JP2008278104A - Image processing apparatus and control method of image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus which can quickly recover to a mode, having high possibility that a user uses and which does not supply power to a device having high possibility that the user does not use, and to provide a control method for the image processing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus can assume a plurality of different operation modes and shift to a sleep mode, wherein electric power is saved and has an operation mode storage means of storing a predetermined operation mode, a cancel trigger decision means of deciding user operation becoming a trigger to cancel the sleeve mode; and an actuated device selecting means of selecting which of a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus is actuated, according to the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means and the user operation decided by the cancel trigger decision means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a mode such as “scan mode”, “copy mode”, “facsimile transmission mode”, “external storage medium print mode”, and the like when canceling a sleep state (power saving state). The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a control method for the image processing apparatus that improve user convenience by referring to a mode set immediately before shifting to a sleep mode.

  There is a device called a digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter simply referred to as a multifunction peripheral) having a scanner and a printer. This multifunction machine has a scanner function for reading a document image by a scanner, a printing function for printing by a printer, a copy function for printing a document image read by a scanner, and the like. In recent years, a multi-function device having a facsimile transmission / reception function has appeared.

By the way, in image processing apparatuses such as copiers and printers, modes that take a power saving standby state such as a power saving mode and a sleep mode are known. Attempts have been made to provide such a mode in a multi-function peripheral. Regarding a power saving mode (sleep mode) in a multi-function peripheral having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-133) JP-A-167484) discloses that a multi-function apparatus having a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function is automatically operated when a first predetermined time elapses from the end of the operations included in the first operation group. If there is a first automatic power saving means for shifting to the first power saving state, a first timer for measuring the first predetermined time, and an operation of the first operation group, the first timer is set. A first timer clearing means for clearing, and a second power saving state automatically when a second predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the operations included in the second operation group. Auto power saving means, a second timer for timing the second predetermined time, and second timer clear means for clearing the second timer when there is an operation of the second operation group. A featured composite device is disclosed.
JP 2003-167484 A

  The trigger for the MFP to cancel the sleep state (power saving state) includes a user's operation of pressing the sleep state cancel button, data input from a connected personal computer, facsimile reception, and the like. In conventional multi-function machines, such events are used as a trigger to wake up.

  By the way, in recent years, some multifunction peripherals have a print mode from an external storage medium such as a USB memory. Inserting such a USB memory into the multifunction peripheral can also be an opportunity to cancel the sleep state (power saving state). In addition, an operation in which a user places and uses a document on a document table or an operation in which a document is set in an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) can be triggered. However, such an opportunity has not been utilized in conventional multifunction peripherals.

  In addition, the multi-function peripheral has various modes such as “scan mode”, “copy mode”, “facsimile transmission mode”, and “external storage medium print mode”. When canceling a power-saving mode such as a sleep state when the multifunction device is set to wake up after considering what mode the multifunction device is in (if any), It is fully conceivable that only the necessary devices can be woken up without using unnecessary power, and the user can be quickly returned to the mode used by the user to improve user convenience. However, in the conventional composite apparatus as described in Patent Document 1, such a problem has not been taken into consideration at all, which is a problem.

