JP5957844B2 - Power supply control device, image processing device, power supply control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply control device, an image processing device, and a power supply control program.

  Another means for automating power supply control for a device to be supplied with power is human sensor control.

  In Patent Document 1, a human sensor is installed in an image processing apparatus, a person approaching the image processing apparatus is detected, the power of the image processing apparatus is turned on, and power consumption and convenience are reduced. It has been proposed to achieve both.

  More specifically, distance detection means installed at two points are employed as the human sensor, and it is determined whether or not the moving direction of the human body is toward a predetermined area, and based on the determination result, the image forming apparatus main body In the case where the start-up is executed for an event (simple pedestrian) that approaches the image forming apparatus and passes through without being operated when the human body approaches the human body by the human sensor Contains.

  As a related technique, Patent Document 2 includes a motion sensor capable of detecting an operation motion of an operator for performing at least one of copying, printing, and scanning, and a detection result of a human sensor provided in the operation panel unit. Is described to start the motion sensor. Note that the detection by the motion sensor refers to detection of an operation such as a motion of setting a document on the automatic document feeder and a motion of opening a cover in front of the operation panel of the device.

JP 05-054771 A JP 2010-157789 A

The present invention provides a power supply control device, an image processing device, and a power that can achieve both energy saving and convenience improvement by using at least a plurality of types of moving body detection means having different operation specifications from power consumption during operation. it is an object of obtaining a supply control program.

The invention according to claim 1, in order to perform the processing of a plurality kinds of predetermined plural loads alone, or two or more work together, as a target at least the plurality of loads, power unit Power supply state transition control means for making a transition to a power supply state that receives power from the power supply, or a power cut-off state that does not receive power supply from the power supply unit, and power is always supplied even when the load is in a power cut-off state. A first detection means capable of detecting a moving body approaching the load, and a power cut-off state together with the load, and when the mobile body is detected by the first detection means in the power cut-off state, electric power is generated. A second detection unit that is supplied and activated to detect the moving body; a determination unit that determines an operation mode of the moving body based on detection information detected by the second detection unit; Power supply control means for selectively controlling the supply of power to the load necessary for executing the processing specified based on information relating to the operation mode of the moving object determined by means. ing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the power supply control means stores a correlation table between the type of operation form of the mobile body and the type of processing using the load. Storage means for specifying the processing using a correlation table stored in the storage means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or third aspect of the present invention, the first detection means is a pyroelectric detection means for detecting movement of at least a moving body within a detection region, Either one of the reflection type detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the moving body in the region is included.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a part or all of the moving body detected by the second detecting means is detected by the determining means. The contour image is analyzed to identify the operation mode.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a part or all of the moving body detected by the second detection unit is detected by the determination unit. The movement form is identified by analyzing the shift amount of the contour image.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the load operates in response to power supply and executes a predetermined process. The mode is classified into a processing unit and an instruction unit that selectively instructs at least the contents of the processing to the plurality of processing units, and the first detection unit and the second are set as modes in which transition is performed in the power cutoff state. A sleep mode including an awake state in which power is supplied to a monitoring control unit for analyzing a detection result by the detection unit or power is supplied to the instruction unit as necessary, and transition is made in the power supply state. As a mode, a warm-up mode, which is a preparation stage for starting up the processing unit from the sleep mode, and a standby mode in which power is supplied to the processing unit at a lower level than normal Comprising a plurality of modes including a running mode for supplying the power during the steady relative to the processing unit, it shifts the mode according to the situation of the processing.

A seventh aspect of the invention includes the power supply control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the load is an image reading unit that reads an image from a document image, based on image information. An image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper, a facsimile communication control unit that transmits an image to a transmission destination under a predetermined communication procedure, a user interface unit that performs information reception notification with a user, and a user Including at least one user identification device for identifying the image, and performing image processing in cooperation with each other based on an instruction from the user,
The second detection means is an image processing apparatus provided as an alternative to a part of the function of the user interface unit or the user identification device.

The invention according to claim 8 is a power supply control program for causing a computer to execute as the power supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
Further, the present invention provides a moving body detecting means for detecting a moving body, a determining means for determining an operation form of the moving body based on detection information detected by the moving body detecting means, and a determining means by the determining means. An execution means for executing a predetermined process specified from the information relating to the operation mode of the moving body.
The present invention further includes a first detection unit capable of detecting a moving body, a second detection unit that starts detection of the moving body when the first detection unit detects the moving body, Based on the detection information detected by the second detection means, a determination means for determining an operation form of the moving body, and a predetermined process specified from information on the operation form of the moving body determined by the determination means. An execution means for executing the processing.
In the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes a display unit that displays an operation screen that accepts an operation by an operator specified from a moving body, and the display unit executes the process when the determination unit cannot determine the operation mode A screen for selecting which of the plurality of processes that can be executed by the apparatus is to be executed is displayed.
In the present invention, the processing execution apparatus further includes a transition unit that transitions to a first state and a second state that consumes less power than the first state, and the determination unit cannot determine the operation mode. The transition means transitions the process execution device from the first state to the second state when the period has exceeded a predetermined period.

  According to the first, eighth, and ninth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both energy saving and improved convenience by using at least a plurality of types of moving body detection means having different operation specifications from power consumption during operation. .

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the correlation table between the type of operation form of the moving object and the type of processing using the load can be stored in the storage means in advance, and the identification of the processing becomes simple. .

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both energy saving and convenience as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  According to invention of Claim 4, a moving body can be detected reliably.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it can be used for the determination of the process by recognizing the outline (gesture) formed by the moving body.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it can be used for the determination of the process by recognizing the transition (motion) of the moving body.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to issue a transition instruction in units of modes.

