JP2019061258A - Processing apparatus and processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve energy saving performance and convenience of an entire apparatus by enhancing the situation determination ability of mobile object detecting means which may serve as an information source for power supply control for the purpose of improvement in energy saving performance and convenience when compared to a case without the present configuration.SOLUTION: The present invention employs an infrared array sensor 28IR in which multiple elements for detecting a heat source are arranged two-dimensionally in longitudinal and lateral directions as first human sensors 28. A detecting unit 28A is a thermopile element for detecting a heat source and has multiple pixels in a two-dimensional matrix configuration of 8 (longitudinal direction)×8 (lateral direction) (=64 elements). A detection result determining unit 60 determines the presence of a human from temperature distribution as a basic pattern based on a temperature distribution-status correspondence table. Determination with the basic pattern is used as a base, an action status of a human is determined from a developed pattern, it is transmitted to a monitoring controlling unit 24 via a status information output unit 64, and whether it is necessary to transition from a sleep mode to a stand-by mode is determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing device and a processing program.

  As another means for automating the power supply control for the device to which power is supplied, there is a human sensor control.

  In Patent Document 1, a human sensor is installed in an image processing apparatus, a person approaching the image processing apparatus is detected, and the power supply of the image processing apparatus is activated to reduce power consumption and convenience. It has been proposed to realize both.

  More specifically, distance detection means installed at two points is employed as a human sensor, and it is determined whether the moving direction of the human body is directed to a predetermined area, and the image forming apparatus main body is based on the determination result. Control is performed, and when the human body sensor approaches the human body, the case where the start-up is performed for an event (a mere pedestrian) who approaches the image forming apparatus and passes it without operation is assumed. It contains.

  Patent Document 2 describes that the display of a UI (user interface) is erased when it is determined that a person is not present by human-sense detection.

  In addition, according to Patent Document 3, the human body detection sensor that needs to be driven in the energy saving mode is time-division drive, and when the human body is detected, the cycle of time division is shortened, etc. It has been described to save energy. Further, in Patent Document 3, it is described that the device stops driving the human body detection sensor in the device to further save energy.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 05-045471 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-006686 JP, 2002-071833, A

  An object of the present invention is to obtain a processing apparatus and a processing program that can improve energy saving performance and convenience as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

The invention according to claim 1 is a processing apparatus having a first state and a second state in which the amount of power supplied from a power supply source is smaller than that in the first state, the heat being detected. One heat detection means for detecting the heat of a movable body having a plurality of elements arranged in a two-dimensional manner and capable of operating the processing apparatus, and the heat of a predetermined temperature or more of the elements detected And a determination unit that determines whether to switch from the second state to the first state based on the number of elements.
The invention according to claim 2 is a processing program which causes a computer to execute as the processing device according to claim 1.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, energy saving property and the improvement of the convenience can be aimed at compared with the case where it does not have this structure.

FIG. 1 is a communication network connection diagram including an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram showing composition of a control system of an image processing device concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a main controller and a control system of a power supply device according to the embodiment according to functions. 5 is a timing chart showing each mode state and an event that triggers the transition of the mode state in the image processing apparatus. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an image processing apparatus and the periphery according to the present embodiment. (A) is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the infrared array sensor applied as a 1st human sensor, (B) is a front view of the detection part of an infrared array sensor, and a functional block diagram of an analysis part. (A) is a front view showing a detection area of the infrared area sensor according to the present embodiment, (B) is a temperature distribution diagram (basic pattern) of the detection area of FIG. 8 (A), and (C) is FIG. It is a chart showing the stage of temperature distribution). It is a control chart (application pattern 1) which shows a person's detection state by the infrared area sensor concerning this embodiment, a judgment result, and correspondence. It is a control chart (application pattern 2) which shows a person's detection state by the infrared area sensor concerning this embodiment, a judgment result, and correspondence. It is a control chart (application pattern 3) which shows a person's detection state by the infrared area sensor concerning this embodiment, a judgment result, and correspondence. It is a management chart showing a preliminary monitoring state and a main monitoring state of an infrared area sensor according to a modification.

(Configuration of image processing apparatus)
As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to a network communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although two image processing apparatuses 10 are connected in FIG. 1, the number is not limited and may be one or three or more.

  Further, a plurality of PCs (personal computers) 21 as information terminal devices are connected to the network communication network 20. Although two PCs 21 are connected in FIG. 1, the number is not limited and may be one or three or more. Further, the information terminal device is not limited to the PC 21 and it is not necessary to connect by wire. That is, it may be a communication network that transmits and receives information wirelessly.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the image processing apparatus 10, for example, when transferring data and performing an image formation (print) instruction operation remotely from the PC 21 to the image processing apparatus 10, or a user (user) Stands in front of the image processing apparatus 10, and may instruct processing such as copying (copying), scanning (image reading), facsimile transmission / reception, etc. by various operations.

  FIG. 2 shows an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 10 is covered by a housing 10A, and a door that can be opened and closed is provided at an appropriate place. Although the door 10B of the front of FIG. 2 is illustrated as an example, a door may exist, for example in the side surface on either side. The door 10B is opened when, for example, a worker extends a hand into the apparatus and performs work such as paper jamming, replacement of consumables, periodic inspection, etc., and is closed during normal processing.

