JP2016218270A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device capable of effectively shortening a return time from a power saving state to a normal state.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes: an image reading unit 130 that reads the image of a document and generates image data on the basis of read image information; a power supply unit 160 that supplies power to each unit; and a CPU 112 that controls power supply by the power supply unit 160. The power supply unit 160 includes a main power supply 162 and a sub power supply 164. The image reading unit 130 includes: a scanner unit that reads the image of a document and generates image information on the image; and an AFE 210 and a scan ASIC 222 that each perform prescribed processing to the image information generated by the scanner unit. In the case of having shifted to a power saving state, the image processing device stops power supply from the main power supply 162, whereas it maintains power supply from the sub power supply 164 to the AFE 210 and the scan ASIC 222.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for shortening a return time from a power saving state to a normal state.

  As one type of information equipment, an image processing apparatus (typically a copier) is introduced in many offices (company, office, etc.). Many of these image processing apparatuses, such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)), have a plurality of operation modes such as a copy mode, a network-compatible print mode, and a scanner mode. ing.

  An image processing apparatus such as an MFP is normally controlled to shift to a power saving state in which power consumption is kept low when a predetermined time has passed without any operation on the image processing apparatus. When an operation by the user is detected in the power saving state, the image processing apparatus is controlled to return from the power saving state to the normal state. By returning to the normal state, the image processing apparatus is in a state where the operation mode selected by the user can be executed. If the return time from the power saving state to the normal state is long, the waiting time of the user becomes long. Therefore, the return time to the normal state is preferably as short as possible.

  Patent Document 1 described later discloses a technique for shortening the return time from the power saving state to the normal operation state to keep power consumption low. This technique is applied to an image forming apparatus which is a kind of image processing apparatus. An image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper based on the read image data, and a paper feeding unit that feeds the recording paper to the image forming unit. Including. Each of the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the paper feeding unit is provided with a sensor that monitors the setting state of each unit unit. For example, the image reading unit is provided with an open / close sensor that detects opening and closing of a document stacking unit that stacks read documents, and a document detection sensor that detects whether or not a document is stored in a document storage unit that stores a document to be read. It has been.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 stops supplying power to each unit unit constituting the image forming apparatus except for the system control unit when shifting to the power saving state, while supplying power to the sensor. Will continue. By supplying power to the sensor, the change in the setting state of each unit unit is monitored even in the power saving state, so that the change in the setting state of each unit unit is recognized when returning to the normal operation state. No processing is required. Thereby, the time required to return to the normal operation state is shortened.

JP 2010-26129 A

  In the image processing apparatus, the setting of the image reading unit is adjusted at the time of startup from power-on. In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the supply of power to the image reading unit is stopped by shifting to the power saving state, the setting adjustment is performed again when the power saving state returns to the normal operation state. The Since adjustment of this setting requires time, there is a disadvantage that the restoration time of the image reading unit becomes long. Therefore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the recovery time cannot be shortened effectively.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of effectively shortening the return time from the power saving state to the normal state. Is to provide.

  An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that shifts from a normal state to a power saving state in response to a lapse of a certain transition time without performing a predetermined operation in the normal state. The image processing apparatus reads an image of a document, generates image data based on the read image information, power supply means for supplying power to each unit of the image processing apparatus, and power supply Power supply control means for controlling supply of power by the means, and return detection means for detecting an event that triggers a return from the power saving state to the normal state. The image reading means includes an image information generating means for reading an image of a document and generating image information of the image, and a volatile storage device for storing preset adjustment data relating to image data generation processing. And processing execution means for executing a predetermined process on the image information generated by the image information generation means based on the adjustment data in order to generate image data. The power supply means includes a first supply means for supplying power to the image information generation means and a second supply means for supplying power to the processing execution means. In response to the image processing apparatus shifting to the power saving state, the power supply control unit stops power supply by the first supply unit and maintains power supply by the second supply unit. In response to the detection of an event that triggers the return by the first control means for controlling the supply means and the return detection means, the second supply means maintains the supply of power, And a second control means for controlling the power supply means so as to supply power by the one supply means.

  For example, the image processing apparatus adjusts the setting of the image reading unit at the time of startup from power-on, and stores the adjustment data generated thereby in a volatile storage device. At the time of image reading by the image reading means, the image information generating means reads the image of the document to generate image information of the image, and the process executing means stores this image information based on the adjustment data stored in the storage device. On the other hand, a predetermined process is executed. When the image processing apparatus shifts to the power saving state, the power supply control unit stops supplying power to the image information generation unit by the first supply unit and supplies power to the processing execution unit by the second supply unit. The power supply means is controlled to maintain the above. The power supply control means further maintains the supply of power to the processing execution means by the second supply means when an event that triggers a return from the power saving state to the normal state is detected by the return detection means. The power supply means is controlled so that power is supplied to the image information generation means by the first supply means.

