JP4526499B2 - Image processing apparatus, activation control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a startup control method thereof, and a program, and more specifically, an image processing apparatus capable of switching between a normal mode and an operation mode such as an energy saving mode and a sleep mode, and the image processing apparatus The startup control method and the program to be incorporated into the image processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a scanner apparatus, or a multifunction machine (MFP) in which any one of them is combined, the power is turned on and energized. When is restarted, initial activation (initial activation) is performed. In this initial activation, an initial operation is executed in accordance with a predetermined power-on sequence. Such operation when resuming energization is executed regardless of the time from when the power is turned off until it is turned on, which is due to an unexpected interruption of energization such as a power failure or power plug disconnection. It is the same even if it is a thing.

  In addition, devices including an image processing apparatus often have a guaranteed operation time in order to cope with interruption of energization due to a momentary power failure, and are designed based on the determination. The operation guarantee time specifically refers to an extremely short period such as one cycle of AC voltage. The device guarantees the operation with the backup power supply against the interruption of the commercial power supply during the operation guarantee time or less. Further, when the operation guarantee time has passed, the backup power supply assists the smooth execution of processing after recovery from the power failure by avoiding memory of data and setting data handled at the time of the power failure.

  Regarding the operation at the time of restoration after a power failure, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus provided with means for restoring the set operation mode data when a power failure occurs during operation. Yes. Here, the “operation mode” in Patent Document 1 refers to a copy mode such as the number of copies, paper size, enlargement / reduction, etc. Therefore, the number of copies, paper size, enlargement / reduction, etc. that can be restored by power failure recovery. Is set by a user operation related to the image forming operation. Further, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the power cut-off period is within a period of, for example, 5 minutes, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and the above-described restoration is executed.

  In addition, Patent Document 2 describes the occurrence of failures that occur when unnecessary power is consumed or when power is turned on inadvertently when the power is automatically turned on after a power failure recovery or when the use is temporarily interrupted. A copier that avoids such problems is disclosed. In the copying machine described in Patent Document 2, even when the commercial power supply is resumed after a power failure, the commercial power supply to the entire apparatus is cut off to prevent unnecessary power consumption and breakdown. ing.

  By the way, the conventional image processing apparatus has a plurality of operation modes relating to power supply, and can be appropriately switched between them. Examples of the operation mode mentioned here include a power saving mode (energy saving mode) and a sleep mode in addition to the normal operation mode.

  The names of these operation modes are usually different for each manufacturer, but the energy saving mode refers to an operation mode that suppresses power consumption while maintaining energization of the entire image processing apparatus, and the sleep mode refers to the image processing apparatus. The operation mode in which only a part is energized shall be indicated.

These operation modes will be described more specifically by taking the case where the image processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus as an example. In the energy saving mode, when the device is not used for a predetermined time, the temperature of the fixing device is lowered after the photosensitive member and the developing device are initialized, or the rotation speed of the polygon motor is reduced, and power is saved. This is an operation mode for preventing a delay with respect to the print instruction. On the other hand, in the sleep mode, all power to the scanner and printer engine is stopped, power is supplied to a part of the operation panel (specific buttons), interfaces such as a facsimile receiving modem and network board, and the specific buttons are pressed or externally This is an operation mode in which power supply to the entire apparatus is started by starting energization of the entire apparatus in accordance with an instruction from.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-146630 JP 11-38841 A

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus, when the power is turned on after the power is turned off and energization resumes, the initial activation is performed. However, not only the normal operation mode but also a plurality of operation modes such as an energy saving mode and a sleep mode are provided. I have.

  Therefore, in an operation mode other than the normal mode, if there is an unexpected temporary interruption of power supply (including a drop that should be regarded as being interrupted by the device) and resumption such as an instantaneous power failure or a power cord disconnection, it will be uniformly initialized. Although the operation is performed, in the conventional technology, at least when the mode is shifted to another operation mode, the normal mode remains until the set time elapses, which not only leads to wasteful power consumption but also to the life of the operating part of the device. Will also have an impact.

  In addition, when the power supply is temporarily interrupted and restarted in the operation mode other than the normal mode, the uniform initial operation itself not only leads to wasteful power consumption but also the operating part of the device. It will also affect the lifetime of the. For example, in the energy saving mode and sleep mode in the image forming apparatus described above, necessary circuit parts (all in the energy saving mode) are energized after initializing the photosensitive member, the developing device, and other driving units. In this state, when the energization of the device is cut off and restarted due to the occurrence of a momentary power failure, the initial operation of the entire device is performed. Wasteful processing such as charging of the toner and stirring of the toner is performed. In addition, this agitation operation causes damage that causes the toner to deteriorate due to friction.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and unexpected temporary power supply interruption (including a decrease that should be regarded as interruption by the apparatus) and resumption such as instantaneous power failure and insertion / removal of a power cord are resumed. An image processing apparatus capable of maintaining power saving corresponding to an operation mode related to power supply at the time of occurrence of interruption / resumption such as an energy saving mode or a sleep mode even if it occurs, a startup control method in the image processing apparatus, And a program for incorporation into the image processing apparatus.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a first technical means of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that operates in any one of a plurality of operation modes related to power supply, and the plurality of operation modes are normally Mode and an energy saving mode that reduces power consumption while maintaining energization of the entire image processing apparatus and / or a sleep mode that energizes only a part of the image processing apparatus. Mode switching means for switching modes, mode storage means for storing the current operation mode of the image processing apparatus, energization state detection means for detecting the energization state of the image processing apparatus, and that energization has started when it is detected by the energization state detection means, through the image processing apparatus and activation control means for initial start, after the energization of the the image processing apparatus is cut off temporarily Resumption mode determining means for determining an operation mode at the time of resuming energization of the image processing device based on the operation mode stored in the mode storage means when it is detected by the energization state detecting means that And the mode switching means, when the operation mode determined by the restart mode determination means is an energy saving mode or a sleep mode, after the image processing apparatus is initially activated by the activation control means, the energy saving mode or the sleep mode. It is characterized by shifting to the mode .

