JP2010273068A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device such as a digital complex machine including a plurality of functions capable of improving a convenience and an energy saving. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing device includes: a plurality of image processing parts; an operation information input part to which operational information indicating the processing contents sequentially inputs; a storing part for storing usage image processing information indicating the use of the image processing part out of either of a plurality of image processing parts corresponding to the processing contents predetermined by the operation information; and a control part for controlling the transition to the energy saving state or the normal state of the plurality of image processing parts on the basis of the usage image processing information stored in the storing part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile.

  Currently, an image processing apparatus called a so-called digital multi-function peripheral, which integrates a plurality of image processing units such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile, is widely used in offices. As such a digital multi-function peripheral, one having an electrophotographic printer unit is known. The electrophotographic printer unit includes a fixing device that heats and pressurizes a toner image transferred onto a recording medium such as paper to fix the toner image on the recording medium. Such a fixing device includes a heating unit such as a heater, and the temperature applied by the heating unit is controlled by the temperature control unit circuit based on the environmental temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Thus, the fixing temperature optimum for fixing the toner image is maintained.

  Then, the heating means on / off control by the temperature control circuit, that is, the warm-up operation of the fixing device by the heating means is performed after the digital multifunction peripheral is turned on or from the power saving state such as the standby state of the digital multifunction peripheral. It is executed when shifting to a normal state such as when printing is performed. At this time, the digital multi-function peripheral cannot execute the printing process until the temperature applied by the heating unit reaches the fixable temperature. Also, in each mechanism unit other than the fixing unit, a preliminary operation in each mechanism unit is required in order to shift from the power saving state to the normal state and to enable each mechanism unit to operate. As described above, in the conventional digital multi-function peripheral, it is necessary to simultaneously perform a warm-up operation for operating all functions and a preliminary operation. From the viewpoint of convenience of the apparatus or energy saving, these warm-up operations are required. It has been desired to shorten the time required for the up operation and the preliminary operation. In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, a warm-up operation of only a mechanism part related to a function selected by a user or a function related to execution of an input job is executed. Thus, an image forming apparatus for energy saving is disclosed.

JP 2005-297264 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, energy saving is realized by limiting the mechanism unit that performs the warm-up operation. However, it is necessary that the selected mechanism unit is operable. Since the time required for the warm-up operation of the functional block composed of a plurality of functions has elapsed, there is a problem that the time required for the preliminary operation becomes long.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve convenience and energy saving in an image processing apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions. An image processing apparatus is provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of image processing units, an operation information input unit to which operation information indicating the content of the process is sequentially input, and a process content specified by the operation information. Based on the use image processing unit information stored in the storage unit, and a storage unit that stores use image processing unit information indicating which image processing unit to use. And a control unit that controls transition of the plurality of image processing units to a power saving state or a normal state.

  Further, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of image processing units, an operation information input unit to which operation information indicating the content of the processing is sequentially input, and a plurality of processing information specified by the operation information. A storage unit that stores use image processing unit information indicating which image processing unit to use, and a specification in a normal state based on the use image processing unit information stored in the storage unit And a control unit that shifts the image processing unit to a power saving state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of improving convenience and energy saving in an image processing apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions.

2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is the schematic explaining a program table. It is the schematic explaining the structure of an operation panel. It is the schematic explaining a menu category. It is a flowchart explaining the process by a control part. It is a flowchart explaining the process by a control part. It is a flowchart explaining the warm-up process according to unit. It is a flowchart explaining the process by a reading control part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a print control unit. It is a flowchart explaining the process by an image preparation part. It is a flowchart explaining the process by a file preparation part. It is the schematic explaining a program table. It is a flowchart explaining the process by a control part.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following description, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 1 as an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1 includes a reading unit 3 as an image processing unit and a printing unit 5 that are driven by power supplied from a power supply VDD.

