JP2007324650A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor in which power consumption can be suppressed as compared with prior art by processing a job received from an external unit through a communication means, and obtaining or altering the state of the processor while suppressing the frequency of releasing power saving state as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: When a job is received from an external unit through an NIC 5 during sleep mode, the NIC 5 stores that job temporarily as a suspension job. When predetermined execution start conditions are satisfied, conduction to sub-power supplies 221-229 is controlled and the suspension job is executed by switching a required functional block from "nonconduction state" to "conduction state". Furthermore, instantaneous processing of the suspension job is performed by starting a required functional block of transmission of information about the suspension job, or deletion of the suspension job depending on a request from the external unit during sleep mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that includes a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and that processes a job that is a data processing request received through the communication unit, and is particularly suitable for power saving. It relates to the device.

In general, an image processing apparatus such as a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine having these functions is an external device (computer or other image processing apparatus) via a communication medium such as a network or a telephone line. Communication means (NIC (Network Interface Card), modem (Modulator-Demodulator), etc.). In addition, such an image processing device has a normal operation state when an operation on an operation input unit included in the image processing device and a state in which no data is received from an external device through the communication unit continue for a certain time or more. Some have a function (hereinafter referred to as a sleep function) for shifting to a power saving state (generally referred to as a sleep mode) with low power consumption. In the power saving state, for example, energization (power supply) to devices such as a fixing device including a heater and a control circuit is cut off, while the communication unit is maintained in an energized state. There are many. The reason for this is to automatically resume energization of devices that are in a non-energized state in response to a request from an external device and automatically return to a normal operating state when the device is in a power saving state. is there. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a print job is received by an energized communication unit in a power saving state, the entire apparatus is energized and an image is formed in accordance with the received print job. A forming device is shown.
In addition, the image processing apparatus detects whether a predetermined operation has been performed through the operation input unit when the power is not supplied to the display unit including a liquid crystal panel. In general, energization is performed and the state of the apparatus is displayed on the display unit.

Here, a job (data processing request) received from an external device includes a print job that requests image formation on a recording sheet, and an image scan job that requires reading an image formed on a document (scan job). There are various jobs such as a job requesting to perform processing (hereinafter referred to as data filing processing) for accessing a storage means such as a hard disk provided in the image processing apparatus and operating a data file. As the data filing processing, for example, processing such as data writing and updating, data reading, data erasing, and data file name changing can be considered.
On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, when an access request for a hard disk is received from an external device via a network by the energized controller in the power saving state, energization to the hard disk is started and requested. An image processing apparatus that performs processing is shown.
In Patent Document 3, when a print job is received through the external interface in a power saving state in which power is supplied to the sub CPU and the external interface by the sub power source, the main CPU that controls the entire apparatus by the sub CPU is disclosed. A multi-function machine that prints by supplying power is shown.
JP-A-8-101606 JP 2005-186425 A JP 2003-63101 A

However, when the device itself is in the power saving state, energizing many devices that are not always energized in response to job reception just because a job (data processing request) is received from an external device through communication means. There was a problem that sufficient power saving could not be achieved by starting and executing a job.
Furthermore, when the image processing apparatus is in a power saving state in which devices such as the display unit are stopped (non-energized), each time the device state is grasped or changed, the device such as the stopped display unit is replaced. There is a problem that sufficient power saving cannot be achieved by starting.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to process a job received from an external device through a communication unit while suppressing the frequency of canceling the power saving state as much as possible. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption as compared with the prior art by enabling grasping and changing of the state.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an image processing apparatus that includes a communication unit that communicates with an external device such as a computer or another image processing apparatus, and that processes a job (data processing request) received through the communication unit. It is provided with each component shown to following (1)-(3).
(1) An energization switching unit that switches whether to energize a functional block that is a part or a set of parts that processes a job.
(2) When the communication unit has a job that uses the functional block in the non-energized state from the external device, the job is stored in a predetermined job storage unit, and then the predetermined unit is stored. Job hold control means for switching the function block necessary for processing the job stored in the job storage means from the non-energized state to the energized state when the execution start condition is satisfied.
(3) A hold job processing unit that is also included in the communication unit and executes a hold job process that is a process related to a job stored in the job storage unit in response to a request from the external device.
Here, the hold job processing includes, for example, job information transmission processing for transmitting information related to the job stored in the job storage means to the external device, and job deletion processing for deleting the job stored in the job storage means And one or more of job immediate execution processing for immediately executing the job stored in the job storage means.
In addition, as the predetermined execution start condition, for example, a predetermined number of jobs are stored in the job storage unit, and a total data size of jobs stored in the job storage unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined size. One or more of the following can be considered: the remaining capacity of the job storage means is less than a predetermined size, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the first job was stored in the job storage means.
Accordingly, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can temporarily store a plurality of jobs and collectively process them when in the power saving state. Further, it is possible to grasp or change the status of the temporarily accumulated job by accessing the communication unit from an external device without energizing the functional block that is stopped (in a non-energized state).
As a result, every time a job is received, the function block is activated (starts energization) to execute processing, and whenever the accumulated job is grasped or changed, the stopped function block is Power consumption can be reduced compared with the case of starting.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention may further include the constituent elements shown in the following (4).
(4) A hold job processing authentication control unit that is also included in the communication unit and controls whether or not the hold job process is executed by the hold job processing unit based on predetermined authentication information received from the external device.
As a result, the person who can request the pending job processing relating to the temporarily accumulated job can be limited to the sender of the job, the person having specific authority, or the like. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of referring to or deleting the temporarily stored job by another person, or the inconvenience that the immediate job execution process is easily performed by a person who does not have a certain authority and the power consumption increases.
In addition, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention may further include a component shown in the following (5).
(5) Request notification means for transmitting predetermined notification information to a predetermined administrator's destination when the external device requests immediate job execution processing.
As a result, regarding a request for the immediate job execution process that is likely to be contrary to power saving, a predetermined administrator is notified that the request has been made, so that an easy request (execution) can be suppressed.
Further, when the component shown in (5) is provided, after the transmission of the notification information by the request notification unit, the information on whether or not the job immediate execution process is executed is received based on the information on whether or not the job immediate execution process is executed. It is more preferable if the communication means also has the job immediate processing availability control means to be controlled.
As a result, the job immediate execution processing that is likely to be contrary to power saving can be limited to be executable only when the administrator who has received the notification information permits the job immediate execution processing.
In addition, as a method of receiving the availability information, for example, a method of directly receiving as a response to the transmission of the notification information from an external device operated by the administrator, or a predetermined server device through the external device operated by the administrator For example, a method of transmitting and recording the execution availability information and receiving the execution availability information from the server device can be considered.

  According to the present invention, when the image processing apparatus is in the power saving state, it is possible to temporarily store a plurality of jobs, process them all together, and further to a function block that is stopped (in a non-energized state). It is possible to grasp or change the status of the temporarily accumulated job by accessing the communication means of the image processing apparatus from an external apparatus without energizing. As a result, each time a job is received, the function block is activated (starts energization) to execute processing, and whenever the accumulated job is grasped or changed, the function block that is stopped ( The power consumption can be reduced compared with the case where the display unit or the like is activated.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: It is not the thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a NIC included in the image processing apparatus X, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control unit included in FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a power system diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a power connection relationship in the image processing apparatus X, and FIG. 5 is a sleep mode corresponding to data reception of the image processing apparatus X. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data structure of a print job which is an example of a job received by the image processing apparatus X, and FIG. 7 is a schematic weekly timer control weekly schedule in the image processing apparatus X. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a NIC power control rule in the image processing apparatus X, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power control rule of a control unit in the image processing apparatus X. Figure 10 is a power supply system diagram showing a second embodiment of a power supply connection relationships in the image processing apparatus X, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the pending job processing functions of the image processing apparatus X.

