JP2005017938A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device capable of performing rapid processing by releasing a power saving mode and starting up an inner processing circuit when an operator approaches to the device in the midst of performing the power saving mode. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing device is equipped with a display operation part, the inner processing circuit such as an image processing circuit part and an image forming circuit part, and a power source control means for performing the specified power saving mode by interrupting power supply to the inner processing circuit part, and is provided with a human body detecting sensor for detecting the approach of a human body in its main body. The power source control means interrupts the power supply to the inner processing circuit part while keeping the power supply to the display operation part when it does not receive a detection signal from the human body detecting sensor and also when commanding operation by the operator or the reception of a job command is continuously stopped for a specified time, and starts the power supply to the inner processing circuit part when it receives the detection signal from the human body detecting sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a power saving function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a facsimile machine, a copier, or a complex machine thereof, power is supplied to all parts of the apparatus even when the operator is not performing a command operation or when no job command is received and processing is being performed. This is not preferable from the viewpoint of energy consumption. For this reason, the following image forming apparatus is proposed in which the power supply to unnecessary internal processing circuit units is cut off to reduce power consumption when a predetermined time has passed without command operation or job processing. Has been.
[0003]
In the image forming apparatus proposed in the above-mentioned patent document, it is detected by a human body detection sensor that a person has approached the front of the device, and only the operation controller is moved from the power saving mode. When the normal mode is restored and the person is in front of the device for more than a certain period of time, the liquid crystal display is turned on, and the engine controller is also restored to the normal state. The part remains unlit.
[0004]
Therefore, if such an image forming apparatus is a copying apparatus, there is no particular problem even if the liquid crystal display unit is turned off in the power saving mode. However, if this is a facsimile apparatus, the operator can look at the liquid crystal display unit. Therefore, it is impossible to immediately determine whether automatic reception is possible. In view of this, a facsimile apparatus has also been developed in which the display unit is turned on even in the power saving mode and key operations are accepted. However, in such a power saving mode, since power is supplied to the image processing circuit unit when the operation key is operated, there is a time lag in initialization, and the operator feels uncomfortable in operation. It gave a feeling of frustration.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus compatible with a power saving mode that has a power saving function and that can perform quick processing by supplying power to an internal processing circuit unit immediately before an operator performs an operation. For the purpose.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a display operation unit, an internal processing circuit such as an image processing circuit unit and an image forming circuit unit, an operator command operation, a job command An image processing apparatus comprising power control means for cutting off power supply to the internal processing circuit unit and executing a predetermined power saving mode when reception or the like is interrupted for a predetermined time, A human body detection sensor for detecting approach is provided in the image processing apparatus main body, and the power supply control means does not receive a detection signal from the human body detection sensor, and an operator's command operation or job command reception continues for a predetermined time. When the power supply is interrupted, the power supply to the display operation unit is maintained and the power supply to the internal processing circuit unit is cut off (partial power down). When receiving a detection signal from, characterized in that to start the power supply to the internal processing circuitry.
[0007]
In the image processing apparatus configured as described above, when the operator approaches the apparatus during partial power down, the human body detection sensor detects the human body, so the power control means supplies power to the internal processing circuit unit. Start.
Therefore, when the operator subsequently operates the display operation unit to give a specific command, the power saving mode has already been canceled, so that the operator does not feel discomfort or irritation.
[0008]
In the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the human body detection sensor detects the approach of the operator, power supply to the image processing unit of the internal processing circuit unit is started, so that the processing by the image processing unit is quickly performed. It is.
[0009]
In the image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further includes an image forming unit, and the power source control unit is configured to supply the power source when an instruction accompanying the image forming process is input from the operation unit. The circuit is caused to supply power to the image forming unit. That is, when the operator inputs an instruction accompanying image formation (copying, printing of confidential reception, printing of various lists such as communication logs and mailboxes) from the operation unit, the image forming unit is supplied with power and is in an operating state. Therefore, wasteful power consumption can be further suppressed.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0011]
Here, the configuration of the facsimile apparatus F is shown as an image processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and can be applied to a copying apparatus, a printer apparatus, or a complex machine thereof.
[0012]
This facsimile apparatus F is composed of a CPU or the like, and performs main image processing for the following sections, a power supply circuit 2 for supplying power to each section of the facsimile apparatus F, and image processing for read images and print images. An image processing circuit unit 3 to perform, a human body detection sensor 4 to detect the approach of a person, an image forming unit 5 to perform printing on a recording paper, a power saving timer 6 to monitor the operating state of a facsimile apparatus, and facsimile communication A modem 7 for modulating / demodulating various necessary signals, an NCU 8 for controlling connection to a telephone line, an image memory 10 for storing stored image data encoded in a predetermined format, a RAM 11 for storing abbreviated dial numbers, etc., and a facsimile A flash memory 12 for storing various programs necessary for the operation of the device F, a display unit 13 including a liquid crystal screen, and various operation keys. An operation panel 14 composed of such.
