JP4526504B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus.

In general, an image processing apparatus such as a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine having these functions is an external device (computer or other image processing apparatus) via a communication medium such as a network or a telephone line. Communication means (NIC (Network Interface Card), modem (Modulator-Demodulator), etc.). Also, such an image processing apparatus has a function of shifting to a power saving state (generally referred to as a sleep mode) that consumes less power than the normal operation state when a predetermined sleep condition is satisfied in the normal operation state. Some have a sleep function (hereinafter referred to as a sleep function).
The sleep condition includes, for example, a condition that an operation on an operation input unit included in the image processing apparatus and a state in which no data is received from an external apparatus through the communication unit have continued for a certain period of time. In addition, the sleep condition may include a condition that the current time is in a time zone set in a predetermined time schedule (for example, a weekly schedule).
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a digital multi-function peripheral having a weekly timer function for turning on / off a device according to a predetermined weekly schedule. As a result, the image processing apparatus is automatically shifted to the power saving state at a time zone where the possibility of using the image processing apparatus is extremely low, such as at night or on holidays, and the image processing apparatus is returned to a normal operating state at other times. It can be restored automatically. As a result, power saving of the image processing apparatus can be achieved.

Incidentally, an image processing apparatus generally includes a plurality of control units. The control unit includes a storage unit that holds control information such as firmware (program) and control parameters, and controls various devices based on the control information (control by executing programs and referring to control parameters). Do. The control unit includes, for example, a print control unit that controls devices related to image formation (printing), a scan control unit that controls devices related to reading original images, and punch processing and stapling processing on recording paper after image formation. A post-processing control unit that controls devices that perform post-processing, and a main control unit that comprehensively controls these local control units are included.
One of these control units (usually the main control unit that performs overall control) performs energization control on other devices (including local control units), and shifts to the power saving state described above. Control and return control from the power saving state are performed.
Further, in the image processing apparatus, when the control information held by the control unit is upgraded, the latest version control information is obtained from the external server device holding the latest version control information through the NIC. Some have a function of acquiring and updating the control information held by the control unit to the latest version (hereinafter referred to as a control information download function).
For example, in Patent Document 2, a control stored in a copying machine is transmitted by a service center computer by transmitting control information (firmware) of the latest version to the copying machine via a communication control device connected to the copying machine. A system for updating information is shown.
In general, the control unit of the image processing apparatus cannot execute normal control processing while the control information (firmware (program) or control parameter) held by the control unit is being updated.
For this reason, if the image processing apparatus updates the control information such as firmware during execution of the image processing or in a situation where there is a high possibility of being requested to execute the image processing, the processing being executed is stopped, Inconveniences such as waiting for a new process request for the control information update process occur. Therefore, it is desirable to update control information such as firmware held by the control unit at a time when the image processing apparatus is unlikely to be used, such as at night or on holidays.
In addition, when the image processing apparatus is in the power saving state, it is desirable to return at least some response from the image processing apparatus when a predetermined request such as a print request is generated from the external apparatus. Otherwise, the user will have an illusion that the image processing apparatus is out of order.
JP 2005-172869 A JP 2002-288066 A