  An open / close detection switch 14A for detecting the open / close state of the door 10B is provided on the open / close operation trajectory of the door 10B. The open / close detection switch 14A is an essential member for the interlock unit 14 shown in FIG. In the interlock unit 14, when it is determined that the door 10B is opened based on the output signal from the open / close detection switch 14A, the relay switch 14RLY provided in the interlock unit 14 and whose contact is switched by mechanical operation is In operation, the external power supply is shut off (the power supply from a commercial power source 242 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) described later is shut off).

  The relay switch 14RYL includes a switch unit with which the contact is switched, and a coil unit disposed facing the switch unit. A circuit is incorporated in the coil portion so that current does not flow or flow according to the output signal from the open / close detection switch 14A (primary side circuit). The contact of the switch unit is switched by mechanical operation depending on whether current flows in the coil unit or not, and the power supply line (secondary side circuit) is connected or disconnected.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 240 that forms an image on a recording sheet, an image reading unit 238 that reads an original image, and a facsimile communication control circuit 236. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a main controller 200, and controls the image forming unit 240, the image reading unit 238, and the facsimile communication control circuit 236 to temporarily store the image data of the document image read by the image reading unit 238. The stored image data is sent to the image forming unit 240 or the facsimile communication control circuit 236.

  A network communication network 20 such as the Internet is connected to the main controller 200, and a telephone network 22 is connected to the facsimile communication control circuit 236. The main controller 200 is connected to, for example, a host computer via the network communication network 20, receives image data, and executes facsimile reception and facsimile transmission using the telephone network 22 via the facsimile communication control circuit 236. Have a role to

  The image reading unit 238 receives a light reflected or transmitted by a scan of a scanning drive system, a document table for positioning a document, a scanning drive system for scanning an image of the document placed on the document table and irradiating light, and And a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD for converting the electric signal into an electric signal.

  The image forming unit 240 includes a photosensitive member, and around the photosensitive member, a charging device for uniformly charging the photosensitive member, a scanning exposure unit for scanning a light beam based on image data, and the scanning exposure unit An image developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed by scanning exposure, a transfer unit for transferring an image on a developed photoreceptor onto a recording sheet, and cleaning of the surface of the photoreceptor after transfer A cleaning unit is provided. In addition, a fixing unit that fixes an image on the recording sheet after transfer is provided on the conveyance path of the recording sheet.

  In the image processing apparatus 10, the outlet 245 is attached to the tip of the input power supply line 244, and the image processing apparatus 10 is installed by inserting the outlet 245 into the wiring plate 243 of the commercial power supply 242 wired to the wall surface W. Power is supplied from a commercial power source 242.

(Control system hardware configuration of image processing device)
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a hardware configuration of a control system of the image processing apparatus 10.

  The network line network 20 is connected to the main controller 200. A facsimile communication control circuit 236, an image reading unit 238, an image forming unit 240, and a UI touch panel 216 are connected to the main controller 200 via buses 33A to 33D such as a data bus and a control bus, respectively. That is, the main controller 200 mainly controls the processing units of the image processing apparatus 10. The UI touch panel 216 may be attached with a backlight unit for the UI touch panel (see FIG. 4).

  The image processing apparatus 10 further includes a power supply device 202, and is connected to the main controller 200 by a bus 33E. The power supply device 202 receives power supply from the commercial power supply 242. The power supply device 202 is provided with power supply lines 35A to 35D for independently supplying power to the main controller 200, the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, the image forming unit 240, and the UI touch panel 216, respectively. There is. Therefore, the main controller 200 individually supplies power (power supply mode) or shuts off the power supply (sleep mode) to each processing unit (device) to enable so-called partial power saving control.

  Further, two human sensors (a first human sensor 28 and a second human sensor 30) are connected to the main controller 200 to monitor the presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus 10. ing. The first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 will be described later.

(Functional block diagram based on partial power saving configuration)
FIG. 4 shows a processing unit (sometimes referred to as “load”, “device”, “module”, etc.) controlled by the main controller 200, a main controller 200, and a power supply for supplying power to each device. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram mainly using a power supply line of the device 202. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 can supply or not supply power per processing unit (partial power saving).

  Note that partial power saving in units of processing units is an example, and processing units may be classified into several groups and power saving control may be performed in group units, or power saving control may be collectively performed on the processing units. .

[Main controller 200]
As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 200 has a CPU 204, a RAM 206, a ROM 208, an I / O (input / output unit) 210, and a bus 212 such as a data bus or control bus connecting these. A UI touch panel 216 (including a backlight unit 216BL) is connected to the I / O 210 via the UI control circuit 214. Further, a hard disk (HDD) 218 is connected to the I / O 210. The functions of the main controller 200 are realized by the CPU 204 operating based on programs stored in the ROM 208, the hard disk 218 and the like. The program is installed from a recording medium (CD, DVD, BD (Blu-ray Disc), USB memory, SD memory, etc.) storing the program, and the CPU 204 operates based on this to realize an image processing function. May be

  The timer circuit 220 and the communication line I / F 222 are connected to the I / O 210. Further, the I / O 210 is connected to devices of a facsimile communication control circuit (modem) 236, an image reading unit 238, and an image forming unit 240.

  The timer circuit 220 counts time as a trigger to put the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 into the power saving state (power non-supply state) (hereinafter referred to as “ Sometimes called a system timer).

  Power is supplied from the power supply device 202 to the main controller 200 and each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, and image forming unit 240) (see dotted lines in FIG. 4). In FIG. 4, the power supply lines are indicated by one line (dotted line), but in practice, they are two to three lines.