1 is a connection diagram of a communication network including an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the control system of the main controller which concerns on this Embodiment, and a power supply device according to a function. 5 is a timing chart showing each mode state and an event that triggers the transition of the mode state in the image processing apparatus. It is (A) top view and (B) side view which show an image processing apparatus and its periphery concerning this Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed functionally the control for selecting the device which supplies the mode of a transition destination, and electric power by the said integrated circuit which comprises a part of monitoring control part based on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring control routine of the monitoring control part main body which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a control flowchart which shows the analysis process subroutine in step 114 of FIG.

(Configuration of image processing apparatus)
As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to a network communication network 20 such as the Internet. In FIG. 1, two image processing apparatuses 10 are connected, but this number is not limited and may be one or three or more.

  In addition, a plurality of PCs (personal computers) 21 as information terminal devices are connected to the network communication line network 20. In FIG. 1, two PCs 21 are connected, but this number is not limited and may be one or three or more. Further, the information terminal device is not limited to the PC 21 and does not need to be wired. That is, the network communication line network 20 may be a communication line network that transmits and receives information wirelessly partly or entirely.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the image processing apparatus 10, for example, when data is transferred from the PC 21 to the image processing apparatus 10 remotely to perform an image formation (print) instruction operation, or a user (user) May stand in front of the image processing apparatus 10 and instruct various processes such as copying (copying), scanning (image reading), and facsimile transmission / reception by various operations.

  FIG. 2 shows an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 10 is covered with a housing 10A, and a door that can be opened and closed is provided at an appropriate place. As an example, the front door 10B of FIG. 2 is illustrated, but there may be doors on the left and right side surfaces, for example. The door 10B is opened when an operator extends his / her hand inside the apparatus, such as a paper jam, replacement of consumables, and periodic inspection, and is closed during normal processing.

  On the opening / closing operation locus of the door 10B, an opening / closing detection switch 14A for detecting the opening / closing state of the door 10B is provided.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 240 that forms an image on recording paper, an image reading unit 238 that reads an original image, and a facsimile communication control circuit 236. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a main controller 200, and controls the image forming unit 240, the image reading unit 238, and the facsimile communication control circuit 236 to temporarily store image data of a document image read by the image reading unit 238. The stored image data or the read image data is sent to the image forming unit 240 or the facsimile communication control circuit 236.

  A network communication line network 20 such as the Internet is connected to the main controller 200, and a telephone line network 22 is connected to the facsimile communication control circuit 236. For example, the main controller 200 is connected to a host computer via the network communication line network 20 and receives image data or performs facsimile reception and facsimile transmission using the telephone line network 22 via the facsimile communication control circuit 236. Has a role to play.

  The image reading unit 238 receives a document table for positioning a document, a scan drive system that scans an image of the document placed on the document table and irradiates light, and light reflected or transmitted by scanning of the scan drive system. And a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD for converting into an electrical signal.

  The image forming unit 240 includes a photoconductor. Around the photoconductor, a charging device that uniformly charges the photoconductor, a scanning exposure unit that scans a light beam based on image data, and the scanning exposure unit. An image developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed by scanning exposure, a transfer unit that transfers the developed image on the photoreceptor to a recording sheet, and a surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer are cleaned. And a cleaning unit. A fixing unit for fixing the image on the recording paper after transfer is provided on the recording paper conveyance path.

  In the image processing apparatus 10, an outlet 245 is attached to the tip of the input power supply line 244. By inserting the outlet 245 into the wiring plate 243 of the commercial power supply 242 wired up to the wall surface W, the image processing apparatus 10 The power supply is received from the commercial power source 242.

(Control system hardware configuration of image processing apparatus)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the control system of the image processing apparatus 10.

  The network line network 20 is connected to the main controller 200. A facsimile communication control circuit 236, an image reading unit 238, an image forming unit 240, and a UI touch panel 216 are connected to the main controller 200 via buses 33A to 33D such as a data bus and a control bus, respectively. In other words, the main controller 200 is the main body, and each processing unit of the image processing apparatus 10 is controlled. Note that a UI touch panel backlight unit (see FIG. 4) may be attached to the UI touch panel 216.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a power supply device 202, and is connected to the main controller 200 through a signal harness 201. The power supply device 202 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 242. The power supply device 202 includes power supply lines 35 </ b> A to 35 </ b> D that supply power independently to the main controller 200, the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, the image forming unit 240, and the UI touch panel 216. Yes. For this reason, the main controller 200 individually supplies power to each processing unit (device) (power supply mode) or shuts off the power supply (sleep mode) to enable so-called partial power saving control.

  In addition, two human sensors (first human sensor 28 and second human sensor 30) are connected to the main controller 200, and the presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus 10 is monitored. ing. The first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 will be described later.

(Functional block diagram with a partial power-saving configuration)
FIG. 4 illustrates a processing unit (sometimes referred to as “device”, “module”, and the like) controlled by the main controller 200, and a power source 202 for supplying power to the main controller 200 and each device. It is a schematic block diagram which made the line a main body. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 can supply or not supply power (cut off power) in units of processing units (partial power saving).

  The partial power saving in units of processing units is an example, and the processing units may be classified into several groups to control power savings in units of groups, or the processing units may be collectively controlled to save power. .

[Main controller 200]
As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 200 includes a CPU 204, a RAM 206, a ROM 208, an I / O (input / output unit) 210, and a bus 212 such as a data bus and a control bus for connecting them. A UI touch panel 216 (including a backlight unit 216BL) is connected to the I / O 210 via a UI control circuit 214. A hard disk (HDD) 218 is connected to the I / O 210. The functions of the main controller 200 are realized by the CPU 204 operating based on programs recorded in the ROM 208, the hard disk 218, and the like. The program is installed from a recording medium (CD, DVD, BD (Blu-ray Disc), USB memory, SD memory, etc.) storing the program, and the CPU 204 operates based on the program to realize an image processing function. May be.