  In order to cope with the above-described problems, the image processing apparatus of the present invention can take a plurality of different operation modes and can shift to a sleep mode that is in a power saving state. Are determined by the operation mode storage means for storing the operation mode, the release trigger determination means for determining the user operation that triggered the cancellation of the sleep mode, the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means, and the release trigger determination means. And activation device selection means for selecting which device to activate from among a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus in response to the user operation.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus of the present invention can take a plurality of different operation modes, can shift to a sleep mode that is in a power saving state, and stores an operation mode storage unit that stores a predetermined operation mode; External storage medium detection means for detecting insertion of an external storage medium that triggers the release of the sleep mode, and when an external storage medium insertion user operation is detected by the external storage medium detection means, storage in the operation mode storage means And activation device selection means for selecting which device to activate from among a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus in accordance with the operated mode.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined operation mode is an operation mode that is effective immediately before entering the sleep mode.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined operation mode is a default mode set by a user.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined operation mode is an operation mode last selected by the user before shifting to the sleep mode.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that when the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage unit is a scan mode, the activation device selection unit selects a scanner unit and an operation panel unit.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes print data presence / absence determination means for determining whether or not print data exists in the inserted external storage medium, and the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means is In the print mode, when the print data existence determination unit determines that print data exists, the activation device selection unit selects a printer unit and an operation panel unit.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes print data presence / absence determination means for determining whether or not print data exists in the inserted external storage medium, and the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means is In the print mode, when the print data existence determination unit determines that no print data exists, the activation device selection unit selects an operation panel unit.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that when the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means is a copy mode or a facsimile transmission mode, the activation device selection means selects an operation panel unit.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be activated when the external storage medium detecting unit detects a user operation of inserting a USB device that can be directly controlled and printed regardless of the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage unit. The device selection means selects a printer unit and an operation panel unit.

  The image processing apparatus control method of the present invention is a method for controlling an image processing apparatus that can take a plurality of different operation modes and can enter a sleep mode that is in a power saving state. A predetermined operation mode is stored, a user operation that triggers the release of the sleep mode is determined, and the stored operation mode and a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus according to the determined user operation Control is made so as to select which device is activated.

  The image processing apparatus control method of the present invention is a method for controlling an image processing apparatus that can take a plurality of different operation modes and can enter a sleep mode that is in a power saving state. When detecting insertion of an external storage medium that triggers the release of the sleep mode, control is performed so as to select which one of a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus is activated according to a predetermined operation mode. It is characterized by.

  According to the image processing apparatus and the control method of the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when canceling the sleep mode, a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus are referred to by referring to the mode set immediately before shifting to the sleep mode. Select which device to start, so it is possible to quickly return to the mode most likely to be used by the user and save power by not supplying power to devices that are not likely to be used. Can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a multi-function device will be described as an example of an image processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to such a multi-function device, and can be applied to a configuration having a printer unit, a scanner unit, and an operation panel unit. .

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image processing apparatus (multi-function peripheral) according to an embodiment of the present invention and a peripheral system configuration. In FIG. 1, 10 is a network such as a LAN or WAN, 20 is a telephone line, 100 is a multifunction device, 110 is a control unit that performs main control of the multifunction device, 120 is a facsimile unit that transmits and receives facsimile documents, and 130 is a recording medium. A printer unit that prints on a document, 140 a scanner unit that reads a document, 150 an operation panel unit that serves as an interface with a user, 160 a network I / F, 170 a USB I / F, 200, 200 ′, 200 '' Indicates a personal computer, and 300 indicates an external device. In this specification, the facsimile unit 120, the printer unit 130, the scanner unit 140, and the operation panel unit 150 may be referred to as devices.

  In the system around the facsimile apparatus (multifunction machine) shown in FIG. 1, personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ such as clients and the multifunction machine 100 are connected via a network 10. Further, the facsimile unit 120 of the multifunction peripheral 100 is configured to be connected to the telephone line 20 and the USB I / F 170 is connected to an external device 300 such as a USB memory, a mobile phone, or a digital camera. The multi-function device 100 is provided with an appropriate connector so that insertion into a connector of an external device 300 such as a USB memory, a mobile phone, or a digital camera can be detected.

  The multifunction device 100 scans and reads a document / image in color by a control unit 110 that performs main control of the multifunction device main body including an information processing device, an operation panel unit 150 that is an input / output device that receives a user's input operation A scanner unit 140, a printer unit 130 that performs printing on printing paper or the like, and a facsimile unit 120 that performs facsimile transmission / reception are provided. That is, the multi-function device 100 includes a scanner function, a print function, a copy function combining the scanner function and the print function, and a facsimile transmission / reception function.