  The second technical means comprises the power switch and the switch state detecting means for detecting the state of the power switch in the first technical means, and the restart mode determining means is the operation stored in the mode storage means. Based on the mode and the state of the power switch detected by the switch state detecting means, the operation mode at the time of resuming energization of the image processing apparatus is determined.

According to a third technical means, in the first or second technical means, the mode switching means, the mode storage means, the restart mode determining means, and the activation control means are all provided in the main control unit of the image processing apparatus. Or all communication units of the image processing apparatus.

A fourth technical means is an activation control method in an image processing apparatus that operates in any one of a plurality of operation modes related to power supply. The plurality of operation modes include a normal mode and the entire image processing apparatus. An energy saving mode that suppresses power consumption while maintaining current supply and / or a sleep mode in which only a part of the image processing device is energized, and the activation control method includes a mode switching step for switching the operation mode, A mode storage step for storing the current operation mode of the image processing apparatus, an energization state detection step for detecting an energization state of the image processing apparatus, and the energization state detection step detecting that energization has started a, energizing the image processing apparatus and start control step of initial start, after the energization of the image processing apparatus is cut off temporarily If that was resumed detected by the conductive state detection step, including on the basis of the operation mode stored in the mode storage step, and a resume mode determining step of determining the operation mode during energization resumption of the image processing apparatus In the mode switching step, when the operation mode determined in the restart mode determination step is the energy saving mode or the sleep mode, the image processing apparatus is initially started in the activation control step, and then the energy saving mode or the sleep mode is selected. It is characterized by shifting to .

A fifth technical means is a program for incorporation into an image processing apparatus that operates in any one of a plurality of operation modes relating to power supply, wherein the plurality of operation modes include a normal mode and the entire image processing apparatus. An energy-saving mode that suppresses power consumption while maintaining current supply to the memory and / or a sleep mode in which only a part of the image processing apparatus is energized, and the program is an activation control computer provided in the image processing apparatus In addition, a mode switching step for switching the operation mode, a mode storage step for storing the current operation mode of the image processing device, an energization state detection step for detecting an energization state for the image processing device, and energization are started. When this is detected in the energization state detecting step, an activation control step for initial activation of the image processing apparatus is performed. And-up, when said energizing after the energization of the image processing apparatus is cut off once is detected in the energized state detecting step that is resumed, based on the operation mode stored in the mode storage step, the image And a resumption mode determination step for determining an operation mode at the time of resuming energization of the processing device , wherein the mode switching step is performed when the operation mode determined in the resumption mode determination step is an energy saving mode or a sleep mode. If there is, the image processing apparatus is shifted to the energy saving mode or the sleep mode after the initial activation in the activation control step .

  According to the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, even when an unexpected temporary power supply interruption (including a drop that should be regarded as an interruption in the apparatus) and resumption such as an instantaneous power failure or insertion / removal of a power cord occur, It becomes possible to maintain the power saving corresponding to the operation mode related to the power supply when the interruption / resumption occurs such as the energy saving mode or the sleep mode.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that operates in any one of a plurality of operation modes related to power supply, and will be described by taking a digital multifunction peripheral as an example. The present invention can be similarly applied to other image processing apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and scanner apparatuses as well as other multifunction machines.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. A digital multifunction machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured as a multifunction machine having functions of a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a scanner device, a printer device, and a mail transmission device.

  A digital multifunction peripheral 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus. An image reading unit 31 that reads a document on a document table, an image processing unit 32 that performs image processing on image data read by the image reading unit 31, An image forming unit 33 that prints an image on a recording medium such as paper or film for the image data processed by the image processing unit 32, a storage unit 34 such as a hard disk that stores image data, a touch panel, operation buttons, and the like are provided. User interface (I / F) 35 that accepts operations, IC card I / F 36 that performs user authentication with an IC card, reads information from the IC card, and sometimes writes data, and other connected to the public line A FAX communication unit 37 that transmits and receives facsimile (FAX) data to and from a facsimile machine, and other networks via a LAN. A network I / F (network communication unit 38) that transmits / receives data to / from the connected devices, a control unit (main control unit) 10 that controls each unit described above, and a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit described above 20. In addition, a finisher 2 including a post-processing control unit 2a is connected to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 as an example of an attached external device.

  In addition to the power key 35b for turning on / off the power, the user I / F 35 shifts to an energy saving mode and a sleep mode (to be described later) by a user operation, or returns to the normal mode when already in those modes. An operation mode transition key (hereinafter referred to as an energy saving key) 35a for mode transition is provided. In addition, the user I / F 35 includes a color printing start button 35c, a monochrome printing start button 35d, a numeric keypad 35e, a user setting key 35f, and a liquid crystal display unit 35g including a touch panel.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1 operates in any one of a plurality of operation modes related to power supply. Therefore, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a mode switching unit 12 that performs control to switch the operation mode. The digital multifunction device 1 includes a mode storage unit (state storage unit 15), an energization state detection unit 22, and a restart mode determination unit 13 as main features. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the mode switching unit 12, the restart mode determination unit 13, and the state storage unit 15 described above are provided in the control unit 10, and the energization state detection unit 22 is provided in the power supply unit 20.

  In addition, the digital multifunction device 1 is provided with an activation control unit 11. The activation control unit 11 detects that the energization state detection unit 22 has started energization when the power key 35b is turned on or when energization is resumed after the energization is interrupted. It is a means for initializing and starting the machine 1, and here, an example provided in the control unit 10 is shown.