  A timer circuit 220 and a communication line I / F 222 are connected to the I / O 210. Further, the I / O 210 is connected to each device of a facsimile communication control circuit (modem) 236, an image reading unit 238, and an image forming unit 240.

  The timer circuit 220 counts time as a trigger for putting the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 into a power saving state (power supply non-supply state) (hereinafter, “ Sometimes called system timer).

  The main controller 200 and each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240) are supplied with power from the power supply device 202 (see the dotted line in FIG. 4). In FIG. 4, the power supply line is shown by one line (dotted line), but in reality it is two to three wires.

[Power supply device 202]
As shown in FIG. 4, the input power supply line 244 drawn from the commercial power supply 242 is connected to the main switch 246. When the main switch 246 is turned on, power can be supplied to the first power supply unit 248 and the second power supply unit 250.

  The first power supply unit 248 includes a control power generation unit 248A and is connected to the power supply control circuit 252 of the main controller 200. The power supply control circuit 252 supplies power to the main controller 200 and is connected to the I / O 210. According to the control program of the main controller 200, each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240). Switching control for conducting / non-conducting the power supply line to) is performed.

  On the other hand, a first sub power switch 256 (hereinafter also referred to as “SW-1”) is interposed in the power line 254 connected to the second power unit 250. This SW-1 is controlled to be turned on / off by the power supply control circuit 252.

  The second power supply unit 250 includes a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1). The 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) is a power supply mainly used for a motor or the like.

  The 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and the 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) of the second power supply unit 250 are selectively supplied with an image reading unit power supply unit 258, an image forming unit power supply unit 260, and a facsimile communication control circuit power supply. 264 and a UI touch panel power supply unit 266.

  The image reading unit power supply unit 258 uses the 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) as an input source, and the image reading unit 238 via a second sub power switch 268 (hereinafter also referred to as “SW-2”). It is connected to the.

  The image forming unit power supply unit 260 uses a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) as input sources, and a third sub power switch 270 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “SW-3”). And connected to the image forming unit 240.

  The facsimile communication control circuit power supply unit 264 may be referred to as a fourth sub power switch 274 (hereinafter “SW-4”) with the 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and the 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) as input sources. ) To the facsimile communication control circuit 236 and the image forming unit 240.

  The UI touch panel power supply unit 266 uses a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) and a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) as input sources, and a fifth sub power switch 276 (hereinafter also referred to as “SW-5”). Via the UI touch panel 216 (including the backlight unit 216BL). Note that power may be supplied from the power-saving monitoring control unit 24 to the original functions of the UI touch panel 216 (functions excluding the backlight unit 216BL).

  Similarly to the first sub power switch 256, the second sub power switch 268, the third sub power switch 270, the fourth sub power switch 274, and the fifth sub power switch 276 are the main controller 200. On / off control is performed based on the power supply selection signal from the power supply control circuit 252. Although not shown, the switches and wirings to which the 24V power supply unit 250H and the 5V power supply unit 250L are supplied are composed of two systems. In addition, the power switches 268 to 276 may be arranged not in the power supply apparatus 202 but in each device to which power is supplied.

  In the above configuration, power is supplied to select each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240) for each function, and power is not supplied to devices unnecessary for the instructed function. Minimal power is required.

(Supervisory control for state transition of image processing device)
Here, the main controller 200 of the present embodiment may partially stop its function so as to achieve the minimum necessary power consumption. Alternatively, the power supply may be stopped including most of the main controller 200. These may be collectively referred to as “sleep mode (power saving mode)” (see FIG. 5).

  The sleep mode can be shifted, for example, by starting a system timer when image processing is completed. That is, the power supply is stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the system timer is started. If there is any operation (hard key operation, etc.) before the predetermined time elapses, the timer count to the sleep mode is naturally canceled and the system timer is started from the end of the next image processing.

  On the other hand, during the sleep mode, a power-saving monitoring control unit 24 is connected to the I / O 210 as an element that constantly receives power. The power-saving monitoring control unit 24 can be configured by, for example, an ASIC, which is called an ASIC, stores an operation program by itself and is processed by the operation program, an IC chip including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. .

  By the way, in the monitoring during power saving, for example, a print request is received from the communication line detection unit or a FAX reception request is received from the FAX line detection unit. In the unit 24, the first sub power switch 256, the second sub power switch 268, the third sub power switch 270, the fourth sub power switch 274, and the fifth sub power supply are connected via the power supply control circuit 252. It is assumed that power is supplied by controlling the switch 276.

  The I / O 210 of the main controller 200 is connected to a power saving control button 26 (sometimes simply referred to as “power saving button 26”), and the user operates the power saving control button 26 during power saving. Thus, power saving can be set and canceled. That is, the power saving control button 26 is operated not only to cancel power saving but also when power is supplied to the processing unit, thereby forcibly cutting off the power supply of the processing unit and setting the power saving state. It has both functions.

  Here, in order to monitor in the sleep mode, it is preferable to supply the power saving control button 26 and each detection unit to the power saving control button 26 and each detection unit in addition to the power saving monitoring control unit 24 while the power is being saved. That is, even in the sleep mode in which the power is not supplied, there is a case where the power is not more than a predetermined power (for example, 0.5 W or less) and is supplied with the power necessary for determining whether to supply power. is there. The power supply source at this time is not limited to the commercial power source 242, but may be a storage battery, a solar battery, a charger charged when power is supplied from the commercial power source 242, or the like.

  As a specific period of the sleep mode, a period for supplying the minimum necessary power supply mainly including an input system such as the main controller 200, the UI touch panel 216, and the IC card reader 217 may be provided. This is in consideration of convenience for the user. In this case, in the UI touch panel 216, it is preferable that the backlight unit 216BL is turned off or the illuminance is reduced more than usual in order to ensure energy saving even a little.