  Each of the information processing mechanisms of the multifunction peripheral 100 is configured by, for example, a general-purpose computer system, and each component or function is realized by, for example, executing a computer program written in a storage unit.

  The scanner unit 140 includes a document table (not shown) on which a document can be placed and an optical system that reads the document table. The document table of the scanner unit 140 is provided with a document size detection sensor that can detect the size of the document placed on the document table. Further, the multifunction peripheral 100 may be provided with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) that automatically and continuously feeds documents to the scanner unit 140.

  The data read by the scanner unit 140 is once stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the control unit 110. The control unit 110 outputs the document image data read by the scanner unit 140 from the printer unit 130 as it is or at a set magnification according to the designation from the operation panel unit 150 or the like (copy function of the MFP 100). , Transmitted from the facsimile unit 120 via a telephone line (facsimile function of the multifunction device 100), or transmitted to the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″ via the network I / F 160 and the network 10 (multifunction device). 100 scanner functions).

  The mode of the MFP 100 when using the copy function is defined as “copy mode”, the mode of the MFP 100 when using the facsimile transmission function among the facsimile functions is defined as “facsimile transmission mode”, and the scanner function The mode of the multi-function device 100 when using is defined as “scan mode”.

  The printer unit 130 forms an image on a recording sheet. The printer unit 130 employs a method of forming a latent image on a photoconductor with a laser or an LED line head, or directly ejects ink onto a recording sheet. A well-known hardware configuration such as an ink jet method employing the method can be used. The control unit 110 causes the printer unit 130 to perform predetermined paper output based on an instruction from the operation panel unit 150, the personal computers 200, 200 ′, and 200 ″, or an external device 300 such as a mobile phone or a digital camera. Is. That is, the printer unit 130 receives image data read by the scanner unit 140, facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 210, data from application software of the personal computers 200, 200 ′, 200 ″, and external devices 300. The image data is output on paper.

  The facsimile unit 120 is connected to the telephone line 20 and is received by a facsimile transmission / reception unit (not shown) that performs facsimile transmission / reception, a transmission buffer that temporarily stores transmission data to be transmitted by the facsimile transmission / reception unit, and a facsimile transmission / reception unit. And a facsimile unit memory for constituting a reception buffer for temporarily storing received data.

  Further, when the facsimile unit 120 receives data transmitted by facsimile from the telephone line 20, it temporarily stores the received data. The stored received data is sent to the control unit 110 and printed by the printer unit 130. The facsimile unit 120 performs facsimile transmission / reception independently of other components in the multifunction peripheral 100. In other words, when the facsimile unit 120 receives transmission data from the multifunction device 100, the facsimile unit 120 performs facsimile transmission independently of the multifunction device 100. If facsimile data is transmitted from the telephone line 20, the facsimile unit 120 receives the facsimile data.

  The copy function of the multifunction peripheral 100 is set in the control unit 110 by the user operating the operation panel unit 150. From the operation panel unit 150, a copy magnification setting, a document image size setting, and an output paper size setting related to the copy function can be set. Based on these settings, the control unit 110 can copy the MFP 100. Perform the function. The copy function of the multifunction peripheral 100 performs copy magnification processing on the original image data read by the scanner unit 140, and outputs the result to paper of a size specified by the printer unit 130.

  In addition to the functions as described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 has a print mode in which printing is performed directly by the printer unit 130 from a file stored in the external device 300. A mode of the multi-function device 100 when using such a function for printing directly from the external device 300 is defined as an “external storage medium print mode”. In this mode, the control unit 110 captures file data stored in the external device 300 such as a USB memory connected to the USB I / F 170, a mobile phone, or a digital camera, and prints it out by the printer unit 130. .

  Note that, as a special mode of the external storage medium print mode, a mode in which the printer unit 130 performs printout while controlling the multifunction device 100 by a USB device capable of directly controlling the multifunction device 100 is “directly”. The image processing apparatus of the present invention also includes a “control printable USB device mode” (Pictbridge-compatible device print mode: “Pictbridge” is a registered trademark). In such a mode, based on the control from the external device 300, the external device 300 and the control unit 110 cooperate to determine print parameters and perform printing in the printer unit 130.