  The reading unit 3 as an image processing unit scans a sheet set on, for example, a flat bed or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and reads an image printed on the sheet. At this time, the reading unit 3 emits a light source (not shown) to irradiate the paper with light. The reading unit 3 detects the reflected light from the paper with an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and reads an image printed on the paper. The light source provided in the reading unit 3 is driven by the power supplied from the power supply VDD. However, when the MFP 1 shifts to the power saving state, the power supply to the light source is stopped. When the MFP 1 shifts from the power saving state to a normal state where image reading processing or the like can be performed, power supply to the light source is resumed, but sufficient for the image sensor to detect reflected light from the paper. In order to obtain a sufficient amount of light, a certain time is required for the warm-up operation of the light source. Such a reading unit 3 is driven under the control of the reading control unit 7, and an image read by the reading unit 3 is output to the reading control unit 7.

  The printing unit 5 as an image processing unit includes a developing device that forms a toner image based on input image information, a transfer device that transfers the toner image onto the paper, and a fixing device that fixes the transferred toner image on the paper. Etc. Similar to the reading unit 3, when the MFP 1 shifts to the power saving state, power supply to the developing device, the transfer device, the fixing device, and the like is stopped. When the MFP 1 shifts from the power saving state to a normal state where printing processing or the like can be performed, power supply to the developing device, the transfer device, the fixing device, and the like is resumed. Note that the printing unit 5 includes a drive device with relatively high power consumption, such as a photosensitive drum carrying an electrostatic latent image formed by light irradiated by an exposure device (not shown) based on input image information. Many heating units, particularly heating units included in the fixing device, require a certain time for the warm-up operation to reach the optimal fixing temperature for fixing the toner image. Such a printing unit 5 is driven under the control of the printing control unit 9.

  The reading control unit 7 comprehensively controls the reading unit 3 and generates intermediate image data based on the image input from the reading unit 3. For example, when the MFP 1 executes copying or FAX transmission, the reading control unit 7 outputs the generated intermediate image data to the print image creating unit 11. On the other hand, when the MFP 1 executes transmission of an image to an external information processing apparatus by transmission means via the network 23 such as Email, the reading control unit 7 outputs the generated intermediate image data to the file creation unit 13. .

  The print image creation unit 11 generates bitmap format image data that can be recognized by the print control unit 9 based on the intermediate image data input from the reading control unit 7. When the MFP 1 executes copying, the print image creation unit 11 outputs the generated bitmap format image data to the print control unit 9. When the MFP 1 executes FAX transmission, the print image creation unit 11 outputs the generated bitmap format image data to the FAX communication unit 17 included in the communication unit 15. The FAX communication unit 17 to which the bitmap format image data generated by the print image generation unit 11 is input sends the image data to the receiving side via the telephone line 19.

  The print control unit 9 responds to the image data by controlling each drive unit constituting the printing unit 5 such as a photosensitive drum based on the bitmap format image data input from the print image creation unit 11. Print a toner image on paper.

  The file creation unit 13 is based on the intermediate image data input from the reading control unit 7, for example, a PDF (Portable Document Format) format, a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format, or a JPEG (joint Photographic Experts Group) format. Create an image data file for each application format. Then, the file creation unit 13 outputs the created image data file of each application format to the network communication unit 21 configuring the communication unit 15. The network communication unit 21 to which the image data file of each application format created by the file creation unit 13 is input sends the image data file to the receiving side via the network 23.

  In addition, the MFP 1 includes a memory unit 25 configured by a volatile storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area of the print image generation unit 11 or the file generation unit 13, and a flash or HDD (Hard). And a storage unit 27 composed of a nonvolatile storage medium such as a disk drive. Specifically, the storage unit 27 determines whether the functions associated with each menu and the lower layer menu of each menu described in FIG. 4 use the reading unit 3 and / or the printing unit 5. A program table as use drive unit information is stored. As shown in FIG. 2, the program table 100 includes menu number information 101, reading unit information 102, and printing unit information 103. Each menu number in the menu number information 101 matches the menu category number shown in FIG. The number “1” shown in the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 has a function for using the reading unit 3 and / or the printing unit 5 in the menu shown in the menu number information 101. Represents. Similarly, the numeral “0” shown in the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 has a function for using the reading unit 3 and / or the printing unit 5 in the menu shown in the menu number information 101. It means not to. By referring to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27, the MFP 1 can save energy by stopping the power supply of units that do not need to be used in the menu specified by the user.