However, in the image processing apparatus, when the control unit such as the main control unit performs control to return the image processing apparatus in the power saving state to the normal operation state according to a predetermined time schedule, However, there is a problem in that the multifunctional control unit must be maintained in a state of being energized, and sufficient power saving cannot be achieved.
On the other hand, the control unit holds the image processing apparatus even when the image processing apparatus is in the power saving state at night or on holidays due to energization control (such as the weekly timer function described above) according to a predetermined time schedule. In order to determine whether or not the control information needs to be updated, an external device using communication means (NIC or the like) such as processing for inquiring of an external device whether control information has been upgraded or processing for responding to a request from the external device. There are many occasions where you want to be able to execute communication processing with.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make the image processing apparatus automatically shift to the power saving state and automatically return from the power saving state according to a predetermined time schedule. An image processing apparatus capable of maintaining communication processing with an external apparatus while suppressing power consumption of the image processing apparatus as much as possible in the power saving state. It is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an image processing apparatus including a communication unit such as a NIC that communicates with an external apparatus, and includes the following components (1) to (3). Features.
(1) Energization switching means for switching whether or not to energize one or a plurality of functional blocks, which are parts or a set of parts related to image processing, independently of energization to the communication means.
(2) Time schedule storage means for storing a predetermined time schedule relating to energization control of the functional block.
(3) In the case in which the communication means combines, by the functional blocks in the case of the non-energized state, and controls the pre-Symbol energizing of switching means in accordance with the time schedule stored in the time schedule storage unit, wherein Schedule activation control means for switching the functional block to the energized state.
The image processing apparatus having such a configuration realizes a function in which the communication unit automatically returns from the power saving state to the operating state according to a predetermined time schedule. Therefore, the image processing apparatus does not energize the functional block, which is another device, while maintaining the communication means in the energized state at times (predetermined time) where the frequency of use is low, such as at night or on holidays. (Power saving state).
By the way, the control unit (the main control unit) that comprehensively controls the image processing apparatus includes a clock IC that is backed up by a battery, and print processing is performed at a set time based on the time measured by the clock IC. Realize a job reservation function. On the other hand, the communication means represented by NIC normally does not include such a high-level IC, but includes a clock oscillator that transmits a clock signal at a constant period.
In view of the above, according to the present invention, the functional block includes a reference time counting means (corresponding to the timepiece IC) for measuring a reference time in the image processing apparatus in a state where the battery is backed up. The schedule activation control means which is also provided with the constituent elements shown in the following (1) to (3).
(1) Clock signal generating means (corresponding to the clock oscillator) for generating a clock signal having a fixed period.
(2) Energization control time counting means for measuring the energization control time of the functional block based on the integration result of the clock signals.
(3) Time calibration means for acquiring the time measured by the reference timekeeping means and calibrating the timekeeping time of the power supply control timekeeping means when the functional block including the reference timekeeping means is in an energized state. .
Thereby, the schedule activation control means can be realized without newly providing advanced parts such as a clock IC in the communication means.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the functional block is composed of a plurality of functional blocks configured to be capable of switching whether or not to individually energize each by the energization switching unit, and the schedule activation control unit However, it can be considered that each of the plurality of functional blocks is individually switched from the non-energized state to the energized state.
As a result, only the minimum necessary functional blocks can be activated at the necessary timing (switched to the energized state).
In this case, the schedule activation control means sets each of the plurality of functional blocks in the energized state in descending order of activation time (time from the start of energization to the operation ready state) according to a predetermined procedure. Anything that can be switched is suitable.
Furthermore, in this case, it is more preferable that the schedule activation control means switches the plurality of functional blocks to the energized state so that these function blocks are simultaneously or substantially simultaneously in accordance with a predetermined procedure. It is.
As a result, it is possible to reduce wasteful power consumption during the waiting time from when the functional block having a short activation time is in the operation ready state to when another functional block is in the operation ready state.
The time when the communication unit executes one or both of transmission of the time schedule stored in the time schedule storage unit to the external device and update of the time schedule in response to a request from the external device It may be possible to have a schedule external access means.
Thereby, when the image processing apparatus is in the power saving state, it is not necessary to bother to activate the function block for referring to or updating the time schedule, and an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

By the way , the clock signal generation means (clock oscillator) provided in the communication means often does not have high signal cycle accuracy. For this reason, if the state in which the time measured based on the clock signal generation means is not calibrated continues for a long time, the schedule activation control means may become inaccurate.
Therefore, the time calibration means switches the functional block to an energized state by controlling the energization switching means when the functional block including the reference time measuring means is in an energized state, and the functional block It is suitable if it acquires the clock time of the reference time clock means included in the calibration and calibrates the clock time of the time control means for energization control.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention realizes a function in which the communication unit automatically returns from the power saving state to the operating state according to a predetermined time schedule. Therefore, the image processing apparatus does not energize the functional block, which is another device, while maintaining the communication means in the energized state at times (predetermined time) where the frequency of use is low, such as at night or on holidays. (Power saving state). As a result, in the power saving state, the image processing apparatus can be maintained in a state where communication processing with an external apparatus can be performed while suppressing power consumption as much as possible.
In addition, the schedule activation control means needs only the minimum necessary functional blocks by switching the energization state individually for each of a plurality of functional blocks configured to be able to switch whether or not to individually energize each. It can be started at any time (switched to the energized state). As a result, further power saving can be achieved.
In particular, the schedule activation control unit activates each of the plurality of functional blocks according to a predetermined procedure in order from the longest activation time (the time from the start of energization to the operation ready state). By making the operation ready state almost at the same time, it is possible to reduce the power consumed by a functional block having a short start-up time that is first activated.
Further, in the communication means, the time is measured based on the integration result of the clock signal generated by the clock signal generation means, and the time is calibrated when the functional block including the reference time counting means is in the energized state. In this case, the schedule activation control means can be realized without newly providing advanced components such as a clock IC in the communication means.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: It is not the thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention and a network system including the image processing apparatus X, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a NIC included in the image processing apparatus X. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control unit included in the image processing apparatus X, FIG. 4 is a power supply system diagram illustrating a power connection relationship in the image processing apparatus X, and FIG. 5 is a weekly timer control in the image processing apparatus X. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a weekly schedule for weekly timer control in the image processing apparatus X, and FIG. 7 is a time chart showing an example of activation procedures of a plurality of functional blocks in the image processing apparatus X. is there.