First, the configuration of the image processing apparatus X will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
The image processing apparatus X is configured to be able to communicate with an external apparatus such as a terminal 31 (not shown) or a server apparatus (not shown) via a network 30 such as a LAN conforming to the standard IEEE 802.3, for example. As an example of communication means for communicating with the apparatus, a network interface card 5 (hereinafter referred to as NIC) is provided. The image processing apparatus X processes (executes) various jobs (data processing requests) such as a print job and a scan job received from the external terminal 31 through the NIC 5.
As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the NIC 5, the image processing apparatus X includes an operation unit 1, a display unit 2, a hard disk drive 3 (hereinafter referred to as HDD), an image processing calculation unit 4, a scanner control unit 6, and a scanner unit. 6a, a print control unit 7, a print unit 7a, a post-processing control unit 8, a shifter 8a, a puncher 8b, a stapler 8c, a main control unit 9, a main energization switching circuit 10, a main power source 21, a sub power source 22, and the like.
Further, the scanner unit 6a includes an automatic document feeder 6b (hereinafter referred to as ADF), and the print unit 7a includes a fixing heater 7b.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main control unit 9, the image processing calculation unit 4, the NIC 5, the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, the post-processing control unit 8, and the main energization switching circuit 10 are mutually connected by a bus 11. It is connected.
The operation unit 1 is an operation input means for inputting information, and includes a sheet key, a touch panel provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display device, and the like.
The display unit 2 is an information display unit, and includes a liquid crystal display device, an LED lamp, and the like. The operation unit 1 and the display unit 2 constitute a man-machine interface for the user.

The HDD 3 is a large-capacity non-volatile memory that stores processing data as necessary during processing of read image data read from a document, print processing of image data, and the like. Further, the HDD 3 is also used as a storage destination of a data file transmitted from the terminal 31 in response to a request from the terminal 31 that can communicate with the image processing apparatus X. As described above, the process of saving the data file transmitted from the terminal 31 in the HDD 3, the change of the storage location (data folder) of the saved data file, the change of the file name, the rewriting of the data, the erasing of the data, etc. Hereinafter, the process of performing is called data filing process.
The image processing calculation unit 4 is configured by a dedicated signal processing circuit or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or the like, performs various image processing on image data, generates print data used for image formation, and transmits image data to the terminal 31. (For example, image data that has been subjected to predetermined encoding such as JPEG format), processing for encrypting image data, processing for decrypting encrypted image data, or compression encoding of image data And a process of decompressing (restoring) the compression-encoded image data.

The scanner control unit 6 controls the scanner unit 6a and the ADF 6b by outputting a control signal to the scanner unit 6a and the ADF 6b that execute processing for reading an image from a document.
The scanner unit 6a is a device that reads an image formed on a document from a document placed on a glass document table (not shown) or a document conveyed by the ADF 6b. In addition to the ADF 6b, the scanner unit 6a includes, for example, a light source that irradiates light on an image surface of a document and a mirror that reflects reflected light from the document in a predetermined direction, and is configured to move along the document. A movable optical unit, a motor for driving the movable optical unit, a fixed mirror for guiding light emitted from the movable optical unit along a predetermined path, and a lens for collecting the light, It includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that photoelectrically converts the light that has passed through the lens and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of the light (that is, the light reflected on the image surface of the document). When reading the image from the document placed on the document table, the movable optical unit irradiates the image surface with light while moving along the document. On the other hand, when reading an image from a document conveyed by the ADF 6b, the movable optical unit is fixed at a predetermined position facing the document conveyance path, and irradiates the document being conveyed with light. The electrical signal output from the CCD is transmitted to the image processing calculation unit 4 as image data.
The ADF 6b is a device that transports documents set on a document supply tray one by one along a predetermined transport path and discharges them to a document discharge tray. The ADF 6b includes, for example, a paper feed roller that feeds documents one by one from a document supply tray to a document transport path, a document transport roller that transports documents in the document transport path, and a motor that drives these rollers. I have.

The print control unit 7 controls the print unit 7a by outputting a control signal to the print unit 7a that executes processing relating to image forming processing.
The print unit 7a sequentially feeds recording sheets stored in a paper feed cassette (not shown) one by one and conveys the recording paper to a paper discharge tray through a predetermined image forming position. At the image forming position, the scanner unit 6a Thus, an image is formed (output) on the recording paper based on the image data of the document read from the document, the print data generated by the image processing calculation unit 4, and the like. Here, the image processing apparatus X functions as a copying machine by performing image forming processing based on image data of a document, and functions as a printer by performing image forming processing based on a print job received from the terminal 31.
The printing unit 7a is, for example, a photosensitive drum that carries an image, a charging device that charges the photosensitive drum, and an exposure that writes an electrostatic latent image based on given image data or a print job on the surface of the photosensitive drum. A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image as a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum onto the recording paper, a motor for driving the photosensitive drum and a roller for conveying the recording paper, and the like. Yes.
Furthermore, the printing unit 7a includes a fixing device that heats and fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper. The fixing device has a heating roller in which a fixing heater 7b is incorporated, and the toner image is transferred. A pressure roller that presses the recording paper against the heating roller, a motor that drives each roller, and the like are also provided.

The post-processing control unit 8 outputs control signals to the shifter 8a, puncher 8b, and stapler 8c that perform various post-processing on the recording paper on which the image has been formed, so that the shifter 8a, puncher 8b, and stapler 8c are output. Is to control.
The shifter 8a includes a movable tray provided with a plurality of paper discharge trays, and the print unit 7a performs image forming processing for a plurality of copies of a group of image data and print jobs (hereinafter referred to as a set of jobs). When performed continuously, the recording sheets are sorted according to a predetermined rule. Here, the movable tray is configured to be able to move the position of each paper discharge tray with respect to the recording paper discharge port.
For example, in the shifter 8a, the movable tray is controlled so that the recording paper after image formation is discharged for each set of jobs or for each same page to each discharge tray. Further, the puncher 8b performs a process of making a punch hole in the recording paper after image formation. The stapler 8c performs a staple binding process on a plurality of recording sheets after image formation. Hereinafter, the shifter 8a, the puncher 8b, and the stapler 8c are collectively referred to as a post-processing execution unit.
Also, a scanner unit 6a that directly performs individual processing of image reading, image formation, and post-processing on recording paper, a printing unit 7a, a scanner control unit 6 that controls each of the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c, and a print control unit. 7 and the post-processing control unit 8 are collectively referred to as a local control unit.

The NIC 5 is a communication interface that transmits and receives data to and from an external device such as a terminal 31 through a network 30 such as a LAN conforming to the standard IEEE 802.3. The NIC 5 is, for example, a process of transmitting image data generated by the image processing calculation unit 4, image data read by the scanner unit 6 a, or data stored in the HDD 3 to the terminal 31, and further, the terminal 31. Processing for receiving various jobs (data processing requests) from the client. Here, the job includes a print job requesting image formation on recording paper, a scan job requesting reading an image from a document, a data filing job requesting to perform the data filing processing, and the like. .
The main power supply 21 and the sub power supply 22 are power supply circuits that supply power to each component of the image processing apparatus X.
As will be described later, the main energization switching circuit 10 switches a part of the main control unit 9 and the like by switching whether one of the sub power sources 22 is connected to a commercial power source in accordance with a control signal received from the NIC 5. This is a switch circuit that switches whether to energize the device. Details thereof will be described later.
Further, the main energization switching circuit 10 is configured to change its switching state also in accordance with a control signal received from the operation unit 1.

The main control unit 9 controls each of the operation unit 1, the display unit 2, the HDD 3, and the image processing calculation unit 4, and further includes the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, and the post-processing control unit 8. In the meantime, information necessary for data processing executed by each control unit and information obtained by the data processing are exchanged.
For example, the main control unit 9 performs, for the print control unit 7, the size of the recording paper serving as the image forming destination, the output image reduction ratio, the density correction value, the color image forming process, or the monochrome image forming process. And the like, the print control unit 7 obtains information on the number of recording sheets on which the image formation has been completed, information on errors that have occurred in the print unit 7a, and the like. Further, the main control unit 9 delivers information on the image reading range in the original to the scanner control unit 6, while the number of originals read from the scanner control unit 7 using the ADF 6b. Information, image data read by the scanner unit 6a, information on errors occurring in the ADF 6b, and the like. Further, the main control unit 9 delivers to the post-processing control unit 8 information regarding the type of sorting processing by the shifter 8a, information on the number of recording sheets to be punched or stapled by the puncher 8b or the stapler 8c, and the like. On the other hand, the post-processing control unit 8 acquires error information and the like generated in the shifter 8a, the puncher 8b, and the stapler 8c.