  The power supply unit 20 includes the above-described energization state detection unit 22 in addition to the power supply control unit 23 that performs control to supply power to the units of each unit and the power supply 21. Here, the power supply control unit 23 supplies power to a sub power supply that supplies power to a unit that needs to stand by even in the sleep mode, such as a part of the control unit 10, a facsimile communication unit 37 that performs facsimile communication, and a network communication unit 38. 21. In the example of the facsimile communication unit 37, this sub power supply is a power supply that supplies no power to circuits other than those required for reception when the facsimile is waiting.

  The state storage unit 15 is a unit that stores the current operation mode (mode information 15 a) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 so that it can be used by the resumption mode determination unit 13. The energization state detection unit 22 is a unit that detects an energization state from the commercial power supply 21 to the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and is preferably configured to detect a zero cross point of an AC voltage described later.

  Further, when the energization state detection unit 22 detects that the energization is resumed after the energization of the digital multifunction device 1 is once interrupted, the restart mode determination unit 13 stores the operation mode stored in the state storage unit 15. Based on (mode information 15a), an operation mode at the time of resuming energization (return) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is determined. The operation mode when the energization is unexpectedly interrupted / resumed by the restart mode determination unit 13 is the normal mode if the state storage unit 15 stores the normal mode, and the energy saving mode if the energy saving mode is stored. If the mode is stored as the sleep mode, the sleep mode may be determined. Here, the state storage unit 15 stores the pre-blocking state of user operation information and user setting information other than the mode information 15a of the current operation mode, and uses it for determining the operation mode in the restart mode determination unit 13. You may do it.

  The operation modes that can be switched by the mode switching unit 12 are not limited to the normal mode, the energy saving mode, and the sleep mode exemplified here. For example, only the normal mode and the energy saving mode, only the normal mode and the sleep mode, or another operation mode may be prepared and switched. Furthermore, even in the case of an operation mode in which the energy saving mode and the sleep mode are combined, the present invention can be applied to the embodiment related to the energy saving mode and the embodiment related to the sleep mode.

  In addition, as described above, the normal mode, the energy saving mode, and the sleep mode are normal operation modes, and the energy saving mode refers to an operation mode that suppresses power consumption while maintaining energization of the entire digital multi-function peripheral 1. The sleep mode refers to an operation mode in which only a part of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is energized. The standby mode is a mode that can operate more immediately and has a lower power saving level than the energy saving mode, and is considered as a part of the energy saving mode. In addition, as the energy saving mode and the sleep mode, there are those in which the degree of energy saving suitable for the user can be set for each device. The energy saving mode is a mode in which, for example, the temperature of the fixing temperature is decreased, the rotation speed of the polygon motor is decreased, the amount of light of the reading light source is decreased, and the like is waited for the next printing while reducing power consumption. On the other hand, in the sleep mode, power is supplied to the apparatus by energizing the FAX communication unit 37, the network communication unit 38, the SW state detection unit 14 (to be described later) in the control unit 10 and the like and cutting off the energization to other parts. This mode is turned off and responds to external signals.

  The restart mode determination unit 13 includes a timer 13 a as one of the functions of the energization state detection unit 22. The timer 13a measures the time from when the energization state detector 22 detects the interruption of energization to when the energization is resumed, and it is necessary to measure the time with a battery or the like when the power is interrupted. The timer 13 a may be provided in the energization state detection unit 22, but an example in which the timer 13 a is provided on the control unit 10 side different from the energization state detection unit 22 is illustrated.

  When the presence or absence of detection of a zero-cross signal of an AC voltage described later is adopted, the timer 13a starts counting from the point in time when the zero-cross signal is no longer detected by the energization state detection unit 22, and either detects the zero-cross signal again or is predetermined. Counting continues until time passes (up to a predetermined count value). The predetermined time here refers to the time until the resumption mode determination unit 13 resumes the energization once it is interrupted. For example, the predetermined time may be set to a value such as 3 to 5 seconds or 1 minute longer than the operation guarantee time. That is, when energization is started after the energization of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 has been interrupted for a predetermined time, the contents (mode information 15a and the pre-interruption information stored in the state storage unit 15 are stored in the restart mode determination unit 13). Based on the state), the operation mode at the time of resumption is determined, such as the decision to shift to the operation mode before power-off.

  In addition, when the presence / absence of detection of a zero-cross signal of the AC voltage described later is adopted, the time is counted separately by the backup power source from the time when the zero-cross signal is no longer detected by the energization state detection unit 22 until the operation guarantee time. When the timer 13a indicates the guaranteed operation time, the timer 13a starts counting, and continues counting until the zero cross signal is detected again or until a predetermined time elapses (up to a predetermined count value). In this case, the time obtained by adding the operation guarantee time to the predetermined time indicates the time until the resumption mode determination unit 13 resumes the energization after the energization is once interrupted. For example, if energization recovers within a predetermined time after the operation guarantee time has elapsed, the determination in the resumption mode determination unit 13 is executed, and conversely, after the energization is cut off, the combined operation guarantee time and the predetermined time are exceeded. In this case, it is only necessary to initialize, for example, the start control unit 11 from the beginning as a case where an unexpected event such as a momentary power failure has not occurred (normal OFF / ON operation).

  The above-mentioned “temporary shutoff” does not necessarily have to be specified for a certain period of time. For example, a value determined by statistically processing a period such as an instantaneous power failure every time, or a value with high power saving efficiency. Further, it may be determined as a predetermined condition such as a temperature value of a certain component.

  Note that user authentication is performed in the IC card I / F 36 and the like, and the user authentication result is generally used for management of the number of printed sheets. However, not only that, but the setting (change) of the predetermined time described above is performed. It may be used for determining whether or not it is possible.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1, unexpected temporary power supply interruption such as an instantaneous power failure or insertion / removal of a power cord (decrease that should be regarded as being interrupted by the apparatus, ie, operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (Including the case of a momentary voltage drop that causes trouble) and when a restart occurs, if it is detected that there is an instantaneous power failure, etc., the state before the stored instantaneous power failure is determined. By switching the return operation mode to the standby mode, the energy saving mode, or the sleep mode, it is possible to prevent unauthorized power consumption and shorten the waiting time of the user. Therefore, even when an instantaneous power failure or the like occurs, it is possible to maintain the power saving corresponding to the operation mode related to the power supply when the interruption / resumption of the energy saving mode or the sleep mode occurs.

