JP2005311884A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus which shifts to an energy saving mode excepting a period during executing a predetermined operation, and exhibits a sufficient energy-saving effect. <P>SOLUTION: A PDL board 13 for performing network-related processing is brought into a connectable state. Then, the apparatus is prevented from shifting to an energy-saving mode during executing a processing operation related to print data in which the PDL board 13 participates such as reception of print data from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus typified by a facsimile machine with a copying function (hereinafter simply referred to as a multi-function machine), and more specifically, an image processing apparatus having features in a configuration relating to an energy saving mode (hereinafter simply referred to as an energy saving mode) It is related to.

  In general, in order to save energy, image processing apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals and copiers shut off the power supply to circuits necessary for recording when the power is on and the unit is not used for a predetermined time. Thus, it is possible to set a so-called energy saving mode in which the energy saving state is set. On the other hand, in order to connect a multifunction device to a network such as a LAN, the multifunction device is equipped with an option board, and the multifunction device is connected to a network scanner or network based on instructions from a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a personal computer). Sometimes used as a printer.

  As described above, when the option board is installed, it is necessary to respond immediately to the instruction from the personal computer. Therefore, even if the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, the power supply to the option board cannot be cut off.

For example, in an image processing apparatus as disclosed in Patent Document 1, different forms of energy saving modes are set depending on whether or not an option board is installed. In other words, when an option board is installed, an energy saving mode is set to cut off the power supply to the recording unit, etc. In this case, power is supplied to the image processing unit to which image data is transferred from the personal computer. Therefore, the image data is not cut off, so that the image data is not damaged. On the other hand, when the option board is not installed, an energy saving mode is set for cutting off the power supply to the image processing unit in addition to the recording unit.
JP 2002-281190 A

  In other words, in the conventional image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the option board is equipped, the energy saving mode is executed for the part related to the option board so that the instruction from the personal computer can be handled immediately. Therefore, there is a problem that a sufficient energy saving effect cannot be exhibited.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of exhibiting a sufficient energy saving effect without damaging print data and image data even when an option board is installed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 includes processing of print data received from the outside via an interface, transition to energy saving mode under a predetermined condition, and return from energy saving mode. A first board having a control unit for controlling, and a second board for performing the development process of the print data, the print data from the outside received by the first board being transferred to the second board Image processing that is controlled by the control unit so that the image data after being developed by the second board is received by the first board, and the received image data is printed by the recording unit In the apparatus, the control unit may determine whether the first board or the second board is used even when the condition for shifting to the energy saving mode is satisfied. Rekani, when the print data or image data being processed or waiting to be processed exists, and inhibits the shift to the power saving mode.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the second board is supplied with power from the power circuit on the first board side, and the power supply is cut off in the energy saving mode. .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the control unit receives a print request from the outside through the interface during the energy saving mode, the control unit restarts the power supply to the second board. At the same time, it is monitored whether or not the second board has returned to the print data receivable state, and a permission signal is output to the external device based on confirmation of the completion of the return.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit receives the received print data to the second board while receiving the print data from the outside. The transfer to the energy saving mode is prohibited when at least one of the transfer, the development of the print data on the second board, the reception of the image data from the second board, and the printing of the image data is satisfied.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the power source includes a main power source and a sub power source, and the main power source is invalidated in the energy saving mode. In addition, the sub power supply is configured to supply power to the communication system.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the sub power source is a secondary battery.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when the condition for shifting to the energy saving mode is satisfied, if there is print data or image data being processed or waiting for processing on the first board or the second board, the energy saving mode is entered. In other cases, the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode according to the conditions for shifting to the energy saving mode. For this reason, even if an option board is provided, it is possible to effectively shift to the energy saving mode without damaging the print data and the image data, and a sufficient energy saving effect can be exhibited.