As described above, the main control unit 9, HDD 3, scanner control unit 6, scanner unit 6a, print control unit 7, print unit 7a, post-processing control unit 8, and post-processing execution units 8a to 8c each have functions. It is a functional block that is classified as a component or a set of components that are processed according to the job.
In addition, the HDD 3 having a motor that rotates the hard disk and the main control unit 9 that controls the HDD 3 have a relationship in which the main control unit 9 is higher and the HDD 3 is lower.
Further, the main control unit 9 is a functional block that exchanges information necessary for data processing or information obtained by data processing with each of the plurality of local control units 6 to 8. The local control units 6 to 8 have a lower order relationship.
The scanner unit 6a and post-processing execution units 8a to 8c, which are functional blocks (an example of a controlled block) that include various motors, are subordinate, and the scanner control unit 6 and post-processing side that controls these units. The control unit 8 has a higher order relationship.
Similarly, the printer 7a includes various motors and a fixing heater 7b, and the print unit 7a, which is a functional block to be controlled (an example of a controlled block), is the lower level, and the print control unit 7 that controls this is the higher level. Have a relationship.
Accordingly, the uppermost functional block is the main control unit 9, the next lower functional block is the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7 and the post-processing control unit 8, and the next lower one (re-lower) functional block. A scanner unit 6a, a print unit 7a, and post-processing execution units 8a to 8c are provided. Thus, each functional block has a hierarchical relationship from the upper level to the lower level.

Next, the configuration of the NIC 5 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
The NIC 5 includes a bus connector 61, a bus control unit 62, an MPU 63, a memory control unit 64, a ROM 65, a flash memory 66, a network control unit 67, a network connector 68, a time measuring unit 69, and the like.
The bus connector 61 is a connector connected to the bus 11, and the bus control unit 62 performs signal transmission with other devices through the bus 11.
The network connector 68 is a connector physically connected to the network 30, and the network control unit 67 performs communication control in conformity with a predetermined network protocol such as standard IEEE 802.3 and TCP / IP.
The MPU 63 executes a program stored in advance in the ROM 65 to relay signal transmission between the bus 11 and the network 30 or when a predetermined process is requested from the terminal 31 via the network 30. The calculation means performs various processes such as a process in response to this. The program to be executed is developed and executed in a RAM (not shown) built in the MPU 63. The MPU 63 accesses the ROM 65 and the flash memory 66 via the memory control unit 64.
The clock unit 69 includes a clock transmitter that generates a transmission signal at a constant period, and measures the current time and the time set by the MPU 63 (hereinafter referred to as a timer setting time) based on the transmission signal. It is. Information on the current time measured by the time measuring unit 69 and information that the time has elapsed since the timer set time is set are transmitted to the MPU 63.

Next, the configuration of the main control unit 9 and the local control units 6 to 8 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the main control unit 9 and the local control units 6 to 8 are collectively referred to as a control unit.
Each of the control units 6 to 9 includes a bus connector 71, a bus control unit 72, an MPU 73, a memory control unit 74, a ROM 75, a flash memory 76, an I / O port 77, and the like.
Here, the bus connector 71, the bus control unit 72, the memory control unit 74, the ROM 75, and the flash memory 76 are the same as the bus connector 61, the bus control unit 62, the memory control unit 64, the ROM 65, and the flash memory 66 provided in the NIC 5, respectively. It has the function of. Of course, it goes without saying that the contents of programs and data stored in the ROM 75 and the flash memory 76 are different from those stored in the ROM 65 and the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5.
The I / O ports 77 of the control units 6 to 9 are signal lines for transmitting control signals output from the control units 6 to 9 to the devices to be controlled, and the control units 6 to 9 are input from various sensors. A signal line for transmitting various detection signals to be connected is connected, and is an interface that relays between these signal lines and the MPU 73.
For example, the I / O port 77 of the main control unit 9 is connected to signal lines leading to devices and sensors that constitute the operation unit 1, the display unit 2, and the HDD 3. The I / O port 77 of the scanner control unit 6 is connected to signal lines leading to devices such as a motor, a light source, and a sensor that constitute the scanner unit 6a, and the I / O port 77 of the print control unit 7 is connected to the I / O port 77. Signal lines leading to devices such as motors, sensors, and heaters provided in the printing unit 7a are connected. Similarly, the I / O port 77 of the post-processing control unit 8 is connected to signal lines that lead to devices and sensors included in the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c.
In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, flash memories 66 and 76 are provided as nonvolatile storage means capable of writing and reading data by the MPUs 63 and 73. Instead of the flash memories 66 and 76, FIG. It is also conceivable to employ other nonvolatile storage means such as an EEPROM.

[Power system]
Next, referring to the power supply system diagram shown in FIG. 4, a first embodiment of the power supply connection relation to each functional block will be described.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the image processing apparatus X includes nine sub power sources 22. Hereinafter, the first sub power source 221 to the ninth sub power source 229 are referred to.
The main power source 21 is a power source that supplies power to the NIC 5, the operation unit 1, and the main energization switching circuit 10.
The main power supply 21 is connected to a commercial power supply 50 that is a base power supply source for the entire image processing apparatus X via a manual changeover switch 40 that switches between turning on and off the power supply line according to a manual operation. It is connected. When the user performs a switching operation of the manual changeover switch 40, whether or not the NIC 5, the operation unit 1, and the main energization switching circuit 10 are energized is switched. Accordingly, the NIC 5, the operation unit 1, and the main energization switching circuit 10 are configured so that the manual changeover switch 40 is switched from the conductive state to the cut-off state by a user operation when the image processing apparatus X is connected to the commercial power supply 50. Unless otherwise, it is always energized. Further, when the manual changeover switch 40 is switched to the shut-off state, the entire image processing apparatus X enters a non-energized state (stopped state).
In FIG. 4, the power supply line is represented by a solid line, and the other signal transmission lines are represented by broken lines.

On the other hand, the first sub power supply 221 is a power supply circuit that supplies power to the main control unit 9, the display unit 2, and the image processing calculation unit 4.
The second sub power supply 222, the third sub power supply 223, and the fourth sub power supply 224 are power supply circuits that supply power to the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, and the post-processing control unit 8, respectively. .
The fifth sub power source 225, the sixth sub power source 226, and the ninth sub power source 229 are power supply circuits that supply power to the HDD 3, the scanner unit 6a, and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c, respectively.
The seventh sub power supply 227 is a power supply circuit that supplies power to devices other than the fixing heater 7b in the printing unit 7a, and the eighth sub power supply 228 supplies power to the fixing heater 7b. A power supply circuit to be supplied.

Further, each of the first sub power supply 221 to the ninth sub power supply 229 automatically switches the commercial power supply 50 between the manual changeover switch 40 and whether the power supply line is turned on or off based on a predetermined control signal. The switches 41 to 49 are connected to each other. As is clear from FIG. 4, the automatic changeover switch 41 and the first sub power supply 221, the automatic changeover switch 42 and the second sub power supply 222,..., And the automatic changeover switch 449 and the ninth sub power supply 229 have a corresponding relationship. .
Thereby, after the manual changeover switch 40 is turned on, each of the sub power sources 221 to 229 is turned on only after the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 are turned on.
Hereinafter, turning on and off the power supply line is referred to as ON and OFF, respectively. Similarly, the state in which the power supply line is conductive and the state in which the power supply line is cut off are referred to as an ON state and an OFF state, respectively.
Whether or not the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 individually energize each of the functional blocks 6 to 10, 6 a, 7 a, and 8 a to 8 c depending on whether each of them is turned on or off. It functions as an energization switching means for switching between.

