JP3758630B2 - Digital multifunction device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital multifunction peripheral, and more particularly to a digital multifunction peripheral having an energy saving (hereinafter referred to as energy saving) function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In digital MFPs having facsimile machines, facsimile modes, and copy modes, attempts have been made to reduce power consumption as much as possible in consideration of recent environmental problems. For example, when an energy-saving key is provided and this key is operated, or when a timer is provided and the operation unit has not been operated for a specified time, the power supply to the display unit and printer heater is stopped to save energy. That is, the device is operated in the low power mode to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, when the key of the operation unit is not operated for a longer period, there is a case where power is supplied only to the CPU of the control device and power is not supplied to other components (sleep mode). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-111732 [0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a digital multi-function peripheral, a certain time is required until the printer heater reaches a predetermined temperature after the power is turned on. Further, when the energy saving mode is set as described above, it takes a certain time until copy printing is possible even when the setting of the energy saving mode is canceled and the printer heater is operated again. As described above, when the power is turned on or the energy saving mode is released, there is a problem that it takes a certain time until copy printing is possible on the recording paper, and the operability is poor.
[0005]
On the other hand, among users of digital multi-function peripherals with fax mode and copy mode, users who mainly use the fax function, for example, users who have a separate copy machine, have an energy saving function. The fax operation takes time and may cause inconvenience. In addition, even when the energy saving key is used, there is a problem that the fax operation takes time because both the fax mode and the copy mode are in an energy saving state.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital multi-function peripheral that can improve operability without shifting to an energy-saving state when only the fax mode is used. .
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The digital multi-function peripheral according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured to set whether to enable or disable the energy saving function in the fax mode, and when the energy saving key is operated or the operation key is operated for a predetermined time. And a control unit that shifts to the energy saving state except when in the fax mode, and shifts to the energy saving state only when the setting unit is enabled in the fax mode.
[0008]
According to the digital multi-function peripheral of the invention according to claim 1, since the energy saving function in the fax mode can be disabled by the setting means, a user who mainly uses only the fax mode can select a mode other than the fax mode. Since the energy saving function can be enabled during the fax mode and the energy saving function can be disabled during the fax mode, the fax operation can be performed quickly.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital multi-function peripheral comprising a copy function on / off switch and a control means for enabling only an operation function relating to fax when the switch is off and preventing a shift to an energy saving state. It is characterized by that.
[0010]
According to the digital multi-function peripheral of the invention according to claim 2, since the on / off switch for the copy function is provided, the key operation related to the copy function is disabled if the user who mainly uses only the fax is turned off. Therefore, the operation can be performed as if the copy power is turned off, and the shift to the energy saving state is prevented, so that the energy saving function does not work and the fax operation can be performed quickly.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a digital multi-function peripheral. This digital multi-function peripheral can appropriately set a copy mode and a fax mode using a setting switch.
[0012]
1 includes a main control unit 1, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, a display unit 4, an operation unit 5, a modem 6, a network control unit NCU 7, a reading unit 8, An image memory 9, a recording unit 10, and a timer 11 are included, and these units are connected via a bus 12.
On the other hand, the power supply device 13 of the digital multi-function peripheral always supplies power to the display unit 4 and the recording unit 10 other than the printer heater 18 and switches 14 and 15 to the display unit 4 and the printer heater 18 of the recording unit 10. Power supply.
[0013]
The main control unit 1 is composed of a CPU, and controls various hardware units of the digital multifunction peripheral via the bus 12 and executes various programs based on programs stored in the ROM 2. When the energy saving function is activated, the main control unit 1 controls the switches 14 and 15 to stop the power supply to the printer heater 18 of the display unit 4 and the recording unit 10.
[0014]
The ROM 2 stores various programs necessary for the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral in advance, and the RAM 3 is composed of SRAM, etc., and stores temporary data generated during the execution of the program and enables the energy saving function in the fax mode. The energy saving invalid flag storage unit (memory area) 16 for determining whether or not to invalidate. A configuration in which a flash memory is used for the RAM 3 is also possible. In this case, the stored contents are not lost even if a power failure or the power of the digital multi-function peripheral is cut off.
[0015]
The display unit 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display, and displays the operation state of the digital multi-function peripheral and displays operation screens of various functions. The operation unit 5 is equipped with various function keys such as character keys, numeric keys, speed dial keys, and help keys necessary for operating the digital multi-function peripheral, and fax mode and print mode setting keys. An energy saving key 17 is also provided. Note that by using the touch panel system for the display unit 4, some or all of the various keys of the operation unit can be substituted.
[0016]
The modem 6 is connected to the bus 12 and has a function as a fax modem capable of facsimile communication. The modem 6 is also connected to the NCU 7 connected to the bus 12. The NCU 7 is hardware for closing and opening the analog line, and connects the modem 6 to the telephone line 19 as necessary.