First, an image processing apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention and a network system Z including the same will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
The network system Z includes a plurality of image processing apparatuses X and an information distribution server 31 that can communicate with each of them through a network 30 including a LAN and the Internet. Further, a host device 32 that requests the image processing apparatus X to perform a predetermined process such as a print process is also connected to the network 30.
As will be described later, the image processing apparatus X includes a plurality of functional blocks that are components or a set of components related to various image processing, and the energization state of these functional blocks is set to a predetermined time schedule (weekly schedule). ) Has a function to perform weekly timer control.
Here, the functional block includes a plurality of control units 6 to 9 provided with a storage unit for holding firmware (a program for executing various control processes, an example of control information) used for control.
Then, as will be described later, the image processing apparatus X acquires the latest version of firmware from the information distribution server 31 through the network 30 and updates the firmware held by the control units 6 to 9 when the firmware is upgraded. It also has a function to automatically perform the update process.
In addition, although embodiment shown below has shown about the example which makes the update object the firmware which the control parts 6-9 hold | maintain, embodiment which replaced this with other control information, such as a control parameter, is also considered.

[Image processing apparatus X]
The image processing apparatus X is configured to be communicable with an information distribution server 31 (an example of an external apparatus) and a host apparatus 32 via a network 30 including, for example, a LAN and the Internet. A network interface card 5 (hereinafter referred to as NIC) is provided. Here, the information distribution server 31 is a computer having a Web server function. The host device 32 is a computer such as a personal computer.
As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the NIC 5, the image processing apparatus X includes an operation / display unit 2, a hard disk drive 3 (hereinafter referred to as HDD), an image processing calculation unit 4, a scanner control unit 6, a scanner unit 6a, A print control unit 7, a print unit 7a, a post-processing control unit 8, a shifter 8a, a puncher 8b, a stapler 8c, a main control unit 9, an energization switching circuit 10, a main power source 21, a sub power source 22, and the like are provided.
Further, the scanner unit 6a includes an automatic document feeder 6b (hereinafter referred to as ADF), and the print unit 7a includes a fixing heater 7b.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main control unit 9, the image processing calculation unit 4, the NIC 5, the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, the post-processing control unit 8, and the energization switching circuit 10 are connected to each other by a bus 11. Has been.
The operation / display unit 2 includes an operation input unit for inputting information and an information display unit. The operation input means includes, for example, a sheet key or a touch panel provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display device. Moreover, the display means is comprised from a liquid crystal display device, an LED lamp, etc., for example. The operation / display unit 2 constitutes a man-machine interface for the user.

The HDD 3 is a large-capacity non-volatile memory that stores processing data as necessary during processing of read image data read from a document, print processing of image data, and the like. Further, the HDD 3 is also used as a storage destination of a data file transmitted from the host device 32 in response to a request from the host device 32 that can communicate with the image processing apparatus X. As described above, the process of saving the data file transmitted from the host device 32 in the HDD 3, the change of the storage location (data folder) of the saved data file, the change of the file name, the rewriting of the data, and the erasing of the data. The process of performing the above is called data filing process.
The image processing calculation unit 4 is configured by a dedicated signal processing circuit or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., performs various image processing on the image data, generates print data (image data, print job, etc.) used for image formation, , Generation of image data to be transmitted to the host device 32 (for example, image data subjected to predetermined encoding such as JPEG format), processing for encrypting the image data, and decoding of the encrypted image data Processing, processing for compressing and encoding image data, processing for decompressing (restoring) compressed and encoded image data, and the like are performed.

The scanner control unit 6 controls the scanner unit 6a and the ADF 6b by outputting a control signal to the scanner unit 6a and the ADF 6b that execute processing for reading an image from a document.
The scanner unit 6a is an apparatus that reads an image formed on a document from a document placed on a glass document table (not shown) or a document conveyed by the ADF 6b. In addition to the ADF 6b, the scanner unit 6a includes, for example, a light source that irradiates light on an image surface of a document and a mirror that reflects reflected light from the document in a predetermined direction, and is configured to move along the document. A movable optical unit, a motor (an example of a driving unit) that drives the movable optical unit, a fixed mirror that guides light emitted from the movable optical unit along a predetermined path, and the light. And a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that photoelectrically converts light passing through the lens and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of the light (that is, light reflected on the image surface of the document). ing. When reading the image from the document placed on the document table, the movable optical unit irradiates the image surface with light while moving along the document. On the other hand, when reading an image from a document conveyed by the ADF 6b, the movable optical unit is fixed at a predetermined position facing the document conveyance path and irradiates the document being conveyed with light. The electrical signal output from the CCD is transmitted to the image processing arithmetic unit 4 as image data.
The ADF 6b is a device that transports documents set on a document supply tray one by one along a predetermined transport path and discharges them to a document discharge tray. The ADF 6b includes, for example, a paper feed roller that feeds documents one by one from a document supply tray to a document transport path, a document transport roller that transports a document in the document transport path, and a motor that drives these rollers. I have.