  For example, the specific period is distinguished as an awake mode (awk) as a tentative name in FIG. 5, but this mode is not particularly essential.

  By the way, when the user stands in front of the image processing apparatus 10 in the sleep mode and then operates the power saving control button 26 to restart the power supply, it may take time until the image processing apparatus 10 starts up. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 are installed in the power saving monitoring control unit 24, and the user operates the power saving control button 26 in the sleep mode. Before pressing (pressing etc.), it is detected by a human sensor (first human sensor 28, second human sensor 30) and power supply is restarted at an early stage, and the user operates the power saving control button 26. So that it can be used faster than it can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 include detection units 28A and 30A and circuit board units 28B and 30B, and the circuit board units 28B and 30B The sensitivity of the signals detected by the detection units 28A and 30A is adjusted and an output signal is generated.

  The first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 are “human feeling”, but this is a proper noun according to the present embodiment, and at least a person detects (“detection”). In other words, it also includes detection of a moving body other than a person. Therefore, in the following, the detection target of the human sensor may be referred to as “person”, but in the future, a robot or the like that executes on behalf of the person is also a detection target range. On the other hand, when there is a special sensor that can be detected by identifying a person, the special sensor can be applied. Hereinafter, a moving body, a person, a user, and the like are treated as synonymous as objects to be detected by the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30, and are distinguished as necessary.

(First human sensor 28)
The specification of the first human sensor 28 according to the present embodiment is to detect the movement of the moving body around the image processing apparatus 10 (for example, in a range of 1 m to 5 m). In this case, an infrared sensor using the pyroelectric effect of the pyroelectric element is representative (pyroelectric sensor). In the present embodiment, a pyroelectric sensor is applied as the first human sensor 28.

  The greatest feature of the sensor using the pyroelectric effect of the pyroelectric element applied to the first human sensor 28 is, for example, consumption compared to a reflection type sensor having a light projecting part and a light receiving part. The power is small and the detection area is wide. Further, in order to detect the movement of the moving body, the presence of the person is not detected if the person is stationary within the detection region. For example, when a high-level signal is output when a person moves, the signal becomes a low-level signal when a person within the detection range stops.

  Note that “still” in the first embodiment naturally includes complete stillness such as a still image taken with a still camera or the like. For example, a person stops in front of the image processing apparatus 10 for the purpose of operation. Including that. Accordingly, a case where a predetermined range of fine movement (such as movement accompanying breathing) or movement of a limb, neck, or the like is set as a stationary category.

  However, if a person performs a stretching exercise or the like in front of the image processing apparatus 10 while waiting for processing such as image formation or image reading, the human sensor 28 may detect the presence of the person. .

  Accordingly, the sensitivity of the first human sensor 28 is not adjusted by defining the “still”, but the sensitivity is adjusted roughly and standardly, and the sensitivity of the first human sensor 28 is adjusted. You may make it depend on a characteristic. That is, when the first human sensor 28 outputs one of the binary signals (for example, a high level signal), it indicates that the person is moving, and the second first human sensor. A case where a person exists in the 28 detection regions and another one of the binary signals (for example, a low level signal) is output may be set to be stationary.

(Second human sensor 30)
On the other hand, the specification of the second human sensor 30 according to the present embodiment detects the presence / absence of a moving body, shape (contour), time-series movement information, and the like around the image processing apparatus 10. Yes, a gesture sensor is applicable.

  The gesture sensor uses, for example, a microwave Doppler sensor to detect an operation as a difference in Doppler, and performs a Fourier transform on the sensor detection signal to detect a gesture. The power consumption is about 0.25 Wdc.

  The second human sensor 30 (in this embodiment, a gesture sensor) extracts a feature region (sometimes referred to as “ROI” or the like) in the detection region by a known extraction unit, An image is detected.

  The detected image discriminates the operation form from its outline. In this embodiment, three types of operation modes (here, Janken's “Goo”, “Choki” and “Par” are given as examples, but are not particularly limited) are stored in advance and detected. The operation mode that matches or approximates the contour is determined.

  Here, each of the operation forms is associated with a process (service) of the image processing apparatus 10, and the process (service) is specified by the determined operation form.

  In the present embodiment, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 set two regions (a first region F and a second region N in FIG. 6A).

  A first region F (referred to as “region F” in some cases) in FIG. 6A that is a relatively far detection region is a detection region by the first human sensor 28 and is relatively remote. It has a function as means for detecting the moving body. Further, the second area N (simply referred to as “area N” in some cases) in FIG. 6A, which is a relatively close detection area, is a detection area by the second human sensor 30 and is relatively It has a function as a means for detecting a moving body in the vicinity.

  The detection area of the first human sensor 28 (see the first area F in FIG. 6A) is about 1 to 5 m as a guide, although it depends on the environment where the image processing apparatus 10 is installed. is there. On the other hand, the detection area of the second human sensor 30 (see the second area N in FIG. 6A) is a range in which the UI touch panel 216 and hard keys of the image processing apparatus 10 can be operated. Is about 0 to 2 m. Note that the first detection region F and the second detection region N are not limited to the above numerical values, and what is clearly shown here is that the detection region of the first region F is relatively second. This is a standard for indicating that the position is farther from the image processing apparatus 10 than the detection area of the area N. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the first human sensor 28 is set for a relatively wide area (first area F) according to the environment in which the image processing apparatus 10 is installed, and a relatively narrow area ( The sensitivity of the second human sensor may be set for the second region N).

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the relationship between the moving object (user) and the image processing apparatus 10 is roughly divided into three forms. In the first form, the human uses the image processing apparatus 10. The form approaching the operable position for the purpose (see the movement of the arrow A in FIG. 6A (A pattern)), and the second form is the operational position where the person is not using the processing device. The third form does not approach the operable position of the processing apparatus, but the first form, the first form, and the third form (see the trend (B pattern) in FIG. 6A). It is the form (refer the trend (C pattern) of C line arrow of FIG. 6 (A)) which has reached the distance which may transfer to 2 form.