  When the image processing apparatus shifts to the power saving state, the supply of power to the image information generation unit by the first supply unit is stopped, while the supply of power to the processing execution unit by the second supply unit is maintained. . Since power is supplied to the volatile storage device for storing the adjustment data even in the power saving state, the adjustment data can be held in the storage device. Since the adjustment data held in the storage device can be used when reading the image of the document, it is not necessary to re-adjust the setting of the image reading means when returning to the normal state. Thereby, the return time of the image reading means can be effectively shortened. Furthermore, since the power supply to the image information generating means is stopped in the power saving state, the power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

  Preferably, the image information generation unit includes an image sensor that captures an image of a document and outputs an analog image signal as image information, and the process execution unit performs a predetermined adjustment on the analog image signal from the image sensor. And a signal adjustment circuit for outputting the adjusted image signal, and the storage device includes setting value storage means for storing the setting value of the signal adjustment circuit as adjustment data.

  More preferably, the processing execution means further includes a processing circuit that performs a shading process on the image signal adjusted by the signal adjustment circuit, and the storage device further stores shading correction data for performing the shading process as adjustment data. Correction data storage means.

  More preferably, the return detection unit includes a human sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus, and the second supply unit supplies power to the human sensor in addition to the processing execution unit. .

  More preferably, the return detection means further includes a detection sensor for detecting a document set on the image reading means, and the second supply means supplies power to the detection sensor in addition to the processing execution means and the human sensor. Supply.

  More preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data read by the image reading unit, and the first supply unit includes the image information generating unit. Thus, power is also supplied to the image forming means.

  More preferably, the image processing apparatus further detects a determination means for determining whether or not an instruction input to the image processing apparatus has been received, and the return detection means detects an event that triggers the return, and the determination means In response to the determination being affirmative, an activation means for activating the image forming means is included.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus capable of effectively shortening the return time from the power saving state to the normal state.

It is a control block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of an image reading unit. It is a figure which shows supply of the electric power to each part of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the signal processing system of an image reading unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a detailed flow of step S1040 of FIG. It is a detailed flow of step S1090 of FIG. It is a figure which shows supply of the electric power to each part of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(First embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of operation modes such as a copy mode, a network compatible print mode, and a scanner mode. The image processing apparatus 100 has a so-called laser (electrophotographic) printing function that uses laser light for exposure. However, other types of printing functions may be provided.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 130 that reads an image of a document as image data. The image processing apparatus 100 is a predetermined recording sheet based on image data of a document read by the image reading unit 130 or image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus (not shown) such as a personal computer (PC). A multi-color or single-color image is formed.

  The image processing apparatus 100 starts to be activated when a power switch (not shown) is turned on. At startup, a fixing device (not shown), which will be described later, is warmed up and settings of the image reading unit 130 are adjusted. Adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 includes shading setting (generation of shading correction data) and adjustment of setting of AFE (Analog Front End) described later. When the activation ends, the image processing apparatus 100 enters a normal energized state (hereinafter referred to as “normal state”). The normal state is a state (Ready state) waiting until an instruction for printing or the like is received. When the image processing apparatus 100 receives an instruction in the normal state, the image processing apparatus 100 immediately executes the process. Note that the normal state in the present embodiment means a state in which the power is on and at least the operation mode selected by the user can be executed.

  When a certain transition time elapses without a predetermined operation (for example, key operation on the operation panel 122) in the normal state, the image processing apparatus 100 shifts to a power saving state or an energy saving state in order to reduce power consumption. It is controlled as follows. Whether to shift to the power saving state or the energy saving state is preset in the image processing apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the power saving state means a state in which power consumption is kept low by stopping the supply of power to some of the functional units including the fixing device. The energy saving state means a state in which power consumption is further reduced by stopping the supply of power to more functional units than in the power saving state.

  The image processing apparatus 100 further includes a human sensor described later that detects the presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus 100. In the power saving state, electric power is supplied to the human sensor. When the human sensor detects that there is a person around the image processing apparatus 100 in the power saving state, the image processing apparatus 100 is controlled to return from the power saving state to the normal state.

  Here, if the supply of power to the image reading unit 130 is stopped, the adjustment of the settings of the image reading unit 130 is executed again at the time of return. Adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 takes a relatively long time. If the setting adjustment is executed at the time of return, the return time of the image reading unit 130 becomes longer.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, in the power saving state, the power supply to most of the image reading unit 130 is stopped, while the adjustment values (adjustment data) set in the image reading unit 130 are held. Electric power is supplied to the part. Even in the power saving state, the adjustment value of the setting is held, so that it is not necessary to adjust the setting of the image reading unit 130 when returning. Thereby, the recovery time of the image reading unit 130 is shortened while reducing power consumption. When the user selects the scanner mode without image forming processing, for example, the image processing apparatus 100 can execute document image reading processing when the image reading unit 130 returns to the normal state.

