JP2006054611A - Composite machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composite machine capable of being operated in such a mode that power can be prevented from being uselessly consumed. <P>SOLUTION: For configuring the composite machine, a copy unit combined with a scanner and a printer is configured as a unit for which power supply is started when any one of the source of the scanner or the printer is powered on. Also, the copy unit is configured as a unit with which a user can make only an instruction concerning a usable function at this time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction machine having a configuration in which a scanner, a printer, and a copy unit are combined.

  As is well known, in recent years, some multifunction machines that are commercially available are configured by combining a scanner, a printer, and a copy unit.

  This multifunction device is a device that can perform processing that does not require a printer (such as processing for sending an e-mail with image data of a document generated by a scanner as an attached file), and if a FAX unit is added, It is a device that can also transmit and receive.

  However, the copy unit used in this multifunction device is configured (manufactured) as a unit that receives power supply from the printer. For this reason, even if this multi-function device only performs processing that does not require a printer, the device that must turn on the printer, in other words, when only processing that does not require a printer is performed, It has become a device that consumes power wastefully.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function machine that can be operated in such a manner that power is not wasted.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has a scanner, a printer, and user interface means for receiving execution instructions regarding various processes from the user, and processing that has received the execution instructions via the user interface means. When a power source is turned on to either one of the scanner and the printer, the multi-function machine having a configuration including a copy unit that executes is used as a copy unit. Thereafter, if neither the scanner nor the printer is energized within a predetermined time, the user interface means can accept only an execution instruction relating to processing that can be executed without using a device that is not energized. Within a specified time after starting operation in a state where it functions as a means and shifting to the energized state When both the scanner and printer are energized, the user interface means is configured to employ a unit that starts operation in a state where it functions as a means for receiving execution instructions relating to all processes. Keep it.

  That is, the multifunction peripheral of the present invention has a configuration in which only the power of the scanner (or printer) needs to be turned on when it is desired to execute processing that requires only the scanner (or printer). Therefore, it can be said that the multifunction peripheral of the present invention is an apparatus that can be operated in a form in which power is not wasted.

  In realizing the multifunction peripheral of the present invention, when the copy unit detects that both the scanner and the printer are not energized, both the unit that stops the operation and both the scanner and the printer are energized. When a predetermined type of process is being executed when it is detected that the state is not in a state, after the execution of the process is completed, the operation is stopped and the predetermined type of process is being executed. If not, the unit can be stopped immediately.

  In addition, when both the scanner and the printer are not energized within a predetermined time after the copy unit is switched to the energized state, there is a device that is not energized before the actual operation is started. It may be a unit for inquiring of the user whether or not the operation can be started by using the user interface means, depending on the function of performing FAX transmission of the document set on the scanner and the received FAX data. A unit having a function of causing a printer to perform printing may be used.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, an outline of the multifunction machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 according to this embodiment is an apparatus in which a copy unit 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, and a FAX unit 14 are combined.

  The printer 13 used in the multifunction machine 10 is equipped with an expansion board for connecting to the copy unit 11 in a printer that can be used as a peripheral device of the computer alone (even if not connected to the copy unit 11). Equipment. The scanner 12 is also a device in which an expansion board for connecting to the copy unit 11 is mounted on a scanner that can be used alone as a peripheral device of a computer. The FAX unit 14 is a unit for transmitting and receiving FAX. The multifunction machine 10 is used in a form in which the FAX unit 14 is connected to a public telephone network and the copy unit 11 and the printer 13 are connected to a LAN. It has become a device.

  The copy unit 11 has a copy function, an NW-TWAIN function, a scan to mail function, a scan to file function, a FAX function (FAX transmission function, FAX memory reception function and FAX printing function), and a status printing function. It is a unit that operates as a device.