[0013]
Here, the power supply control means includes a main control unit 1 and a power supply circuit 2. The main control unit 1 includes an image processing circuit unit 3, a modem 7, an NCU 8, an image memory 10, a RAM 11, a flash memory 12, The display unit 13 and the operation panel 14 are connected via a bus, and the human body detection sensor 4 and the power supply circuit 2 are also connected via a signal line. The display operation unit is configured by combining the display unit 13 and the operation panel 14.
[0014]
The image processing circuit unit 3 stores a communication CODEC 30 for modulating / demodulating image data for facsimile communication, a CCD 31 for reading a transmission original, a read image processing circuit 32 for processing image data of a transmission original, and storing image data of the transmission original. A read CODEC 33 that encodes image data, a read image processing circuit 32, a read image memory 34 that is temporarily used by the read CODEC 33, a print image processing circuit 35 that performs image processing on print image data, and stored image data. A print CODEC 36 that encodes print image data, a print image processing circuit 35, and a print image memory 37 that is temporarily used by the print CODEC 36 are provided. Among these, the communication CODEC 30, the read image processing circuit 32, the read CODEC 33, the print image processing circuit 35, and the print CODEC 36 are connected to the main control unit 1 via a bus. The read image memory 34 is connected to the read image processing circuit 32 and the read CODEC 33 via the first local bus, and the print image memory 37 is connected to the print image processing circuit 35 via the second local bus. , And the print CODEC 36. The print image processing circuit 35 is connected to the image forming unit 5 through a signal line.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the facsimile machine F. A human body detection sensor 4 is installed on the front of the main body of the facsimile machine F, and a display unit 13 constituting a display operation unit is provided on the upper surface of the front part of the casing. An operation panel 14 is installed. Electronic circuit components such as the main control unit 1, image processing circuit unit 3, modem 7, NCU 8, image memory 10, RAM 11, and flash memory 12 are located near the back surface of the display unit 12 or the operation panel 13 in the front part of the main body. The power supply circuit 2 and the image forming unit 5 are installed in the main body. The human body detection sensor 4 is not limited to this example, and can be installed at an arbitrary location. The human body detection sensor 4 may be installed wirelessly as necessary and installed at a location away from the apparatus main body.
[0016]
Next, the image transmission / reception operation of the facsimile apparatus F will be described.
The image transmission is started when the operator sets the read document on the main body of the facsimile apparatus F and then instructs the facsimile transmission by the operation panel 14. When this instruction is completed, the image forming unit 5 sequentially feeds the set transmission originals, and at the same time, the image of the transmission original is read by the CCD 31, and the image data from the CCD 31 is processed by the read image processing circuit 32. By the reading CODEC 33, it is encoded into saved image data and stored in the image memory 10. When the stored image data of all transmission originals is accumulated in the image memory 10 in this way, the telephone line is connected by the NCU 8 and the modem 7 is connected to the speed dial destination stored in the RAM 10. Thereafter, the stored image data is sequentially read from the image memory 10 and transmitted to the connection destination via the modem 7 and the NCU 8.
When the operation panel 14 is operated or when the facsimile apparatus F is performing a processing operation, information corresponding to the operation and operation is sequentially displayed on the display unit 13.
[0017]
The reception operation is started by receiving an incoming call from the telephone line to the NCU 8. The image data received through the NCU 8 and the modem 7 is once decoded by the communication CODEC 30, encoded into saved image data, and stored in the image memory 10. When reception is completed and all the stored image data is accumulated in the image memory 10, the stored image data is sequentially read out, decoded into print image data by the print CODEC 36, and processed by the print image processing circuit 35. And is printed by the image forming unit 5. When the facsimile apparatus F is operating, information corresponding to the operation is sequentially displayed on the display unit 12.
[0018]
In the above description, the case where the image data is printed immediately after the reception is completed has been described. However, the received image data is stored in the image memory 10 as saved image data, and the operator instructs to print from the operation panel 14 later. Of course, it is possible to make a setting for printing (for example, confidential reception).
[0019]
Next, the power saving mode that is a feature of the present invention will be described.
[0020]
The facsimile apparatus F is in the normal mode and shifts to the power saving mode when there is no input from the operation panel 14 during a predetermined standby time. The power saving mode here refers to reducing power consumption by cutting off the power supply from the power supply circuit 2 to the image processing circuit unit 3 while maintaining the power supply to the display operation unit (partial power). down). The standby time until the power saving mode is entered is counted by the programmable power saving timer 6. Even in the power saving mode, the display unit 13 remains in the same display state as the normal mode and cannot be distinguished from the operator.
[0021]
Note that the power is supplied to the image forming unit 5 only when printing is actually performed, only when paper is fed by reading a transmission document, and of course, the image forming unit 5 is supplied to the image forming unit 5 even during the power saving mode. The power supply is stopped. In order to realize such power supply, the power supply circuit 2 is controlled by the main control unit 1, and the image processing circuit unit 3 and the image forming unit 5 are cut off from power supply independently of other parts. Resume is possible. Also, in the case of paper feeding in the transmission original reading, unlike the printing, it is not necessary to drive the fixing unit of the image forming unit 5 and the power supply of the paper feeding mechanism and the fixing unit of the image forming unit 5 is separated. If the power supply circuit 2 is configured to supply power to both as required, power consumption can be further suppressed.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile apparatus F in the normal mode.