As shown in FIG. 4, the automatic changeover switch 41 is controlled to be turned on or off (hereinafter referred to as “ON / OFF”) by the main energization switching circuit 10 that operates according to a control signal from the NIC 5. That is, the main energization switching circuit 10 and the NIC 5 that controls the main energization switching circuit 10 control the energization of the main control unit 9, the display unit 2, and the image processing calculation unit 4 by controlling ON / OFF of the automatic switch 41. Thus, the NIC 5 also serves as a part of means for executing energization control for each functional block. Hereinafter, a part (specifically, a program module related to the control of the main energization switching circuit 10 executed by the MPU 63 and the MPU 63) that realizes the control function of the main energization switching circuit 10 among the components of the NIC 5 will be described. It is called 1 energization control execution part.
The first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 is an automatic change-over switch 41 that switches energization to the main control unit 9 that is the highest functional block among a plurality of automatic change-over switches 41 to 49 (corresponding to energization switching means). Control only. Here, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 outputs a control signal to the main energization switching circuit 10 through the bus 11.
Further, all of the automatic changeover switches 42 to 45 are controlled to be turned ON / OFF by the main control unit 9. That is, the main control unit 9 controls energization of each of the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, the post-processing control unit 8, and the HDD 3 which are functional blocks one level lower than the main control unit 9.
The automatic changeover switch 46, the automatic changeover switches 47 and 48, and the automatic changeover switch 49 are controlled to be turned ON / OFF by the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, and the post-processing control unit 8, respectively. . That is, the scanner control unit 6 controls energization to the scanner unit 6a, which is a functional block one level lower than that. Similarly, the print control unit 7 controls energization to the print unit 7a which is a functional block one level lower than that. Further, the post-processing control unit 8 controls energization to the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c, which are functional blocks one level lower than that. In addition, each control part 6-9 outputs a control signal with respect to the automatic changeover switches 42-49 through the I / O port 77 with which each is provided, and the process which outputs the control signal is each control part 6- 9 is realized by the MPU 73 included in 9 executing a predetermined program. Hereinafter, among the components of each control unit 6-9, the part for realizing the control function of the automatic changeover switches 42-49 (specifically, the MPU 73 and the automatic changeover switches 42-49 executed by the MPU 73). The program module related to control) is referred to as a second energization control execution unit.
As described above, the second energization control execution unit of each of the control units 6 to 9 is another functional block one level lower than its own functional block (the functional block) among the plurality of automatic changeover switches 41 to 49. Only those that switch the energization to are controlled.

Next, the basic operation of energization control for each functional block will be described.
First, a basic operation when starting energization of each functional block when each functional block is not energized will be described. Hereinafter, a state in which the functional block is not energized is referred to as “no energization state”, and an energized state is referred to as “energization state”.
[Basic operation for starting energization]
When switching each functional block from the “non-energized state” to the “energized state”, first, the first energization control execution unit and the main energization switching circuit 10 in the NIC 5 switch the automatic changeover switch 41 from the OFF state to the ON state. . As a result, the energization state for the main control unit 9 which is the highest-level functional block is switched from the “no energization state” to the “energization present state”.
Next, when the main control unit 9 enters the “energized state”, the second energization control execution unit in the main control unit 9 is one level lower than the main control unit 9 among the automatic changeover switches 42 to 45. The one corresponding to the functional block (one that needs energization) is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. As a result, the functional block (one or more of the HDD 3 and the local control units 6 to 8) one level lower than the main control unit 9 is switched to the “energized state”.
Further, when the local control units 6 to 8 are in the “energized state”, the second energization control execution unit in the local control units 6 to 8 is one of the automatic changeover switches 46 to 49 with respect to the local control unit. The one corresponding to the functional block in the lower hierarchy (the one requiring energization) is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. As a result, the functional block (one or more of the scanner unit 6a, the print unit 7a, and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c) lower than the local control units 6 to 8 is switched to the “energized state”.
As described above, in the image processing apparatus X, the function block is “energized” by the action of the first energization control execution unit and the main energization switching circuit 10 in the NIC 5 and the second energization control execution unit in each of the control units 6 to 9. When switching from "None" to "Electrified", execute the hierarchical energization control process to switch the energized state of each functional block to switch those functional blocks from "Higher" to "Lower" in order. .

[Basic operation to stop energization]
Next, a basic operation for stopping energization of each functional block when each functional block is in the “energized state” will be described.
First, the first energization control execution unit in the NIC 5 is a lower functional block than the main control unit 9 when switching the main control unit 9 to be controlled from the “energized state” to the “no energized state”. It is confirmed that each of the local control units 6 to 8 and the lower-level functional blocks of the scanner unit 6a, the print unit 7a, and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c are all in the “no power supply state”. Only when it is confirmed, the automatic changeover switch 41 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state. That is, when the confirmation cannot be performed, switching the automatic changeover switch 41 from the ON state to the OFF state is prohibited.
In addition, the second energization control execution unit in the main control unit 9 is further subordinate to the scanner control unit 6 when the scanner control unit 6 to be controlled is switched from the “energized state” to the “no energized state”. It is confirmed that the scanner unit 6a, which is all functional blocks, is in the “non-energized state”, and the automatic changeover switch 42 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state only when it is confirmed. That is, when the confirmation cannot be performed, switching the automatic changeover switch 42 from the ON state to the OFF state is prohibited.
Similarly, when the second energization control execution unit in the main control unit 9 switches the print control unit 7 or the post-processing control unit 8 to be controlled from the “energized state” to the “no energized state”, the print control is performed. When the printing unit 7a or the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c, which are all functional blocks lower than the unit 7 or the post-processing control unit 8, are confirmed to be in the “no power supply state” and confirmed. Only the automatic changeover switch 43 or 44 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state. That is, when the confirmation cannot be performed, switching the automatic changeover switch 43 or 44 from the ON state to the OFF state is prohibited.

As described above, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 and the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 (those having lower functional blocks than the functional block that is the target of the energization control) The process of switching the functional block one level lower, which is the control target, to the “non-energized state” is executed only when it is confirmed that the lower functional block is in the “non-energized state”. As a result, each of the local control units 6 to 8 which are functional blocks on the control side is controlled before the scanner unit 6a, the printing unit 7a and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c which are functional blocks on the controlled side. It can be surely prevented from falling into an unsafe situation where it can be switched to the “no power supply state”.
Here, as a method of confirming the energization state of the functional block further lower than the functional block subject to energization control, for example, for the functional block in the “energized state” subject to control, the lower side It may be possible to inquire about the energization state of the functional block and confirm it based on a response to the inquiry. In addition, it is conceivable that the latest energization state of each functional block is stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 and the energization state of the lower functional block is confirmed by referring to the stored contents. In this case, each functional block having the second energization control execution unit is provided with a function for notifying the NIC 5 of switching information of the energization state of the functional block one layer lower, and further, the NIC 5 is notified by each functional block. Based on this, a function for storing the latest energization state of each functional block in the flash memory 66 may be provided.

In the image processing apparatus X, when power is supplied to each functional block, for example, the NIC 5 or the main control unit 9 performs the following two conditions (hereinafter referred to as a first sleep condition and a second sleep condition, respectively). ) Is determined. When any one of the sleep conditions is satisfied, the image processing apparatus X shifts to a sleep mode in which the power supply to each functional block is interrupted according to the basic operation for stopping the power supply described above.
When the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 shifts to the sleep mode, the sleep mode shift reason information indicating which of the first sleep condition and the second sleep condition is satisfied is transferred to the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5. Shall be recorded.

[First sleep condition]
The first sleep condition is a condition that the current date and time belong to a time zone set in the sleep mode in a predetermined weekly schedule. Hereinafter, controlling the energization state of each functional block by controlling the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 according to a predetermined weekly schedule is referred to as weekly timer control.
FIG. 7 schematically shows the contents of a weekly schedule for weekly timer control. Each square in FIG. 7 is a time zone defined by the day of the week (Monday to Sunday) and the time (00 hour to 23 hour). In addition, blank cells represent time zones set in the sleep mode, and cells marked with “*” represent time zones set in the normal mode in which each functional block is energized. .
For example, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 stores the weekly schedule information shown in FIG. 7 in the flash memory 66 in advance. Further, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 periodically acquires the current time measured by the time measuring unit 69, and the current time is stored in the flash memory 66 in the weekly schedule and in the sleep mode and the normal mode. Which time zone is set is determined. Then, the first energization control execution unit controls the automatic changeover switch 41 through the main energization switching circuit 10 according to the determination result, and further notifies the control units 6 to 9 through the bus 11 of energization control information. By doing this, the second energization control execution unit of each of the control units 6 to 9 is controlled to perform the automatic changeover switches 42 to 49. In other words, the NIC 5 also functions as a weekly timer control function.
The main control unit 9 has a weekly schedule setting function that allows the user to set the contents of the weekly schedule by controlling the operation unit 1 and the display unit 2. The weekly schedule set by the weekly schedule setting function is transmitted from the main control unit 9 to the NIC 5, and the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 stores it in the flash memory 66.