[Power supply 202]
As shown in FIG. 4, the input power supply line 244 drawn from the commercial power supply 242 is connected to the main switch 246. When the main switch 246 is turned on, power can be supplied to the first power supply unit 248 and the second power supply unit 250 via the interlock unit 14.

  The first power supply unit 248 includes a control power supply generation unit 248A, and is connected to the power supply control circuit 252 of the main controller 200. The power supply control circuit 252 supplies power to the main controller 200 and is connected to the I / O 210, and according to the control program of the main controller 200, the respective devices (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240). Switching control for turning on / off the power supply line to.

  On the other hand, in the power supply line 254 connected to the second power supply unit 250, a first sub power supply switch 256 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "SW-1") is interposed. The switch SW-1 is preferably a relay switch accompanied by a mechanical operation in the contact switching operation, and the power supply control circuit 252 controls on / off. The SW-1 corresponds to the relay switch 14RLY provided in the interlock unit 14.

  Further, the second power supply unit 250 includes a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1). The 24 V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) is a power supply mainly used for a motor or the like.

  The 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and the 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) of the second power supply unit 250 selectively supply the image reading unit power supply unit 258, the image forming unit power supply unit 260, and the facsimile communication control circuit power supply. The unit 264 is connected to the UI touch panel power supply unit 266.

  The image reading unit power supply unit 258 uses the 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) as an input source, and the image reading unit 238 via the second sub power switch 268 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "SW-2"). It is connected to the.

  The image forming unit power supply unit 260 uses a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) as input sources, and a third sub power supply switch 270 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "SW-3"). , And is connected to the image forming unit 240.

  The facsimile communication control circuit power supply unit 264 may use a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) as input sources, and may be referred to as a fourth sub power supply switch 274 (hereinafter "SW-4"). ), And is connected to the facsimile communication control circuit 236 and the image forming unit 240.

  The UI touch panel power supply unit 266 uses the 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) and the 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) as input sources, and the fifth sub power supply switch 276 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "SW-5"). It is connected to the UI touch panel 216 (including the backlight unit 216BL) via Note that power may be supplied from the power saving monitoring control unit 24 to the original function of the UI touch panel 216 (function other than the backlight unit 216BL).

  The second sub-power switch 268, the third sub-power switch 270, the fourth sub-power switch 274, and the fifth sub-power switch 276 each have a main controller 200 similar to the first sub-power switch 256. The on / off control is performed based on the power supply selection signal from the power supply control circuit 252 of FIG. Although not shown, the switches and wiring to which the 24V power supply unit 250H and the 5V power supply unit 250L are supplied are configured in two systems. The power switches 268 to 276 may be disposed not in the power supply device 202 but in each device to which power is supplied.

  In the above configuration, it is necessary to supply power to select each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240) for each function, and not supply power to unnecessary devices for the designated function. It requires only minimal power.

(Monitoring control for state transition of image processing device)
Here, the main controller 200 of the present embodiment may partially stop its function so as to achieve the minimum power consumption. Alternatively, the supply of power may be stopped, including most of the main controller 200. These may be generically called "sleep mode (power saving mode)" (see FIG. 5).

  The sleep mode can be shifted, for example, by activating a system timer when image processing is completed. That is, the power supply is stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the system timer is started. Note that, if there is any operation (hard key operation or the like) before a predetermined time (for example, corresponding to step 104 in FIG. 9) elapses, the timer count to the sleep mode is naturally canceled. The system timer is started from the end of the next image processing.

  On the other hand, the monitoring control unit 24 during power saving is connected to the I / O 210 as an element that constantly receives the supply of power during the sleep mode. The power saving monitoring control unit 24 can be configured by, for example, an IC chip called an ASIC, which stores an operation program by itself and is processed by the operation program, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. .

  By the way, in the monitoring during power saving, for example, when a print request or the like comes from the communication line detecting unit or a FAX reception request comes from the fax line detecting unit, monitoring control during power saving is performed to the device which is in power saving. In the unit 24, through the power supply control circuit 252, the first sub power switch 256, the second sub power switch 268, the third sub power switch 270, the fourth sub power switch 274, the fifth sub power source It is premised that power is supplied by controlling the switch 276.

  Further, a power saving control button 26 is connected to the I / O 210 of the main controller 200, and the user can cancel the power saving by operating the power saving control button 26 during the power saving. The power saving control button 26 is operated when power is supplied to the processing unit, thereby forcibly interrupting the power supply of the processing unit and having a function of bringing it into a power saving state. Good.

  Here, in order to monitor in the sleep mode, it is preferable to supply minimum power during power saving to the power saving control button 26 and each detection unit in addition to the power saving monitoring control unit 24. That is, even in the sleep mode, which is a power non-supply state, there is a case where power required for determination control of whether to supply power is lower than a predetermined power (for example, 0.5 W or less). is there. The power supply source at this time is not limited to the commercial power supply 242, and may be a storage battery, a solar battery, a charger charged when power is supplied from the commercial power supply 242, or the like.

  It should be noted that a specific period of the sleep mode (in the awake mode (awk shown in FIG. 5) includes the minimum necessary power supply mainly for the input system such as the UI touch panel 216 and the IC card reader 217 (backlight unit 216BL It is preferable to remove or reduce the illuminance than usual).