First, when the facsimile apparatus F is activated, the power saving timer 6 is reset, and the waiting time is started. Thereafter, the facsimile machine F accepts a processing request such as an operation of the operation panel 14 by the operator, a cover opening / closing operation, or an incoming call from a telephone line. If there is a processing request, the corresponding processing is performed (steps S1 to S4).
[0023]
At this time, if the process is printing of the received image, the process is performed after the power is supplied to the image forming unit 5, and the power supply to the image forming unit 5 is stopped again. On the other hand, if there is no processing request, it is determined whether or not a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. If the waiting time has not yet elapsed, the processing request is accepted again (steps S1 to S3 to S5). ).
[0024]
When the standby time has elapsed, the facsimile apparatus F shifts to the power saving mode, and the power supply to the image processing circuit unit 3 is stopped (step S6).
[0025]
The return of the facsimile apparatus F from the power saving mode to the normal mode is automatically performed when there is an incoming call on the telephone line or when the operator approaches the facsimile apparatus F and the human body detection sensor detects the human body. .
When returning to the normal mode, the image processing circuit unit 3 is supplied with power again, and the facsimile apparatus F can operate in response immediately if the operator operates the operation panel 14. Accordingly, since the response time to the operation is shortened compared to the conventional configuration in which the power supply to the image processing circuit unit 3 is resumed after the operator operates the operation panel 14, the time lag is eliminated and the operator feels uncomfortable. And no irritation.
[0026]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile machine F returning from the power saving mode.
[0027]
In this power saving mode, the facsimile apparatus F monitors the approach of the person by the human body detection sensor 4, and immediately shifts to the normal mode when the person is approached and sensed to supply power to the image processing circuit unit 3. Is resumed (steps S7 to S9).
When a person is not detected, a processing request such as operation of the operation panel 14 by the operator, opening / closing operation of the cover, or incoming call from the telephone line is monitored (steps S7 to S8, S10 to S11). If there is a processing request, the process immediately shifts to the normal mode, and the power supply to the image processing circuit unit 3 is resumed (step S9).
On the other hand, when there is no processing request, the approach of a person is monitored again. After the transition to the normal mode, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the power saving timer 6 is reset, and the counting of the standby time is started again.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
As apparent from the above description, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus is suppressed by the power saving mode. Further, when the user approaches the apparatus during the power saving mode, the human body detection sensor detects the human body, and the power supply control unit causes the power supply circuit to cancel the power saving mode. Therefore, when the user inputs an instruction from the operation unit, the power saving mode has already been canceled, so there is no sense of incongruity or irritation due to a time lag.
[0029]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the human body detection sensor outputs a detection signal during the power saving mode, the power supply control unit causes the power supply circuit to resume power supply to the image processing circuit unit. Thereby, even when the user approaches the image processing apparatus and inputs an instruction accompanied with the image processing from the operation unit during the power saving mode, the image processing apparatus can immediately perform the image processing.
[0030]
In claim 3, when the human body detection sensor detects the approach of the operator, and when the user inputs an instruction from the display operation unit and instructs the image forming unit, power is supplied to the image forming unit for the first time. Wasteful power consumption can be further suppressed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view when the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation for entering a power saving mode in the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of returning from the power saving mode in the embodiment of the invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
F ... facsimile machine 1 ... main control unit 2 ... power supply circuit 3 ... image processing circuit unit 4 ... human body detection sensor 5 ... image forming unit 6 ... power saving timer 13 ... ..Display unit 14 ... Operation panel

Claims (3)

When the display operation unit, internal processing circuits such as the image processing circuit unit, the image forming circuit unit, etc., and the operator's command operation, job command reception, etc. have been interrupted for a predetermined period of time, supply power to the internal processing circuit unit An image processing apparatus comprising: a power supply control unit that shuts off and executes a predetermined power saving mode,
A human body detection sensor for detecting the approach of the human body is provided in the image processing apparatus main body,
When the power control means does not receive the detection signal from the human body detection sensor and the reception of the operator's command operation or job command has been interrupted for a predetermined time, the power supply means remains holding the power supply to the display operation unit. The power supply to the internal processing circuit unit is cut off, and when the detection signal is received from the human body detection sensor, the power supply to the internal processing circuit unit is started.
Image processing device. In claim 1,
The power control means is
When a detection signal is received from the human body detection sensor,
The power supply to the image processing circuit unit is started,
Image processing device. In claim 1,
The image processing apparatus further includes an image forming unit,
The power control means is
After receiving a detection signal from the human body detection sensor, when a command operation accompanied by an image forming process is further performed from the display operation unit, power supply to the image forming circuit unit is started.
Image processing device.

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