control unit 25, the printer 26, and the printer control unit 27 are associated with the copy function. Of the function corresponding module 6, the printer 26, the printer control unit 27, and the USB interface 29 are associated with the printer function. Of the function corresponding module 6, the scanner 24, the scanner control unit 25, and the USB interface 29 are associated with the scanner function. The network function is associated with the NIC 23 in the function corresponding module 6. Of the function correspondence module 6, the printer 26, the printer control unit 27, and the card interface 28 are associated with the photo printing function. The infrared communication function is associated with the infrared interface 30 in the function corresponding module 6.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of processing by the CPU 10 when the answering machine function is executed. In the present embodiment, the CPU 10 includes an answering machine activation unit 101, a notification processing unit 102, an incoming call processing unit 103, an automatic response unit 104, a communication selection unit 105, a recording control unit 106, a facsimile control unit 107, and a power saving selection processing unit. 108 and a voltage supply control unit 109.

  When the user performs a key operation for executing the answering machine function, the answering machine activation unit 101 activates the recording unit 19 to enable recording, and the notification processing unit 102 reproduces a response message. By performing the process, it is notified that the answering machine function has been executed. Here, the response message is a voice for notifying the other party that the user is away. When a call signal is received while the answering machine function is being executed, a response message is received for a certain period of time in response to the call signal. Only played. In the notification process, the response message is output from the speaker 18 so that the user can confirm the content of the response message.

  During the notification process, the user performs an operation of selecting at least one of functions other than the call function and the facsimile function, that is, a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a network function, a photo printing function, and an infrared communication function. The module that cuts off the voltage can be selected. That is, the module corresponding to the function selected based on the user operation during the notification process is selected by the power saving selection processing unit 108 as a module for cutting off the voltage.

  Based on the settings stored in the RAM 11, the power saving selection processing unit 108 is a module that cuts off the voltage, either a module corresponding to the function selected by the user or a module other than the module corresponding to the function selected by the user. Choose. The voltage supply control unit 109 performs control so as to cut off the voltage supplied to the module selected by the power saving selection processing unit 108.

  When a call signal is received from the external terminal via the line control device 16 in a state where the answering machine function is executed in this way, the incoming call processing unit 103 receives an incoming call such as causing the speaker 18 to output a ring tone. By performing the process, it is notified that the incoming call is being received. Then, during the incoming call processing, the automatic response unit 104 returns a response signal to the call signal, so that a communication state is automatically established with the external terminal.

  The audio signal received from the external terminal in a state where the communication state is established is either an audio signal for a call or an audio signal for facsimile communication. Which voice signal is the received voice signal can be detected based on the calling signal or a signal sent separately from the calling signal. The communication selection unit 105 detects whether the voice signal received from the external terminal is a voice signal for a call or a voice signal for a facsimile communication, and based on the detection result, either a call or a facsimile communication is detected. Select.

  When a call is selected by the communication selection unit 105, the recording control unit 106 controls the recording unit 19 to record the other party's voice based on the voice signal received in the communication state. On the other hand, when facsimile communication is selected by the communication selection unit 105, the facsimile control unit 107 controls the modem 20 and the image codec 21 to store image data from the external terminal in the image data storage unit 22. Let

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the CPU 10 when the answering machine function is executed. When the answering machine function is executed by a user operation (Yes in step S101), the recording unit 19 is activated to be in a recordable state (step S102), and a notification process is performed by playing back a response message (step S102). Step S103).

  During the notification process, a function selection screen for the user to select one of the functions other than the call function and the facsimile function is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S104). In this function selection screen, the user can select at least one of a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a network function, a photo printing function, and an infrared communication function.

  The response message is automatically stopped after being reproduced for a predetermined time. When the notification process is terminated by stopping the reproduction of the response message (Yes in step S105), the voltage supplied to the operation display unit 13, the receiver 17 and the speaker 18 which are the common power saving module 5 is cut off (step S106). It is determined whether any function is selected on the function selection screen during the notification process (step S107).

  If no function is selected during the notification process (No in step S107), the voltage supplied to the modules other than the module corresponding to the call function and the facsimile function among the function corresponding modules 6 is cut off ( Step S111). As a result, the voltages supplied to the NIC 23, the scanner 24, the scanner control unit 25, the printer 26, the printer control unit 27, the card interface 28, the USB interface 29, and the infrared interface 30 in the function corresponding module 6 are cut off.

  On the other hand, if any function is selected during the notification process (Yes in step S107), the module corresponding to the selected function among the function corresponding modules 6 is selected based on the setting stored in the RAM 11. It is determined whether to cut off the voltage to be supplied or to cut off the voltage to be supplied to a module other than the module corresponding to the selected function (step S108).

  If the voltage supplied to the module corresponding to the selected function is set to be cut off (Yes in step S108), the module other than the module corresponding to the call function and the facsimile function is selected. The voltage supplied to the module corresponding to the function is cut off (step S109). For example, when the copy function is selected during the notification process, the voltage supplied to the scanner 24, scanner control unit 25, printer 26, and printer control unit 27, which are modules corresponding to the copy function, is cut off.