  When the user stands in front of the image processing apparatus 10 in the sleep mode and then operates the power saving control button 26 to resume the power supply, it may take time for the image processing apparatus 10 to start up. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 are installed in the power saving monitoring control unit 24 and the user operates the power saving control button 26 in the sleep mode. The user operates the power saving control button 26 by detecting power by the human sensor (the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30) and resuming the power supply early before pressing (such as pressing). It was possible to use it earlier than to start using it. Although the power saving control button 26 is used in combination with the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30, all monitoring is performed only by the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30. It is also possible to

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 include the detectors 28A and 30A and the circuit boards 28B and 30B, and the circuit boards 28B and 30B are The sensitivity of the signal detected by the detection units 28A and 30A is adjusted or an output signal is generated.

  Although the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 are referred to as "human feeling", this is a proper noun according to the present embodiment, and at least a person can detect ("detection" As long as possible), in other words, detection of moving objects other than human beings. Therefore, in the following, the detection target of the human sensor may be referred to as “person”, but in the future, a robot or the like to be executed on behalf of a person is also a detection target range. In addition, conversely, when the special sensor which can be specified and detected as a person exists, the special sensor concerned is applicable. In the following, mobile objects, people, users, etc. are treated as synonymous as targets to be detected by the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30, and are distinguished as necessary.

(First person sensor 28)
The specification of the first human sensor 28 according to the present embodiment is to detect the movement of the movable body around the image processing apparatus 10 (for example, in the range of 1 m to 5 m).

  In the present embodiment, a two-dimensional array heat source detection means (infrared array sensor 28IR (see FIG. 7)) in which a plurality of elements for detecting a heat source are vertically and horizontally arranged in two dimensions is applied as the first human sensor 28. doing. Hereinafter, the configuration of the infrared array sensor 28IR applied as the first human sensor 28 will be described in detail based on FIG. The block diagram of the control function system shown in FIG. 7 (B) does not limit the hardware configuration, but blocks the signal processing outputted from the infrared array sensor 28 IR according to the function.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the infrared array sensor 28IR includes a detection unit 28A and a circuit board unit 28B (hereinafter, may be referred to as an “analysis unit 28B”) to which the detection unit 28A is attached at the center. Have.

  The detection unit 28A includes an element that detects a heat source. The element for detecting the heat source is a thermopile element, and this thermopile element is multi-pixelized into 8 (longitudinal) × 8 (lateral) (= 64 elements) in a two-dimensional matrix. As a commercial product, there is a trade name: Grid-Eye (grid eye) "registered trademark" / made by Panasonic Electric Works.

  The specifications of the commercially available infrared array sensor include a thermopile element (array shape) as the sensor unit 28A, a silicon lens for light collection, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor as the analysis unit 28B, an IC and the like. It is a built-in mounting module, detects an area having a viewing angle of 60 degrees, and a maximum of 5 to 10 m, and can be applied as the first human sensor 28 of the present embodiment.

  Note that MEMS refers to devices in which mechanical component parts, sensors, actuators, and electronic circuits are integrated on one silicon substrate, glass substrate, organic material, or the like.

  The infrared array sensor 28IR detects a temperature change of a person or a heat source in a specific space in a non-contact manner by analyzing a temperature distribution by a detection signal corresponding to a thermal image detected by the detection unit 28A (thermopile element). The direction of movement of a person or the like can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the electric signal from the detection unit 28A is received by the electric signal reception unit 50 of the analysis unit 28B, and the signal detected by each of the thermopile elements is stored in the pixel-by-pixel data storage unit 52. It has become so. Here, although all the functions of the analysis unit 28B are described as being included in the circuit board unit 28B illustrated in FIG. 4, the analysis unit 28B does not have to include all the functions, and some of the functions are illustrated in FIG. It may be a function of the monitoring control unit 24 shown.

  A data extraction unit 54 is connected to the pixel-by-pixel data storage unit 52. For example, data is extracted in units of one pixel and is sent to the temperature level determination unit 56. The temperature level determination unit 56 is connected to the electric signal-temperature level characteristic table storage unit 58, and the temperature level based on the received electric signal (four stages shown in FIG. 8C in this embodiment). Decide which.

  The determined temperature level information is sent to the detection result determination unit 60.

  A temperature distribution-state comparison table storage unit 62 is connected to the detection result determination unit 60. Based on the temperature distribution-state comparison table stored in the temperature distribution-state comparison table storage unit 62, the detection result determination unit 60 detects the detection unit, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A as a basic pattern. When a person is present in the detection area 28A, the state (here, “person exists”) is determined from the detection result (temperature distribution) (see FIG. 8B).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the detection result judging unit 60 judges the operation state of a person from the applied patterns shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 on the basis of the judgment of the basic pattern shown in FIG. The data is sent to the monitoring control unit 24 shown in FIG. 4 via the output unit 64.

  FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate the determination based on the detection state as well as the correspondence specialized in the present embodiment (that is, the necessity of transition from the sleep mode to the standby mode). Further, by combining the following application patterns 1 to 3 and the combination with the detection by the second human sensor 30, patterns A to C in FIG. 6 to be described later are identified.

"Application pattern 1 (Fig. 9)"
In FIG. 9A, there is nothing in the detection area, and the detection state of the infrared array sensor 28IR is insensitive, and the judgment result is judged that there is no one around, and correspondingly, the sleep mode is maintained. It will be done.