  In the present embodiment, by distinguishing human trends into at least the A pattern to the C pattern, the state of the image processing apparatus 10, particularly the power supply state from the sleep mode is started, or the power supply state is changed to the sleep mode. Control the fall of

  By the way, in this Embodiment, the 2nd human sensitive sensor 30 is set as the structure which is not always receiving electric power supply. The second human sensor 30 starts operating when electric power is supplied when the moving body (user) enters the first area F of FIG. 6A, which is under the jurisdiction of the first human sensor 28. After that, when the mobile body (user) enters the second area N of FIG. 6A managed by the second human sensor 30, the processing (service) is specified, and the necessary device Is configured to instruct the start-up from the sleep mode to the standby mode.

  That is, two human sensors (the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30) having different detection areas cooperate with each other to receive the minimum necessary power supply.

  On the other hand, regarding the interruption of the power supply of the second human sensor 30, the timer function provided in the power saving monitoring control unit 24 is used in addition to the moving body detection status of the first human sensor 28. It is like that. This timer function is sometimes referred to as a “sensor timer” in order to distinguish it from the system timer described above.

  The sensor timer is one of the functions of the power saving monitoring control unit 24. That is, the control system is naturally provided with an operation clock, and a timer may be generated from this clock signal, or a counter program may be generated that counts every processing every predetermined time.

  The monitoring control unit 24 according to the present embodiment includes an integrated circuit 150 (ASIC (“Application Specific Integrated Circuit”) / one type of electronic component that operates with low power. The integrated circuit 150 is activated in synchronism with the supply of power to the second human sensor operating at the highest power consumption (power supply is provided). Based on the detection result of the second human sensor 30, the transition time by the power supply state transition control means is determined.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram functionally illustrating control for selecting a transition destination mode and a device that supplies power by the integrated circuit 150 constituting a part of the monitoring control unit 24. Each block in FIG. 7 is a functional classification of each control, and does not limit the hardware configuration.

(Stepwise power supply control of sensor)
As shown in FIG. 7, power is supplied to the monitoring control unit 24 from the power supply control unit 154 as described above, and the first human sensor 28, the detection information analysis unit 152, and the power supply control are supplied. The circuit unit 252 is directly and constantly supplied with power from the power supply control unit 154.

  For this reason, even in the sleep mode (see FIG. 5), the first human sensor 28 always analyzes the detection information within the detection area (the first area F shown in FIG. 6A). Output to the unit 152.

  The detection information analysis unit 152 analyzes whether or not the moving body has moved within the range of the first region F. When the detection of the moving body is recognized, the detection information analysis unit 152 sends a supply instruction signal to the power supply control unit 154. It has become.

  When receiving the supply instruction signal, the power supply control unit 154 supplies power to the power supply control circuit 252, the first human sensor 28, and the integrated circuit 150.

  Further, a sensor timer 156 is connected to the power supply control unit 154, and even if a predetermined time elapses after the power supply to the second human sensor 30 or the like is started, When no moving object is detected in the detection region (second region N shown in FIG. 5) by the sensor 30, the power supply from the power supply control unit 154 to the second human sensor 30 and the integrated circuit 150 is cut off. It is supposed to be.

  Note that the second human sensor from the power supply control unit 154 is used even when a predetermined time has elapsed after the startup from the sleep mode based on the second human sensor 30 and the device does not operate. 30 and the power supply to the integrated circuit 150 are cut off.

(Individual authentication control by integrated circuit)
As shown in FIG. 7, the second human sensor 30 is connected to the signal receiving unit 158 of the integrated circuit 150.

  When the signal receiving unit 158 receives a signal (including image information of the feature region) from the second human sensor 30, the signal receiving unit 158 sends the signal to the signal processing unit 160.

  The signal processing unit 160 is connected to the transfer pair operation form determination unit 162. When the signal processing unit 160 receives the image information of the characteristic area from the second human sensor 30, the moving body operation state determination unit 162 sets a preset operation mode (reference) based on the contour of the image information. Matching patterns are selected from “Goo”, “Choki”, “Par”)).

  The selected operation form is sent to the processing content (service) specifying unit 164. An operation mode-processing (service) correlation table memory 166 is connected to the processing content (service) specifying unit 164. In this operation mode-processing (service) correlation table memory 166, the operation mode and the processing content (service) in the image processing apparatus 10 are stored in association with each other (with correlation).

An example of the correlation is shown below.
(Correlation 1) The operation mode “go” indicates scan processing.
(Correlation 2) The operation form “Cho” indicates copy processing.
(Correlation 3) The operation mode “Par” indicates a FAX transmission process.
(Correlation 4) The combination of the operation form “Goo” and “Par” indicates print authentication.

The print authentication is an IC card authentication required when a remote PC 21 (see FIG. 1 or the like) issues a print instruction to the image processing apparatus 10 and the instructing person (user who is a moving body) receives the print. It is. Therefore, at this time, only the IC card reader 217 may supply power, or at the same time, the image forming unit 240 may be supplied with power.
(Correlation 5) A combination of “Goo” and “Choki” as the operation mode indicates FAX reception (reception).

  Fax reception (reception) does not require processing (service). Therefore, even if a moving object approaches the image processing apparatus 10, conversely, a sensor function (first human sensor 28, second sensor) (One or both of the human sensor 30) is stopped (a blanking period is provided).