  The hardware of the operation panel unit 150 is roughly composed of a display unit composed of an LCD for performing display related to an operation, and a touch panel unit capable of inputting by pressing with a finger or the like. The display unit and the touch panel unit are configured to overlap each other, and the user can perform various settings of the MFP 100 by operating the touch panel unit with a finger while referring to the display on the display unit. ing. A well-known technique can be used about the specific structure of the input mechanism by a touchscreen part, and the display mechanism by a display part. The operation panel unit 150 can perform various functions such as a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and an external storage medium print function of the multifunction machine 100, an image preview display, and a transition to a power saving mode. is there.

  Next, the initial screen display in each mode on the operation panel unit 150 will be described. Basic modes of the multifunction peripheral 100 include a “scan mode”, an “external storage medium print mode”, a “facsimile transmission mode”, and a “copy mode”.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen display in the scan mode of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the initial screen display of the scan mode on the operation panel unit 150, the storage destination of the image data read by the scanner unit 140 can be selected from “USB memory”, “PC folder”, and “e-mail”. Here, the USB memory is an example of the “external storage medium” in the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen display in the external storage medium print mode of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the initial screen display of the print mode on the operation panel unit 150, printing from an external storage medium such as “USB memory” can be designated, and it is also used as a standby screen for authentication printing using a password.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen display in the facsimile transmission mode of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the initial screen display of the facsimile transmission mode on the operation panel unit 150, the user is prompted to specify the facsimile transmission destination “destination”. Further, by selecting tabs such as “basic settings”, “functions”, “applications”, detailed settings can be made.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an initial screen display example in the copy mode of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the initial screen display of the copy mode on the operation panel unit 150, the user is prompted to input the number of copies. Further, by selecting tabs such as “basic setting”, “function”, “application 1”, and “application 2”, detailed settings can be made.

  Next, the sleep mode in the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described. The sleep mode of the present invention is a mode in which the power consumption is reduced from the normal standby state, and can be considered as a power saving mode, a power saving mode, and the like.

The sleep mode in the image processing apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100) of the present invention is set for each device of the printer unit 130, the scanner unit 140, and the operation panel unit 150. Each sleep mode can be defined, for example, as follows. Needless to say, such a definition can have various modes.
Printer unit 130 sleep mode: power-off of fixing unit, power-off of motor control unit, etc.
Sleep mode of the scanner unit 140: power supply to the document illumination lamp control unit, the image sensor control unit, the carriage motor control unit, etc.
Sleep mode of operation panel unit 150: backlight off, etc.

  Next, the default mode of the multifunction machine 100 will be described. As described above, the MFP 100 has various modes such as “scan mode”, “copy mode”, “facsimile transmission mode”, and “external storage medium print mode”, but each user mainly uses them. The mode to perform is relatively fixed. That is, there are many cases in which a certain user uses the multifunction peripheral 100 mainly at the copier and another user mainly uses the multifunction peripheral as a facsimile machine. Therefore, if the concept of returning to (or shifting to) the “default mode” is adopted, the convenience of the MFP 100 is enhanced. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the default mode in the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The “default mode” is a mode that is restored when the MFP 100 is turned on or has not been operated for a predetermined time after using a certain mode. The user can select “scan mode”, “copy mode”, “facsimile transmission mode”. In this mode, one of the “external storage medium print modes” can be set and registered. FIG. 6 shows an image in which the multi-function device 100 returns to the default mode after a predetermined time elapses from the mode selected by the user.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be applied to both image processing apparatuses provided with image processing apparatuses that do not include such a “default mode” (or image processing apparatuses that do not actively use the default mode).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of the image processing apparatus that enters the sleep mode after shifting to the default mode, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of the image processing apparatus that enters the sleep mode from each mode.