  In FIG. 9B, a person is detected (equivalent to the basic pattern), but it is determined that there is no temperature distribution corresponding to the document, and it is determined that the document for scan and copy is not possessed. It will be maintained.

  In FIG. 9C, it is determined that a person is detected (equivalent to the basic pattern), and there is a temperature distribution corresponding to the document, and it is determined that the document for scan and copy is possessed. It will bring up to the standby mode. In the case where the power of the second human sensor 30 is interrupted, for example, instead of directly transitioning to the standby mode, the power may be supplied to the second human sensor 30 first. .

"Application pattern 2 (Fig. 10)"
In FIG. 10A, there is nothing in the detection area, and the detection state of the infrared array sensor 28IR is insensitive, and it is determined that there is no one in the surrounding area, and the sleep mode is maintained correspondingly. It will be done.

  In FIG. 10B, a person is detected (equivalent to the basic pattern), it is determined that the person is entering from the left of the detection area, and as a response, it is unknown whether or not the person approaches the device. Because there is, sleep mode will be maintained.

  In FIG. 10C, it is determined that a person is detected (equivalent to the basic pattern), and it is determined that the person who has entered from the left moves to the right as it is. The mode will be maintained.

"Application pattern 3 (Fig. 11)"
In FIG. 11A, there is nothing in the detection area, and the detection state of the infrared array sensor 28IR is insensitive, and the judgment result is judged that there is no one around, and correspondingly, the sleep mode is maintained. It will be done.

  FIG. 11B shows that a person is detected (equivalent to the basic pattern), but detection is performed with relatively few pixels, and the temperature distribution is also relatively low, so it is determined that there is a person at a distance. Since it is unknown whether or not to approach the device, the sleep mode will be maintained.

  FIG. 11C detects a person (equivalent to the basic pattern), detects a relatively large number of pixels, and has a relatively high temperature distribution, so it is determined that there is a person in the vicinity. , Will go from sleep mode to standby mode. In the case where the power of the second human sensor 30 is interrupted, for example, instead of directly transitioning to the standby mode, the power may be supplied to the second human sensor 30 first. .

(Second person sensor 28)
On the other hand, the specification of the second human sensor 30 according to the present embodiment is adapted to detect the presence or absence (presence or absence) of a moving object. The sensor applied to the second human sensor 30 is typically a reflective sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit (reflective sensor). The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit may be separated.

  The greatest feature of the reflection type sensor or the like applied to the second human sensor 30 is to reliably detect the presence or absence of a movable body by blocking or not blocking light entering the light receiving unit. In addition, since the amount of light incident on the light receiving portion is limited by the amount of light emitted from the light emitting portion, the relatively short distance is the detection area.

  If it is possible to achieve the target functions as the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30, respectively, the infrared array sensor 28RI or the second human sensor 28 may be used as the first human sensor 28. The human sensor 30 is not limited to a reflective sensor.

  Here, in the present embodiment, two regions (a first region F and a second region N in FIG. 6) are set by the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30.

  A first area F (simply referred to as "area F" in some cases) in FIG. 6 which is a relatively far detection area is a detection area by the first human sensor 28, and it is a remote mobile detection means. It has a function. Further, the second area N (sometimes simply referred to as "area N") in FIG. 6, which is a relatively close detection area, is a detection area by the second human sensor 30, and it is a proximity mobile object detection means It has a function as

  The detection area of the first human sensor 28 (see the first area F in FIG. 6) is about 2 to 3 m as a guide, although it depends on the environment of the place where the image processing apparatus 10 is installed. On the other hand, the detection area (see the second area N of FIG. 6) of the second human sensor 30 is a range where the UI touch panel 216 of the image processing apparatus 10 and the hard keys can be operated. It is about 0.5 m.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the relationship between the mobile (user) and the image processing apparatus 10 is roughly divided into three forms, and in the first form, a person operates the image processing apparatus 10 for the purpose of use. In the form approaching the possible position (see trend of A line arrow in FIG. 6 (pattern A)), in the second form, the person does not intend to use the processing device but the form approaching the operable position ( In the trend (see B pattern in FIG. 6, line B) (the third pattern), although the person does not approach the operable position of the processing apparatus, there is a possibility of transition to the first and second forms. It is a form (see the trend of C line arrow in FIG. 6 (C pattern)) in which a certain distance is achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the state of the image processing apparatus 10, particularly from the sleep mode to the power supply state, or from the power supply state to the sleep mode, is distinguished by distinguishing the movement of a person into at least the A pattern to the C pattern. Control the fall of the

  Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

(Mode transition of power supply control of image processing apparatus 10 (device))
First, based on FIG. 5, a timing chart showing each mode state and an event that triggers the transition of the mode state in the image processing apparatus 10 is shown.

  If the image processing apparatus 10 is not processed, the operating state is the sleep mode, and in the present embodiment, power is supplied only to the power-saving monitoring control unit 24.

  Here, when there is a start timing (detection of a start trigger or operation input (key input) on the UI touch panel 216 or the like), the operation state transitions to the warm-up mode.

  Note that after this startup trigger timing, the sleep mode may still be defined, and only the UI touch panel 216 may be started, or the power supply of only the power-saving monitoring control unit 24 is started by the activation of the UI touch panel 216. Since the power supply amount is more increased than this, it may be defined as the awake mode “awk” (wake-up mode) (see the parentheses [] in the sleep mode range in the transition diagram of FIG. 5). When there is an operation input (key input) such as the UI touch panel 216 in the awake mode, the operation state transitions to the warm-up mode.