  Here, the NW-TWAIN function is a function for controlling the scanner 12 from a PC connected to the MFP 10 via a LAN (a function for operating the scanner 12 as a so-called network scanner). Is a function for causing the printer 13 to print a sheet on which information related to the state of the multifunction machine 10 is printed. The scan-to-mail function is a function for sending an e-mail attached with a document image data file. The scan-to-file function is a function for connecting a document image data file to the MFP 10 via a LAN. It is a function to save in the PC. The scan-to-mail function and the scan-to-file function are such that a computer (hereinafter referred to as a scan composer PC) on which a predetermined program is installed is operating on the LAN to which the copy unit 11 is connected, and If the IP address of the scan composer PC is not set in the copy unit 11, the function cannot be used.

  The copy unit 11 is configured by combining a CPU, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and the like, and has a appearance as shown in FIG. That is, the copy unit 11 is a kind of computer provided with a start button 22, various push button switches such as a numeric keypad, and a touch screen 21 on the upper surface of the casing.

  The copy unit 11 is displayed on the touch screen 21 when the scanner 12, the printer 13 and the FAX unit 14 are all energized. The copy function basic screen 30 shown in FIG. The unit is a unit that can use various functions by operating the FAX function basic screen 32 shown in FIG. 3B or the scan-to-mail / file function basic screen 34 shown in FIG. It should be noted that the copy button 41, the FAX button 42, and the mail / file button 43 (not highlighted) provided on each basic screen are respectively pressed to copy the basic copy function screen 30, the FAX function basic screen. 32, a scan-to-mail / file function basic screen 34 is a button displayed on the touch screen 21.

  Based on the above, the configuration and operation of the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically below.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 4, the copy unit 11 used in the multifunction machine 10 turns on / off the supply of power from the AC adapter to an internal circuit (a circuit centered on the CPU). A possible switch is provided. The copy unit 11 is provided with an OR circuit that generates a logical sum signal of the scanner ON / OFF state signal, the printer ON / OFF state signal, and the power-off control signal. Here, the scanner ON / OFF state signal is a signal that takes the “H” level when the scanner 12 is in an energized state (when the power of the scanner 12 is ON). The printer ON / OFF state signal is a signal that takes the “H” level when the printer 13 is energized. Further, the power cutoff control signal is a signal in which an internal circuit that has started to be supplied with power is set to “H” level, and an internal circuit that recognizes that the condition for turning off the power is satisfied is set to “L” level (details) Is described later).

  As is apparent from the figure, the copy unit 11 is a unit that employs a configuration in which a logical sum signal generated by an OR circuit is supplied to a switch as a switch control signal.

  That is, the copy unit 11 is configured as a unit that starts supplying power to the internal circuit when the power of either the scanner 12 or the printer 13 is turned on.

  Furthermore, the copy unit 11 (internal circuit of the copy unit 11) is configured to start the processing of the procedure shown in FIG. 5 when the supply of power is started.

  That is, the copy unit 11 to which power is supplied performs the process of checking the state of the unit (step S101), and then determines the connection state of the scanner 12 (whether communication with the scanner 12 is possible, etc.). A check process (step S102) is performed. Note that the copy unit 11 also performs a process of displaying a predetermined screen on the touch screen 21 during the processes of steps S101 and S102.

  If it cannot be confirmed that the scanner 12 is connected (step S103; YES), the copy unit 11 displays the scanner non-connection notification screen 51 shown in FIG. 6 on the touch screen 21 (step S104). ). That is, when the copy unit 11 does not use the scanner 12 (when the multifunction machine 10 is used with the power of the scanner 12 turned off), the copy unit 11 should press the “Continue as it is” button, In the case of using, a scanner non-connection notification screen 51 for notifying the user that the “connection reconfirmation” button should be pressed after performing necessary work (work to turn on the power of the scanner 12, etc.). ,indicate.

  The copy unit 11 that has finished displaying the scanner non-connection notification screen 51 waits for the “connection reconfirmation” button or the “continue as it is” button on the scanner non-connection notification screen 51 to be pressed (step S105; None). Then, when the “connection reconfirmation” button is pressed (step S105; reconfirmation), the copy unit 11 starts the processing from step S102 onward again. On the other hand, when the “continue as it is” button is pressed (step S105; continue), the copy unit 11 starts processing for checking the connection state of the printer 13 (step S106). If the copy unit 11 can confirm that the scanner 12 is connected (step S103; NO), the copy unit 11 starts the process of step S106 without performing the processes of steps S104 and S105.