  The MFP 1 also includes an operation panel 29 as an operation information input unit that accepts input of various types of information by the user and displays various types of information to the user. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 29 displays various types of information to the user, for example, a display device 31 composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and a character input that accepts input of information such as characters. A start key 37 comprising a key 33, a move / select key 35 for accepting the movement of each menu category and the menu selection, a color key for accepting an execution command for color printing, and a mono key for accepting an execution command for monochrome printing. And a stop key 39 for accepting input of settings and interruption of an operation being executed by the MFP 1. Information displayed on the display device 31 is controlled by the operation control unit 41. Information received by pressing each key such as the character input key 33 is output to the control unit 43 via the operation control unit 41.

  The control unit 43 comprehensively controls each unit constituting the MFP 1. Specifically, the control unit 43 outputs a reading process or an instruction to start the printing process to the reading control unit 7 or the print control unit 9 based on a command received via the operation panel 29. In addition, when there is no operation of the operation panel 29 or input of print data from an external device within a predetermined time, the control unit 43 selects a light source among the drive units constituting the reading unit 3 or the printing unit 5. In addition, by stopping the power supply to a drive unit that consumes relatively much power, such as a heating unit of a fixing device, a process of shifting the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 to a power saving state is executed. When the operation information such as whether the user presses any key on the operation panel 29 when the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 are in the power saving state, the control unit 43 receives the main menu. 51 is displayed on the display device 31 of the operation panel 29 and waits until the movement of the menu category in the main menu 51 is detected. When the control unit 43 detects the movement of the menu category via the operation panel 29, the control unit 43 refers to the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 of the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27, and is used for reading. The unit 3 and / or the printing unit 5 executes a normal state in which a normal process can be performed, or a process of shifting to a power saving state in which power supply to each drive unit is stopped. It should be noted that the reading unit information 102 of the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27 and the reading unit 3 based on the printing unit information 103 and the printing unit 5 from the power saving state to the normal state, or Control of transition from the normal state to the power saving state is executed each time the control unit 43 detects the movement of the menu category via the operation panel 29.

  Here, the movement of the menu category will be described. Functions such as copy, Email transmission, FAX transmission, or device setting that the user executes for the MFP 1 are classified by function and displayed on the display device 31 as menu categories as shown in FIG. Then, the user selects a desired function from the menu category displayed on the display device 31 using the move / select key 35 on the operation panel 29. In the present embodiment, this is defined as the movement of the menu category. In addition, in the function selected by the user, if there is a supplementary function, the supplementary function is displayed as a lower layer menu, and the user moves the menu category by using the move / select key 35, and selects the desired function. Additional functions can be selected.

  Specifically, for example, in FIG. 4, it is assumed that “Copy” is selected by the user in a state where the main menu screen 51 is displayed on the display device 31. When it is detected that “Copy” is selected by the user, that is, when the movement of the menu category is detected, the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the copy menu screen 53 on the display device 31. And the control part 43 performs the warm-up process classified by unit. Specifically, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27. Here, the numbers shown in the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the copy menu screen 53 are both “1”. Therefore, the control unit 43 starts warm-up processing for shifting the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 to the normal state on the assumption that both the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 are used. Then, after the warm-up processing of the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 is completed, the control unit 43 causes a series of copy processing to be executed based on the function selected on the copy menu screen 53 as a lower layer menu.