  Looking at FIG. 7 in chronological order, if any operation is not performed for a predetermined time from any mode selected by the user, the mode is shifted to the default mode. This default mode is any one of “scan mode”, “copy mode”, “facsimile transmission mode”, and “external storage medium print mode” set by the user.

  When a predetermined time elapses without any operation on the multi-function device 100 or print data input, the mode shifts to the sleep mode. The sleep state is canceled by the operation of the operation panel unit 150 by the user or the input from the personal computers 200, 200 ', 200' '.

  Next, look at FIG. 8 in order of time passage. When there is no operation for a predetermined time from any one of the “scan mode”, “copy mode”, “facsimile transmission mode”, and “external storage medium print mode” selected by the user, the multi-function device 100 operates in the sleep mode. Will be moved to. The sleep state is canceled by the operation of the operation panel unit 150 by the user or the input from the personal computers 200, 200 ', 200' '.

  The present invention relates to the release of the sleep mode in the multi-function device 100 having the above-described configuration, and in particular, the multi-function device 100 triggered by the insertion of an external storage medium such as a USB memory into the multi-function device 100 and detection thereof. It relates to wakeup manners. Here, a well-known technique is used as a method for the MFP 100 to detect insertion of a USB memory or the like. In addition, a known technique can be used for a method of determining a user operation that triggers cancellation of the sleep mode, such as a key operation or data reception.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the USB memory insertion detection return processing in the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart, the USB memory is shown as an example of the external storage medium. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other types of external storage media.

  In FIG. 9, when the USB memory insertion detection return process is started in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, it is determined whether the mode immediately before the MFP 100 enters the sleep mode is the scan mode. Here, the “mode immediately before entering the sleep mode” is shown in FIGS. Further, in this step, it may be determined whether the “default mode set by the user” and the “operation mode last selected by the user before shifting to the sleep mode” are the scan modes.

  If the determination result in step S102 is YES, the process proceeds to step S103, and if the determination result in step S102 is NO, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S103, the scanner unit 140 starts to recover from the power saving state (the state in the sleep mode). Then, it progresses to step S104 and the return from the power saving state of the operation panel part 150 is started. In step S105, the operation panel unit 150 displays that the scanner unit 140 is warming up.

  In step S106, it is determined whether the return from the power saving state of the scanning unit 140 is completed. If the determination result in step S106 is NO, step S106 is looped. If the determination result in step S106 is YES, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the operation panel unit 150 displays a message screen for transferring data from the scanner unit 140 to the USB memory. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen display example in the operation panel unit 150 indicating that data is transferred from the scanner unit 140 to the USB memory.

  In step S122, the USB memory insertion detection return process is terminated.

  Next, the flow after step S108 that proceeds when NO is determined in step S102 will be described. In step S108, it is determined whether or not the mode immediately before the multifunction peripheral 100 enters the sleep mode is the print mode. Further, in this step, it may be determined whether the “default mode set by the user” and the “operation mode last selected by the user before shifting to the sleep mode” are the print modes.

  If the determination result in step S108 is YES, the process proceeds to step S109, and if the determination result in step S108 is NO, the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S109, the USB memory inserted in the multifunction device 100 is scanned to determine whether there is data to be printed in the memory.

  When the result of determination in step S109 is YES, the process proceeds to step S110, and when the result of determination in step S109 is NO, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S110, the printer unit 130 starts to recover from the power saving state. Then, it progresses to step S111 and the return from the power saving state of the operation panel part 150 is started. In step S112, the operation panel unit 150 displays that the printer unit 130 is warming up.

  In step S113, it is determined whether the printer unit 130 has been restored from the power saving state. If the determination result of step S113 is NO, step S113 is looped. If the determination result of step S113 is YES, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S <b> 114, data is transferred from the USB memory to the printer unit 130, and a message screen indicating that the printer unit 130 executes printing is displayed on the operation panel unit 150. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen display example in the operation panel unit 150 indicating that data is transferred from the USB memory to the printer unit 130 and printing is executed by the printer unit 130.