  If it cannot be confirmed that the printer 13 is connected (step S107; YES), the copy unit 11 displays the printer non-connection notification screen 52 shown in FIG. 7 on the touch screen 21 (step S108). ). That is, the copy unit 11 should press the “continue as it is” button when the printer 13 is not used, or the “reconfirm connection” button after performing necessary work when using the printer 13. A printer non-connection notification screen 52 for notifying the user that the user should be pressed is displayed.

  Next, the copy unit 11 enters a state of waiting for the “connection reconfirmation” button or the “continue as it is” button on the printer non-connection notification screen 51 to be pressed (step S109; none), and the “connection reconfirmation” button. When is pressed (step S109; reconfirmation), the processing after step S106 is started again. On the other hand, when the “continue as it is” button is pressed (step S109; continue), the copy unit 11 displays on the touch screen 21 a basic screen of the type / content according to the state of the scanner 12 and the printer 13 ( Step S110; details will be described later, and then normal operation (operation in a state where various instructions from the user can be accepted) is started. When the copy unit 11 can confirm that the printer 13 is connected (step S107; NO), the copy unit 11 normally performs the process of step S110 without performing the processes of steps S108 and S109. Start the operation.

  Hereinafter, the contents of the process executed by the copy unit 11 in step S110 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that both the FAX unit 14 and the scan composer PC (see FIG. 1) are turned on, and the IP address of the scan composer PC is already set in the copy unit 11. To do.

  As is apparent from the above description, the copy unit 11 is configured as a unit that starts operation when the power of either the scanner 12 or the printer 13 is turned on. That is, in the copy unit 11, the scanner 12 and the printer 13 are both turned on, the scanner 12 is turned on, but the printer 13 is turned off, and the printer 13 is turned on. Although the power is on, the unit operates in any state where the power of the scanner 12 is off (executes the processing of FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, among the various functions that can be provided by the multifunction machine 10, the copy function is a function that requires both the scanner 12 and the printer 13. The NW-TWAIN function, the scan-to-mail function, the scan-to-file function, and the FAX transmission function are functions that do not require the printer 13 but the printer 13, and the FAX printing function and the status printing function are the printers. 13 is a function that requires 13 but does not require the scanner 12. The FAX memory reception function is a function that does not require both the scanner 12 and the printer 13.

  That is, these functions have the relationship shown in FIG. 8 with the ON / OFF states of the scanner 12 and the printer 13. In FIG. 8, the scan-to-mail function and the scan-to-file function are expressed as S2M and S2F.

  As described above, the types / numbers of usable functions change depending on the states of the scanner 12 and the printer 13. For this reason, in the process of step S110, when both the scanner 12 and printer 13 are powered on, the copy function basic screen 30 (FAX button 42 and mail / file button 43 shown in FIG. 3A) is displayed. Is displayed on the touch screen 21, and only the power source of the scanner 12 is ON, the FAX function basic screen 32 shown in FIG. 9B is displayed on the touch screen 21. When only the printer 13 is turned on, the FAX function basic screen 32 shown in FIG. 9C is displayed on the touch screen 21.

  In short, there is no point in displaying the copy function basic screen 30 on the touch screen 21 when neither the scanner 12 nor the printer 13 is turned on (when copying cannot be performed). When only the power source of the scanner 12 is ON (when the scan-to-mail function or the like cannot be used), there is no point in displaying the scan-to-mail / file function basic screen 34 on the touch screen 21. Therefore, depending on the state of the scanner 12 and the printer 13, the FAX function basic screen 32 (FIG. 9A) in which the copy button 41 is disabled and the copy button 41 and the mail file button 43 are disabled. The copy unit 11 is configured such that the basic FAX function screen 32 (FIG. 9A) is displayed on the touch screen 21.

  Further, the copy unit 11 is configured to execute the processing shown in FIG. 10 when it is detected that both the scanner 12 and the printer 13 are turned off.