  As another embodiment, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 preferably includes a switch (SW) state detection unit 14 that detects the state of a power switch such as the power key 35b, and the SW state detection unit 14 is controlled in FIG. The example provided in the part 10 is shown. Examples of the power key 35b include a seesaw switch and a soft switch. The state of the seesaw switch can be detected based on whether the switch is electrically turned on or off. The state of the soft switch can be detected by storing the current switch state in the state storage unit 15 or the like, and reading the SW state detection unit 14 as necessary.

  In this embodiment, the resumption mode determination unit 13 performs digital processing based on the operation mode (mode information 15 a) stored in the state storage unit 15 and the power switch state detected by the SW state detection unit 14. The operation mode when resuming energization of the multifunction device 1 is determined.

  Depending on the information on whether the switch state was ON / OFF before the interruption, and whether the switch state was ON / OFF after the restart, the user It is possible to determine (guess) whether or not the result of the operation is a result of a trouble such as an instantaneous power failure. For example, if the zero cross signal described later is no longer detected, it is assumed that the user has turned off if the switch is in the OFF state, and initialization is performed normally even if the zero cross signal non-detection period is short. And return. In the opposite case (for a short time), a process for returning to the original operation mode is executed.

  Based on such a criterion, the restart mode determination unit 13 does not determine the operation mode of the mode information 15a stored in the state storage unit 15 when it is determined that the interruption / resumption is performed by a user operation, for example. Start in mode. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user operation is not interrupted / resumed, the operation mode of the mode information 15a stored in the state storage unit 15 is determined and the operation mode is the same as that before the interruption.

As another reference example , in each of the above-described embodiments, the activation control unit 11 initially activates the digital multifunction peripheral 1 when the operation mode determined by the resumption mode determination unit 13 is the energy saving mode or the sleep mode. It is preferable to start the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in the energy saving mode or the sleep mode without doing so. According to this embodiment, when the operation mode is other than the normal mode before the interruption, it is possible to return to the operation mode before the interruption without performing the initial operation, and the power saving effect is greater.

Further, the present invention is, in the example except example is not performed even once the initial operation, when the mode switching section 12, the operation mode determined by the resume mode determining unit 13 was the energy saving mode or sleep mode, The digital multifunction device 1 may be shifted to the energy saving mode or the sleep mode after the startup control unit 11 initially starts up. In the present invention , the effect of power saving is slightly inferior to the case where the initial operation is never performed, but it is possible to notify the user that an initial power failure has occurred by the startup sound of the initial activation. .

As another reference example , an external device (for example, a finisher 2 or a large cassette) that includes at least a normal mode and a sleep mode as a plurality of operation modes and that can be energized by the activation control unit 11 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1. In the embodiment connected to, when the operation mode determined by the resumption mode determination unit 13 is the sleep mode, the activation control unit 11 performs control so as not to energize the external device, thereby increasing the power saving effect. Therefore, it is preferable.

Here, the configuration of the main control unit 10 applicable to each of the above-described embodiments and reference examples will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. Although only the control unit 10 will be basically described here, control units such as the image reading unit 31, the image processing unit 32, and the image forming unit 33 and the post-processing control unit 2a can be similarly configured.

  The control unit 10 stores a timer unit 10a corresponding to the timer 13a, a bus connector 10b connected to the bus, a bus control unit 10c that transmits signals to other devices through the bus, and a program, preferably in the form of firmware. Flash memory 10h (or other non-volatile memory such as EEPROM), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 10g, memory control unit 10f for controlling these memories 10g and 10h, and MPU for reading the program to the internal RAM and executing it (Microprocessor Unit) 10d, I / O port 10e, and the like. The MPU 10d accesses the DRAM 10g and the flash memory 10h via the memory control unit 10f.

  The timekeeping unit 10a includes a clock transmitter that generates a transmission signal at a constant period, and measures the current time based on the transmission signal and the time set by the MPU 10d (hereinafter referred to as timer setting time). It is. Information on the current time measured by the timer unit 10a and information that the time has elapsed since the timer set time is set are transmitted to the MPU 10d. In the present invention, this timer setting time corresponds to the predetermined time described above.

  The above-described program is a digital multi-function peripheral 1 configured with the MPU 10d, the memory control unit 10f, the DRAM 10g, and the flash memory 10h for the operation mode processing associated with unexpected interruption / resumption of energization according to the present invention. What is necessary is just the program for making the computer for start-up control provided in have. That is, this program causes the activation control computer to switch a mode switching step for switching the operation mode, a mode storage step for storing the current operation mode of the digital multifunction device 1, and an energization state detection for the digital multifunction device 1. The operation stored in the mode storage step when the energization state detection step detected using the unit 22 and the energization state detection step detects that the energization has been resumed after the energization of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is once interrupted. This is a program for executing a resumption mode determination step for determining an operation mode when resuming energization of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 based on the mode.

  Thus, the present invention can also adopt a form as a program for starting control. The firmware incorporated in the image processing apparatus such as the digital multifunction machine 1 as described above is stored and distributed in a recording medium that can be read by a general-purpose computer, and is connected to the image processing apparatus via a PC or the like. Alternatively, it may be incorporated directly into the image processing apparatus via a network.

  The I / O port 10e is a signal line that transmits a control signal output from the control unit 10 to a device to be controlled, and a signal line that transmits various detection signals input from the various sensors by the control unit 10. Is an interface that relays between these signal lines and the MPU 10d. For example, the I / O port 10 e of the control unit 10 is connected with a signal line that communicates with devices and sensors that configure the user I / F 35 and the storage unit 34.