An embodiment in which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is embodied in a multifunction machine will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile system 11 is connected to a multifunction machine 12 as an image processing apparatus and a main board 12a of the multifunction machine 12 via USB (Universal Serial Bus) interfaces 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, respectively. A LAN (Local Area Network) board 43 as an optional board and a PDL (Print Description Language) board 13 as an optional board, and a personal computer as an external device connected to the main board 12a via USB interfaces 42a and 42b And a terminal device 14 made up of. In this embodiment, the main board 12a constitutes a first board, and the PDL board 13 constitutes a second board. The LAN board 43 and the PDL board 13 are arranged outside the multifunction machine 12 and constitute a part of the multifunction machine 12. However, the LAN board 43 and the PDL board 13 may be built in the multifunction machine 12.

  The main board 12a of the multifunction machine 12 includes a control unit 15 having an MPU 16 and a ROM 17, a storage unit 18, a reading unit 19, an image memory 20, a codec 21, a modem 25, an NCU (network control circuit) 26, and a power source as a main power source. A circuit 27, a sub power source 53, and the like are provided. Further, the multifunction machine 12 includes a recording unit 22, a display unit 23, and an operation unit 24. Each unit 15 to 26 is connected via a bus 28.

  The MPU 16 of the control unit 15 controls each component of the multifunction machine 12. The ROM 17 of the control unit 15 stores a program for controlling the multifunction machine 12. The storage unit 18 includes a RAM, and temporarily stores various types of information related to the multifunction machine 12.

  The reading unit 19 includes a scanner, an automatic document feeder, and the like, reads image data on the document, and outputs an image signal. The image memory 20 temporarily stores image data on a document read by the reading unit 19 and image data received by facsimile. The codec 21 encodes and decodes image data for facsimile transmission / reception and the like. The recording unit 22 is composed of an electrophotographic printer, and records the image data read by the reading unit 19 and the image data received by facsimile on a recording sheet.

  The display unit 23 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various types of information indicating the operating state of the multifunction machine 12. The operation unit 24 includes a power saving key 24a for shifting from the normal mode to the standby mode, a numeric keypad (including * and # keys) for entering a telephone number, abbreviated number registration, and abbreviated for calling from the abbreviated number. Various operation keys such as a key, a start key for starting a document reading operation, and a communication / copy key for setting a “communication (FAX)” operation or a “copy” operation are provided.

  The modem 25 modulates transmission data and demodulates reception data based on a facsimile transmission control procedure. The NCU 26 controls the connection with the telephone line L, and has a function of sending a dial signal corresponding to the telephone number of the other party and a function of detecting an incoming call.

  The power supply circuit 27 includes units 15 to 26 constituting the multifunction machine 12 and components constituting the PDL board 13 based on each mode set by the control unit 15, that is, a normal mode, a standby mode, or an energy saving mode. The power is supplied to the units 51 and 52 constituting the LAN board 43, and the power supply is shut off. Details of the normal mode, standby mode, and energy saving mode, and details of the PDL board 13 and the LAN board 43 will be described later. The sub power source 53 is made of a secondary battery, and supplies power to a required communication system such as the modem 25 or the LAN board 43 in the energy saving mode or the like in which the power circuit 27 does not function.

  The PDL board 13 includes a control unit 29 having an MPU 30 and a ROM 31 and a storage unit 32. Each unit 29 or the like is connected to each unit of the multifunction machine 12 via the bus 33.

  The MPU 30 of the control unit 29 of the PDL board 13 controls each component of the PDL board 13 and controls communication processing between the multifunction machine 12 and the terminal device 14. The ROM 31 of the control unit 29 stores a program for controlling the operation of the PDL board 13. The storage unit 32 includes a RAM, and temporarily stores various data and the like acquired when the operation of the PDL board 13 is executed. Further, as will be described later, the storage unit 32 transfers the print data received from the terminal device 14 to the multifunction device 12 to the PDL board 13 and temporarily stores the print data, and develops the image data into the image data. Memorize temporarily.