  On the other hand, when the normal state is shifted to the energy saving state, the power supply to the human sensor and the image reading unit 130 is further stopped in the energy saving state. In the energy saving state, the power consumption is further reduced than in the power saving state, but the adjustment value set in the image reading unit 130 is not retained. When returning to the normal state, adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 is executed again. For this reason, when the state shifts to the energy saving state, it takes time to restore the image reading unit 130 compared to the case where the state shifts to the power saving state. That is, when the state is shifted to the power saving state, the recovery is performed at a higher speed than when the state is shifted to the energy saving state.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has two modes, a “fast return mode” that quickly returns from the power saving state to the normal state, and a “low speed return mode” that returns from the energy saving state to the normal state at a low speed. Has a variety of return modes. The setting of the transition to the power saving state or the energy saving state is performed by the user selecting either the fast return mode or the low speed return mode.

[Hardware configuration]
In addition to the image reading unit 130, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, an operation unit 120, an image forming unit 140, a sensor unit 150, a power supply unit 160, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 170.

  The control unit 110 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112 that controls the entire image processing apparatus 100, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 114 for storing programs, and a volatile storage device. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 116 and a storage device 118. The storage device 118 is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is cut off, and is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. A BUS line 180 is connected to the CPU 112, and a ROM 114, a RAM 116, and a storage device 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 180.

  The CPU 112 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 120 and the like, thereby executing desired processing such as the operation of each unit of the image processing apparatus 100 and communication with an information processing apparatus (for example, a PC). . The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 114 or the storage device 118, and are read from the ROM 114 or the storage device 118 and transferred to the RAM 116 when desired processing is executed. The CPU 112 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 116 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 112. The CPU 112 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by an instruction, such as a register in the RAM 116, the storage device 118, and the CPU 112.

  The ROM 114 or the storage device 118 stores a computer program for realizing a general operation of the image processing apparatus 100 and the like, and a computer program for realizing a process of shifting to and a return to a power saving state. This computer program is written in the ROM 114 or the storage device 118 when the image processing apparatus 100 is manufactured. Note that this computer program may be provided from an external device such as an information processing apparatus via the NIC 170. Further, the computer program may be provided by a storage medium such as a DVD on which the computer program is recorded. That is, for example, a DVD as a computer program recording medium is loaded into a DVD drive (not shown) built in the image processing apparatus 100, and the computer program is read from the DVD and installed in the storage device 118. Also good. In addition, the storage device 118 stores various data such as image data read by the image reading unit 130.

  Further, the operation unit 120, the image reading unit 130, the image forming unit 140, the sensor unit 150, the power supply unit 160, and the NIC 170 are electrically connected to the BUS line 180.

  The operation unit 120 receives an operation by a user. The operation unit 120 communicates with the CPU 112 via an input / output interface (not shown). The operation unit 120 includes an operation panel 122. The operation panel 122 includes a display panel constituted by a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a touch panel that is disposed on the display panel and detects a touched position. The display panel provides the user with various information such as information relating to the state of the image processing apparatus 100 and the state of various processes. The operation panel 122 provides an interactive operation interface (UI) to the user. This interactive operation interface receives a user instruction for the operation of the entire image processing apparatus 100 from the touch panel, displays the contents of the instruction on the display panel, and sends a control signal corresponding to the instruction to the control unit 110 and the like. Output.

  The image reading unit 130 includes a scanner unit 132, a signal processing unit 134, and an image processing unit 136. 2, the scanner unit 132 includes a first scanning unit (not shown) including a light source 202, a second scanning unit (not shown) including a reflecting mirror, and first and second scanning units. A drive control unit 204 that controls driving, an optical lens (not shown), and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor 200 are included. The light source 202 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light emitting element. The first scanning unit and the second scanning unit are driven by a driving source (not shown) such as a motor. The drive control unit 204 controls driving of the first and second scanning units by controlling a driving source such as a motor. The first scanning unit moves from the light source 202 to the image surface of the document placed on the document placement table (not shown) while moving at a constant speed V in the sub-scanning direction by a distance corresponding to the document size. A reflected light image is obtained by irradiating light. The second scanning unit follows the first scanning unit and moves at a speed V / 2, and forms the obtained reflected light image on the CCD line sensor 200 by the reflecting mirror and the optical lens. The CCD line sensor 200 is an image pickup device that picks up an image of a document, sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image, and outputs it to the signal processing unit 134 as an analog image signal.

  The signal processing unit 134 includes an AFE 210. The AFE 210 is a signal adjustment circuit that performs predetermined adjustment (signal processing) on the analog image signal output from the CCD line sensor 200. The AFE 210 performs predetermined adjustment processing such as gain adjustment and conversion to a digital image signal on the analog image signal output from the CCD line sensor 200, and sends the adjusted digital image signal to the image processing unit 136. Output. The AFE 210 includes a volatile register (not shown). When the image processing apparatus 100 is activated, the setting of the AFE 210 is adjusted, and the adjustment value (adjustment data) is stored in the register.