  In step S122, the USB memory insertion detection return process is terminated.

  In step S115, which proceeds when the result of determination in step S109 is NO, a process for returning the operation panel unit 150 from the power saving state is started. In the subsequent step S116, the operation panel unit 150 displays a message screen indicating that there is no data to be printed in the USB memory by pop-up display. FIG. 12 shows a screen display example on the operation panel unit 150 at this time.

  In step S122, the USB memory insertion detection return process is terminated.

  Next, step S117 and subsequent steps that proceed when the result of the determination in step S108 is NO will be described. In step S117, it is determined whether or not the mode immediately before the MFP 100 enters the sleep mode is the facsimile transmission mode. In this step, it may be determined whether or not the “default mode set by the user” and the “operation mode last selected by the user before shifting to the sleep mode” are the facsimile transmission modes. .

  When the determination result at step S117 is YES, the process proceeds to step S118, and when the determination result at step S117 is NO, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S118, the operation panel unit 150 starts to recover from the power saving state. In the subsequent step S119, the operation panel unit 150 displays a message screen prompting the shift to the scan mode or the print mode in a pop-up display. FIG. 13 shows a screen display example on the operation panel unit 150 at this time.

  In step S122, the USB memory insertion detection return process is terminated.

  In step S120 which proceeds when the determination result in step S117 is NO, the operation panel unit 150 starts to return from the power saving state, and in the subsequent step S121, a message screen prompting the transition to the scan mode or the print mode is displayed. Display in a pop-up display. FIG. 14 shows a screen display example on the operation panel unit 150 at this time.

  In step S122, the USB memory insertion detection return process is terminated.

  According to the configuration of the present invention as described above, when canceling the sleep mode, the “scan mode”, “copy mode”, “facsimile transmission mode”, “external storage medium” set immediately before shifting to the sleep mode are set. By referring to a mode such as “print mode”, which one of the devices of the printer unit 130, the scanner unit 140, and the operation panel unit 150 is to be activated is selected, the mode that is likely to be used by the user can be quickly selected. In addition to being able to recover, power can be saved by not supplying power to devices that are likely not to be used. The same applies to the case where it is determined whether the “default mode set by the user” and “the operation mode last selected by the user before shifting to the sleep mode” are the scan modes.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the embodiment includes a situation in which a “directly-controllable USB device” (Pictbridge compatible device: “Pictbridge” is a registered trademark) is connected to the USB memory insertion connector. Become. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a USB memory insertion detection return process in an image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  A USB device capable of direct control printing is capable of executing printout by the printer unit 130 while directly controlling the multifunction device 100 by being connected to the multifunction device 100.

  The other embodiment is different from the previous embodiment in whether or not it corresponds to the directly controlled printable USB device. The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 and the flowchart shown in FIG. The difference is whether or not there is a branch.

  Hereinafter, in FIG. 15, only the part related to the branch of step S201 will be described. In step S201 in FIG. 15, the type of the device connected to the MFP 100 via USB is determined. A known method can be used for such determination.

  As a result of the determination in step S201, if the connected device is a USB memory, the process proceeds to step S102, and if the connected device is a USB device capable of direct control printing, the process proceeds to step S202. Steps subsequent to step S102 are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S202, the printer unit 130 starts to recover from the power saving state. Then, it progresses to step S203 and the return from the power saving state of the operation panel part 150 is started. In step S204, the operation panel unit 150 displays that the printer unit 130 is warming up.

  In step S205, it is determined whether the printer unit 130 has been restored from the power saving state. If the determination result in step S205 is NO, step S205 is looped. If the determination result in step S205 is YES, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the operation panel unit 150 displays a message screen indicating that control printing is to be performed from a USB device capable of direct control printing.

  In step S222, the USB memory insertion detection return processing is terminated.

  According to the other embodiments described above, it is possible to configure an image processing apparatus compatible with a USB device capable of direct control printing.