  The LAN board 43 is equipped with a function that can be used by connecting the multifunction machine 12 to a network 60 such as a router, and includes a network control unit 51 and a storage unit 32 having an MPU, a ROM, and the like. . Each unit 51 and the like are connected to each unit of the multifunction machine 12 via interfaces 42 a and 42 b such as USB and the bus 33. The network 60 is connected to the network control unit 51 of the LAN board 43 via interfaces 45a and 45b such as USB. A terminal device 50 such as a personal computer is connected to the network 60.

  The terminal device 14 includes a control unit 34 having an MPU 35 and a ROM 36, a storage unit 37, a display unit 38, and an input unit 39. The units 34 to 39 are communicably connected to the units of the multifunction machine 12 via the bus 40.

  The MPU 35 of the control unit 34 controls each component of the terminal device 14 and performs communication processing with the PDL board 13 and the LAN board 43. The ROM 36 of the control unit 34 stores a program for controlling the terminal device 14. The storage unit 37 includes a RAM, and temporarily stores various data acquired as the terminal device 14 performs the operation. The display unit 38 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various information indicating the operation state of the terminal device 14 and the setting state of the multifunction machine 12. The input unit 39 includes a keyboard and inputs new information for setting and changing the mode of the multifunction machine 12.

  The control unit 15 of the multifunction machine 12 changes the mode in which power is supplied from the power supply circuit 27 to each component 15 to 26 of the multifunction machine 12 from the normal mode when the multifunction machine 12 is not used for a predetermined time. After shifting to standby mode, shift to energy saving mode. In this case, as will be described later, the control unit 15 transmits print data from the terminal device 50 to the multifunction peripheral 12 via the terminal device 14, the network 60, and the LAN board 43, and converts the data into image data. When processing operations such as unfolding and printing are being performed, the shift to the energy saving mode is prohibited.

  In this embodiment, the multifunction machine 12 receives print data from the terminal device 14 or the LAN board 43 via the interfaces 44a, 44b, 42a, 42b as described above. The received print data is stored immediately or via a main board 12a of the multifunction machine 12 or after a predetermined amount (for example, for one page) is accumulated, transferred to the PDL board 13 and developed on the PDL board 13. An image is formed and temporarily stored in the storage unit 32.

  The developed image data is transferred from the storage unit 32 to the storage unit 18 of the main board 12a via the interfaces 42a and 42b again and stored, and then output to the recording unit 22 and printed on paper. The

  At this time, the PDL board 13 is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 27 via the main board 12a. When the multifunction machine 12 including the main board 12a shifts to the energy saving mode, the function of the power supply circuit 27 is invalidated. Thus, power supply from the power supply circuit 27 is cut off. Therefore, in this energy saving mode, various operations for processing print data may not be executed.

  Here, the transition of the MFP 12 to the energy saving mode and the return from the energy saving mode are controlled by the control unit 15 of the main board 12a, and the function of the sub power source 53 is activated when the MFP 12 shifts to the energy saving mode. As described above, the sub power supply 53 supplies power only to the communication system such as the NCU 26 and the LAN board 43.

  When the main board 12a receives a print request from the terminal device 14 or 50 via the interfaces 44a, 44b or 42a, 42b during the energy saving mode, the function of the power supply circuit 27 is activated and the standby mode is changed from the energy saving mode. After that, the normal mode is restored. Accordingly, power supply from the main board 12a to the PDL board 13 is started. At the same time, the control unit 15 of the main board 12a monitors the state of the PDL board 13, and until the completion of the return to the operable state of the PDL board 13 can be confirmed, a rejection signal (NACK) is sent to the sender of the print request. ) Will continue to be sent. When the completion of return can be confirmed, a signal (ACK) permitting the print request is sent to the transmission source.

  That is, in the multifunction machine 12, the operation in the case of returning from the normal mode to the energy saving mode through the standby mode and then returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode through the standby mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. explain. This operation is executed under the control of the MPU 16 based on a program stored in the ROM 17 of the control unit 15.