  The start-up trigger mainly includes a signal or information based on the detection result by the second human sensor 30. Note that the power saving release operation by the operator may be used as a start trigger.

  The warm-up mode is the largest power consumption of each mode in order to quickly bring the image processing apparatus 10 into a processable state. For example, a halogen lamp is used by using an IH heater as a heater in the fixing unit. The warm-up mode time is relatively shorter than the heater used.

  When the warm-up operation in the warm-up mode is completed, the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode.

  The standby mode is literally a "prepare in preparation" mode, and in the image processing apparatus 10, an operation of image processing can be immediately executed.

  Therefore, when there is a job execution operation as a key input, the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the running mode, and image processing based on the instructed job is performed.

  When the image processing is completed (when a plurality of continuous jobs are waiting, when all the continuous jobs are completed), the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 is shifted to the standby mode by the standby trigger. Alternatively, after image processing, clocking by a system timer may be started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a standby trigger may be output to shift to the standby mode.

  If there is a job execution instruction in the standby mode, the transition to the running mode is made again, and the transition to the sleep mode is made when the fall trigger is detected or a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The fall trigger includes a signal, information, and the like based on the detection result of the second human sensor 30. A system timer may be used together.

  Further, all the transitions of the mode state in the actual operation of the image processing apparatus 10 do not progress in time series as shown in this timing chart. For example, processing may be suspended in the standby mode after the warm-up mode, and transition to the sleep mode may occur.

  Here, each device that operates by receiving power supply can immediately execute each process by transitioning from the sleep mode to the awake mode and the warm-up mode in FIG. 5 to the standby mode.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment mutually transits between modes, and the power supply amount is different for each mode.

  In the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, predetermined conditions (for example, moving object (user) leaving information by the second human sensor 30, or shutdown trigger output due to time-up of the system timer) are aligned. And shift to sleep mode. In this sleep mode, power is supplied not only to the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the devices of the image forming unit 240, but also to the main controller 200 excluding the power saving monitoring control unit 24 and the UI touch panel 216. Cut off. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the power saving control button 26 connected to the main controller 200 is also stopped. For this reason, when the image processing apparatus 10 is viewed from the surroundings, it is almost equivalent to the state in which the main power switch is turned off. That is, it can be confirmed from the surroundings that the sleep mode is surely executed (realization of "visualization").

  The devices (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, and image forming unit 240) of the image processing apparatus 10 are referred to as energy saving and convenience based on the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30. Taking into consideration the purpose of the trade-off mutually, proper mode transition (in particular, starting from the sleep mode and falling to the sleep mode) is performed. In this case, power is always supplied to detection systems such as the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30. Note that only the first human sensor 28 is constantly supplied with power, and when the first human sensor 28 detects a moving body (user), power is supplied to the second human sensor 30. You may do so.

  Here, in the present embodiment, since the infrared array sensor 28IR is applied as the first human sensor 28, the movement of the mobile body (user) is simply added to the detection, and the mobile body that has entered the detection area The situation is determined based on the detection state of and the correspondence of the subsequent processing is determined.

  By applying this infrared array sensor 28IR, it is possible to solve at least the following problems, for example, as compared with a sensor that simply detects the presence or absence of a moving object.

(Issue 1)
Some of the moving objects (people) approaching the image processing apparatus 10 are people approaching other than scanning and copying. For example, after outputting a print instruction from a remote PC, the printout sheet may be taken out. In such a case, for example, the sleep mode is switched to the standby mode or the next-stage human sensor (in this embodiment, the second human sensor 30). Supplying power to the system may result in unnecessary power consumption.

(Measures for task 1)
In addition to the basic pattern of FIG. 8, the application pattern 1 shown in FIG. 9 is applied.

  That is, as shown in “application pattern 1” in FIG. 9B, a person is detected, but it is determined that there is no temperature distribution corresponding to the document, and that the document for scan and copy is not held, and the sleep mode Maintain.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9C “application pattern 1”, it is determined that a person is detected and there is a temperature distribution corresponding to the document, and the document for scan and copy is held, and the sleep mode Start from standby mode. It should be noted that, instead of directly transitioning to the standby mode, for example, in the case where the power of the second human sensor 30 is cut off, power may be supplied to the second human sensor 30 first. Good.

(Issue 2)
Even if a moving object (person) exists in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 10, the employee uses the image processing apparatus 10 when the image processing apparatus 10 is installed in a passage where employees etc. frequently come and go. It is a case where it approaches to the distance equivalent to the person who does. In such a case, for example, the sleep mode is switched to the standby mode, or the second-stage human sensor 30 (in the present embodiment, the second human sensor 30). Supplying power to) may result in unnecessary power consumption.

(Countermeasures for task 2)
In addition to the basic pattern of FIG. 8, applied pattern 2 and applied pattern 3 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are applied.

  As shown in FIG. 10B “application pattern 2”, a person is detected, but after it is determined that a person is entering from the left of the detection area, it is shown in FIG. 10C “application pattern 2”. As described above, when the person who has entered from the left moves to the right as it is, it is determined that the person is just a pass and the sleep mode is maintained.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10 (B) “application pattern 2”, a person is detected, but after it is determined that a person is entering from the left of the detection area, FIG. 11 (C) “application pattern 3” As shown in FIG. 5, when the person who has entered from the left changes the direction and approaches the image processing apparatus 10, it is determined that there is an intention to operate the image processing apparatus 10, and the sleep mode is switched to the standby mode. In the case where the power of the second human sensor 30 is interrupted, for example, instead of directly transitioning to the standby mode, the power may be supplied to the second human sensor 30 first. .