  Note that the above correlation is an example, and may be associated with other processes (services) according to a combination of other operation modes, a specific order of operation modes, and the like. As other processes, assuming that the main controller 200 is supplied with power, only the UI touch panel 216 is supplied with power, only the IC card reader 217 is supplied with power, the UI touch panel 216 and the IC card reader 217 are supplied with power, and the power saving control button 26 is turned on. Instructions equivalent to the operation are listed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the processing content (service) identification unit 164 stores the operation form-processing (service) correlation table memory 166 based on the operation form determined by the mobile object operation form determination unit 162. The processing (service) is specified by the operation form-processing (service) correlation table.

  The processing content (service) identification unit 164 outputs information regarding the identified processing (service) to the processing device selection unit 188. The processing device selection unit 188 performs necessary processing based on the job (print, copy, scan, facsimile transmission / reception, etc.) that the specified user is going to perform based on the specific availability information and the personal information of the user. A device is selected, and the selected information is output to the main controller 200 through the information output unit 188 together with the startup trigger.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

(Mode transition of power supply control of image processing apparatus 10 (device))
First, based on FIG. 5, a timing chart showing each mode state and an event that triggers the transition of the mode state in the image processing apparatus 10 is shown.

  If the image processing apparatus 10 is not processed, the operation state is the sleep mode, and in this embodiment, power is supplied only to the power-saving monitoring control unit 24.

  Here, when there is a startup trigger (detection of a startup trigger or operation input (key input) of the UI touch panel 216 or the like), the operation state transitions to the warm-up mode.

  Note that after the start trigger is triggered, the sleep mode may still be defined and the UI touch panel 216 may be activated (assuming that the main controller 200 is activated), or power saving may be performed by the activation of the UI touch panel 216. Since the amount of power supply increases more than the power supply of only the monitoring control unit 24, it may be defined as an awake mode “awk” (wake-up mode) as a tentative name (in the transition diagram of FIG. ]) When there is an operation input (key input) on the UI touch panel 216 or the like in this awake mode, the operation state transitions to the warm-up mode.

  The startup trigger mainly includes a signal, information, and the like based on the detection result by the second human sensor 30. Note that a power-saving canceling operation by the operator may be used as a startup trigger.

  In the warm-up mode, the image processing apparatus 10 is brought into a processable state quickly, so that the maximum power consumption in each mode is achieved. For example, by using an IH heater as a heater in the fixing unit, a halogen lamp is used. The warm-up mode time is relatively shorter than the heater used.

  When the warm-up operation in the warm-up mode is completed, the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode.

  The standby mode is literally a “preparation is complete in preparation” mode, and the image processing apparatus 10 is ready to execute an image processing operation.

  For this reason, when there is a job execution operation as a key input, the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the running mode, and image processing based on the instructed job is executed.

  When the image processing is completed (when a plurality of continuous jobs are waiting, when all the continuous jobs are completed), the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 is changed to the standby mode by the standby trigger. Note that, after image processing, timing by a system timer may be started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a standby trigger may be output to transition to the standby mode.

  If there is a job execution instruction during the standby mode, the mode transits to the running mode again, and when the falling trigger is detected or a predetermined time elapses, the mode transits to the sleep mode.

  The falling trigger includes a signal, information, and the like based on the detection result by the second human sensor 30. A system timer may be used in combination.

  Further, the mode state transitions in the actual operation of the image processing apparatus 10 do not all proceed in time series as shown in this timing chart. For example, the process may be stopped in the standby mode after the warm-up mode and the mode may be shifted to the sleep mode.

  Here, each device that operates by receiving the supply of power can immediately execute each process by shifting from the sleep mode in FIG. 5 to the standby mode through the awake mode and the warm-up mode.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment transits between the modes, and the power supply amount is different for each mode.

  In the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition (for example, the moving object (user) leaving information by the human sensor 30 or the output of the falling trigger due to the time-up of the system timer) is met, Transition to mode. In this sleep mode, power is supplied not only to the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 but also to the main controller 200 excluding the power saving monitoring control unit 24 and the UI touch panel 216. Cut off. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the power saving control button 26 connected to the main controller 200 is also stopped. For this reason, when the image processing apparatus 10 is viewed from the periphery, the state is almost the same as the state where the main power switch is turned off. That is, it is possible to confirm from the surroundings that the sleep mode is being executed reliably (realization of “visualization”).

(Power saving for human sensors)
In the present embodiment, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 cooperate with each other to execute power supply control to the detection system. Specifically, the first human sensor 28 constantly supplies power, but the second human sensor 30 performs control to supply electric power based on the detection information of the first human sensor 28. In addition to controlling power supply to devices, it has further improved energy efficiency.

  More specifically, the devices of the image processing apparatus 10 (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240) are based on the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30. Considering the contradictory objectives of energy saving and convenience, appropriate mode transitions (particularly, starting from the sleep mode and falling to the sleep mode) are performed. In this case, the detection system such as the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 is assumed to be constantly supplied with electric power.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, power is supplied to the first human sensor 28 while power is supplied to the second human sensor 30 during the sleep mode shown in FIG. The approach of the moving body (user) to the first area F shown in FIG. 6 is not monitored. In the range of the first region F, the first human sensor 28 detects the moving body (user), so that electric power is supplied to the second human sensor 30.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a gesture sensor is applied as the second human sensor 30, and the detected image is analyzed (extraction of characteristic regions, operation form discrimination) and used by the moving body as an instruction The accuracy of device power supply control is improved by checking the types of 10 processes (services). That is, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of at least a person (non-user) who is detected as a moving object but is not a person, or who is a person but only passes through. Furthermore, the purpose of use of the image processing apparatus 10 can be predicted based on the result of analyzing the image detected by the second human sensor 30 (gesture sensor), that is, the determined operation mode.

  Hereinafter, a detection system power supply control routine based on cooperation between the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a monitoring control routine mainly performed by the monitoring control unit.