  The image processing unit 136 includes a scan CPU 220 and a scan ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 222. The scan CPU 220 controls the image processing unit 136. The scan ASIC 222 is a processing circuit that performs a shading process on the digital image signal output from the AFE 210. The scan ASIC 222 includes a volatile memory 224. Shading setting is executed when the image processing apparatus 100 is activated, and shading correction data (adjustment data) generated at that time is stored in the memory 224. Note that the scan ASIC 222 may be configured to perform various image processes including a shading process. In addition to this, the image processing unit 136 may further include an image processing ASIC (not shown) that executes various image processes other than the shading process.

  The image processing unit 136 performs predetermined image processing on the digital image signal output from the AFE 210 to generate document image data. During the printing process, the image reading unit 130 (image processing unit 136) outputs the generated image data to the image forming unit 140.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the image forming unit 140 forms an image on a recording sheet based on image data of a document read by the image reading unit 130 or image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus such as a PC. An image forming unit 142 (printer unit) and a paper feeding unit 144 that feeds recording paper to the image forming unit 142 are included.

  The image forming unit 142 prints an image indicated by the image data in color or single color on a recording sheet, and includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit (LSU), a developing device, a transfer device, and a cleaning device. A device, a fixing device, a static eliminator, and the like. For example, the image forming unit 142 is provided with a conveyance path, and the recording paper fed from the paper supply unit 144 is conveyed along the conveyance path.

  The paper feed unit 144 includes a paper feed tray (not shown) that stores recording paper. The sheet feeding unit 144 pulls out the recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray one by one and sends the recording sheets to the conveyance path of the image forming unit 142. While the recording paper is being transported along the transport path of the image forming unit 142, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, and further passes through the fixing device to perform printing on the recording paper. It is.

  The photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device and a static eliminator and then uniformly charged by a charging device. The laser scanning unit modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with this laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. To do. The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum.

  The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller for pressing the recording paper. The image processing apparatus 100 starts warming up when the power switch is turned on or when returning to the normal state. By this warm-up, the fixing temperature of the fixing device is raised to a temperature at which fixing can be performed. The recording sheet is heated by the heating roller and pressed by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is fixed on the recording sheet. The recording paper discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

  The sensor unit 150 detects an event that triggers a return from the power saving state to the normal state. The sensor unit 150 includes the above-described human sensor (human sensor 152: see FIG. 3). The human sensor 152 is, for example, a pyroelectric human sensor (pyroelectric sensor). The human sensor 152 detects the presence / absence of a user in a predetermined area around the image processing apparatus 100. Further, when the human sensor 152 detects that the user is in a predetermined area around the image processing apparatus 100 (for example, in front), the human sensor 152 transmits a return signal instructing the return from the power saving state to the CPU 112.

  The power supply unit 160 is a power supply unit connected to an external power supply. The power supply unit 160 includes a main power source 162 and a sub power source 164, and supplies predetermined power to each unit constituting the image processing apparatus 100 under the control of the CPU 112.

  The NIC 170 has an interface with the network 50. The image processing apparatus 100 can perform data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with an information processing apparatus (such as a PC) on the network 50 via the NIC 170. The image processing apparatus 100 can receive an instruction signal for instructing execution of various processes such as a print job from a PC or the like via the NIC 170.

[Power supply to each function unit]
Referring to FIG. 3, power supply unit 160 includes a main power supply 162 that supplies most of the power necessary for image formation, and a sub power supply 164 that supplies power for maintaining a power saving state or an energy saving state. The sub power source 164 includes a first sub power source 166 and a second sub power source 168. The first sub power supply 166 is a power supply unit that supplies power to a part of the image reading unit 130, a part of the main control board 230, the operation panel 122 (operation unit 120), the human sensor 152, and the like. The second sub power supply 168 is a power supply unit that supplies power to the main control board 230 on which the CPU 112 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the first sub power source 166 supplies power to the signal processing unit 134 and the image processing unit 136 of the image reading unit 130.

  The CPU 112 includes a main CPU 112a and a power saving CPU 112b. The main CPU 112a and the power saving CPU 112b are mounted on the main control board 230, respectively. The supply of power by the power supply unit 160 is controlled by the main control board 230 on which the main CPU 112a and the power saving CPU 112b are mounted. Specifically, the power supply by the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112b.

  When the power switch is turned on in the image processing apparatus 100, power is first supplied to the power saving CPU 112b by the second sub power supply 168. When power is supplied to the power saving CPU 112b and started up, the power saving CPU 112b starts up the main CPU 112a. The first sub power supply 166 is activated by a command from the power saving CPU 112b and supplies power to a part of the image reading unit 130, a part of the main control board 230, the operation panel 122, the human sensor 152, and the like. The main power supply 162 is activated by a command from the main control board 230 (power saving CPU 112b), and supplies power to each unit including the image forming unit 140 (printer unit) and the image reading unit 130. When the activation ends, the image processing apparatus 100 enters a normal state. In the normal state, power is supplied to each part of the image processing apparatus 100 by the main power supply 162, the first sub power supply 166, and the second sub power supply 168.