  In addition, it is assumed that “Scan” is selected by the user while the main menu screen 51 is displayed on the display device 31. When detecting that “Scan” has been selected by the user, that is, the movement of the menu category, the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the scan menu screen 55 on the display device 31. Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27. Here, the number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the scan menu screen 55 is “1”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 starts warm-up processing for shifting the reading unit 3 to the normal state on the assumption that only the reading unit 3 is used. Then, after the warm-up process of the reading unit 3 is completed, the control unit 43 executes a series of scan processes based on the function selected on the scan menu screen 55 as the lower layer menu and further on the Email menu screen 56. Let

  Further, it is assumed that “Fax” is selected by the user while the main menu screen 51 is displayed on the display device 31. When it is detected that “Fax” is selected by the user, that is, the movement of the menu category, the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the fax menu screen 57 on the display device 31. Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27. Here, the number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the fax menu screen 57 is “1”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 starts warm-up processing for shifting the reading unit 3 to the normal state on the assumption that only the reading unit 3 is used. Then, after the warm-up process of the reading unit 3 is completed, the control unit 43 causes a series of FAX transmission processes to be executed based on the function selected on the fax menu screen 57 as the lower layer menu.

  Further, it is assumed that “Menu” is selected by the user while the main menu screen 51 is displayed on the display device 31. When it is detected that “Menu” is selected by the user, that is, when the menu category is moved, the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the menu screen 59 on the display device 31. Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27. Here, the number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the menu screen 59 is “0”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “1”. Therefore, the control unit 43 starts the warm-up process for shifting the printing unit 5 to the normal state, assuming that only the printing unit 5 is used.

  In the state where the menu screen 59 is displayed on the display device 31, for example, it is assumed that “reference to device information” is selected by the user. The control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the device information reference menu 60 on the display device 31 when detecting that “reference to device information” is selected by the user, that is, when the movement of the menu category is detected. . Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27. Here, the numbers shown in the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 corresponding to the menu number information 101 of the apparatus information reference menu 60 are both “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 stops the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 that has already been started, assuming that neither the reading unit 3 nor the printing unit 5 is used. Thereby, the MFP 1 can suppress power consumption when the user starts an operation for purposes other than the use of the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5.

  In the state where the menu screen 59 is displayed on the display device 31, it is assumed that, for example, “apparatus information printing” is selected by the user. The control unit 43 gives an instruction to the operation control unit 41 to display the device information print menu 61 on the display device 31 when detecting that “device information printing” has been selected by the user, that is, the movement of the menu category. . Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27. Here, the number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 of the device information print menu 61 is “0”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “1”. Accordingly, the control unit 43 continues the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 that has already been started, assuming that only the printing unit 5 is used.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the MFP 1 will be described in detail using the flowchart shown below.

  First, the operation of the control unit 43 when the entire MFP 1 is in the power saving state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last use will be described with reference to FIGS. 5-A, 5-B, and 6. FIG.

  First, when the entire MFP 1 shifts to the power saving state, the control unit 43 determines whether operation information has been input. Specifically, the control unit 43 determines whether there is an input from the operation control unit 41 such as notification that any key has been pressed via the operation panel 29 by the user. And the control part 43 repeatedly performs this process until operation information is input (step S1).

  When the operation information is input (Yes in step S1), in step S2, the control unit 43 gives an instruction to the operation control unit 41 to display the main menu screen 51 on the display device 31. Upon receiving the instruction, the operation control unit 41 causes the display device 31 to display the main menu screen 51.

  In step S <b> 3, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27 and executes a unit-by-unit warm-up process.

  Here, the unit warm-up process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S <b> 41 of FIG. 6, the control unit 43 refers to the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the main menu screen 51 of the program table 100. Here, when the number shown in the reading unit information 102 is “1” (step S41 “1”), the control unit 43 starts the warm-up process of the reading unit 3 (step S42). On the other hand, when the number shown in the reading unit information 102 is “0” (step S41 “0”), the control unit 43 stops the warm-up process of the reading unit 3 (step S43).

  In step S <b> 44, the control unit 43 refers to the printing unit information 103 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the main menu screen 51 of the program table 100. Here, when the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “1” (step S44 “1”), the control unit 43 starts the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 (step S45). On the other hand, when the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “0” (step S44 “0”), the control unit 43 stops the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 (step S46).

  Note that the numbers shown in the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the main menu screen 51 are both “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 determines that neither the reading unit 3 nor the printing unit 5 is used, and does not execute the warm-up process for shifting the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 to the normal state.

  And the control part 43 performs the process based on the movement of a menu category in the process after step S4.