[0017]
The reading unit 8 reads a document with a scanner using a CCD or the like, and outputs dot image data converted into black and white binary. The image memory 9 is configured using a DRAM or the like, and stores image data to be transmitted or copied or received image data.
The recording unit 10 includes an electrophotographic printer or the like, and prints out the received data or the data read by the reading unit 8 as a hard copy, and includes a printer heater 18.
[0018]
The digital multi-function peripheral has the above-described configuration, and a copy mode and a fax mode can be selected using keys on the operation unit. At the time of facsimile transmission, the image data of the original is read by the reading unit 8 and stored in the image memory 9, then modulated by the modem 6, and transmitted from the NCU 7 to the communication partner via the telephone line 19. At the time of facsimile reception, the received image data is demodulated by the modem 6 and stored in the image memory 9 and then printed by the recording unit 10. On the other hand, at the time of copying, the image data read by the reading unit 8 is accumulated in the image memory 9 and then printed by the recording unit 10.
[0019]
This digital multi-function peripheral can set whether to enable or disable the energy saving function in the fax mode, and the operation at this setting will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the user instructs the setting of the energy saving function from the operation unit 5 or the touch panel of the display unit 4, the main control unit 1 displays the energy mode function “valid / invalid” selection screen in the fax mode on the display unit 4 (step 101). Then, the main control unit 1 determines whether the energy saving function is enabled or disabled (step 102). When the user selects the energy saving function disabled, the flag of the energy saving invalid flag storage unit 16 of the RAM 3 is set ( Step 103). On the other hand, when the user selects the energy saving function enabled, the main control unit 1 clears the flag in the energy saving invalid flag storage unit 16 of the RAM 3 (step 104). Accordingly, the validity / invalidity of the energy saving function in the fax mode selected by the user is set in the flag of the energy saving invalid flag storage unit 16 of the RAM 3.
[0020]
On the other hand, the digital multifunction peripheral always determines whether or not to shift to the energy saving state during operation, and this determination operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The main control unit 1 of the digital multi-function peripheral always determines whether or not the key of the operation unit 5 is operated (step 201). When there is a key operation, the main control unit 1 resets the measurement time of the timer 11 and initializes the timer 11 (step 202). Next, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the key operated by the operation unit 5 is an energy saving key (step 203). If the operated key is an energy saving key, the process proceeds to step 206. If the operated key is not an energy saving key, the main control unit 1 executes processing corresponding to the operated key (step 204). To return to step 201.
[0021]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 201 that there is no key operation, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the time for starting energy saving has elapsed from the measurement time of the timer 11 (step 205), and the energy saving starting time. If has not elapsed, the process returns to step 201. If the energy saving start time has elapsed, or if it is determined in step 203 that the energy saving key has been operated, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the current mode is the fax mode (step 206). When the current mode is not the fax mode, the main control unit 1 controls the switches 14 and 15 to stop the power supply to the display unit 4 and the printer heater 18 of the recording unit 10 and shift to the energy saving state (step) 208). When the current mode is the fax mode, the main control unit 1 determines whether the energy saving function in the fax mode is valid or invalid depending on whether or not the flag of the energy saving invalid flag storage unit 16 of the RAM 3 is set ( Step 207).
[0022]
If the flag of the energy saving invalid flag storage unit 16 is set and the energy saving function in the fax mode is invalid, the process returns to step 201. If the flag of the energy saving invalid flag storage unit 16 is cleared and the energy saving function in the fax mode is enabled, the main control unit 1 moves to step 208 and starts energy saving. Even in the energy saving state, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not there is a key operation of the operation unit 5 (step 209). When any key of the operation unit 5 is operated, the main control unit 1 controls the switches 14 and 15 to resume the power supply to the display unit 4 and the printer heater 18 of the recording unit 10 to cancel the energy saving state. After (step 210), the process corresponding to the operated key is executed (step 204), and the process returns to step 201.
[0023]
As described above, it is possible to set whether to enable or disable the energy saving function in the fax mode. When mainly using only the fax, if the energy saving function in the fax mode is disabled, the fax mode In this case, even if the energy saving key is operated or the key operation is not performed for a predetermined time, the fax function can be quickly operated because the energy saving state is not entered.
[0024]
In the above embodiment, the setting means for setting the enable / disable of the energy saving function in the fax mode is set so as not to shift to the energy saving state in the fax mode. However, in the case of a digital multifunction peripheral having only the fax mode and the copy mode In addition, by providing an on / off switch for the copy function, it is possible to prevent the shift to the energy saving state in the fax mode.