  When transitioning from the normal state to the power saving state, the power supply unit 160 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112b so as to stop the supply of power from the main power supply 162 and maintain the supply of power from the sub power supply 164. The signal processing unit 134 (AFE 210), the image processing unit 136 (scan CPU 220, scan ASIC 222), and the human sensor 152 of the image reading unit 130 are maintained in a state where power is supplied even in the power saving state. Thereby, even when the power saving state is entered, the adjustment value stored in the register of the AFE 210 and the shading correction data stored in the memory 224 of the scan ASIC 222 are retained. When the human sensor 152 detects that a user is in a predetermined area around the image processing apparatus 100 (for example, in front), the image processing apparatus 100 starts to return to the normal state. The power supply unit 160 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112b so as to supply power from the main power supply 162 while maintaining the supply of power by the sub power supply 164. The main power supply 162 supplies power to most of the image reading unit 130 including the scanner unit 132 and the image forming unit 140.

  When shifting from the normal state to the energy saving state, the power supply unit 160 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112b so as to stop the supply of power by the main power source 162 and the first sub power source 166. In the energy saving state, for example, when a user presses an energy saving return button (not shown), the image processing apparatus 100 starts returning to the normal state. The power supply unit 160 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112b so that the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166 supply power.

  Further, when the power saving CPU 112b shifts to the power saving state or the energy saving state, the power saving LED 232 supplies power to the power saving LED 232 to light the power saving LED 232. The power saving CPU 112b turns on the power saving LED 232 to notify the user that the image processing apparatus 100 has shifted to the power saving state or the energy saving state.

[Configuration of signal processing system]
Referring to FIG. 4, the analog image signal output from CCD line sensor 200 is input to AFE 210. The AFE 210 includes a sampling circuit 212 that samples an input analog image signal, a gain control amplifier 214 that amplifies the sampled analog image signal, an offset setting circuit 216 that offsets the level of the analog image signal, and an offset analog image signal Is converted into a digital image signal and output.

  The scan ASIC 222 controls the CCD line sensor 200, the light source 202, and the AFE 210. The scan ASIC 222 further performs a shading process on the digital image signal output from the AFE 210.

  In the image reading unit 130, in order to accurately A / D convert the output of the CCD line sensor 200, the white level and black level of the analog image signal read by the CCD line sensor 200 match the input range of A / D conversion. As described above, the gain of the gain control amplifier 214 and the offset of the offset setting circuit 216 are adjusted in advance. The adjusted gain and offset values (adjustment values) are stored in the registers of the gain control amplifier 214 and the offset setting circuit 216, respectively.

  Further, in the image reading unit 130, the original luminance of the measurement target image (original) and the measured image signal are measured due to the peripheral light reduction of the optical system and the non-uniformity of the sensitivity of the image sensor (CCD line sensor 200). Is inconsistent with In order to correct this mismatch, a shading process is executed. For example, in the case where the luminance unevenness in the peripheral portion of the measured image is darker than that in the central portion, the entire image is corrected to have an average uniform brightness by shading processing. Specifically, the scan ASIC 222 obtains conversion characteristics for each pixel of the CCD line sensor 200 using input data obtained by measuring an image (for example, a white reference member such as a white plate) having a uniform luminance distribution as a whole. Shading correction data is generated based on the obtained conversion characteristics. The scan ASIC 222 further stores the generated shading correction data in the memory 224.

  When reading image data of a document, the AFE 210 performs signal amplification processing, digital conversion processing, etc. on the analog image signal output from the CCD line sensor 200 based on the gain and offset values stored in the register. The predetermined adjustment process is executed. The AFE 210 outputs the digital image signal converted by the A / D converter 218 to the scan ASIC 222. The scan ASIC 222 performs a shading process on the digital image signal output from the AFE 210 based on the shading correction data stored in the memory 224. The scan ASIC 222 generates and outputs image data by performing a shading process.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 5, a control structure of a computer program executed by the image processing apparatus 100 in order to execute processing for transition to power saving state and return processing will be described. This program starts in response to the power switch being turned on.

  This program is executed after step S1000 for setting the adjustment of the AFE 210 in the image reading unit 130 and shading setting (generation of shading correction data) and the normal state (Ready state) with the start of activation. In step S1010 that waits in step S1010, whether or not a power saving condition for shifting to a power saving state or an energy saving state is determined, step S1020 that waits until the power saving condition is satisfied, and determination in step S1020 that the power saving condition is satisfied Is executed, and it is determined whether or not the fast return mode is set, and in step S1030 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and in step S1030, it is determined that the fast return mode is set. It is executed when And a step S1040 that line. In step S1000, adjustment settings (adjustment values of AFE 210 and shading correction data) generated in the adjustment settings of the AFE 210 and the shading settings are stored in the register of the AFE 210 and the memory 224 of the scan ASIC 222, respectively.