  First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reading operation in the reading unit 19 or the recording operation in the recording unit 22 has been completed, or whether or not the power saving key 24a has been operated. Is done. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed after completion of the reading or recording operation or when the power saving key 24a is operated, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the normal mode is shifted to the standby mode. Here, the normal mode refers to a state in which when there is any operation instruction, processing can be executed immediately based on the operation instruction. More specifically, when a copy operation instruction is issued from the operation unit 24, the copy process can be executed immediately. On the other hand, the standby mode refers to a state in which the temperature of the heat fixing device of the recording unit 22 is lowered to a predetermined temperature and the display on the display unit 23 is erased. Accordingly, for example, when there is a copy operation instruction during the standby mode, the temperature of the heating and fixing device of the recording unit 22 is raised to the fixing temperature, and the display unit 23 is turned on. Then, when the heat fixing device reaches a predetermined temperature, the copying operation is started.

  In step S3, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the standby mode. And when predetermined time passes, it transfers to step S4. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S2 and the standby mode is maintained.

  In step S4, it is determined whether a print-related processing operation for print data received from the LAN board 43 or the terminal device 14 is being executed. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the details of the print-related processing operation are sequentially executed in the determination operations in steps S4a to S4e. That is, in step S4a, as shown by (I) in FIG. 2, print data is transmitted from the LAN board 43 or the terminal device 14 to the multifunction machine 12, and the print data is stored in the image memory of the main board 12a of the multifunction machine 12. 20 is determined whether the print data is being received from the outside, that is, whether print data is being received from the outside. In step S4b, as indicated by (II) in the figure, it is determined whether print data is being transferred from the image memory 20 to the storage unit 32 of the PDL board 13 or not.

  Furthermore, in step S4c, as shown by (III) in FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the print data is expanded into image data in the storage unit 32 of the PDL board 13. In step S4d, as shown by (IV) in the figure, it is determined whether or not the image data from the PDL board 13 is received by the main board 12a and stored in the image memory 20. In step S4e, it is determined whether image data is being printed.

  If none of the print-related processing operations are executed in the determinations in steps S4a to S4e, the process proceeds to step S5 in the flowchart of FIG. If any print-related processing operation is being executed, the process returns to step S2 and the standby mode is maintained. In step S5, the standby mode is shifted to the energy saving mode. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the function of the power supply circuit 27 is invalidated, and the power supply from the power supply circuit 27 to the reading unit 19 and the recording unit 22 is cut off. On the other hand, when the function of the power supply circuit 27 is disabled, the sub power supply 53 is switched from the charged state to the discharged state, the function of the sub power supply 53 is enabled, and the power is transferred to the communication system such as the NCU 26 and the LAN board 43. Supplied.

  Subsequently, in step S6, it is determined whether or not a return factor for canceling the energy saving mode has occurred. Here, as a return factor, when the NCU 26 detects a FAX incoming call, when there is a key input from the operation unit 24, as shown in FIG. 2 (V), in order to use the reading unit 19 as a network scanner. When it is detected that a document is placed on the document table, a signal indicating a transmission request (communication start request, that is, a print request) is input from the PDL board 13 or the terminal device 14 to the main board 12a. Etc. If a return factor has occurred, the program proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if no return factor has occurred, the process returns to step S4 to determine whether or not there is a print-related operation, and the energy saving mode is maintained.

  In step S7, the multifunction machine 12 shifts from the energy saving mode to the standby mode, validates the function of the power supply circuit 27, and supplies the power from the power supply circuit 27 to each part of the main board 12a and the PDL board 13. Further, in step S8, it is determined whether or not the return factor in step S6 is a data transmission request from the PDL board 13 or the terminal device 14. If it is not a transmission request, the process proceeds to step S12 described later.