  In other words, when the copy unit 11 detects that both the scanner 12 and the printer 13 are turned off, the copy unit 11 determines whether the continuation-necessary processing is being executed (step S201). Here, the continuation-required process is a process that can be executed even when the scanner 12 and the printer 13 are not operating, such as a process of writing to a storage device or a process of transmitting information to a PC connected to a network. That is.

  If the copy unit 11 is executing the continuation process (step S201; YES), the copy unit 11 continues the continuation process (step S202). Then, the copy unit 11 performs a process (step S203) for changing the level of the power-off control signal (see FIG. 5) to the “L” level when the required continuation process is completed. Exit. On the other hand, when the continuation-necessary process is not being executed (step S201; NO), the copy unit 11 immediately performs the processes after step S203.

  In short, when the copy unit 11 detects that both the scanner 12 and the printer 13 are turned off during execution of a process that is not preferable to cancel (a scanner or a printer is not required). The unit is configured to turn off its own power after the processing is completed.

  10 is performed only when the power of the scanner 12 and the printer 13 are both turned off. The power of the scanner 12 or the printer 13 is turned off, and the power of the printer 13 or the scanner 12 is turned off. When only the ON state is turned on, not the processing of FIG. 10 but processing of contents corresponding to the situation where the power is turned off (for example, that a communication error has occurred is displayed on the touch screen 21. Processing).

  As described above, when the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment wants to use a function that requires only the scanner 12 (or the printer 13), only the power of the scanner 12 (or the printer 13) is turned on. It is a good device. Therefore, it can be said that the multifunction device 10 is a device that can be operated in such a manner that power is not wasted.

<Deformation>
The multifunction machine 10 described above can be variously modified. For example, the copy unit 11 may have a function as the FAX unit 14. Of course, the multi-function device 10 may be modified to one having no FAX function or one having a function different from the one described above.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external view of a copy unit included in the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the various basic screens displayed on the touch screen of a copy unit. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a power supply-related configuration of a copy unit. The flowchart of the process which a copy unit performs at the time of starting. Explanatory drawing of the scanner non-connection notification screen displayed on the touch screen of a copy unit. Explanatory drawing of the printer non-connection notification screen displayed on the touch screen of a copy unit. The figure for demonstrating the relationship between the state of a scanner and a printer, and the function which can be used. Explanatory drawing of the basic screen which may be displayed by the process of FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing executed by the copy unit when a scanner and a printer are powered off.

Explanation of symbols

10 MFP, 11 Copy Unit, 12 Scanner, 13 Printer 14 Fax Unit, 21 Touch Screen, 22 Start Button 30 Copy Function Basic Screen, 32 FAX Function Basic Screen 34 Scan to Mail / File Function Basic Screen, 41 Copy Button 42 FAX Button, 43 Mail file button

Claims (5)

A scanner,
A printer,
A copy unit that has user interface means for accepting execution instructions related to various processes from the user, and that executes the process that accepted the execution instructions via the user interface means,
The copy unit is
A unit that shifts to an energized state when power is applied to one of the scanner and the printer, and after the transition to the energized state, both the scanner and the printer are energized within a predetermined time. If not, start the operation in a state in which the user interface unit functions as a unit that can accept only an execution instruction related to a process that can be executed without using a device that is not energized. When both the scanner and the printer are energized within a predetermined time after the transition to the state, the user interface means functions as a means for receiving execution instructions for all processes. A multifunction device that is a unit that starts operation. The copy unit is
The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction device is a unit that stops operation when it is detected that both the scanner and the printer are not energized. The copy unit is
When it is detected that both the scanner and the printer are not energized, if a predetermined type of process is being executed, the operation is stopped after the execution of the process is completed. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the unit immediately stops operation when the predetermined type of processing is not being executed. The copy unit is
If both the scanner and the printer do not become energized within a predetermined time after shifting to the energized state, the operation is performed while there is a device that is not energized before starting the actual operation. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction device is a unit that inquires of the user whether or not it is possible to start using the user interface unit. The copy unit is
5. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit has a function of performing FAX transmission of a document set on the scanner and a function of causing the printer to perform printing according to received FAX data. A multifunction device according to any one of the above.