  Specifically, in step S4, the control unit 43 determines whether or not “Copy” is selected by the user. Here, when “Copy” is selected by the user (step S4 Yes), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the copy menu screen 53 on the display device 31 (step S5). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27 and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S6). Note that the numbers shown in the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the copy menu screen 53 are both “1”. Therefore, the control unit 43 determines that both the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 are used, and starts a warm-up process for shifting the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 to the normal state.

  Thereafter, in step S7, the control unit 43 causes a series of copy processing to be executed based on the function selected on the copy menu screen 53.

  When it is determined that “Copy” has not been selected by the user (No in step S4), in step S8, the control unit 43 determines whether “Scan” has been selected by the user. Here, when “Scan” is selected by the user (step S8 Yes), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the scan menu screen 55 on the display device 31 (step S9). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27, and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S10). The number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the scan menu screen 55 is “1”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 starts warm-up processing for shifting the reading unit 3 to the normal state on the assumption that only the reading unit 3 is used.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 11, the control unit 43 causes a series of scanning processes to be executed based on the function selected on the scan menu screen 55 and further on the Email menu screen 56.

  If it is determined that “Scan” has not been selected by the user (No in step S8), in step S12, the control unit 43 determines whether “Fax” has been selected by the user. Here, when “Fax” is selected by the user (step S12 Yes), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the fax menu screen 57 on the display device 31 (step S13). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27 and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S14). The number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the fax menu screen 57 is “1”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 starts warm-up processing for shifting the reading unit 3 to the normal state on the assumption that only the reading unit 3 is used.

  Thereafter, in step S15, the control unit 43 causes a series of FAX transmission processes to be executed based on the function selected on the fax menu screen 57.

  When it is determined that “Fax” has not been selected by the user (No in step S12), in step S16, the control unit 43 determines whether “Menu” has been selected by the user. When “Menu” is selected by the user (step S16 Yes), the control unit 43 gives an instruction to the operation control unit 41 to display the menu screen 59 on the display device 31 (step S17). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27, and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S18). The number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 on the menu screen 59 is “0”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “1”. Therefore, the control unit 43 starts the warm-up process for shifting the printing unit 5 to the normal state, assuming that only the printing unit 5 is used.

  In step S <b> 20, the control unit 43 determines whether “apparatus information reference” is selected by the user. Here, when “reference to device information” is selected by the user (step S20 Yes), the control unit 43 gives an instruction to the operation control unit 41 to display the device information reference menu 60 on the display device 31 (step S20). S21). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27, and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S22). Note that the numbers shown in the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 corresponding to the menu number information 101 of the device information reference menu 60 are both “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 determines that neither the reading unit 3 nor the printing unit 5 is used, and stops the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 that has already been started.

  If it is determined that “apparatus information reference” is not selected by the user (No in step S20), in step S23, the control unit 43 determines whether or not “apparatus information printing” is selected by the user. Here, when “print device information” is selected by the user (Yes in step S23), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the device information print menu 61 on the display device 31 (step S23). S24). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27 and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S25). Note that the number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 of the device information print menu 61 is “0”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “1”. Accordingly, the control unit 43 continues the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 that has already been started, assuming that only the printing unit 5 is used.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 26, the control unit 43 causes a series of device information print processing to be executed based on the function selected in the device information print menu 61.

  When it is determined that “apparatus information printing” is not selected by the user (No in step S23), in step S27, the control unit 43 determines whether “authentication printing” is selected by the user. Here, when “authentication printing” is selected by the user (Yes in step S27), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the authentication printing menu 63 on the display device 31 (step S28). . Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27 and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S29). The number shown in the reading unit information 102 corresponding to the menu number information 101 of the authentication print menu 63 is “0”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “1”. Accordingly, the control unit 43 continues the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 that has already been started, assuming that only the printing unit 5 is used.

  Thereafter, in step S30, the control unit 43 causes a series of authentication print processing to be executed based on the function selected in the authentication print menu 63.