  FIG. 6 is a detailed flow of step S1040 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, this routine controls step S1100 for controlling power supply unit 160 to stop the supply of power by main power supply 162, and controls power supply unit 160 to maintain the supply of power by sub power supply 164. Step S1110.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, this program is executed after step S1040, is executed after step S1050 for controlling human sensor 152 to start sensing by human sensor 152, and after image processing. Step S1060 determines whether or not the human sensor 152 has detected that there is a user (person) in a predetermined area around the apparatus 100 (for example, forward), and waits until it is detected that there is a user (person). In step S1030, when it is determined that the fast return mode is not set, that is, when it is determined that the low speed return mode is set, step S1070 for shifting to the energy saving state, and step S1070 It is executed later to determine whether or not the energy saving return button has been pressed. There and a step S1080 to wait until the pressing. In step S1070, the supply of power by the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166 is stopped.

  In step S1060, the program further determines that the human sensor 152 has detected that the user (person) is in a predetermined area around the image processing apparatus 100 (for example, in front), or an energy saving return button is displayed. Step S1090 that is executed when it is determined that the button has been pressed and starts the return processing to the normal state. When the process of step S1090 ends, control returns to step S1010.

  FIG. 7 is a detailed flow of step S1090 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, this routine determines whether or not image processing apparatus 100 is in the power saving state, and in step S1200 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and in step S1200, the routine is in the power saving state. When it is determined that the power supply unit 160 is started to start supplying power from the main power supply 162, and in step S1210 and step S1200, it is determined that it is not in the power saving state, that is, in the energy saving state. And step S1220 for controlling the power supply unit 160 to start the supply of power by the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166. When the process of step S1210 or step S1220 ends, this routine ends.

[Operation]
The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. In the following description, only the part related to the present invention in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. Other operations are the same as those of the conventional image processing apparatus.

  When the power switch is turned on by the user, the image processing apparatus 100 starts to start. The image processing apparatus 100 performs warm-up and adjustment of settings of the image reading unit 130. The image processing apparatus 100 performs adjustment settings and shading settings of the AFE 210 in the image reading unit 130, and stores these adjustment values (adjustment data) in the register of the AFE 210 and the memory 224 of the scan ASIC 222 (steps shown in FIG. 5). S1000). When the activation ends, the image processing apparatus 100 enters a normal state and waits in this state until an instruction is input (step S1010).

  The image processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not a power saving condition is satisfied, and waits in a normal state until the power saving condition is satisfied. For example, when a certain transition time elapses without a predetermined operation (for example, a key operation on the operation panel 122) in a normal state, the image processing apparatus 100 determines that the power saving condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the power saving condition is satisfied (YES in step S1020), the image processing apparatus 100 determines whether the fast return mode is set or the low speed return mode is set. If the fast return mode is set (YES in step S1030), the image processing apparatus 100 shifts to a power saving state (step S1040). At the time of transition to the power saving state, the power saving CPU 112b controls the power supply unit 160 to stop the supply of power to the image forming unit 140 and the image reading unit 130 (scanner unit 132, etc.) by the main power source 162 (FIG. 6). In step S1100), the power supply unit 160 maintains the supply of power to the main control board 230, the human sensor 152, the operation panel 122, and the image reading unit 130 (the signal processing unit 134 and the image processing unit 136) by the sub power source 164. Is controlled (step S1110).

  When shifting to the power saving state, the human sensor 152 starts sensing (step S1050 shown in FIG. 5). The image processing apparatus 100 waits until the human sensor 152 detects that there is a user around the image processing apparatus 100. When human sensor 152 detects that there is a user around image processing apparatus 100 (YES in step S1060), human sensor 152 transmits a return signal to CPU 112. When the CPU 112 receives a return signal from the human sensor 152, the image processing apparatus 100 starts returning (starting) to a normal state under the control of the CPU 112 (step S1090). When returning from the power saving state to the normal state (YES in step S1200 shown in FIG. 7), the power saving CPU 112b controls the power supply unit 160 to start the supply of power by the main power supply 162 (step S1210).

  When the low speed return mode is set in the image processing apparatus 100 (NO in step S1030 shown in FIG. 5), the image processing apparatus 100 shifts to an energy saving state (step S1070). At the time of shifting to the energy saving state, the power saving CPU 112b supplies power to the image forming unit 140 and the image reading unit 130 (scanner unit 132, etc.) by the main power source 162, and the human sensor 152 by the first sub power source 166, operation. The power supply unit 160 is controlled to stop the supply of power to the panel 122, the image reading unit 130 (the signal processing unit 134, the image processing unit 136), and the like. When shifting to the energy saving state, the image processing apparatus 100 stands by until the energy saving return button is pressed by the user. When the user presses the energy saving return button (YES in step S1080), the image processing apparatus 100 starts returning (starting up) to the normal state (step S1090). When returning from the energy saving state to the normal state (NO in step S1200 shown in FIG. 7), the power saving CPU 112b controls the power supply unit 160 to start the supply of power by the main power source 162 and the first sub power source 166 (step). S1220).