  Although not shown, the control unit in the image reading unit 31 can also be configured in the same manner as the control unit 10, and signal lines leading to devices such as a motor, a light source, and a sensor constituting the scanner unit are connected to the I / O port. Is done. The same applies to the control unit of the image processing unit 32 and the image forming unit 33, and the I / O port is connected to a signal line leading to devices such as a motor, a sensor, and a heater provided in the printing unit. Similarly, the I / O port of the finisher 2 post-processing control unit 2a is connected to a signal line that communicates with devices and sensors included in the finisher 2.

  4 is a circuit block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the energization state detection unit and the power supply control unit in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of voltage waveforms in the circuit of FIG. FIG. 8 to FIG. 8 are waveform diagrams for explaining the reference level of the zero cross signal detection.

  An example based on detection of a zero-cross signal that can be suitably employed as the energization state detection unit 22 in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. The energization state detection unit 22 includes a power failure detection function that reliably detects a power failure in the power supply unit 20 applied to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and a point where the AC voltage properly passes the reference voltage (0 V) (hereinafter referred to as a zero cross point). ) Is preferably provided.

  Here, the power failure detection function is a function for detecting an abnormality in the voltage value from the commercial power supply 21, and by providing the power failure detection function, for example, even when a history of the cumulative number of printed sheets or the number of trouble occurrences is recorded. This makes it possible to prevent the inconvenience that important records are lost due to a sudden power failure.

  The zero cross point detection function is important when performing phase control to prevent a large inrush current from flowing to, for example, a halogen lamp heater at the start of power supply. Used in image processing apparatuses. However, the zero cross point detection function described below can be applied to the start control process according to the unexpected interruption / resumption of energization of the present invention at the time of detection of interruption / resumption, and more reliable zero cross point detection is possible. This is a preferred example.

  The energization state detection unit 22 illustrated in FIG. 4 has a power failure detection function and a zero-cross detection function, and a subsequent stage of the rectifier circuit unit 40, the signal output circuit unit 50, and the rectifier circuit unit 40 that rectifies the voltage of the commercial power supply 21 in full wave. And outputs a zero-cross detection signal from the subsequent stage of the signal output circuit section 50 to the restart mode determination section 13 (and the power supply control section 23) of the control section 10, and the subsequent stage of the smoothing circuit section 60. To output desired DC power. Note that a desired voltage may be generated by appropriately arranging a power transformer in the subsequent stage of the smoothing circuit unit 60. Further, in FIG. 4, an inductor, a capacitor, and a resistor for the purpose of a noise filter, and a portion showing a process of generating a secondary side voltage from the primary side voltage are the same as those normally used. Since the configuration is not particularly limited, the illustration is omitted.

  The rectifier circuit unit 40 includes a diode bridge 41, a diode 42, and a diode 43. In the rectifier circuit unit 40, the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power source 21 is fed back to the negative side of the diode bridge 41 through the diode 42 and the diode 43, so that the commercial power source 21 shown in FIG. With respect to the AC voltage, a waveform subjected to full-wave rectification as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C is obtained at point B in FIG. In addition, since the smoothing measure is not taken in B point by which full wave rectification was carried out, it has a pulsating flow waveform as shown to FIG. 5 (B), (C).

  The smoothing circuit unit 60 includes a power thermistor 62 and a smoothing capacitor 61. The signal output circuit unit 50 includes a resistor 52, a photocoupler 51 (light emitting diode 51a, phototransistor 51b), resistors 53 to 56 of a secondary circuit, and a transistor 57. Between the diode 42 and the diode 43 and the negative side of the diode bridge 41, a current limiting resistor 52 and a light emitting diode 51a are arranged in series. Therefore, the forward voltage VF (set voltage) of the light-emitting diode 51a arranged on the light-emitting side of the photocoupler 51 with respect to the reference voltage (in this example, the negative potential of the diode bridge 41) is changed with time. The current flowing through the photocoupler 51 is cut off during a period when

  On the other hand, the phototransistor 51b arranged on the light receiving side of the photocoupler 51 is a midpoint (voltage dividing point) of the resistor 53, the resistor 54, and the resistor 55 that divides the DC voltage (DC5V in this example) of the secondary circuit. ) To grounded emitter. The base of the transistor 57 is connected to the midpoint (voltage dividing point) of the resistors 54 and 55, and the collector of the transistor 57 is connected to the DC voltage via the resistor 56.

  When a current flows through the photodiode 51a of the photocoupler 51, that is, when the voltage value in the voltage waveform supplied to the photocoupler 51 becomes equal to or higher than the forward voltage VF of the light emitting diode 51a, the phototransistor 51b becomes conductive, resulting in resistance. 53, and the middle point of the resistor 54 and the resistor 55 is approximately 0V. When the midpoint voltage of the resistor 53, the resistor 54, and the resistor 55 becomes 0V, the midpoint of the resistor 54 and the resistor 55 also becomes 0V, and the transistor 57 does not conduct. Therefore, the collector voltage of the transistor 57 is substantially equal to the DC voltage. Therefore, a high level signal is output from the signal output circuit unit 50 to the power supply control unit 23.

  On the other hand, when the current of the light emitting diode 51a of the photocoupler 51 is cut off, that is, when the voltage value in the voltage waveform supplied to the photocoupler 51 becomes less than the forward voltage VF of the light emitting diode 51a, the phototransistor on the light receiving side. As a result of turning OFF 51b, a voltage obtained by dividing DC5V is generated at the midpoint between the resistor 53 and the resistors 54 and 55. Therefore, a voltage obtained by dividing DC5V is also generated at the midpoint between the resistors 54 and 55, and a voltage is generated between the base and emitter of the transistor 57. For this reason, since the transistor 57 is turned on, the collector voltage of the transistor 57 decreases and becomes approximately 0 V, so that the signal output circuit unit 50 outputs a low level signal to the power supply control unit 23.