[Second sleep condition]
The second sleep condition is determined in advance when there is no operation input through the operation unit 1 and no data is received from the terminal 31 through the network 30 when the first sleep condition is not satisfied. It is a condition that it continues for a predetermined time.
For example, when the NIC 5 determines whether or not the second sleep condition is successful, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 detects the presence / absence of an operation input to the operation unit 1 via the main energization switching circuit 10 and The presence / absence of data reception from the terminal 31 is detected via the control unit 67. In this case, every time an operation input is made to the operation unit 1, a control signal indicating that is sent from the operation unit 1 to the main energization switching circuit through a signal line connecting the operation unit 1 and the main energization switching circuit 10. 10 and further transmitted from the main energization switching circuit 10 to the NIC 5 through the bus 11.
Further, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 sets the timer setting time in the time measuring unit 69 and acquires a response from the time measuring unit 69, so that there is no operation input through the operation unit 1 and the network 30. It is detected that a state in which no data is received from the terminal 31 is continued for a predetermined time or more. Then, the first energization control execution unit controls the automatic changeover switch 41 through the main energization switching circuit 10 according to the detection result, and further notifies the control units 6 to 9 through the bus 11 of energization control information. By doing this, the second energization control execution unit of each of the control units 6 to 9 is controlled to perform the automatic changeover switches 42 to 49.

Next, the contents of the job received by the NIC 5 from the terminal 31 through the network 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 illustrates a data configuration of a print job that is an example of a job.
As shown in FIG. 6, the print job includes an overall header portion 000d in which various information about the entire print job is set, a page header portion 100d in which various information about the print page is set for each print page, It includes image data 105d (image data to be image-formed) for each print page.
Here, the entire header portion 000d includes, for example, the following information regarding the print job.
(1) Sender ID 001d, which is identification information of the sender (the user of the terminal 31 that is the sender)
(2) Transmission date and time 002d
(3) A data file name 003d representing the name of the data file that is the origin of the print job generated at the terminal 31 (for example, the origin of the print job generated by executing the printing process of word processing software or spreadsheet software) The name of the data file
(4) Page description language (PDL) type 004d used for expressing the print job (PCL, ESC / P, GDI, etc.)
(5) Number of pages to be printed 005d
(6) Number of copies 006d
(7) Double-sided printing designation information 007d indicating whether to print on both sides or one side of the recording paper
(8) Print order designation information 008d for designating in what page order printing is performed for a plurality of pages.
(9) Shifter process designation information 009d for designating the contents of the sort process when requesting the sort process of the recording paper by the shifter 8a
(10) Punch process designation information 010d for designating whether or not to perform the hole punching process by the puncher 8b
(11) Staple processing designation information 011d for designating whether or not to perform the staple processing by the stapler 8c.
(12) A reserved time 012d for designating a time for executing the image forming process based on the print job
(13) Immediate process designation information 013d indicating whether or not the print job is a request to immediately execute the image forming process
(14) Secret designation information 014d indicating whether or not the content of the image of the print job is confidential information with high confidentiality.
(15) Information regarding a specific user (such as a user ID) is set in a case where an image forming process based on the print job is requested only when user authentication for the specific user is successful. Confidential designation information 015d

Further, the page header portion 100d includes, for example, the following information regarding each print page.
(1) Recording paper size 101d as an image output destination
(2) Paper cassette designation information 102d for designating a paper cassette as a supply source of recording paper as an image output destination
(3) Magnification 103d representing image reduction ratio or enlargement ratio
(4) Image data format 104d (bitmap format, JPEG format, TIF format, etc.)
As described above, the print job includes various types of information related to the print job. Although an example of the contents of a print job has been described here, other jobs (scan job, data filing job) also include similar information corresponding to each.

Next, a process in which the image processing apparatus X shifts from the sleep mode to the normal mode (hereinafter referred to as a sleep mode release process) will be described.
[Sleep mode canceling process according to operation input]
When the image processing apparatus X is in the sleep mode, the image processing apparatus X executes the sleep mode cancellation process in response to an operation input to the operation unit 1.
Specifically, when there is any operation input to the operation unit 1 in the sleep mode, a control signal indicating that is transmitted from the operation unit 1 to the main energization switching circuit 10, and the main energization switching circuit 10 switches the automatic changeover switch 41 to “ON”.
Thereafter, the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 controls the automatic changeover switches 42 to 45 in accordance with the contents of the operation input to the operation unit 1 and the local control in the “energized state”. By controlling the units 6 to 8, the necessary functional blocks are switched to the “energized state”.

[Sleep mode release processing according to data reception]
When the image processing apparatus X is in the sleep mode and the job is received from the terminal 31 by the NIC 5, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 and the control units 6 to 9 that are in the “energized state”. The second energization control execution unit performs sleep mode cancellation processing (control to start energization of each functional block) by controlling the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 based on the contents of the job.
Hereinafter, the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process according to the data reception by the NIC 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that S1, S2,... Shown below represent identification symbols of processing procedures (steps).

[Steps S1, S2]
First, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 temporarily stores in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 jobs received from the terminal 31 through the network 30 in the past from the transition to the sleep mode to the present. If the reserved time 012d is set, it is determined whether or not the current time and date acquired from the time measuring unit 69 has passed the reserved time 012d (S1). Here, the process of temporarily storing the job in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 will be described later.
Further, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines whether or not new data is received from the terminal 31 through the network 30 (S2). The first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 repeats the processes of steps S1 and S2 until the current date / time passes the reservation time 012d or new data is received from the terminal 31. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus X is a job that has newly received through the network 30 a job (a job stored in the flash memory 66) that has been determined in step S1 that the current date and time has passed the reservation time 012d. It is assumed that the process is executed.

[Steps S3, 4, S20]
Next, when determining that new data has been received from the terminal 31, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines whether or not the received data is a job (data processing request) (S3). If it is determined that the job is not a job, a predetermined process (indicated as “other process” in the figure) corresponding to the content of the data is executed (S20), and then the process proceeds to step S1 described above. return.
On the other hand, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines that the new received data is a job (Y in S3), or determines that the current date and time has passed the reserved time 012d (Y in S1). ) Is executed to determine the current state of the own apparatus (the image processing apparatus X) (S4).
For example, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines whether the current state of the own device is the free capacity of the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5, or the establishment of any of the first sleep condition and the second sleep condition. It is determined whether the current sleep mode has been shifted (reason for shifting to the sleep mode), the number of jobs held in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5, and the like. Here, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines the sleep condition that is the reason for the transition to the sleep mode based on the sleep mode transition reason information stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5.

[Step S5]
Next, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines the contents of the job received during the sleep mode (see FIG. 6) and the state of the image processing apparatus X determined in step S4 (when the job is received). In accordance with a predetermined power control rule based on the example of the state of the image processing apparatus X, whether or not the first sub power supply 221 is energized (that is, whether or not the main control unit 9, the display unit 2, and the image processing calculation unit 4 are energized) ) And the process to be executed (S5).
FIG. 8 shows an example of a power supply control rule in the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5.
In the power supply control rule illustrated in FIG. 8, the following items are set as items of the state of the own device that can be a determination target. These items are items that the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines in the process of step S4.
(1) The sleep condition 201d that caused the transition to the sleep mode
(2) Free space 202d of flash memory 66 of NIC5
(3) Number of jobs 203d held in the flash memory 66 of NIC5

In addition, the following items are set as items of job contents that can be determined. The first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines each of these items by referring to the contents of the entire header unit 000d and the page header unit 100d included in the job, and performs energization control based on the determination result.
(1) Sender's authority 301d
This item is for determining the authority of the job sender. Here, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines whether the sender is a normal user based on the sender ID 001d included in the job and the user information stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 in advance. It is determined whether the user is a super user having a large authority.
(2) Image data format 302d in the print job (corresponding to image data format 104d in FIG. 6)
(3) Page description language 303d in the print job (corresponding to PDL type 004d in FIG. 6)
(4) Confidential designation 304d (with or without designation) by confidential designation information 015d
(5) Post-processing designation 305d (shifter processing designation information 009d, punching processing designation information 010d, and stapling processing designation information 011d in the print job indicates whether one or more of shifter processing, punching processing, and stapling processing are designated. Or)
(6) Designation of reserved time 012d 306d (whether or not the job reserves execution of data processing)
(7) Immediate processing designation 307d (whether or not immediate processing is designated by the immediate processing designation information 013d)
(8) Secret information designation 308d by secret designation information 014d (with or without designation)
(9) Size of processing target data included in job 309d (processing target data is the size of image data to be image-formed in the case of a print job, and data to be written to HDD 3 in the case of a data filing job) Refers to a file)
(10) File format 310d of data to be processed (in the case of a print job, the file format determined by the extension of data file name 003d ("TXT", "DOC", etc.))
(11) Job type 311d (print job, scan job, data filing job)