The print control unit 7 controls the print unit 7a by outputting a control signal to the print unit 7a that executes processing relating to image forming processing.
The printing unit 7a sequentially feeds recording sheets stored in a paper feeding cassette (not shown) one by one and conveys the recording paper to a paper discharge tray through a predetermined image forming position. At the image forming position, the scanner unit 6a Thus, an image is formed (output) on the recording paper based on the image data of the document read from the document, the print data generated by the image processing calculation unit 4, and the like. Here, the image processing apparatus X functions as a copying machine by performing image forming processing based on image data of a document, and by performing image forming processing based on a print request (print job) received from the host device 32. Functions as a printer.
The printing unit 7a is, for example, a photosensitive drum that carries an image, a charging device that charges the photosensitive drum, and an exposure that writes an electrostatic latent image based on given image data or a print job on the surface of the photosensitive drum. A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image as a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum onto the recording paper, a motor for driving the photosensitive drum and a roller for conveying the recording paper, and the like. Yes.
Furthermore, the printing unit 7a includes a fixing device that heats and fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper. The fixing device has a heating roller in which a fixing heater 7b is incorporated, and the toner image is transferred. A pressure roller that presses the recording paper against the heating roller, a motor that drives each roller, and the like are also provided.

The post-processing control unit 8 outputs control signals to the shifter 8a, puncher 8b, and stapler 8c that perform various post-processing on the recording paper on which the image has been formed, so that the shifter 8a, puncher 8b, and stapler 8c are output. Is to control.
The shifter 8a includes a movable tray provided with a plurality of paper discharge trays. The print unit 7a can perform image forming processing for a plurality of copies of a group of image data and a print job (hereinafter referred to as a set of jobs). When performed continuously, the recording sheets are sorted according to a predetermined rule. Here, the movable tray is configured to be able to move the position of each of the paper discharge trays with respect to the recording paper discharge port.
For example, in the shifter 8a, the movable tray is controlled such that the recording paper after image formation is discharged for each set of jobs or for each same page to each discharge tray. Further, the puncher 8b performs a process of making punch holes in the recording paper after image formation. The stapler 8c performs a staple binding process on a plurality of recording sheets after image formation. Hereinafter, the shifter 8a, the puncher 8b, and the stapler 8c are collectively referred to as a post-processing execution unit.
Also, a scanner unit 6a that directly performs individual processing of image reading, image formation, and post-processing on recording paper, a printing unit 7a, a scanner control unit 6 that controls each of the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c, and a print control unit. 7 and the post-processing control unit 8 are collectively referred to as a local control unit.

The NIC 5 is a communication interface that transmits and receives data to and from the information distribution server 31 through a network 30 including a LAN, the Internet, and the like conforming to the standard IEEE 802.3, for example (an example of a communication unit). The NIC 5 also transfers, for example, image data generated by the image processing calculation unit 4, image data read by the scanner unit 6 a, or data stored in the HDD 3 to the host device 32 connected to the network 30. Processing to transmit, processing to receive various data processing requests from the host device 32, and the like are also performed. Here, the data processing request includes a print request (so-called print job) for requesting image formation on recording paper, a scan request for requesting reading an image from a document, and performing the data filing process. Data filing requests to be included.
The main power supply 21 and the sub power supply 22 are power supply circuits that supply power to each component of the image processing apparatus X.
The energization switching circuit 10 includes the main control unit 9 and the local control units 6 to 8 by switching whether or not to connect one of the sub power sources 22 to a commercial power source in accordance with a control signal received from the NIC 5. It is a switch circuit that switches whether to energize the functional block. The energization switching circuit 10 that is configured to be switchable whether energized separately for independently each control unit 6 to 9 each with the energization of the NIC 5.