  When the activation is completed and the normal state is restored, the image processing apparatus 100 stands by in this state until an instruction is input (step S1010 shown in FIG. 5).

[Effects of the present embodiment]
As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by using the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  When the image processing apparatus 100 shifts to the power saving state, supply of power to the scanner unit 132 by the main power source 162 is stopped, while the signal processing unit 134 (AFE 210) and the image processing unit 136 (scan CPU 220, The supply of power to the scan ASIC 222) is maintained. Since power is supplied to the volatile memory 224 of the scan ASIC 222 that stores the adjustment value of the AFE 210 and the shading correction data, these data are held without being erased. Since the adjustment value stored in the register of the AFE 210 and the shading correction data stored in the scan ASIC 222 can be used when reading the image of the document, the adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 when returning to the normal state. Need not be executed again. Thereby, the return time of the image reading unit 130 can be effectively shortened. Furthermore, since power supply to the scanner unit 132 of the image reading unit 130 is stopped in the power saving state, power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

  Furthermore, since the power source that supplies power to the human sensor 152 and the power source that supplies power to a part of the image reading unit 130 (AFE 210, scan ASIC 222, and scan CPU 220) are the same power supply system, the human sensor 152 In response to the detection signal from the image reading unit 130, the image reading unit 130 can be activated at high speed.

(Second Embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 8, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the first in that it returns from the power saving state to the energized state even when it is detected that a document is set on image reading unit 130. It is different from the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. In other respects, each image processing apparatus has the same configuration.

  The image processing apparatus includes a sensor unit 250 instead of the sensor unit 150 shown in FIG. In addition to the human sensor 152, the sensor unit 250 includes a detection sensor 154 that detects that a document is set on the image reading unit 130. Similar to the human sensor 152, the detection sensor 154 is supplied with power by the first sub power supply 166. Therefore, even when the state is shifted to the normal state, the detection sensor 154 detects that the document is set on the image reading unit 130. When the detection sensor 154 detects that a document is set on a document table or an automatic document feeder (not shown), the detection sensor 154 transmits a return signal instructing the return from the power saving state to the CPU 112. When the CPU 112 receives a return signal from the detection sensor 154, the CPU 112 returns the image processing apparatus to a normal state.

Software configuration
In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the program shown in FIG. 9 is executed instead of the program shown in FIG. The program of FIG. 9 further includes step S2000 in the program of FIG. The processing in steps S1000 to S1090 in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing in each step shown in FIG. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when it is determined in step S <b> 1060 that human sensor 152 has not detected that there is a user (person) in a predetermined area around the image processing apparatus (for example, in front). Step S2000 is executed to determine whether or not the detection sensor 154 has detected a document set on the image reading unit 130, and to branch the control flow according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S2000 that a document set has been detected, control proceeds to step S1090. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2000 that no document set has been detected, control returns to step S1060.

[effect]
In the power saving state, for example, when a document is set from a direction in which the human sensor 152 does not react, the detection sensor 154 detects the setting of the document. When the detection sensor 154 detects a document set on the image reading unit 130, the image processing apparatus starts to return to a normal state. Therefore, even when the user who operates the image processing apparatus is not detected by the human sensor 152, the image processing apparatus can be returned to the normal state by setting the document on the image reading unit 130. Thereby, a user's waiting time can be shortened.

  Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the image processing according to the second embodiment in that it returns from the power saving state to the energized state even when an instruction input to the operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) is received. Different from the device. In other respects, each image processing apparatus has the same configuration.

  The image processing apparatus saves power in response to detection of a user by the human sensor 152 (see FIG. 8), detection of a document set by the detection sensor 154 (see FIG. 8), or an instruction input to the operation unit 120. Returns from normal to normal. When returning to the normal state, power is supplied from the main power source 162 and the sub power source 164 to each unit of the image processing apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, when a user is detected by the human sensor 152 or when a document set is detected by the detection sensor 154, power is supplied to the image forming unit 140 (see FIG. 1). Control of the image forming unit 140 is not started. The image forming unit 140 starts to start by receiving a user instruction input to the operation unit 120. The image forming unit 140 includes driving members (not shown) such as a motor, a clutch, and a fan. These driving members are also driven when the image forming unit 140 is activated. When the driving member is driven, an operation sound is generated. In order to suppress generation of unnecessary operation sound in the image forming unit 140, the image forming unit 140 receives the user instruction input to the operation unit 120, which is likely to be used by the image forming unit 140. It is activated.

Software configuration
In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the program shown in FIG. 10 is executed instead of the program shown in FIG. The program of FIG. 10 further includes step S3000 in the program of FIG. The processes in steps S1000 to S1090 and step S2000 in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes in each step shown in FIG. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 10, this program is executed when it is determined in step S2000 that the detection sensor 154 has not detected the setting of the document on the image reading unit 130, and the operation unit 120 (operation panel 122). Step S3000 is included in which it is determined whether or not an operation has been performed, that is, whether or not an instruction input to the operation unit 120 has been received, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S3000 that an instruction input to the operation unit 120 has been received, control proceeds to step S1090. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3000 that the instruction input to the operation unit 120 is not accepted, the control returns to step S1060.