The power control rule illustrated in FIG. 8 is a unit rule that is a combination of the contents of the items 201d to 203d relating to the state of the image processing apparatus X and the contents of the items 301d to 311d relating to the job contents according to an AND condition (FIG. 8). The rule number 401d (R1, R2,..., The energization state 402d (ON / OFF) of the first sub power supply 221 and the process 403d to be executed are set for each vertical column in FIG.
Here, as a combination of the energization state 402d of the first sub power supply 221 and the processing 403d to be executed, the first sub power supply 221 is not energized (OFF), and the received job is stored in the flash memory of the NIC5. 66, the first sub power supply 221 is energized (ON), and the received job is delivered to the main control unit 9 via the bus 11 (in the figure, There are two patterns: “I”.
In FIG. 8, among the items in the unit rule, items whose contents are not set (the cells are blank) represent items that do not refer to the contents.
Then, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines whether or not the condition of each unit rule is satisfied in order (R1, R2,..., Rn) in accordance with the rule number 401d, and the condition is satisfied first. Whether the first sub power source 221 is energized is determined according to the energization state 402d of the first sub power source 221 corresponding to the unit rule.
The main control unit 9 has a power control rule setting function that allows the user to set a part or all of the unit rules by controlling the operation unit 1 and the display unit 2. The power control rule set by the power control rule setting function is transmitted from the main control unit 9 to the NIC 5, and the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 stores it in the flash memory 66.

In the power supply control rule illustrated in FIG. 8, the sleep condition 201 d that is the reason for shifting to the sleep mode is the second sleep condition (continuation of the no-input state), and the free capacity 201 d of the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5. Is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, the sender's authority 301d is “superuser”, the reservation time designation 306d is “present”, the secret designation 308d is “none”, and When the size 309d of the processing target data is less than the predetermined size, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines that the received job should be recorded in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 without energizing the first sub power supply 221. (Rule number R1).
In other cases, the sleep condition 201d is the second sleep condition, the free space 201d of the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, and the sender's authority 301d is " If the user is “normal user”, the immediate processing designation 307d is “none”, the secret designation 308d is “none”, and the size 309d of the processing target data is less than the predetermined size, the NIC 5 The first energization control execution unit determines that the received job should be recorded in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 without energizing the first sub power supply 221 (rule number R2).

In other cases, the sleep condition 201d is the first sleep condition (weekly timer control), and the number of jobs 203d already held in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 is less than the predetermined number. Yes, the sender's authority 301d is “normal user”, the page description language 303d is “ESC / P” or “PCL”, the secret designation 308d is “none”, and When the job type 311 d is “print job”, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines that the received job should be recorded in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 without energizing the first sub power supply 221. (Rule number R3).
In other cases, the sleep condition 201d is the first sleep condition, the number of jobs 203d already held in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 is less than the predetermined number, and transmission is performed. The authority 301d of the user is “normal user”, the secret designation 308d is “none”, the file format 310d of the processing target data is “TXT” (text data), and the job type 311d Is a “print job” or “data filing job”, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 does not energize the first sub power supply 221 and should record the received job in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5. Discriminate (rule number R4).
In cases other than the above, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 energizes the first sub power supply 221 and determines that the received job should be delivered to the main control unit 9 (rule number R5).

[Steps S6, S7, S8]
If the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines that energization of the first sub power source 221 is not necessary in step S5, the first job control execution unit stores the received job in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 in association with the related information ( S6) Further, the process proceeds to step S14 described later. The job stored in the flash memory 66 in step S6 becomes a job that can be a check target at the reservation time 012d in step S1 described above.
Here, the related information stored in association with the job in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 includes, for example, the sender ID 001d of the transmission source of the job, the storage date / time (acceptance date / time) of the job, the data size of the job, and the like. It is.
Further, the NIC 5 has a function (hold job processing function) for executing processing (hold job processing described later) related to a job stored (hold) in the flash memory 66 in response to a request from the terminal 31. The contents will be described later.
On the other hand, if the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 determines that energization to the first sub power source 221 is necessary in step S5, the first sub energization switch 41 turns on the automatic changeover switch 41 to turn on the first sub power supply 221. The power source 221 is energized (S7). As a result, the main control unit 9, the display unit 2, and the image processing calculation unit 4 enter the “energized state”.
Further, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 hands over the received job and the state of the own device, which is the result determined in step S4, to the main control unit 9 that is in the “energized state” (S8). At this time, if the reserved time 012d is set for the job, the first energization control execution unit of the NIC 5 stores the entire header unit 000d included in the job in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 (S8). . As a result, the reserved time 012d and information (such as the sender ID 001d and the transmission date 002d) that can be used for identifying the job are stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5.

[Step S9]
Next, the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 performs the second sub power supply 222 according to a predetermined power control rule based on the contents of the job delivered from the NIC 5 (that is, the job received during the sleep mode). To the ninth sub power supply 229 (that is, whether the local control units 6 to 8, the HDD 3, the scanner unit 6a, the print unit 7a, and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c need to be energized) and processing to be executed Is discriminated (S9). At that time, the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 determines the contents of the job by referring to the contents of the entire header part 000d included in the job, and performs energization control based on the determination result.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a power control rule in the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9.
In the power control rule illustrated in FIG. 9, when the post-processing designation 305 d in the job is “present” and the job type 311 d is “print job”, the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 is Only the third sub power source 223 to the fifth sub power source 225 and the seventh sub power source 227 to the ninth sub power source 229 are energized, and normal processing (image forming processing and post processing) corresponding to the received job is performed. Is determined to be executed (rule number S6). As a result, the HDD 3, the print control unit 7, the print unit 7a, the post-processing control unit 8, and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c enter the “energized state”, and image forming processing and post-processing (shifter processing, punching) according to the job. Processing, stapling processing).
In cases other than the above, and when the job type 311d is “print job”, the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 performs the third sub power supply 223, the fifth sub power supply 225, the seventh Only the sub power source 227 and the eighth sub power source 228 are energized, and it is determined that normal processing (image forming processing) corresponding to the received job is to be executed (rule number S7). As a result, the HDD 3, the print control unit 7, and the print unit 7a enter the “energized state”, and an image forming process corresponding to the job is executed.

In cases other than the above, and when the job type 311d is “scan job”, the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 performs the second sub power supply 222, the fifth sub power supply 225, and the sixth sub power supply 225. Only the sub power source 226 is energized, and it is determined that normal processing (original image reading processing) corresponding to the received job should be executed (rule number S8). As a result, the HDD 3, the scanner control unit 6, and the scanner unit 6a enter the “energized state”, and image reading processing corresponding to the job is executed.
In cases other than the above, when the job type 311d is “data filing job”, the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 energizes only the fifth sub power source 225 for the HDD 3. Then, it is determined that normal processing (data filing processing) corresponding to the received job should be executed (rule number S9). As a result, the HDD 3 enters the “energized state”, and the data filing process corresponding to the job is executed.

[Steps S10 and S11]
Then, the second energization control execution unit of the main control unit 9 determines, among the second sub power source 222 to the fifth sub power source 225, that the energization is necessary in step S9, the automatic changeover switches 42 to 42 corresponding thereto. Energization is performed by turning on only 45 (S10). If it is determined that energization is not required for any of the sub power supplies, the automatic changeover switches 42 to 45 are not switched, and the process proceeds to step S12 described later. As a result, only necessary ones of the HDD 3, the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, and the post-processing control unit 8 are in the “energized state”.
On the other hand, the local control units 6 to 8 that are set to the “energized state” by the main control unit 9 correspond to the sub power sources (any one of the sixth sub power source 226 to the ninth sub power source 229) corresponding thereto. Then, energization is performed by turning on the corresponding automatic changeover switches 46 to 49 (S11), and the process proceeds to step S12. Accordingly, only necessary ones of the scanner unit 6a, the print unit 7a, and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c are in the “energized state”.