The main control unit 9 controls each of the operation / display unit 2, the HDD 3, and the image processing calculation unit 4, and further between the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, and the post-processing control unit 8. Information necessary for data processing executed by each local control unit and information obtained by the data processing are exchanged.
For example, the main control unit 9 performs, for the print control unit 7, the size of the recording paper serving as the image forming destination, the output image reduction ratio, the density correction value, the color image forming process, or the monochrome image forming process. And the like, the print control unit 7 obtains information on the number of recording sheets on which the image formation has been completed, information on errors that have occurred in the print unit 7a, and the like. Further, the main control unit 9 delivers information on the image reading range in the original to the scanner control unit 6, while the number of originals read from the scanner control unit 7 using the ADF 6b. Information, image data read by the scanner unit 6a, information on errors occurring in the ADF 6b, and the like. Further, the main control unit 9 delivers to the post-processing control unit 8 information regarding the type of sorting processing by the shifter 8a, information on the number of recording sheets to be punched or stapled by the puncher 8b or the stapler 8c, and the like. On the other hand, the post-processing control unit 8 acquires error information and the like generated in the shifter 8a, the puncher 8b, and the stapler 8c.
As described above, the main control unit 9, HDD 3, scanner control unit 6, scanner unit 6a, print control unit 7, print unit 7a, post-processing control unit 8, and post-processing execution units 8a to 8c each have functions. It is a functional block configured as a part or a set of parts divided according to it.

Next, the configuration of the NIC 5 provided in the image processing apparatus X will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
The NIC 5 includes a bus connector 61, a bus control unit 62, an MPU 63, a memory control unit 64, a ROM 65, a flash memory 66, a network control unit 67, a network connector 68, an I / O port 69, and the like.
The bus connector 61 is a connector connected to the bus 11, and the bus control unit 62 performs signal transmission with other devices through the bus 11.
The network connector 68 is a connector physically connected to the network 30, and the network control unit 67 performs communication control based on a predetermined network protocol such as standard IEEE 802.3 and TCP / IP.
The I / O port 69 is an interface that is connected to the operation detection switch 1 described later and relays signal transmission between the operation detection switch 1 and the MPU 63.
The MPU 63 executes a program stored in the ROM 65 in advance, thereby relaying signal transmission between the bus 11 and the network 30, or when a predetermined process is requested from the host device 32 via the network 30. In addition, it is a calculation means for performing various processes such as a process for responding to this. The program to be executed is developed and executed in a RAM (not shown) built in the MPU 63. The MPU 63 accesses the ROM 65 and the flash memory 66 via the memory control unit 64.

Also, MPU 53 of NIC5 includes a clock oscillator 63a for generating a clock signal oscillating at a fixed period (an example of a clock signal generation hand stage).
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 acquires the current time (corresponding to a reference time described later, including the year, month, day of the week, and time) measured by the calendar management unit 78 included in the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 at a predetermined timing. . Furthermore, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 sets the time when the current time is acquired from the main control unit 9 as the time measurement start time. Then, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 counts the elapsed time from the timing start time based on the result of accumulating the number of clock signal generations of the clock transmitter 63a, and based on the elapsed time and the timing start time, Measure the day of the week and time. The measured time is used for the weekly timer control (energization control of each functional block). Note that the day of the week and the current time measured by the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 are reset when the NIC 5 enters the “no power supply state”.
The ROM 65 of the NIC 5 stores programs and data that are not scheduled to be changed later, among programs executed by the MPU 63 and data referenced by the MPU 63.
On the other hand, the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 stores data that is stored and referred to in the course of execution of processing by the MPU 63. Here, the data stored and referred to by the MPU 63 in the flash memory 66 includes type information and version information of each firmware stored in the flash memory 73 by the control units 6 to 9 described later.

Next, the configuration of the main control unit 9 and the local control units 6 to 8 included in the image processing apparatus X will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the main control unit 9 and the local control units 6 to 8 are collectively referred to as a control unit.
Each of the control units 6 to 9 includes a bus connector 71, a bus control unit 72, an MPU 73, a memory control unit 74, a ROM 75, a flash memory 76, an I / O port 77, and the like.
Here, the bus connector 71, the bus control unit 72, the memory control unit 74, the ROM 75, and the flash memory 76 are the same as the bus connector 61, the bus control unit 62, the memory control unit 64, the ROM 65, and the flash memory 66 provided in the NIC 5, respectively. It has the function of. Of course, it goes without saying that the contents of programs and data stored in the ROM 75 and the flash memory 76 are different from those stored in the ROM 64 and the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5.
The I / O ports 77 of the control units 6 to 9 are signal lines for transmitting control signals output from the control units 6 to 9 to the devices to be controlled, and the control units 6 to 9 are input from various sensors. A signal line for transmitting various detection signals to be connected is connected, and is an interface that relays between these signal lines and the MPU 73.
For example, the I / O port 77 of the main control unit 9 is connected to a signal line that communicates with devices and sensors that configure the operation / display unit 2 and the HDD 3. The I / O port 77 of the scanner control unit 6 is connected to signal lines leading to devices such as a motor, a light source, and a sensor that constitute the scanner unit 6a, and the I / O port 77 of the print control unit 7 is connected to the I / O port 77. Signal lines leading to devices such as motors, sensors, and heaters provided in the printing unit 7a are connected. Similarly, the I / O port 77 of the post-processing control unit 8 is connected to signal lines that lead to devices and sensors included in the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c.