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of a digital multi-function peripheral provided with such a copy function on / off switch. The digital multi-function apparatus of FIG. 4 has only a copy function on / off switch 20 added to the digital multi-function apparatus of FIG. 1 and the energy-saving invalid flag storage unit 16 of the RAM 3 is omitted. Other configurations are the same as those of the digital multi-function apparatus of FIG. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.
[0026]
The operation of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 4 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
The main control unit 1 of the digital multi-function peripheral first determines whether the copy function on / off switch 20 is on or off (step 301). When the copy function on / off switch 20 is off, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the key of the operation unit 5 is operated (step 302). If there is no key operation, the process returns to step 301. If there is a key operation, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the process by the key is a process related to a fax (step 303). If the process by the key is not a process related to the fax, the main control unit 1 returns to step 301 without executing the process by the key, and if the process by the key is a process related to the fax, it corresponds to the key. (Step 304), and the process returns to step 301.
[0027]
On the other hand, when the copy function on / off switch 20 is on, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the key of the operation unit 5 is operated (step 305). When there is a key operation, the main control unit 1 resets the measurement time of the timer 11 and initializes the timer 11 (step 306). Next, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the key operated by the operation unit 5 is an energy saving key (step 307). If the operated key is an energy saving key, the process proceeds to step 309. If the operated key is not an energy saving key, the process proceeds to step 304, and the main control unit 1 executes processing corresponding to the operated key. Then, the process returns to step 301.
[0028]
When it is determined in step 305 that there is no key operation, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not the time for starting energy saving has elapsed from the measurement time of the timer 11 (step 308), and the energy saving starting time has elapsed. If not, the process returns to step 301. When the energy saving start time has elapsed, or when it is determined in step 307 that the energy saving key is operated, the main control unit 1 controls the switches 14 and 15 to display the printer heater of the display unit 4 and the recording unit 10. The power supply to 18 is stopped to shift to an energy saving state (step 309). Even in this energy saving state, the main control unit 1 determines whether or not there is a key operation of the operation unit 5 (step 310). When any key of the operation unit 5 is operated, the main control unit 1 controls the switches 14 and 15 to resume the power supply to the display unit 4 and the printer heater 18 of the recording unit 10 to cancel the energy saving state. After (Step 311), the process corresponding to the operated key is executed (Step 304), and the process returns to Step 301.
[0029]
As described above, when the copy function on / off switch is provided, when the copy function is turned off, when the key of the operation unit is operated, the process corresponding to the key is executed only when the process is related to the fax. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability by giving a feeling that the copy power is turned on and off. Further, when the copy function is turned off, the energy saving state is not shifted, so that the fax function can be operated quickly when mainly using only the fax.
[0030]
In the above embodiment, the power supply to the display unit and printer heater is turned off to save energy. However, not only the display unit and printer heater but also other parts are provided with power supply switches. It is also possible to stop power supply to these parts.
In the above embodiment, the digital multi-function peripheral has been described with respect to a digital multi-function peripheral having a fax mode and a copy mode. However, the present invention can also be applied to a digital multi-function peripheral having a printer mode and a scan mode. is there.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present invention can set the energy saving function enabled / disabled in the fax mode by the setting means, so that a user who mainly uses only the fax function is in the fax mode. By disabling the energy saving function, in the fax mode, even if the energy saving key is operated or the key operation is not performed for a predetermined time, the energy saving function is not entered, so that the fax function can be operated quickly.
[0032]
In addition, when the on / off switch for the copy function is provided, users who mainly use fax only can turn off this switch to prevent the transition to the energy-saving state and the energy-saving function will not work. Fax operation can be performed. When the on / off switch of the copy function is turned off, the key operation related to the copy function is invalidated, so that the user can operate the digital multi-function peripheral as if the copy power is turned on / off.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation when setting the energy saving function valid / invalid in the fax mode in the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1;
3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when determining whether or not to shift to an energy saving state in the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a digital multifunction peripheral according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital multi-function peripheral shown in FIG. 4;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Main control unit 2 ROM
3 RAM
4 Display unit 5 Operation unit 6 Modem 7 NCU
8 Reading unit 9 Image memory 10 Recording unit 11 Timer 12 Bus 13 Power supply 14, 15 Switch 16 Energy saving invalid flag storage unit 17 Energy saving key 18 Printer heater 19 Telephone line 20 Copy function on / off switch

Claims (2)

Setting means to set whether to enable or disable the energy saving function in the fax mode, and when the energy saving key is operated, or when there is no operation key operation for a predetermined time, it shifts to the energy saving state except in the fax mode And a control means for shifting to an energy saving state only when the setting means is valid in the fax mode. A digital multifunction device comprising an on / off switch for a copy function, and a control means for enabling only an operation function relating to a fax when the on / off switch is off and preventing transition to an energy saving state.

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