  If it is a transmission request, that is, if a print request is received from the outside via the interfaces 42a, 42b or 41a, 41b during the energy saving mode, the MPU 16 performs PDL in step S9 under the standby mode. Monitoring whether or not the board 13 has returned to the print data receivable state, and until returning, a rejection signal (NACK) was output to the LAN board 43 or the terminal device 14 in step S10 and the completion of the return was confirmed. In step S11, the permission signal (ACK) is output.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not there is any operation instruction to be performed in the normal mode. That is, in this step S12, for example, if there is a print instruction from the terminal device 14, it is reconfirmed, or if a copy instruction is given by key input from the operation unit 24, it is confirmed. The process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when there is no operation instruction, the process returns to step S7 and the standby mode is maintained.

  In step S13, the multifunction machine 12 is shifted from the standby mode to the normal mode. Further, in step S14, the process is executed based on the confirmation of the operation instruction in step S12. Specifically, for example, based on the image data of the image memory 20 transferred from the storage unit 32 of the PDL board 13, the recording unit 22 prints on the recording paper. Alternatively, copying is executed by key input from the operation unit 24.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, even when the condition for shifting to the energy saving mode is satisfied, when print data or image data that is being processed or is waiting for processing exists on the main board 12a or the PDL board 13, that is, Reception of print data from the main board 12a, transfer of the received print data to the PDL board 13, development of image data in the storage unit 32 of the PDL board 13, transfer of image data from the PDL board 13 to the main board 12a And, during execution of the printing operation, the shift to the energy saving mode is prevented. In other cases, it is possible to shift to the energy saving mode according to the conditions for shifting to the energy saving mode. For this reason, even if the PDL board 13 is equipped without damaging the print data and image data, the multifunction machine 12 can shift to the energy saving mode, and a sufficient energy saving effect can be exhibited.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing state of print data received by the multifunction machine. 6 is a flowchart showing a first half of an operation for shifting to a normal mode, a standby mode, and an energy saving mode in the multifunction machine. 6 is a flowchart showing the second half of the transition operation to a normal mode, a standby mode, and an energy saving mode in the same multifunction machine. 6 is a flowchart showing details of a print-related operation determination in the flowchart.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Facsimile system, 12 ... MFP as image processing apparatus, 13 ... Option board, 14 ... Terminal device, 15 ... Control part which comprises prevention means, 16 ... MPU, 17 ... ROM, 18 ... Memory | storage part, 20 ... Image memory 22 ... Recording unit 24 ... Operating unit 24a ... Power saving key 27 ... Power supply circuit 29 ... Control unit 32 ... Storage unit 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b ... Interface, 53 ... Sub Power supply.

Claims (6)

A first board having a control unit for controlling processing of print data received from the outside via the interface, transition to an energy saving mode under a predetermined condition, and return from the energy saving mode; and development of the print data A second board for processing,
The external print data received by the first board is transferred to the second board, the image data after being developed by the second board is received by the first board, and the received image data is stored in the recording unit. In the image processing apparatus that is controlled by the control unit so as to be printed in
Even if the condition for shifting to the energy saving mode is satisfied, the control unit switches to the energy saving mode when there is print data or image data being processed or waiting for processing on either the first board or the second board. An image processing apparatus that prohibits migration. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second board is supplied with power from the power circuit on the first board side, and the power supply is cut off in the energy saving mode. When the control unit receives a print request from the outside through the interface during the energy saving mode, the control unit restarts the power supply to the second board, and determines whether the second board has returned to the print data receivable state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus outputs a permission signal to the external apparatus based on monitoring and confirming completion of the return. The control unit receives the print data from the outside, transfers the received print data to the second board, develops the print data on the second board, receives the image data from the second board, receives the image data The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a transition to the energy saving mode is prohibited when at least one of the printing conditions is satisfied. The power source is composed of a main power source and a sub power source, and in the energy saving mode, the main power source is invalidated and the sub power source supplies power to the communication system. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sub power source is a secondary battery.

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