  In step 100, it is determined whether or not the first human sensor 28 has detected a moving body (user). If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 102, where the second human sensor 30 is turned on. That is, it is determined whether or not power is supplied. If a negative determination is made in step 102, the process returns to step 100, and steps 100 and 102 are repeated until a positive determination is made in step 100 or step 102.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 100, the routine proceeds to step 104, where the second human sensor 30 is turned on, that is, the supply of power is started, and then the routine proceeds to step 106, where the sensor timer is reset and started. Migrate to

  If the determination in step 102 is affirmative, the power has already been supplied to the second human sensor 30, and the process proceeds to step 108.

  In step 108, it is determined whether or not the second human sensor 30 has detected a moving body (user). If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 110 to determine whether or not the sensor timer has timed out. Is judged. If a negative determination is made in step 110, the process returns to step 108, and steps 108 and 110 are repeated until a positive determination is made in step 108 or step 110.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 110, the process proceeds to step 112, the sensor timer is stopped, and then the process proceeds to step 113, where the second human sensor 30 is turned off, that is, the supply of power is shut off. Returning to step 100, the above process is repeated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 108, the process proceeds to step 114, and image analysis processing is executed based on the detection signal from the second human sensor 30 (gesture sensor) (see FIG. 9).

  In the next step 115, it is determined as a result of the image analysis whether the service, that is, the processing content has been specifically recognized.

  If a negative determination is made in step 115, the process proceeds to step 116, a start trigger for awake mode is output to the main controller 200 (see FIG. 4), and the process proceeds to step 118. Due to the start trigger, power is supplied to the minimum necessary part of the image processing apparatus 10 and the sleep mode is changed to the awake mode. Thereafter, the user starts up a necessary device based on the operation of the UI touch panel 216 or the like, and shifts to the running mode by inputting a job execution key or the like, and image processing can be executed.

  In step 118, it is determined whether or not the sensor timer started in step 106 has expired. If a negative determination is made in step 118, the process proceeds to step 120, where it is determined whether or not the operation of the system timer has started. If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 118, and in step 118 or 120. Steps 118 and 120 are repeated until an affirmative determination is made.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 118, the routine proceeds to step 122, the sensor timer is stopped, and then the routine proceeds to step 124, where the second human sensor 30 is turned off, that is, the power supply is cut off. finish. If an affirmative determination is made in step 120, it is determined that the standby mode has been entered due to the standby trigger, the process proceeds to step 121, the control subject is transferred to the main controller 200, and this routine ends.

  If the determination in step 115 is affirmative, since the processing content is recognized, the process proceeds to step 126 to output a start trigger in accordance with the job content. That is, only the devices necessary for processing are started up and set to the standby mode.

  When the start trigger output in step 126 is completed, the process proceeds to step 128, the control subject is transferred to the main controller 200, and this routine ends.

  The above is the flow of control mainly for supplying power from a state in which the image processing apparatus 10 is in the sleep mode and no power is supplied to the second human sensor 30. Basically, the second human sensor 30 is not supplied with electric power unless a moving body (user) enters the first area F under the jurisdiction of the first human sensor 28. In addition to power saving of the device, This will further improve the energy saving effect.

  FIG. 9 is a control flowchart showing an analysis processing subroutine in step 114 of FIG.

  In step 130, image information is acquired from the second human sensor 30.

  When the image information is acquired, the process proceeds from step 130 to step 132 to extract the feature area (in this embodiment, the area including the user's hand), and then the process proceeds to step 134 to move the hand from the feature area. Recognize the contour and determine the operation mode. In the present embodiment, there are three types of operation modes, “Goo”, “Cheap”, and “Par”, and an operation mode that matches or approximates is selected from these. The operation form may be displaced, and for example, it may be determined as a combination of two or more operation forms such as “goo” → “par”.

  In the next step 136, the operation mode-process (service) correlation table is read from the operation mode-process (service) correlation table memory 166, the process proceeds to step 138, and the process (service) in the image processing apparatus 10 is determined from the determined operation mode. ).

  In step 140, information relating to the device necessary to execute the specified process (service) is output, and the routine ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a pyroelectric sensor is used as the first human sensor 28, and a gesture sensor capable of detecting the user's movement form is used as the second human sensor 30. Although the human sensor 28 always supplies power regardless of the mode type, the second human sensor 30 suppresses power consumption by interrupting the supply of power in the sleep mode. In addition, when a moving body is detected by the first human sensor 28, power is supplied to the second human sensor 30, and an operation form is determined based on a detection result by the second human sensor 30, Information related to the user (processing type, etc.) is obtained with higher accuracy than the detection accuracy of the first human sensor 28, and the necessary minimum power consumption is realized without impairing convenience.

  In this embodiment, Janken's `` Goo '', `` Choki '', `` Par '' have been described as an example of an operation mode that the user performs a gesture, but the operation mode used for sign language etc. is not limited to the Janken operation mode. You may apply and you may create an operation form uniquely.

  Further, a sound sensor may be used as the second human sensor 30 or may be used in combination. That is, the user may specify the will of the user by receiving the process (service) by speaking to the image processing apparatus 10 while approaching the image processing apparatus 10.

  In addition, when the second human sensor 30 (gesture sensor) is used to recognize the shape (contour, etc.) of the approaching user instead of the so-called gesture, the preparatory operation related to the operation corresponding to the user registered in advance May be performed. For example, when the user approaches other than walking (for example, riding in a wheelchair), the orientation of the UI touch panel 216 may be adjusted before the user arrives at the operation position.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, a pyroelectric sensor is used as the first human sensor 28 and a gesture sensor is used as the second human sensor 30, but a reflective sensor is used as the second human sensor 30. The gesture sensor may be positioned as a third human sensor. Note that this is a definitional distinction. As a modified example of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first human sensor 28 as a pyroelectric sensor and the second as a reflective sensor. This includes that a gesture sensor may be further provided when the human sensor 30 has an existing configuration.