  As described above, depending on whether or not the voltage value in the voltage waveform supplied to the photocoupler 51 is equal to or higher than the forward voltage VF of the light emitting diode 51a, the signal output circuit unit 50 is directly or via the power supply control unit 23. Different signals are output to the restart mode determination unit 13. FIG. 5D shows a detection signal passing through point D in FIG. The signal input in the restart mode determination unit 13 may be performed via the bus connector 10b shown in FIG.

  Further, the power supply control unit 23 itself needs to confirm and control the power supply, and the signal output from the signal output circuit unit 50 is transmitted through the power supply control unit 23 to the above-described halogen lamp heater. It can be used for phase control or the like. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 4, it is preferable to perform signal output to the power supply control unit 23 even when direct signal transmission to the resumption mode determination unit 13 is not performed.

  The power supply control unit 23 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU 23a, a signal receiving unit 23b, a storage unit 23c, a timer 23d, a ROM 23e, a RAM 23f, and the like. The ROM 23e stores a program necessary for the operation of the power supply unit 20. The RAM 23f is a volatile memory, and temporarily stores data. The storage unit 23 c is a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, and records setting values and the like necessary for the operation of the power supply unit 20. The timer 23d measures an arbitrary period and is used when calculating the zero cross point. The CPU 23a comprehensively controls the components of the power supply unit 20 described above.

  When the AC voltage of the commercial power supply 21 is full-wave rectified by the rectifier circuit unit 40 with the above-described configuration, first, a pulsating voltage waveform is obtained as shown in FIG. At this time, when a normal AC voltage is supplied from the commercial power supply 21, the voltage value changes with time transition from the reference voltage to the peak voltage as shown in the figure. Therefore, for example, when the frequency of the commercial power supply is 50 Hz, since one cycle period is 20 msec, the AC voltage passes the reference voltage (0 V) every 10 msec. For this reason, the detection signal output from the signal output circuit unit 50 similarly has a voltage level of 0 V (low level) every 10 msec.

  In the power supply unit 20, the AC voltage is normally supplied from the commercial power supply 21 when the power supply control unit 23 determines whether or not a rectangular wave as shown in FIG. 5D is continuously detected. I have confirmed that.

  Actually, as shown in FIG. 6, the power supply unit 20 detects the peak voltage of the AC voltage that has been full-wave rectified by the rectifier circuit unit 40, and has a peak value that provides the best detection accuracy in relation to the duty ratio. Approximately 1/2 is set as a reference level (set voltage value). In addition, about 1/2 of the peak value means a range of 50 to 60% of the peak value. By setting the reference level to at least a half or more of the peak value, the period in which the detection signal is output from the signal output circuit unit 50 to the power supply control unit 23, that is, the power consumption period by the power failure detection function, It has been experimentally confirmed that the AC voltage can be suppressed to a period of 70% or less in one cycle. The value of 70% is a value calculated including the variation in each cycle in the power consumption period corresponding to 67% of one cycle of the AC voltage when the reference level is set to ½ of the peak value. is there.

  Here, when the reference level (set voltage value) is set low as shown in FIG. 7A, a period in which the detection signal is not output from the signal output circuit unit 50 to the power supply control unit 23 (a period in which no current flows). Therefore, it is difficult to sample the period in which this current does not flow. Therefore, by setting the reference level (set voltage value) high as shown in FIG. 7B, it is possible to sample the period in which this current does not flow and accurately predict the zero cross point.

  The detection of the zero cross point will be described with reference to FIG. First, T1, T2, T3,..., Tn, which are periods during which no current flows as shown in FIG. 7B, are sampled n times (1 to n times). The detection signal level at this time is a high level (H). Then, after sampling n times, an average value during a period in which no current flows is calculated, and an accurate zero cross point is predicted using a value Tz that is half of this average value. In this example, the first non-detection detection signal is counted from the rising edge and after Tz (msec) is regarded as a zero cross point, and phase control or the like is performed based thereon. By doing so, it is possible to detect the zero cross point with high accuracy.

  The zero cross point information (or the original zero cross signal: AC voltage detection signal) calculated in this way is transmitted to the restart mode determination unit 13 via the power control unit 23 or directly as described above, and the internal timer By 13a, the time from the arrival of the zero cross point (or the time from when the AC voltage detection signal falls from the high level to the low level) is timed and compared with the value represented by the predetermined time described above. Based on the comparison result, the restart mode determination unit 13 starts up in the operation mode based on the mode information 15a of the state storage unit 15 (or after the initial start-up, for example, when there is no restart after a predetermined time after the interruption. Mode).

  Even when the time until the energization is resumed is long, for example, whether or not the operation guarantee time has passed in the energization state detection unit 22 (or the arrival of the zero cross point) is passed to the timer 13a composed of a battery-driven real time clock or the like. The timer 13a is turned on with the information that it has elapsed and counting is started, and then counting continues until the arrival of the zero cross point. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the restart mode determination unit 13 sets the operation mode. Make a decision.

  9 and 10 are flowcharts for explaining the activation control process and the operation mode transition process in the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing associated with detection of energization interruption in the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1, and is also a flowchart for explaining an example of the activation control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

  First, the activation control process in the activation control unit 11 and the operation mode switching process in the mode switching unit 12 in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described in the case where there is no power interruption / resumption. When the power key 35b is pressed (here, resumption of energization after energization interruption is not considered), the activation control unit 11 performs initialization of the entire apparatus (step S1) and enters a standby state (step S2). The standby state is an operation mode that may be added to the operation mode according to the present invention. Here, the standby mode is a mode in which the degree of power saving is smaller than that of the energy saving mode so that it can operate immediately.