  If it is determined that “authentication printing” is not selected by the user (No in step S27), in step S31, the control unit 43 determines whether “administrator setup” is selected by the user. Here, when “administrator setup” is selected by the user (step S31 Yes), the control unit 43 gives an instruction to the operation control unit 41 to display the administrator setup menu 65 on the display device 31 (step S31). S32). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 100 stored in the storage unit 27 and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S33). Note that the numbers shown in the reading unit information 102 and the printing unit information 103 corresponding to the menu number information 101 of the administrator setup menu 65 are both “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 determines that neither the reading unit 3 nor the printing unit 5 is used, and stops the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 that has already been started.

  When it is determined that “administrator setup” is not selected by the user (No in step S31), the control unit 43 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed. And when it is judged that fixed time has not passed (step S34 No), the control part 43 performs the process from step S20 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that a certain time has elapsed (Yes in step S34), the control unit 43 stops the warm-up process, that is, performs the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 in which the warm-up process is started in step S18. In addition to stopping (step S35), an instruction is given to the operation control unit 41 so as to display the main menu screen 51 on the display device 31 (step S36), and the series of processing ends.

  Next, a series of processes of the reading control unit 7 in the series of processes described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When a series of processes starts, in step S51, the reading control unit 7 determines whether or not a command for starting the warm-up process based on the unit-specific warm-up process is input from the control unit 43. The reading control unit 7 repeatedly executes this process until a command for starting the warm-up process is input from the control unit 43.

  When a command to start warm-up processing is input from the control unit 43 (Yes in step S51), the reading control unit 7 starts warm-up processing of the reading unit 3. This process is executed by the reading control unit 7 causing the power supply VDD to resume power supply to the light source for which power supply has been stopped.

  Next, the reading control unit 7 determines whether or not a command for stopping the warm-up process is input from the control unit 43. When it is determined that a warm-up process stop command has been input (Yes in step S53), in step S54, the reading control unit 7 stops the warm-up process of the reading unit 3 and ends the series of processes.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the command for stopping the warm-up process has not been input (No in step S53), in step S55, the reading control unit 7 determines whether a command to start reading has been input. Specifically, when the control unit 43 determines that the user has input a fax or scan start command to the operation panel 29, the command is input. If it is determined that the reading start command has not been input (No at Step S55), the reading control unit 7 repeatedly executes the processes after Step S53.

  If it is determined that an instruction to start reading is input (Yes in step S55), the reading control unit 7 reads the set image in step S56. Thereafter, the reading control unit 7 generates intermediate image data of the image read in step S57, and outputs a reading completion notification to the control unit 43 in step S58. Thereafter, the reading control unit 7 ends the series of processes.

  Next, a series of processes of the print control unit 9 in the series of processes described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When a series of processes starts, in step S61, the print control unit 9 determines whether or not a command for starting the warm-up process based on the unit-specific warm-up process is input from the control unit 43. The reading control unit 7 repeatedly executes this process until a command for starting the warm-up process is input from the control unit 43.

  When an instruction to start the warm-up process is input from the control unit 43 (Yes in step S61), the print control unit 9 starts the warm-up process of the printing unit 5. This process is executed when the print control unit 9 causes the power supply VDD to resume power supply to the fixing device for which power supply has been stopped.

  Next, the print control unit 9 determines whether or not an instruction to stop the warm-up process is input from the control unit 43. If it is determined that a command to stop the warm-up process has been input (Yes in step S63), in step S64, the print control unit 9 stops the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 and ends the series of processes.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the warm-up process stop command has not been input (No in step S63), in step S65, the print control unit 9 determines whether a print start command has been input. Specifically, when the control unit 43 determines that the user has input a copy start command to the operation panel 29, the command is input. If it is determined that the print start command has not been input (No in step S65), the print control unit 9 repeatedly executes the processes in and after step S63.

  If it is determined that a print start command has been input (step S65 Yes), in step S66, the print control unit 9 prints the designated image and ends the series of processes.

  Next, a series of operations of the print image creating unit 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When a series of processes starts, in step S71, the print image creation unit 11 determines whether an image data creation command has been input. Specifically, when the control unit 43 determines that printing, copying, device information printing, or authentication printing has been performed, or when it is determined that a fax has been received via the telephone line 19, Input from the control unit 43 to the print image creation unit 11. The print image creating unit 11 repeatedly executes the same processing until such a command is input.