  That is, when power is constantly supplied to a pyroelectric sensor that consumes the least amount of power and a moving object is detected, power is applied to a reflective sensor that consumes relatively more power than a pyroelectric sensor and less than a gesture sensor. Is determined to be approaching the image processing apparatus 10, and then the power is supplied to the gesture sensor that consumes the most power to determine the operation mode.

  The reflective sensor can detect the presence / absence (presence / absence) of a moving body, and includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit. Note that the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit may be separated.

  The greatest feature of this reflection type sensor is to reliably detect the presence or absence of a moving body by blocking / not blocking light entering the light receiving section. In addition, since the amount of light incident on the light receiving unit is limited by the amount of light projected from the light projecting unit, a relatively short distance is the detection region.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the detection area F of the pyroelectric sensor that is the first human sensor 28 is inclined downward from the front of the image processing apparatus 10 so that the detection distance is about 1 to 5 m at the maximum. The detection area N of the reflective sensor which is the second human sensor 30 is horizontally directed from the front of the image processing apparatus 10 and the detection distance is limited to about 0.5 m at maximum (basic configuration). .

  Power is supplied from the first human sensor 28 (pyroelectric sensor) through the second human sensor 30 (reflective sensor) to the gesture sensor which is the position of the third human sensor here. By doing so, energy-saving property can be improved rather than interposing a reflective sensor.

W Wall surface 10 Image processing device 20 Network communication network 21 PC
22 telephone line network 24 power saving monitoring control unit 26 power saving control button 28 first human sensor 30 second human sensor 30A detection unit 30B circuit board unit (analysis unit)
28A Detection unit 28B Circuit board unit (analysis unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 150 Integrated circuit 152 Detection information analysis part 154 Power supply control part 156 Sensor timer 158 Signal reception part 160 Signal processing part 162 Mobile body operation | movement form discrimination | determination part 164 Processing content (service) specific | specification part 166 Operation | movement form-processing (service) correlation table memory 188 Processing device selection unit 190 Information output unit 200 Main controller 204 CPU
206 RAM
208 ROM
201 Signal harness 202 Power supply device 210 I / O (input / output unit)
212 Bus 214 UI control circuit 216 UI touch panel 217 IC card reader 218 Hard disk 220 Timer circuit 222 Communication line I / F
236 Facsimile communication control circuit 238 Image reading unit 240 Image forming unit 242 Commercial power supply 243 Wiring plate 244 Input power supply line 245 Outlet 246 Main switch 248 First power supply unit 250 Second power supply unit 248A Control power generation unit 252 Power supply control Circuit 254 Power line 256 First sub power switch ("SW-1")
250H 24V power supply (LVPS2)
250L 5V power supply (LVPS1)
258 Image reading unit power supply unit 260 Image forming unit power supply unit 264 Facsimile communication control circuit power supply unit 266 UI touch panel power supply unit 268 Second sub power switch (“SW-2”)
270 Third sub power switch ("SW-3")
274 Fourth sub power switch ("SW-4")
276 Fifth sub power switch ("SW-5")

Claims (8)

In order to execute a plurality of types of predetermined processes, a plurality of loads that operate alone or in combination of two or more, and
Power supply state transition control means for making a transition to a power supply state that receives power from a power supply unit or a power cut-off state that does not receive power supply from the power supply unit, targeting at least the plurality of loads;
Even when the load is in a power cut-off state, the first detection means is capable of detecting a moving body that is always supplied with power and that approaches the load earliest;
A second detection means that is brought into an electric power cut-off state together with the load, is activated when the moving body is detected by the first detection means in the electric power cut-off state, and is activated to detect the moving body; ,
A discriminating unit for discriminating an operation form of the moving body based on detection information detected by the second detecting unit;
Power supply control means for selectively controlling the supply of power to the load necessary to execute the processing specified based on information relating to the operation mode of the moving object determined by the determination means;
A power supply control device. The power supply control means is
Storage means for storing a correlation table between the type of operation form of the moving object and the type of processing using the load;
The power supply control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process is specified using a correlation table stored in the storage unit.   The first detection means includes at least one of a pyroelectric detection means for detecting movement of a moving body in a detection area and a reflection type detection means for detecting presence or absence of a moving body in the detection area. The power supply control device according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit analyzes the outline image of a part or all of the moving body detected by the second detection unit, and identifies the operation form. 5. Power supply control device.   4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the discriminating unit analyzes the amount of change in the contour image of a part or all of the moving body detected by the second detecting unit, and identifies the operation form. 5. The power supply control device according to item. The load operates by receiving power supply, and executes a predetermined process, and an instruction unit that selectively instructs the plurality of processing units to at least the content of the process Classified,
As a mode for transition in the power cutoff state, power is supplied to a monitoring control unit for analyzing detection results by the first detection unit and the second detection unit, or power is supplied to the instruction unit as necessary. It has a sleep mode including an awake state to supply
As a mode to be shifted in the power supply state, a warm-up mode that is a preparation stage for starting up the processing unit from the sleep mode, a standby for supplying power to the processing unit lower than a normal time A plurality of modes including a running mode for supplying power during normal operation to the processing unit,
The power supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mode is changed according to the status of the processing. An image forming unit comprising the power supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the load reads an image from a document image, and forms an image on a recording sheet based on image information. A facsimile communication control unit for transmitting an image to a transmission destination under a predetermined communication procedure, a user interface unit for performing information reception notification with a user, and a user identification device for identifying a user And performing image processing in cooperation with each other based on instructions from the user,
An image processing apparatus in which the second detection unit is provided as an alternative to a part of the functions of the user interface unit or the user identification device.   The power supply control program which makes a computer perform as a power supply control apparatus of any one of the said Claims 1-6.