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is an operation instruction from the user (including reception via a public line or a network) (step S3). As a result of the determination in step S3, for example, when it is necessary to perform an operation due to pressing of the energy saving key 35a or the arrival of a set time, the mode switching unit 12 changes to the normal mode (step S4). Following step S4, the control unit 10 executes the designated processing while controlling other components (for example, the image processing unit 32 and the image forming unit 33) (step S5), and whether or not the processing is completed. (Step S6), step S5 is repeated until the end of the process, and the process returns to step S2.

  On the other hand, when there is no operation instruction in step S3, the mode switching unit 12 determines whether or not the transition setting time n to the energy saving mode has elapsed (step S7), and returns to step S3 in the time zone when it does not elapse. Wait for operation instructions. When it is determined in step S7 that the time n has elapsed, the mode switching unit 12 switches the operation mode to the energy saving mode (step S8).

  Following step S8, whether or not there is an operation instruction is determined in the same manner as in step S3 (step S9). If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step S4, and if there is no instruction, the mode switching unit 12 enters the sleep mode. It is determined whether or not the transition set time m (> n) has elapsed (step S10), and in a time zone when it does not elapse, the process returns to step S9 and waits for an operation instruction. When it is determined in step S10 that the time m has elapsed, the mode switching unit 12 switches the operation mode to the sleep mode (step S11).

  Subsequent to step S11, the control unit 10 determines whether data is received by the FAX communication unit 37 or the network communication unit 38 (step S12). If there is data reception, is it necessary to start up the entire apparatus? The control unit 10 determines whether or not (step S14), and if necessary, the mode switching unit 12 switches to the normal mode to activate the entire apparatus (step S15), and proceeds to step S4. . If it is determined in step S14 that the entire apparatus does not need to be activated, data reception is executed only at the operating part (step S16), and the process returns to step S12.

  On the other hand, if there is no data reception in step S12, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a return instruction is given by a user operation (step S13), and if not, the process returns to step S12 to receive data. Wait for. If there is a return instruction in step S13, the process proceeds to step S14.

  An example of processing when the energization state detection unit 22 detects the interruption of energization at any time when the operation mode switching process as described above is performed will be described with reference to FIG. The processing example described here includes the main features of the present invention, and processing for coping with blocking will also be described.

  First, in the control unit 10, it is determined whether or not the mode switching unit 12 has caused a state change due to switching of the operation mode (step S21). If there is a change, the state storage unit 15 changes as mode information 15a. The later state is stored (step S22). When it is determined in step S21 that the operation mode has not been switched, and subsequent to step S22, it is determined whether the energization state detection unit 22 has detected the energization interruption (step S23). When energization interruption is detected in step S23, the resumption mode determination unit 13 counts the energization interruption time with the internal timer 13a (step S24), and in parallel with this, whether or not the energization state detection unit 22 has resumed energization. (Step S25), and the count in step S24 is continued until energization is resumed.

  After resumption of energization is detected in step S25, the resumption mode determination unit 13 determines whether or not the count value of the timer 13a is equal to or greater than the guaranteed operation time (step S26). Even so, the process can be performed as usual with the backup power supply, and the process returns to step S21.

  If it is longer than the guaranteed operation time in step S26, there is a possibility of an instantaneous power failure that cannot be dealt with by the backup power supply, power cord disconnection, or even an OFF operation by the user. It is determined whether or not the count value 13a is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time (step S27). If it is not less than or equal to the predetermined time in step S27, it is determined that the digital multifunction device 1 is not to be used next even if the power is cut off / restarted by the user operation, or even if a power failure or power cord is disconnected, The activation control unit 11 initializes and activates the entire apparatus (step S30), and returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if it is less than or equal to the predetermined time in step S27, it is determined that there is an instantaneous power outage or power cord disconnection, or that the energization is interrupted / resumed due to an erroneous operation by the user. The state is detected (step S28). As a result of the detection in step S28, the restart mode detection unit 13 determines whether or not the result is a user operation result from the state of the power key 35b before and after shut-off (step S29). If the user turns the power off and immediately turns it on due to a user's erroneous operation, the state of the power key 35b is ON before shutting off, and is ON after shutting down. Without determining that the result of the user's erroneous operation.

If it is determined in step S29 that the result is a user operation, the process proceeds to step S30 to execute initialization activation. On the other hand, when it is determined that the result is not the result of the user operation, the resumption mode determination unit 13 reads the mode information 15a before the interruption from the state storage unit 15 (step S31), and the activation control unit 11 reads the state (operation mode). ) To activate the apparatus (step S32). Here in the present invention, as described above, after the start-up control unit 11 in step S32 is started to initialize the entire device, to migrate to the read operation mode.

  As described above, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, the main control unit 10 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes the mode switching unit 12, the restart mode determination unit 13, and the state storage unit 15 (and the activation control unit 11 and the SW state detection unit). Although the example in which all of 14) is provided has been described, these components may be incorporated in a communication unit that communicates with the outside. As the communication unit, the FAX communication unit 37, the network communication unit 38, and the like in FIG. 1 can be exemplified, but the basic configuration is the same regardless of which communication unit is incorporated. Here, only examples applied to the network communication unit are shown. Will be explained.

  12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network communication unit in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG.

  In the digital MFP 1 illustrated in FIG. 12, a mode switching unit 82, a state storage unit 85, and a resumption mode determination unit 83 (and an activation control unit 81 and a SW state detection unit 84) are provided in the network communication unit 80. . The control unit 70 is obtained by removing the above-described components according to the present invention from the control unit 10. In addition, since the process by the components 11-15 among the processes in the control part 10 is processed by the network communication part 80, the detail about each component 81-85 is not demonstrated.

  The network communication unit 80 includes a timer unit 80a, a bus connector 80b, a bus control unit 80c, an MPU 80d, a network control unit 80e (network control unit 86), a network connector 80f, a memory control unit 80g, a DRAM 80h, and a flash memory. 80i or the like. The network communication unit 80 is a communication interface configured by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like that transmits and receives data to and from an external device through a network such as a LAN conforming to the standard IEEE 802.3. For example, the network communication unit 80 transmits image data generated by the image processing unit 32, image data read by the image reading unit 31, or data stored in the storage unit 34 to an external device, Performs processing for receiving various data processing requests from an external device.