  Next, in step S <b> 72, the print image creation unit 11 reads the data specified by the control unit 43. Specifically, when a print or authentication print command is input from the control unit 43, the print image creation unit 11 is input to the MFP 1 via the network 23 and the network communication unit 21 and stored in the memory unit 25. Read the print data. The print image creating unit 11 reads the intermediate image data generated by the reading control unit 7 when a copy command is input from the control unit 43. Further, when a fax reception command is input from the control unit 43, the print image creation unit 11 is input to the MFP 1 via the telephone line 19 and the FAX communication unit 17 and stored in the memory unit 25. Is read. The print image creation unit 11 reads an error log or the like stored in the storage unit 27 when a command for printing apparatus information is input from the control unit 43.

  Thereafter, in step S73, the print image creating unit 11 creates bitmap format image data based on the read data. In step S74, the print image creation unit 11 outputs the created image data to the print control unit 9 and ends the series of processes. Then, the print control unit 9 prints an image based on the supplied image data.

  Next, a series of operations of the file creation unit 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When a series of processing starts, in step S81, the file creation unit 13 determines whether an image file creation command has been input. Specifically, the image file creation command is input from the control unit 43 to the file creation unit 13 when the control unit 43 transmits the scanned image by E-mail. Then, the file creation unit 13 repeatedly executes the same processing until such a command is input.

  Next, in step S <b> 82, the file creation unit 13 reads the intermediate image data designated by the control unit 43 from the reading control unit 7. Thereafter, in step S83, the file creation unit 13 creates an image file in an application format based on the read data. In step S84, the file creation unit 13 outputs the created image file to the network communication unit 21 and ends the series of processes. Then, the network communication unit 21 transmits the input image file to the designated destination.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in order to execute the warm-up process start process or the stop process of the reading unit and / or the printing unit based on the menu selected by the user, It is possible to minimize the waiting time for shifting to the normal state where the printing process can be performed, and to improve convenience and energy saving.

[Second Embodiment]
An MFP 1 as an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration and function as those of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a program table 200 according to the second embodiment. The program table 200 has the same configuration as the program table 100 according to the first embodiment, but the numbers indicated by the reading unit information 202 and the printing unit information 203 corresponding to the main menu screen 51 are both “1”. This is different from the program table 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The operation of the MFP 1 according to the second embodiment using the program table 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the entire MFP 1 shifts to the power saving state, the control unit 43 determines whether operation information has been input. Specifically, the control unit 43 determines whether there is an input from the operation control unit 41 such as notification that any key has been pressed via the operation panel 29 by the user. Then, the control unit 43 repeatedly executes such processing until operation information is input (step S′1).

  When the operation information is input (step S1 'Yes), in step S2', the control unit 43 gives an instruction to the operation control unit 41 to display the main menu screen 51 on the display device 31. Upon receiving the instruction, the operation control unit 41 causes the display device 31 to display the main menu screen 51.

  In step S <b> 3 ′, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 200 stored in the storage unit 27 and executes the unit warm-up process.

  Here, the reading unit information 202 and the printing unit information 203 corresponding to the menu number information 201 on the main menu screen 51 are both “1”. Therefore, the control unit 43 determines that both the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 are used, and starts a warm-up process for shifting the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 to the normal state (step S91).

  And the control part 43 performs the process based on the movement of a menu category in the process after step S4.

  Specifically, in step S <b> 4 ′, the control unit 43 determines whether “Copy” is selected by the user. Here, when “Copy” is selected by the user (step S4 ′ Yes), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the copy menu screen 53 on the display device 31 (step S5 ′). ). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 200 stored in the storage unit 27, and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S6 '). Note that the numbers shown in the reading unit information 202 and the printing unit information 203 corresponding to the menu number information 201 on the copy menu screen 53 are both “1”. Therefore, the control unit 43 determines that both the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 are used, and continues the warm-up process of the reading unit 3 and the printing unit 5 that has already been started.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 7 ′, the control unit 43 causes a series of copy processing to be executed based on the function selected on the copy menu screen 53.