[Steps S12 and S13]
By the processing of steps S9 to S11 described above, the main control unit 9 necessary for performing normal processing corresponding to the job, the local control units 6 to 8, and the functional blocks (scanner unit 6a, print) controlled thereby. Since the unit 7a and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c) are in the “energized state”, the functional blocks in the “energized state” execute normal processing corresponding to the job (S12). Further, in this step S12, when a job that can be processed by the functional block in the “energized state” at this time is stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5, processing corresponding to the job is also performed. Executed.
Next, information (job itself and its header part) related to the job subjected to normal processing in step S12 is stored (remaining) in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 by the processing in steps S8 and S6. In this case, all the stored information is erased after the execution of the normal process in step S12 (S13).

[Steps S14 and S15]
After the processes in steps S1 to S13 are performed as described above, the NIC 5 or the main control unit 9 determines whether or not the two sleep conditions (the first sleep condition or the second sleep condition) described above are satisfied. (S14).
When any of these sleep conditions is satisfied, the image processing apparatus X shifts to a sleep mode in which the power supply to each functional block is interrupted in accordance with the basic operation for stopping the power supply described above (S15). Thereafter, the process returns to step S1 described above.
As described above, the image processing apparatus X controls whether or not to individually energize each of the plurality of functional blocks 3, 6-9, 6a, 7a, 8a-8c divided according to the function. I do. When the image processing apparatus X is in the sleep mode (power saving state), only the minimum necessary functional blocks are “energized” according to the content of the job received from the terminal 31 through the NIC 5 and the state of the own apparatus. Control to be "state". As a result, power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the prior art.

Further, the image processing apparatus X has the following characteristics by performing energization control according to the control rule illustrated in FIG.
For example, the unit rule with the rule number R2 that requires that the immediate process designation 307d is “none” is a rule for determining that the data process is not a job that should be executed immediately.
Accordingly, the first energization control execution unit that the NIC 5 also has has a function of the NIC 5 by following the unit rule of the rule number R2 when a job that uses the functional block in the sleep mode state (no energization state) is received from the terminal 31. When it is determined that the content of the received job is not a job for which the data processing is to be executed immediately, the processing for storing the job in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 (S6) is performed.

Thereafter, a new job is received, and a condition that a predetermined number of jobs or more are stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5, or a condition that the remaining capacity of the flash memory storing the job is less than a predetermined size. When is established, the unit rule of rule number R2 is not applied, and any of the unit rules of rule number R5 and S6 to S9 is applied. When the unit rules of rule numbers R5 and S6 to S9 are applied, the first energization control execution unit and the second energization control execution unit (hereinafter collectively referred to as energization control execution unit) The function block corresponding to the job stored in the memory 66 is switched from the “energized state” to the “energized state” (S10, S11), and the functional block in the “energized state” is added to the job. Corresponding processing is executed (S12).
As described above, the first energization control execution unit included in the NIC 5 receives a plurality of jobs during the sleep mode and stores them in the flash memory 66 (an example of job storage means), and then a predetermined condition (energization start condition) is set. When established, the function blocks corresponding to them are switched from the “no power supply state” to the “energization state”, and the stored job is processed by the corresponding function block through the main control unit 9 (job hold control). Example of means). As a result, a plurality of jobs stored in the flash memory 66 are processed together, so that the energization frequency for the functional block is reduced and the power consumption of the image processing apparatus X is suppressed. The storage means for storing the job does not necessarily have to be provided in the image processing apparatus X. For example, a storage unit of an external apparatus (such as a file server) with which the NIC 5 can communicate via the network 30 is used as the storage destination of the job. It can also be considered.
In addition to the control rules illustrated in FIG. 8, as a condition for starting the processing corresponding to the job stored in the flash memory 66 by the energization control execution unit, for example, the data size of the job stored in the flash memory 66 It is also possible to consider a condition that the total of the above has become a predetermined size or more, a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the first job was stored in the flash memory 66, and the like.

In addition, since the energization control unit can change the content of energization control according to the authority 301d of the job sender, flexible energization control according to the authority of the user is possible.
In addition, when the job secret designation 308d is set to “present”, the energization control unit switches the function block corresponding to the job from “no energization state” to “energization present state”. You can switch to a state where you can process the job immediately. As a result, a highly confidential job is not stored in the flash memory 66 for a long time, and it is possible to prevent leakage of highly confidential job information.

By the way, as shown in the power supply system diagram in FIG. 4, in the first embodiment of the connection relation of the power supply to each functional block, the control means for switching the energization state of each functional block by the hierarchical energization control processing is the NIC 5 The first energization control execution unit and the second energization control execution units of the control units 6 to 9 are configured to be distributed.
However, the NIC 5 that is energized even during the sleep mode is configured to perform the hierarchical energization control process by performing energization control on all the functional blocks 3, 6-9, 7a, 8a-8c. Examples are also possible.
FIG. 10 is a power supply system diagram showing a second embodiment of the power supply connection relationship in the image processing apparatus X. In the image processing apparatus X having the configuration of the second embodiment, the NIC 5 performs the hierarchical energization control process.
As shown in FIG. 10, the NIC 5 individually outputs control signals to all the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 through the energization switching circuit 10 a corresponding to the main energization switching circuit 10 shown in FIG. 4.
In the case of the second embodiment, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 executes a predetermined control program to control the energization of the first sub power supply 221 to the ninth sub power supply 229 according to the control rules shown in FIGS. Do. In this case, the NIC 5 also serves as all the means for executing energization control for each functional block.
Such a configuration is also one embodiment of the present invention.

Next, the hold job processing function provided in the NIC 5 will be described.
As described above, when the image processing apparatus X is in the sleep mode (when each functional block is in the “no power supply state”), the pending job processing function is performed by the NIC 5 in response to a request from the terminal 31. This is a function for executing a hold job process, which is a predetermined process related to a job (hereinafter referred to as a hold job) stored in the flash memory 66, and is a function realized by the MPU 63 of the NIC 5.
Here, there are three types of pending job processing shown in the following (1) to (3).
(1) Job information transmission processing for transmitting information on a pending job to the requesting terminal 31.
(2) Job deletion processing for deleting a pending job.
(3) Immediate job execution processing that activates a function block necessary for the execution of a suspended job and immediately executes it.
The information on the pending job transmitted to the terminal 31 by the job information transmission process includes, for example, the sender ID 001d of the job source stored in the flash memory 66 in association with the job, the job storage date and time (acceptance date and time) ), In addition to the job data size, other information that can be used as a reference to estimate when the execution start condition of the hold job is satisfied (the number of hold jobs, the total data size of all hold jobs, the flash memory 66 Free space, the next scheduled start-up time based on the weekly schedule of the weekly timer control, etc.).
Each pending job processing request includes a sender ID of a request source in addition to a command for identifying the type of the request.

Next, the processing procedure (S31 to S44) of the pending job processing function provided in the NIC 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[Steps S31, S32, S50]
First, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 monitors whether new data is received from the terminal 31 through the network 30 (S31).
When the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines that new data has been received from the terminal 31, it determines whether or not the received data is a request for pending job processing (S32). If it is determined that the request is not a pending job processing request, a predetermined processing (indicated as “other processing” in the figure) corresponding to the content of the data is executed (S50), and then the above-described steps The process returns to S31.

[Steps S33 to S35]
On the other hand, if the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines that the new received data is a request for pending job processing (Y in S32), the sender ID included in the pending job processing request (similar to the sender ID 001d included in the job). ) And the information stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5, user authentication processing of the request source is performed (S 33).
In this user authentication process, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 is based on the sender ID included in the request for the pending job process and the user information stored in advance in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 in the same way as when receiving the job described above. , It is determined whether or not the sender is a super user having higher authority than the normal user.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 collates the sender ID included in the pending job processing request with the sender ID stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 in association with the pending job, thereby It is discriminated whether or not the user is a normal user who is the sender. As a result of this user authentication, it is determined whether the requester of the pending job process is a super user, a normal user (authentication success), or none of them (authentication failure).
Next, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 switches processing according to the result of user authentication (success / failure, super user or normal user) (S34, S36).
That is, when user authentication fails (not a super user or normal user), the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 sends an error message to the request source of the pending job processing that the request cannot be accepted because user authentication has failed. Then, the process returns to step S31 described above.