  On the other hand, if it is set to cut off the voltage supplied to the module other than the module corresponding to the selected function (No in step S108), the module other than the module corresponding to the call function and the facsimile function. Among these, the voltage supplied to modules other than the module corresponding to the selected function is cut off (step S110). For example, when the copy function is selected during the notification process, the voltages supplied to the NIC 23, the card interface 28, the USB interface 29, and the infrared interface 30 other than the modules corresponding to the call function, the facsimile function, and the copy function. Is cut off.

  The supply of voltage to the module whose voltage is cut off in this way is resumed when a function related to the module is executed or when the answering machine function is canceled by a user operation.

  In the present embodiment, the recording unit 19 is set in a recordable state based on the user's operation, and the telephone function and facsimile that may operate even when the user is away based on the execution of the answering machine function. The voltage supplied to a module other than the module corresponding to the function can be controlled. Therefore, for the copy function, printer function, scanner function, network function, photo print function, infrared communication function, etc. that are not used during the answering machine function, the voltage supplied to the module for executing the function is set. By cutting off, power consumption can be effectively reduced according to the use situation.

  Depending on the user, it may be desired to set a module other than the module related to the call function and the facsimile function so as not to cut off the voltage. For example, in the case of a user who uses the answering machine function while not answering, the copy function, printer function, scanner function, network function, photo printing function or An infrared communication function may be executed. In such a case, when the answering machine function is executed and the supply voltage to the module related to the function is cut off, it takes time to start the corresponding module when the function is executed. End up.

  In the present embodiment, the module that cuts off the voltage can be selected by the user performing the operation by himself / herself according to the usage situation. In particular, a module can be selected by a user operation during a notification process such as a response message reproduction performed when the answering machine function is executed, and thus a mode for selecting a module needs to be separately activated. And operability is improved.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, whether to cut off the voltage supplied to the module corresponding to the function selected by the user or to cut off the voltage supplied to a module other than the module corresponding to the function selected by the user can be set in advance. Such a configuration has been described. The second embodiment is not configured so that the user can make settings in advance as in the first embodiment, but is set so that the voltage supplied to the module selected by the user is cut off.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the CPU 10 when the answering machine function is executed in the second embodiment. When the answering machine function is executed by a user operation (Yes in step S201), the recording unit 19 is activated to be in a recordable state (step S202), and a notification message is performed by playing back a response message (step S202). Step S203).

  During the notification process, a function selection screen for the user to select one of the functions other than the call function and the facsimile function is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S204). In this function selection screen, the user can select at least one of a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a network function, a photo printing function, and an infrared communication function.

  The response message is automatically stopped after being reproduced for a predetermined time. When the notification process is terminated by stopping the reproduction of the response message (Yes in step S205), the voltage supplied to the operation display unit 13, the receiver 17, and the speaker 18 that are the common power saving module 5 is cut off (step S206). It is determined whether any function is selected on the function selection screen during the notification process (step S207).

  If any function is selected during the notification process (Yes in step S207), the voltage supplied to the module corresponding to the selected function among the modules other than the module corresponding to the call function and the facsimile function is set. Shut off (step S208). For example, when the copy function is selected during the notification process, the voltage supplied to the scanner 24, scanner control unit 25, printer 26, and printer control unit 27, which are modules corresponding to the copy function, is cut off. On the other hand, if no function is selected during the notification process (No in step S207), the voltage supplied to any of the function corresponding modules 6 is not cut off.

  In the present embodiment, the voltage supplied to the selected module can be cut off by the user performing an operation of selecting the module. That is, the user can cut off the voltage supplied to the module by selecting the module related to the function that is not used during the answering machine function.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the voltage supplied to the module corresponding to the function selected by the user is cut off has been described. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the voltage supplied to the modules other than the module corresponding to the function selected by the user is set to be cut off.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the CPU 10 when the answering machine function is executed in the third embodiment. When the answering machine function is executed by a user operation (Yes in step S301), the recording unit 19 is activated to be in a recordable state (step S302), and a notification process is performed by playing back a response message (step S302). Step S303).

  During the notification process, a function selection screen for the user to select one of the functions other than the call function and the facsimile function is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S304). In this function selection screen, the user can select at least one of a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a network function, a photo printing function, and an infrared communication function.

  The response message is automatically stopped after being reproduced for a predetermined time. When the notification process is terminated by stopping the reproduction of the response message (Yes in step S305), the voltage supplied to the operation display unit 13, the receiver 17 and the speaker 18 that are the common power saving module 5 is cut off (step S306). It is determined whether any function is selected on the function selection screen during the notification process (step S307).

  If any function is selected during the notification process (Yes in step S307), the module other than the module corresponding to the call function and the facsimile function is supplied to the module other than the module corresponding to the selected function. The voltage to be cut off is cut off (step S308). For example, when the copy function is selected during the notification process, the voltages supplied to the NIC 23, the card interface 28, the USB interface 29, and the infrared interface 30 other than the modules corresponding to the call function, the facsimile function, and the copy function. Is cut off.