(Countermeasures for Problem 2)
In addition to the basic pattern of FIG. 8, applied pattern 2 and applied pattern 3 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are applied.

  As shown in FIG. 11B “application pattern 3”, a person is detected, but after it is determined that the user is relatively distant, as shown in FIG. 10C “application pattern 2” If the person who was moving to the right while approaching, it is determined that it is just a pass and the sleep mode is maintained.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11 (B) “application pattern 3”, a human was detected, but after being judged to be relatively distant, as shown in FIG. 11 (C) “application pattern 3” When the person who has been far away approaches the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 10 as it is, it is determined that there is an intention to operate the image processing apparatus 10, and the sleep mode is started from the sleep mode. In the case where the power of the second human sensor 30 is interrupted, for example, instead of directly transitioning to the standby mode, the power may be supplied to the second human sensor 30 first. .

  In the present embodiment, the infrared area sensor 28IR is applied as the first human sensor 28, and the infrared area sensor 28RI is constantly supplied with power even in the sleep mode, and all pixels are supplied. Although monitoring was performed at (64 pixels), as shown in FIG. 12, as preliminary monitoring, monitoring is performed at peripheral pixels (28 pixels) and monitoring at all pixels (64 pixels) as main monitoring. Power supply may be performed.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12A, in the sleep mode, monitoring is performed on surrounding pixels (28 pixels) (preliminary monitoring), and no one is present in the detection area. Therefore, the sleep mode is maintained, and the power consumption of the infrared area sensor 28IR at this time is about 0.007 Wdc.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12B, when a person enters the detection area while monitoring with only the pixels around the infrared area sensor 28IR, the temperature is detected with the surrounding pixels. Therefore, although the sleep mode is maintained, power is supplied to all the pixels of the infrared area sensor 28IR, and monitoring of all the pixels is started (main monitoring). The power consumption of the infrared area sensor 28IR at this time is about 0.015 Wdc.

  After this monitoring, as in the application patterns 1 to 3 described above, the movement of the person in the detection area is analyzed, and the sleep mode is maintained if it is passed as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12D, when the image processing apparatus 10 is approached, the mode may be switched to the standby mode or power may be supplied to the second human sensor 30 at the next stage.

  In addition, when a person is not present from the detection area, the main monitoring state may be shifted to the preliminary monitoring state again.

  Note that the monitoring by the infrared array sensor 28IR according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above problems 1 and 2. For example, information (such as the outline of the moving object or the information By acquiring the moving direction or the presence or absence of possession of a document or the like, the false detection rate is reduced compared to other sensors that detect information on whether the moving body has moved.

(Supplementary Note 1)
Appendix 1 arranges a plurality of loads for performing predetermined processing by receiving supply of electric power from the power supply unit and performing predetermined processing, and a plurality of heat source detection elements for outputting electric signals according to at least the amount of heat received from the heat source. Whether or not there is a moving object including a user who uses the load and is installed as a detection area around the two-dimensional array type heat source detection means which is multi-pixeled by Power supply state transition control means for transitioning to a power supply state for receiving power from the power supply unit or to a power interruption state for not receiving power from the power supply unit, at least for the load The power supply state transition control method is performed by comparing the detection information by the moving body detection means and the time measurement information of a predetermined time measurement means with reference information set to each. A transition timing determining means for determining a transition timing of a power supply control device as a processing apparatus having a.

  According to the invention described in Supplementary Note 1, the situation determination capability of the mobile object detection means which can be an information transmission source for the power supply control of the load for the purpose of improvement of energy saving property and convenience is not obtained from the case of not having this configuration. Energy efficiency and convenience as a whole.

(Supplementary Note 2)
In the invention described in Supplementary Note 1, it further comprises analysis means for analyzing the moving direction of the heat source based on the electrical signal corresponding to the heat quantity from the heat source detected by the two-dimensional array heat source detection means, The determination means compares the result analyzed by the analysis means with the reference information to determine whether the heat source is a moving body and approaches the load.

  According to the invention described in Supplementary Note 2, the two-dimensional array heat source detection means can detect the moving direction of the heat source.

(Supplementary Note 3)
In the invention described in Supplementary Note 1, it further comprises analysis means for analyzing the outline of the heat source based on the electrical signal corresponding to the heat quantity from the heat source detected by the two-dimensional array heat source detection means, and the transition time determination The means compares the reference information with the results analyzed by the analysis means to determine whether the contour of the heat source is human-type, and if human-type, determines the presence or absence of possession.

  According to the invention described in Appendix 3, the two-dimensional array heat source detection means can detect the contour of the heat source.

(Supplementary Note 4)
In the invention described in any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3, the moving body detection means further comprises user detection means for detecting a user facing the load at a close distance, and the two-dimensional array heat source detection means The order of receiving power supply is set in cooperation with the user detection means, and the two-dimensional array heat source detection means is always in the power supply state.

  According to the invention described in Appendix 4, power supply from the two-dimensional array heat source detection means to the user detection means can be coordinated.