  In the present invention, the case where the sleep mode is canceled for each of the three devices of the printer unit 130, the scanner unit 140, and the operation panel unit 150 has been described as an example. Any combination of two or more of the printer unit 130, the scanner unit 140, and the operation panel unit 150 can be used, and still another device can be the subject of the present invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when canceling the sleep mode, it is determined which of the plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus is activated by referring to the mode set immediately before the transition to the sleep mode. Since the selection is made, it is possible to quickly return to the mode most likely to be used by the user, and it is possible to save power by not supplying power to a device that is not likely to be used.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image processing apparatus (multifunction peripheral) and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen display in a scan mode of the image processing apparatus (multifunction peripheral) according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an initial screen display example of an external storage medium print mode of the image processing apparatus (multifunction peripheral) according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen display in a facsimile transmission mode of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an initial screen display example in a copy mode of the image processing apparatus (multifunction peripheral) according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the concept of the default mode in the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the sequence of the image processing apparatus which enters sleep mode after transfering to default mode. It is a figure which shows the sequence of the image processing apparatus which enters sleep mode from each mode. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the return process at the time of USB memory insertion detection in the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the USB memory insertion detection return processing in the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Network, 20 ... Telephone line, 100 ... Multifunction machine, 110 ... Control part, 120 ... Facsimile part, 130 ... Printer part, 140 ... Scanner part, 150. ..Operation panel unit, 160 ... Network I / F, 170 ... USB I / F, 200, 200 ', 200 "... Personal computer, 300 ... External device

Claims (12)

It is possible to take a plurality of different operation modes and shift to a sleep mode that is a power saving state.
An operation mode storage means for storing a predetermined operation mode;
A release trigger determination means for determining a user operation that triggered the release of the sleep mode;
An activation device that selects which device to activate among a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus in accordance with the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage unit and the user operation determined by the release trigger determination unit And an image processing apparatus. It is possible to take a plurality of different operation modes and shift to a sleep mode that is a power saving state.
An operation mode storage means for storing a predetermined operation mode;
External storage medium detection means for detecting insertion of an external storage medium that triggers the release of the sleep mode;
When a user operation for inserting an external storage medium is detected by the external storage medium detection unit, which one of a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus is activated according to the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage unit And an activation device selection means for selecting whether or not to perform the image processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation mode is an operation mode that is valid immediately before transition to the sleep mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation mode is a default mode set by a user. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation mode is an operation mode last selected by the user before shifting to the sleep mode. 6. The activation device selection unit selects a scanner unit and an operation panel unit when the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage unit is a scan mode. The image processing apparatus described. Print data presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not print data exists in the inserted external storage medium, and when the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means is the print mode, the print data 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the presence determination unit determines that print data exists, the activation device selection unit selects a printer unit and an operation panel unit. . Print data presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not print data exists in the inserted external storage medium, and when the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means is the print mode, the print data 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the presence / absence determination unit determines that no print data exists, the activation device selection unit selects an operation panel unit. 6. The activation device selection unit selects an operation panel unit when the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage unit is a copy mode or a facsimile transmission mode. The image processing apparatus described. When the external storage medium detection means detects a user operation of USB device insertion that can be directly controlled and printed, the activation device selection means is connected to the printer section and the operation panel section regardless of the operation mode stored in the operation mode storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is selected. A method of controlling an image processing apparatus that can take a plurality of different operation modes and can shift to a sleep mode that is in a power saving state,
Remember the predetermined operating mode,
Determine the user operation that triggered the release of sleep mode,
A control method for an image processing apparatus, wherein control is performed to select which device to activate from among a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus in accordance with a stored operation mode and a determined user operation. A method of controlling an image processing apparatus that can take a plurality of different operation modes and can shift to a sleep mode that is in a power saving state,
When detecting insertion of an external storage medium that triggers the release of the sleep mode, control is performed so as to select which one of a plurality of devices constituting the image processing apparatus is activated according to a predetermined operation mode. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus.

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