[Steps S37 to S39]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the sender of the request is a super user, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 executes a process of selecting one or a plurality of jobs from all the pending jobs in the flash memory 66 (S37). .
For example, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 transmits list information including identification information of all held jobs to the requesting terminal 31, and selects a held job to be processed based on the identification information returned from the terminal 31. .
Next, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines the type of the pending job process requested (S38), and if it is determined that the request is an immediate job execution process, based on the type of the pending job selected in step S37. Then, the sub power source 22 that needs to be energized for processing the job is determined, and the sub power source 22 is energized (S39). The correspondence relationship between the type of the pending job and the necessary sub power supply 22 is a correspondence relationship based on the power control rule shown in FIG.
Here, when the image processing apparatus X has the power supply system shown in FIG. 4, the sub-power supply 22 is energized by the NIC 5 controlling the main energization switching circuit 10, so ) And the other sub power sources 222 to 229 (other functional blocks 3, 6, 7, 8, etc.) indirectly through the activated main control unit 9.
When the image processing apparatus X has the power supply system shown in FIG. 10, the NIC 5 directly supplies power to the sub power supplies 221 to 229 (each functional block) by controlling the power supply switching circuit 10 a.
If the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines that the request is for a job information transmission process or a job deletion process, the process proceeds to step S41 to be described later.

[Step S40]
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 outputs a predetermined notification command to the activated main control unit 9 to acquire a notification mail (e-mail) for a predetermined administrator generated by the main control unit 9, The data is transmitted to an e-mail server (not shown) (S40), and then the process proceeds to the next step S41. In this notification mail, a predetermined administrator's mail address is set as the destination (transmission destination), and the user ID of the request source of the job immediate execution processing, the request date and time, etc. are included as notification information in the body of the email. .
As described above, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 has a function of transmitting an e-mail addressed to the administrator when receiving a request for immediate job execution processing from the terminal 31 and accepting the request (S40). It is possible to prevent an easy request for immediate job execution processing that is likely to be contrary to optimization.

[Steps S41 and S42]
Further, in step S41, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 executes the requested hold job process for the hold job selected in step S37 (S41).
Further, if the executed process is an immediate job execution process, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 stops energization of the sub power source 22 (functional block) activated in step S39 (switches to “no energization state”). As a result, the mode is shifted to the sleep mode (S42), and the process returns to step S31 described above.
The processes in steps S37 to S42 described above are processes when the request source of the pending job process is a super user.

[Steps S43 to S45]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the sender of the request is a normal user, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines the type of requested pending job processing (S43).
When the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines that the requested hold job process is the job information transmission process or the job deletion process, the hold job corresponding to the normal user who has been successfully authenticated among the hold jobs in the flash memory 66. A process of selecting one or a plurality of jobs is executed (S44).
For example, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 transmits the list information including the identification information of the hold job corresponding to the normal user to the requesting terminal 31, and sets the processing target based on the identification information returned from the terminal 31. Select a held job.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 executes the requested hold job process for the hold job selected in step S44 (S45), and then returns the process to the above-described step S31.

[Step S46]
On the other hand, if the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines in step S43 that the requested hold job process is an immediate job execution process, the request is not accepted by the terminal 31 that transmitted the request (cannot be executed). A message to that effect is transmitted (S46), and then the process returns to step S31 described above.
The processing in steps S43 to S46 described above is processing when the request source of the pending job processing is a normal user.
As described above, the image processing apparatus X responds to a request from the terminal 31 without energizing the function block that is stopped (non-energized) when in the sleep mode (power saving state). Sending or changing the status of the pending job (deletion or immediate processing). As a result, the user can grasp or change the status of the pending job by accessing the NIC 5 of the image processing apparatus X at the terminal 31. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption as compared with a case where a stopped functional block (display unit or the like) is activated each time a held job is grasped or changed.
Further, the NIC 5 controls whether or not to execute the hold job processing based on the user ID (an example of authentication information) received from the terminal 31 (S34, S36: an example of the hold job processing authentication control unit). A person who can request processing can be limited to a sender of a suspended job (normal user) or a super user having specific authority. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of referring to or deleting the pending job by another person, or the inconvenience that the immediate job execution process is easily performed by a person who does not have a certain authority and the power consumption increases.

In the above-described hold job processing, when the request for the immediate job execution processing is received from the terminal 31, an example in which notification to the administrator is performed by e-mail transmission is shown. However, the NIC 5 is a terminal for the administrator A configuration in which the same content is notified to 31 is also possible.
In the above-described hold job processing, when a request for immediate job execution processing is received from the terminal 31, it is controlled whether or not the hold job is immediately processed based on the user authority of the transmission source (S36 to S41). ) An example is shown, but other examples are possible as shown below.
For example, a predetermined identification code is included in the notification mail addressed to the administrator, and the identification code is stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 receives an e-mail (new mail) addressed to the image processing apparatus X by periodically accessing an e-mail server (not shown) for a certain period after the notification mail addressed to the administrator is transmitted. Whether or not it is an e-mail (an e-mail indicating that immediate processing of a pending job is permitted) including the same identification code (an example of information indicating whether job immediate execution processing can be executed) stored in the flash memory 66 To check.
The MPU 63 of the NIC 5 is requested based on whether or not an e-mail including the same identification code as that stored in the flash memory 66 is received within a certain period after the notification mail addressed to the administrator is transmitted. Whether to execute the immediate job execution process is controlled (an example of an immediate job process availability control unit).
As a result, job immediate execution processing that is likely to violate power saving can be executed only when the administrator who has received the notification permits the job immediate execution processing by replying to the notification mail. Can be limited.

  The present invention can be used for an image processing apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a NIC included in an image processing apparatus X. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control unit included in the image processing apparatus X. FIG. 3 is a power supply system diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a power supply connection relationship in the image processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of sleep mode cancellation processing in accordance with data reception of the image processing apparatus X. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a print job that is an example of a job for the image processing apparatus X. FIG. The figure which represented typically the weekly schedule of the weekly timer control in the image processing apparatus X. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power control rule of a NIC in the image processing apparatus X. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power control rule of a control unit in the image processing apparatus X. FIG. FIG. 10 is a power supply system diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a power connection relationship in the image processing apparatus X. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a hold job processing function of the image processing apparatus X.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation part 2 ... Display part 3 ... Hard disk drive 4 ... Image processing calculating part 5 ... Network interface card 6 ... Scanner control part 6a ... Scanner part 7 ... Print control part 7a ... Print part 8 ... Post-processing control part 8a ... Shifter 8b ... puncher 8c ... stapler 9 ... main control unit 10 ... main energization switching circuit 10a ... energization switching circuit 11 ... bus 21 ... main power source 22 (221-229) ... sub power source 30 ... network 31 ... terminal 40 ... manual changeover switch 41 ... 49 ... Automatic changeover switch 61, 71 ... Bus connector 62, 72 ... Bus control unit 63, 73 ... Microprocessor unit 64, 74 ... Memory control unit 65, 75 ... ROM
66, 76 ... Flash memory 67 ... Network control unit 68 ... Network connector 69 ... Timekeeping unit 77 ... I / O ports S1, S2,...

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus that includes a communication unit that communicates with an external device and processes a job that is a data processing request received through the communication unit,
Energization switching means for switching whether to energize a functional block that is a part or a set of parts for processing a job;
When the communication unit is combined and a job using the functional block in the non-energized state is received from the external device, the job is stored in a predetermined job storage unit, and then predetermined execution is started. Job hold control means for switching the function block necessary for processing the job stored in the job storage means from the non-energized state to the energized state when the condition is satisfied;
The communication unit is combined, and a hold job processing unit that executes a hold job process that is a process related to a job stored in the job storage unit in response to a request from the external device;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The hold job processing includes job information transmission processing for transmitting information related to a job stored in the job storage means to the external device, job deletion processing for deleting a job stored in the job storage means, and job storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus includes one or more of immediate job execution processing for immediately executing a stored job.   The predetermined execution start condition is that a predetermined number of jobs are stored in the job storage unit, a total data size of jobs stored in the job storage unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the job storage unit The remaining capacity is less than a predetermined size, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the first job was stored in the job storage means. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The communication means also includes a hold job processing authentication control means for controlling whether or not the hold job process can be executed by the hold job processing means based on predetermined authentication information received from the external device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The image processing according to claim 1, further comprising request notification means for transmitting predetermined notification information to a predetermined administrator destination when the external device requests the immediate job execution processing. apparatus.   A job that the communication means combines, and after the transmission of the notification information by the request notification means, receives the execution availability information of the job immediate execution process, and controls the availability of the job immediate execution process based on the received information The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an immediate processing availability control unit.

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