(Supplementary Note 5)
In the invention described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, the detection area of the two-dimensional array heat source detection means is set to include the detection area of the user detection means.

  According to the invention described in Appendix 5, the detection areas of the plurality of detection means can be correlated.

(Supplementary Note 6)
In the invention described in Appendix 4 or 5, the user detection unit is a reflection type that includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit and determines the presence or absence of the user depending on whether the light receiving unit receives light from the light emitting unit. It is a detection means.

  According to the invention described in Supplementary Note 6, detection accuracy can be improved as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

(Appendix 7)
In the invention described in any one of Supplementary Notes 4 to 6, power supply to the two-dimensional array type heat source detection means is controlled based on the operating state of the load and the detection state of the user detection means.

  According to the invention described in appendix 7, the power supply period to the two-dimensional array heat source detection means can be reduced.

(Supplementary Note 8)
In the invention as set forth in any one of supplementary notes 4 to 6, the user detection means at least includes a period during which the user is detected, and the user detection means does not detect the user. Shuts off the power supply to the two-dimensional array heat source detection means.

  According to the invention described in Appendix 8, the power supply period to the two-dimensional array heat source detection means can be reduced.

(Appendix 9)
In the invention as set forth in any one of Supplementary Notes 4 to 8, power supply to the user detection means when it is found that at least the moving body moves away from the load based on the analysis result of the analysis means. Shut off.

  According to the invention described in Supplementary Note 9, it is possible to reduce the power supply period to the user detection means.

(Supplementary Note 10)
In the invention described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, the load receives a power supply and operates to select a plurality of processing units that execute a predetermined process, and the plurality of processing units. A sleep mode for supplying power to a monitoring control unit for analyzing the detection result by the moving body detection unit as a mode which is classified into an instruction unit instructing at least processing contents and is transited in the power interruption state; A warm-up mode, which is a preparatory step for starting up the processing unit from the sleep mode, comprising an awake mode for supplying power to the instruction unit as necessary, and transitioning in the power supply state; And a standby mode in which power is supplied at a lower level than in the steady state, and a running mode in which the steady state power is supplied to the processing unit. A mode, transitions mode according to the processing conditions.

  According to the invention described in Supplementary Note 10, transition can be instructed in mode units.

(Supplementary Note 11)
In the invention as set forth in any one of supplementary notes 1 to 10, an image reading unit comprising a power supply control device, the load reading an image from a document image, and forming an image on a recording sheet based on image information. A facsimile communication control unit for transmitting an image to a transmission destination under a mutually predetermined communication procedure, a user interface unit for notifying reception of information with a user, and a user identification device for identifying a user The mobile object detection means cooperates with each other to execute image processing based on an instruction from the user, and the mobile object detection means determines the installation position of the user interface unit or the user identification device. It is an image processing apparatus as a processing apparatus provided as a reference.

  According to the invention described in Appendix 11, the situation determination capability of the mobile object detection means which can be an information source for the power supply control of the load for the purpose of improvement of energy saving property and convenience is not obtained from the case of not having this configuration. Energy efficiency and convenience as a whole.

(Supplementary Note 12)
It is a power supply control program which makes a computer run as a power supply control device in any one of appendixes 1 to 10.

  According to the invention described in Appendix 12, the situation determination capability of the mobile object detection means which can be an information source for the power supply control of the load for the purpose of improvement of energy saving property and convenience is not obtained from the case of not having this configuration. Energy efficiency and convenience as a whole.

W Wall 10 Image processing device 20 Network communication network 21 PC
22 telephone network 24 power saving monitoring control unit 26 power saving control button 28 first motion sensor 30 second motion sensor 28 IR infrared array sensor 28A detection unit 28B circuit board unit (analysis unit)
50 electrical signal reception unit 52 pixel-by-pixel data storage unit 54 data extraction unit 56 temperature level determination unit 58 electrical signal-temperature level characteristic table storage unit 60 detection result determination unit 62 temperature distribution-state check table storage unit 64 state output unit 200 main Controller 204 CPU
206 RAM
208 ROM
210 I / O (input / output unit)
212 bus 214 UI control circuit 216 UI touch panel 217 IC card reader 218 hard disk 220 timer circuit 222 communication line I / F
236 facsimile communication control circuit 238 image reading unit 240 image forming unit 242 commercial power supply 243 wiring plate 244 input power line 245 outlet 246 main switch 248 first power unit 250 second power unit 248 A control power generation unit 252 power supply control Circuit 254 Power supply line 256 First sub power supply switch ("SW-1")
250H 24V power supply unit (LVPS2)
250L 5V power supply unit (LVPS1)
258 image reading unit power supply unit 260 image forming unit power supply unit 266 facsimile communication control circuit power supply unit 268 second sub power switch ("SW-2")
270 Third Sub Power Switch ("SW-3")
274 4th sub power switch ("SW-4")
276 Sixth sub power switch ("SW-5")

Claims (2)

A processing apparatus having a first state and a second state in which the amount of power supplied from a power supply source is smaller than that in the first state.
One heat detection means for detecting the heat of a movable body capable of operating the processing apparatus, in which a plurality of elements for detecting heat are arranged in two dimensions;
A determination unit that determines whether or not to switch from the second state to the first state based on the number of elements that have detected heat of a predetermined temperature or more among the elements;
Processing apparatus having: Computer,
A processing program to be executed as the processing device according to claim 1.