The main control unit 9 further includes a calendar management unit 78. The calendar management unit 78 includes a clock IC composed of a clock circuit that counts time, and detects the current date, day of the week, and time based on the time measured by the clock IC. The detection time is a time that is a reference when the image processing apparatus X executes various processes based on the current time. The calendar management unit 78 is backed up by a battery that is charged by the power supplied from the first sub power supply 221. Even if the power supply from the first sub power supply 221 is cut off, the calendar management unit 78 supplies power from the battery. Continue operation with power. Hereinafter, the time counted by the calendar management unit 78 is referred to as a reference time.
The ROM 75 of each of the control units 6 to 9 stores programs and data that are not scheduled to be upgraded later, among programs executed by the MPU 73 and data referenced by the MPU 73.
On the other hand, in the flash memory 76 of each control unit 6-9, among programs executed by the MPU 73 and data referenced by the MPU 73, programs and data such as firmware that may be upgraded later, and , Data stored and referred to in the course of execution of processing by the MPU 73 are stored. The control units 6 to 9 control devices related to various image processing by executing firmware (programs) stored in the flash memory 76 by the MPU 73.
The firmware type information and version information stored in the flash memory 76 of these control units 6 to 9 are transmitted from the control units 6 to 9 to the NIC 5 when the control units 6 to 9 are energized. It is stored in the flash memory 76 of the NIC 5.
In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, flash memories 66 and 76 are provided as nonvolatile storage means capable of writing and reading data by the MPUs 63 and 73. Instead of the flash memories 66 and 76, FIG. It is also conceivable to employ other nonvolatile storage means such as an EEPROM.

[Information distribution server 31]
The information distribution server 31 is a server computer having a Web server function, and includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, an operation unit that is an information input unit configured by a keyboard and a mouse, an MPU and its peripheral devices (ROM, RAM, etc.), a calculation unit that performs various calculations, a NIC that is a communication unit that communicates with each of the image processing apparatuses X via the network 30, a program executed by the calculation unit, and a reference by the calculation unit A hard disk drive (HDD) or the like as storage means for storing various data to be stored.
The information distribution server 31 executes processing according to a request transmitted from the image processing apparatus X through the network 30 by executing a predetermined program stored in advance in the HDD by the arithmetic unit.
For example, as will be described later, when the information distribution server 31 receives a version check request from the image processing apparatus X, whether or not there has been a version upgrade for each firmware held by the control units 6 to 9 of the image processing apparatus X The upgrade response information including the determination result is transmitted to the requesting image processing apparatus X.
In addition, when the information distribution server 31 receives a request for transmitting the latest version of firmware from the image processing apparatus X, the information distribution server 31 transmits firmware corresponding to the request to the requesting image processing apparatus X.

[Power system]
Next, an example of a power supply connection relationship with respect to each functional block in the image processing apparatus X will be described with reference to the power supply system diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 4, the power supply line is represented by a solid line, and the other signal transmission lines are represented by broken lines.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the image processing apparatus X includes nine sub power sources 22. Hereinafter, the first sub power source 221 to the ninth sub power source 229 are referred to.
The main power source 21 is a power source that supplies power to the NIC 5 and the energization switching circuit 10.
The main power supply 21 is provided with a manual changeover switch 40 for manually switching between turning on and off the power supply line according to a manual operation with respect to the commercial power supply 50 serving as a base power supply source for the entire image processing apparatus X. Connected through. By switching the manual changeover switch 40 by the user, whether or not the NIC 5 and the energization switching circuit 10 are energized is switched. Therefore, when the image processing apparatus X is connected to the commercial power supply 50, the NIC 5 and the energization switching circuit 10 are always energized unless the manual changeover switch 40 is switched from the conduction state to the cutoff state by a user operation. It will be in the state. Further, when the manual changeover switch 40 is switched to the shut-off state, the entire image processing apparatus X enters a non-energized state (stopped state).

On the other hand, the first sub power supply 221 is a power supply circuit that supplies power to the main control unit 9, the operation / display unit 2, and the image processing calculation unit 4.
The second sub power supply 222, the third sub power supply 223, and the fourth sub power supply 224 are power supply circuits that supply power to the scanner control unit 6, the print control unit 7, and the post-processing control unit 8, respectively. .
The fifth sub power source 225, the sixth sub power source 226, and the ninth sub power source 229 are power supply circuits that supply power to the HDD 3, the scanner unit 6a, and the post-processing execution units 8a to 8c, respectively.
The seventh sub power supply 227 is a power supply circuit that supplies power to devices other than the fixing heater 7b in the printing unit 7a, and the eighth sub power supply 228 supplies power to the fixing heater 7b. A power supply circuit to be supplied.