  On the other hand, when any function is not selected during the notification process (No in step S307), the voltage supplied to the modules other than the module corresponding to the call function and the facsimile function among the function corresponding modules 6 is cut off. (Step S309). As a result, the voltages supplied to the NIC 23, the scanner 24, the scanner control unit 25, the printer 26, the printer control unit 27, the card interface 28, the USB interface 29, and the infrared interface 30 in the function corresponding module 6 are cut off.

  In the present embodiment, the voltage supplied to modules other than the selected module can be cut off by the user performing an operation of selecting the module. That is, the user can cut off the voltage supplied to the other modules by selecting the module related to the function to be used even while the answering machine function is being executed.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration for cutting off the voltage supplied to the module selected based on the user operation has been described. However, the voltage supplied to the selected module is not cut off. The configuration may be such that the voltage supplied to is reduced to a specified value or less.

  In addition, as long as the voltage supplied to any module is controlled based on the execution of the answering machine function, the voltage supplied to the module related to each function as described above is limited. Instead, the voltage supplied to other modules may be controlled.

  In the above embodiment, a function selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit 13 during the notification process. On this function selection screen, the user can perform a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a network function, a photo printing function, and an infrared communication function. The configuration in which at least one of the above can be selected has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the operation display unit 13 is provided with keys for selecting a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a network function, a photo printing function, and an infrared communication function, and the user notifies The configuration may be such that functions can be selected by operating these keys during processing. In this case, the function selection screen may not be displayed on the operation display unit 13.

  In addition, the response message is not limited to being automatically stopped after being played for a predetermined period of time, and is configured so that an arbitrary response message can be played, according to the content of the response message. It may be such that it is automatically stopped after being played for a period of time.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the LAN 3 is connected to the NIC 23 has been described. However, the NIC 23 can be connected not only to the LAN 3 but also to other networks such as the Internet. Further, non-contact communication performed with other terminals is not limited to infrared communication, but may be other non-contact communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. Thus, each module described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and other modules can be appropriately employed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the process by CPU when performing an answering machine function. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process by CPU when performing an answering machine function. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a CPU when an answering machine function is executed in the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a CPU when an answering machine function is executed in the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital MFP 2 Telephone line 3 LAN
4 Non-power saving module 5 Common power saving module 6 Function compatible module 10 CPU
11 RAM
12 ROM
13 Operation display unit 14 LED display unit 15 Key scanning unit 16 Line control device 17 Handset 18 Speaker 19 Recording unit 20 Modem 21 Image codec 22 Image data storage unit 23 NIC
24 Scanner 25 Scanner Control Unit 26 Printer 27 Printer Control Unit 28 Card Interface 29 USB Interface 30 Infrared Interface 101 Answering Machine Activation Unit 102 Notification Processing Unit 103 Incoming Processing Unit 104 Automatic Response Unit 105 Communication Selection Unit 106 Recording Control Unit 107 Facsimile Control Unit 108 power saving selection processing unit 109 voltage supply control unit

Claims (6)

An image reading unit and an image recording unit are provided, and based on the image data of the document read by the document reading unit, the image recording unit can record an image on a recording medium, and is connected via a communication line. A digital multi-function peripheral capable of transmitting or receiving image data to and from a client terminal and capable of performing telephone and facsimile communication with an external terminal connected to a communication network outside the communication line. And
Signal receiving means for receiving a signal from an external terminal via the communication network;
An automatic response means for establishing a communication state with an external terminal in response to the call signal received by the signal receiving means;
Communication selecting means for selecting either telephone call or facsimile communication based on a signal from an external terminal received by the signal receiving means;
A recording means for recording a voice based on a voice signal received in the communication state when a call is selected by the communication selection means;
An answering machine starting means for making the recording means recordable based on a user operation;
A digital composite comprising: a voltage supply control means for controlling a voltage supplied to a driving object including the original reading means and the image recording means based on the recording means being in a recordable state. Machine. A modem connected to the communication network;
Facsimile image storage means for storing image data received from an external terminal by facsimile communication via the modem;
Facsimile image processing means for performing image processing on image data received by facsimile communication from an external terminal via the modem,
The voltage supply control means sets at least one drive object different from the signal receiving means, the modem, the facsimile image storage means, and the facsimile image processing means based on the recording means being in a recordable state. The digital multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein a voltage to be supplied is cut off. Based on the fact that the recording means is in a recordable state, notification processing means for performing notification processing for notifying that effect,
The digital processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a selection processing unit that selects a driving target whose voltage is controlled by the voltage supply control unit based on a user operation performed during the notification process. Compound machine.   4. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 3, wherein the voltage supply control means cuts off the voltage supplied to the drive target selected by the selection processing means.   4. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 3, wherein the voltage supply control unit cuts off a voltage supplied to a driving target other than the driving target selected by the selection processing unit. The setting whether to cut off the voltage supplied to the drive target selected by the selection processing means or to cut off the voltage supplied to the drive target other than the selected drive target is stored in advance based on the user operation. Setting storage means for keeping
4. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 3, wherein the voltage supply control unit controls the voltage based on a setting stored in the setting storage unit.

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