  When it is determined that “Copy” has not been selected by the user (No at Step S4 ′), in Step S8 ′, the control unit 43 determines whether “Scan” has been selected by the user. Here, when “Scan” is selected by the user (step S8 ′ Yes), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the scan menu screen 55 on the display device 31 (step S9 ′). ). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 200 stored in the storage unit 27, and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S10 '). The number shown in the reading unit information 202 corresponding to the menu number information 201 on the scan menu screen 55 is “1”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 203 is “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 stops the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 that has already been started on the assumption that only the reading unit 3 is used.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 11 ′, the control unit 43 causes a series of scan processing to be executed based on the function selected on the scan menu screen 55 and further on the Email menu screen 56.

  If it is determined that “Scan” has not been selected by the user (No in step S8 ′), in step S12 ′, the control unit 43 determines whether “FAX” has been selected by the user. Here, when “FAX” is selected by the user (step S12 ′ Yes), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the fax menu screen 57 on the display device 31 (step S13 ′). ). Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 200 stored in the storage unit 27, and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S14 '). The number shown in the reading unit information 202 corresponding to the menu number information 201 on the fax menu screen 57 is “1”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 203 is “0”. Therefore, the control unit 43 stops the warm-up process of the printing unit 5 that has already been started on the assumption that only the reading unit 3 is used.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 15 ′, the control unit 43 causes a series of FAX transmission processes to be executed based on the function selected on the fax menu screen 57.

  When it is determined that “Fax” has not been selected by the user (No at Step S12 ′), in Step S16 ′, the control unit 43 determines whether “Menu” has been selected by the user. When “Menu” is selected by the user (step S16 ′ Yes), the control unit 43 instructs the operation control unit 41 to display the menu screen 59 on the display device 31 (step S17 ′). . Then, the control unit 43 refers to the program table 200 stored in the storage unit 27, and executes the unit warm-up process described with reference to FIG. 6 (step S18 '). The number shown in the reading unit information 202 corresponding to the menu number information 201 on the menu screen 59 is “0”, and the number shown in the printing unit information 103 is “1”. Therefore, the control unit 43 stops the warm-up process of the reading unit 3 that has already been started on the assumption that only the printing unit 5 is used.

  And since the process concerning step S18 'when "Menu" is selected by the user can be performed similarly to the process demonstrated in FIG. 5-B in 1st Embodiment, it is here. Description is omitted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the reading unit and / or the printing unit that has been started at the start of the process and the warm-up process of the printing unit based on the menu selected by the user. Since the warm-up process is stopped, the waiting time required for the transition to the normal state where the reading process or the printing process can be performed can be minimized, and the convenience and energy saving can be reduced. Can be improved.

  In the description of the embodiments according to the present invention, the MFP is described as an example of the image processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description, and is not limited to the MFP, and may be an apparatus having a plurality of image processing units. If applicable.

1 MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Reading unit 5 Printing unit 7 Reading control part 9 Print control part 11 Print image creation part 13 File creation part 15 Communication part 17 FAX communication part 19 Telephone line 21 Network communication part 23 Network 25 Memory part 27 Storage part 29 Operation panel 41 Operation Control unit 43 Control unit VDD Power supply

Claims (3)

A plurality of image processing units;
An operation information input unit in which operation information indicating the contents of processing is sequentially input;
A storage unit that stores use image processing unit information indicating which one of the plurality of image processing units is used in correspondence with the processing content specified by the operation information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls a shift to a power saving state or a normal state of the plurality of image processing units based on the use image processing unit information stored in the storage unit. The control unit controls transition of the plurality of image processing units to a power saving state or a normal state based on the use image processing unit information stored in the storage unit every time the operation information is input. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A plurality of image processing units;
An operation information input unit in which operation information indicating the contents of processing is sequentially input;
A storage unit that stores use image processing unit information indicating which one of the plurality of image processing units is used in correspondence with the processing content specified by the operation information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to shift a specific image processing unit in a normal state to a power saving state based on the use image processing unit information stored in the storage unit.