  Here, each of the timer unit 80a, the bus connector 80b, the bus control unit 80c, the memory control unit 80g, the DRAM 80h, and the flash memory 80i has the same function as the component of the same name provided in the control unit 10 illustrated in FIG. It is provided. Needless to say, the contents of programs and data stored in the DRAM 80h and the flash memory 80i are different from those stored in the DRAM 10h and the flash memory 10i of the control unit 10. The network connector 80f is a connector physically connected to the network, and the network control unit 80e performs communication control in conformity with a predetermined network protocol such as standard IEEE 802.3 and TCP / IP. .

  As the sleep mode, the most power-saving type is often one in which only the FAX communication unit 37 or the network communication unit 80 is energized. Therefore, according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. Standby power in the sleep mode can be eliminated, and further power saving can be achieved.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energization state detection unit and a power supply control unit in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of the voltage waveform in the circuit of FIG. It is a wave form diagram for demonstrating the reference level of a zero cross signal detection. It is a wave form diagram for demonstrating the reference level of a zero cross signal detection. It is a wave form diagram for demonstrating the reference level of a zero cross signal detection. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining start control processing and operation mode transition processing in the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart following FIG. 9. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining processing associated with energization interruption detection in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the digital multifunctional device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network communication unit in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 12.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital multifunction device, 2 ... Finisher, 2a ... Post-processing control part, 10,70 ... Control part, 11, 81 ... Start-up control part, 12, 82 ... Mode switching part, 13, 83 ... Resume mode determination part, 13a , 83a ... timer, 14, 84 ... SW state detection unit, 15, 85 ... state storage unit, 15a, 85a ... mode information, 20 ... power supply unit, 21 ... power supply, 22 ... energization state detection unit, 23 ... power supply control unit 31 ... Image reading unit, 32 ... Image processing unit, 33 ... Image forming unit, 34 ... Storage unit, 35 ... User I / F, 35a ... Energy saving key, 35b ... Power key, 35c ... Color printing start button, 35d ... Black and white printing start button, 35e ... numeric keypad, 35f ... user setting key, 35g ... liquid crystal display unit, 36 ... IC card I / F, 37 ... FAX communication unit, 38, 80 ... network communication unit.

Claims (5)

An image processing apparatus that operates in any one of a plurality of operation modes related to power supply,
The plurality of operation modes include a normal mode, an energy saving mode for suppressing power consumption while maintaining energization for the entire image processing apparatus, and / or a sleep mode for energizing only a part of the image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus includes a mode switching unit that switches the operation mode, a mode storage unit that stores a current operation mode of the image processing apparatus, an energization state detection unit that detects an energization state of the image processing apparatus, When the energization state detecting means detects that energization has started, the energization control means for initially starting the image processing apparatus, and energization to the image processing apparatus are once interrupted, and then energization is resumed. And a resumption mode determination unit that determines an operation mode when resuming energization of the image processing device based on the operation mode stored in the mode storage unit .
When the operation mode determined by the restart mode determination unit is an energy saving mode or a sleep mode, the mode switching unit shifts to the energy saving mode or the sleep mode after the image processing apparatus is initially activated by the activation control unit. the image processing apparatus characterized by causing.   A power switch, and a switch state detecting means for detecting the state of the power switch, wherein the restart mode determining means includes the operation mode stored in the mode storage means and the power switch detected by the switch state detecting means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation mode at the time of resuming energization of the image processing apparatus is determined based on the state. The mode switching unit, the mode storage unit, the restart mode determination unit, and the activation control unit are all included in the main control unit of the image processing apparatus or all of the communication unit of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. An activation control method in an image processing apparatus that operates in any one of a plurality of operation modes related to power supply,
The plurality of operation modes include a normal mode, an energy saving mode that reduces power consumption while maintaining energization of the entire image processing apparatus, and / or a sleep mode that energizes only a part of the image processing apparatus,
The activation control method includes a mode switching step for switching the operation mode, a mode storage step for storing a current operation mode of the image processing device, an energization state detection step for detecting an energization state to the image processing device, When it is detected in the energization state detection step that energization has been started, an activation control step for initially starting the image processing apparatus, and energization is resumed after the energization of the image processing apparatus is once interrupted If it is detected by the conductive state detection step, based on the operation mode stored in the mode storage step, seen including a resume mode determining step of determining the operation mode during energization resumption of the image processing apparatus,
In the mode switching step, when the operation mode determined in the restart mode determination step is the energy saving mode or the sleep mode, the image processing apparatus is shifted to the energy saving mode or the sleep mode after the initial activation in the activation control step. An activation control method characterized by causing A program for incorporation into an image processing apparatus that operates in any of a plurality of operation modes related to power supply,
The plurality of operation modes include a normal mode, an energy saving mode that reduces power consumption while maintaining energization of the entire image processing apparatus, and / or a sleep mode that energizes only a part of the image processing apparatus,
The program includes a mode switching step for switching the operation mode to a startup control computer provided in the image processing device, a mode storage step for storing the current operation mode of the image processing device, and the image processing device. An energization state detection step for detecting the energization state of the image processing apparatus, an activation control step for initially starting the image processing apparatus when the energization state detection step detects that energization has started , and When the energization state detecting step detects that energization has been resumed after the energization has been interrupted, the operation mode at the time of resuming energization of the image processing device is determined based on the operation mode stored in the mode storage step. A program for executing a resumption mode determination step for determining ,
In the mode switching step, when the operation mode determined in the restart mode determination step is the energy saving mode or the sleep mode, the image processing apparatus is shifted to the energy saving mode or the sleep mode after the initial activation in the activation control step. A program characterized by letting

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