Further, each of the first sub-power supply 221 to the ninth sub-power supply 229 switches the commercial power supply 50 from the manual changeover switch 40 and the power supply line to be turned on or off based on a predetermined control signal. The switches 41 to 49 are connected to each other. As is clear from FIG. 4, the automatic changeover switch 41 and the first sub power supply 221, the automatic changeover switch 42 and the second sub power supply 222,..., And the automatic changeover switch 449 and the ninth sub power supply 229 have a corresponding relationship. .
Thereby, after the manual changeover switch 40 is turned on, each of the sub power sources 221 to 229 is turned on only after the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 are turned on.
Hereinafter, turning on and off the power supply line is referred to as ON and OFF, respectively. Similarly, the state in which the power supply line is turned on and the state in which the power supply line is cut off are referred to as an ON state and an OFF state, respectively.
Whether the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 are individually energized to the respective functional blocks 3, 6 to 9 , 6a, 7a, and 8a to 8c depending on whether each of the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 is turned on or off. It functions as energization switching means for switching whether or not.
Thereafter, in the image processing apparatus X, NIC 5 is a state of there energization (manual changeover switch 40 is conductive), the state of all of the functional blocks 3, 6~ 9, 6a, 7a , 8a~8c is no current (All of the automatic change-over switches 41 to 49 are in an OFF state) is called a sleep mode. On the other hand, the state in which the NIC 5 and all the functional blocks 3, 6 to 9 , 6a, 7a, and 8a to 8c are energized is referred to as an operation mode. Depending on the situation, the image processing apparatus X may enter a standby mode (which may be referred to as a semi-operation mode) in which only the NIC 5 and some functional blocks are energized. For example, only a part of functional blocks such as the fixing heater 7b and the HDD 3 may be in a non-energized state.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the NIC 5 individually controls energization of each functional block by controlling ON / OFF of all the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 through the energization switching circuit 10. In other words, the NIC 5 also serves as means for executing energization control for each functional block (data processing unit). In addition, for example, it may be configured that the NIC 5 controls the energization of the main control unit 9 and the main control unit 9 controls the energization of other functional blocks. In this case, the NIC 5 also serves as a part of means for executing energization control for each functional block.
In addition, the image processing apparatus X includes an operation detection switch 1 that switches between an ON / OFF state according to an operation by a user. The ON / OFF state of the operation detection switch 1 is detected by the NIC 5. Specifically, the operation detection switch 1 is connected to the I / O port 69 of the NIC 5, and the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 detects the ON / OFF state of the operation detection switch 1 through the I / O port 69.
The operation detection switch 1 functions as an energization switch that switches the image processing apparatus X between the operation mode and the sleep mode.
That is, when the operation detection switch 1 is switched to the ON state in the sleep mode, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 controls the energization switching circuit 10 to turn on all the automatic switching switches 41 to 49, and the image processing apparatus. Shift X to operation mode.
On the other hand, when the operation detection switch 1 is switched to the OFF state in the operation mode, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 controls all the energization switching circuits 10 by controlling the energization switching circuit 10 unless any data processing is being executed. ˜49 are turned OFF, and the image processing apparatus X is shifted to the sleep mode.

In the image processing apparatus X, when power is supplied to each functional block, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines whether the following two conditions (hereinafter referred to as a first sleep condition and a second sleep condition) are satisfied. Determine. When any of these sleep conditions is satisfied, the NIC 5 controls the energization switching circuit 10 so that the image processing apparatus X shifts to a sleep mode in which the energization of each functional block is interrupted. . In the sleep mode, all nine automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 are switched to the “OFF state”, and all the functional blocks that are the power supply destinations of the nine sub power sources 221 to 229 are all set to the “non-energized state”. That is, only a small part of the device including the NIC 5 (the NIC 5 and the energization switching circuit 10) is in the “energized state”.
When the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 shifts to the sleep mode, the sleep mode shift reason information indicating which of the first sleep condition and the second sleep condition is satisfied is transferred to the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5. Record.