[effect]
False detection may occur in the human sensor 152 due to various factors such as a user passing in front of the image processing apparatus. Even in such a case, when the image forming unit 140 starts to be activated, an unnecessary operation sound is generated. In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the user's instruction input to the operation unit 120 is received, the image forming unit 140 is activated, and therefore unnecessary operation sound due to erroneous detection of the human sensor 152 or the like. Can be suppressed.

  Other effects are the same as those of the second embodiment.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an MFP that is one type of image processing apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image processing apparatus may be, for example, a copier or a scanner apparatus other than the MFP.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the power supply to the AFE of the image reading unit, the scan ASIC, and the scan CPU is maintained even in the power saving state has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. . The power supply to the image reading unit in the power saving state may be one or more of the AFE, the scan ASIC, and the scan CPU. For example, in the power saving state, power supply to the AFE and the scan ASIC may be maintained, and power supply to the scan CPU may be stopped.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a pyroelectric sensor is used as a human sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Various sensors other than the pyroelectric sensor can be used as the human sensor. For example, an ultrasonic human sensor may be used instead of the pyroelectric sensor. One or more human sensors may be installed. When a plurality of human sensors are installed in the image processing apparatus, the human sensors may be the same type of human sensors or a combination of different types of human sensors.

  In the above embodiment, an example of shifting to a power saving state or an energy saving state by passing a certain transition time without performing a predetermined operation in a normal state has been described, but the present invention includes such an embodiment. It is not limited. For example, it may be configured to shift to a power saving state or an energy saving state in response to a user pressing a button for shifting to a power saving state or an energy saving state such as a power saving button. Moreover, the structure which combined these may be sufficient.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the image reading unit returns to the normal state, when the user selects the scanner mode, for example, power is supplied to a unit (for example, an image forming unit) that is unnecessary for the operation in the scanner mode. You may make it stop.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image processing apparatus 110 Control part 120 Operation unit 130 Image reading unit 132 Scanner part 134 Signal processing part 136 Image processing part 140 Image forming unit 152 Human sensor 154 Detection sensor 160 Power supply part 162 Main power supply 164 Sub power supply 200 CCD line sensor 202 Light source 204 Drive controller 210 AFE
220 Scan CPU
222 Scan ASIC
224 memory

Claims (7)

In response to the elapse of a certain transition time without performing a predetermined operation in a normal state, the image processing apparatus transitions from the normal state to a power saving state,
Image reading means for reading an image of a document and generating image data based on the read image information;
Power supply means for supplying power to each part of the image processing apparatus;
Power supply control means for controlling power supply by the power supply means;
A return detection means for detecting an event that triggers a return from the power saving state to the normal state,
The image reading means
Image information generating means for reading an image of a document and generating image information of the image;
A volatile storage device for storing preset adjustment data relating to image data generation processing, and the adjustment data for the image information generated by the image information generation means for generating image data And a process execution means for executing a predetermined process based on
The power supply means includes a first supply means for supplying power to the image information generation means, and a second supply means for supplying power to the processing execution means,
The power supply control means includes
In response to the transition of the image processing apparatus to the power saving state, the power supply by the first supply means is stopped and the power supply is maintained to maintain the power supply by the second supply means First control means for controlling the means;
In response to detection of an event that triggers the return by the return detection means, power is supplied by the first supply means in a state where the supply of power by the second supply means is maintained. An image processing apparatus including a second control unit for controlling the power supply unit. The image information generating means includes an image sensor that captures an image of a document and outputs an analog image signal as the image information,
The processing execution means includes a signal adjustment circuit that performs a predetermined adjustment on the analog image signal from the image sensor and outputs the image signal subjected to the adjustment,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage device includes a set value storage unit for storing a set value of the signal adjustment circuit as the adjustment data. The processing execution means further includes a processing circuit that performs a shading process on the image signal adjusted by the signal adjustment circuit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage device further includes correction data storage means for storing shading correction data for performing a shading process as the adjustment data. The return detection means includes a human sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second supply unit supplies power to the human sensor in addition to the processing execution unit. The return detection means further includes a detection sensor for detecting a set of documents on the image reading means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second supply unit supplies power to the detection sensor in addition to the processing execution unit and the human sensor. The image processing apparatus further includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data read by the image reading unit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first supply unit supplies power to the image forming unit in addition to the image information generation unit. The image processing apparatus further includes:
Determination means for determining whether or not an instruction input to the image processing apparatus is received;
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an activation unit that activates the image forming unit in response to an event that the return detection unit detects a return trigger and the determination by the determination unit is positive. The image processing apparatus described.

Images