[First sleep condition]
The first sleep condition is that the current date and time is set so that all the functional blocks are in a “no power supply state” in a predetermined time schedule for one week (hereinafter referred to as a weekly schedule). It is a condition that it belongs to the belt. This weekly schedule is stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 (an example of a time schedule storage means). Hereinafter, controlling the energization state of each functional block by controlling the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 according to a predetermined weekly schedule (an example of a time schedule) is referred to as weekly timer control. The MPU 63 of the NIC 5 that executes the weekly timer control is an example of a schedule control unit.
FIG. 6 schematically shows the contents of the weekly schedule WS of weekly timer control. Each square in FIG. 6 is a time zone defined by the day of the week (Monday to Sunday) and the time (00 to 23:00). In addition, a blank cell indicates a time zone that is set to be “no power supply state”, and a cell marked with “*” is a time zone that is set to be “power supply state”. Represents.
This weekly schedule WS is set for each of a plurality of functional block groups (a set of functional blocks) divided in advance. Specifically, a scan function block group necessary for executing scan processing, a print function block group necessary for executing print processing and post-processing, and a data filing function block required for executing data filing processing Set for each group.
Here, the scan function block group includes a main control unit 9, an HDD 3, a scanner control unit 6, and a scanner unit 6a.
The print function block group includes a main control unit 9, HDD 3, print control unit 7, print unit 7a, post-processing control unit 8, and post-processing execution units 8a to 8c.
The data filing function block group includes the main control unit 9 and the HDD 3.
According to the weekly schedule WS for each functional block group, the time zone in which all the functional blocks are set to “no power” is the time zone in which the sleep mode is set, and the current time is such The condition of belonging to the time zone is the first sleep condition.
The MPU 63 of the NIC 5 acquires information on the weekly schedule WS shown in FIG. 6 from the main control unit 9 in advance and stores it in the flash memory 66 in advance.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 uses the “no power supply state” (blank) in the weekly schedule WS in which the current day of the week and time measured using the clock oscillator 63a described above are stored in the flash memory 66 for each of the functional block groups. ) Or “energized state” (“*” mark) is determined. Then, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 controls each of the functional blocks from the “energized state” to the “no energized state” by controlling the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 through the energization switching circuit 10 according to the determination result. Switch from “no power” to “power”.
The main control unit 9 has a weekly schedule setting function that allows the user to set the contents of the weekly schedule WS by controlling the operation / display unit 2. The weekly schedule WS set by this weekly schedule setting function is transmitted from the main control unit 9 to the NIC 5, and the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 stores it in the flash memory 66.

[Second sleep condition]
The second sleep condition is a state in which there is no operation input through the operation / display unit 2 and no data reception from the host device 32 through the network 30 when the first sleep condition is not satisfied. It is a condition that it continues for a predetermined time or more.
For example, when the NIC 5 determines the success or failure of the second sleep condition, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 detects the presence / absence of an operation input to the operation / display unit 2 via the main control unit 9 and the bus 11, and also the network control unit The presence or absence of data reception from the host device 32 is detected via 67.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 measures time based on the clock signal of the clock oscillator 63 a, so that there is no operation input through the operation / display unit 2 and no data is received from the host device 32 through the network 30. It is detected that the state has continued for a predetermined time or more. Then, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 controls each of the functional blocks from the energized state to the unenergized state (from the operation mode to the sleep mode) by controlling the automatic changeover switches 41 to 49 through the energization switching circuit 10 according to the detection result. ) Switch.

Next, a weekly timer control procedure executed by the NIC 5 in the image processing apparatus X will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG. 5 is a process executed when the image processing apparatus X is connected to the commercial power supply 50 through the manual changeover switch 40 and the main power supply 21 and energized to the NIC 5 and all the functional blocks. . S1, S2,... Shown below represent identification symbols of processing procedures (steps).
[Steps S1, S2]
First, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 acquires the reference time from the calendar management unit 78 of the main control unit 9 and sets this as the time measurement start time, so that the function block of each functional block is based on the clock signal of the clock transmitter 63a. Time measurement of the current time used for energization control (weekly timer control) is started (S1). The contents of the timing process are as described above. Hereinafter, the time measured based on the clock signal of the clock transmitter 63a is referred to as an energization control time. Thereafter, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 continuously measures the energization control time.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 sets (stores) the time when a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) is added to the timing start time as the next calibration time (S2). The next calibration time represents the timing for calibrating the energization control time based on the reference time.

[Steps S3 to S7]
Next, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines whether or not a processing request such as print processing or data filing processing has been received from the external host device 32 through the network 30 (S3), and the current time (power supply control time). Determines whether or not the calibration time has passed (S5).
When it is confirmed in step S3 that the processing request has been received, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 transmits the processing request to the main control unit 9, and the main control unit 9 controls the necessary functional blocks. Thus, the process according to the process request is executed (S4). Thereafter, the process returns to step S3.
In step S5, if the current time (energization control time) has passed the calibration time, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 executes calibration processing for the energization control time (S6, time calibration means). Example). In this calibration process, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 uses the reference time (including the year, month, day, day of the week, and time) from the calendar management unit 78 of the main control unit 9 in the “energized state” in the same manner as the process of step S1. This is a process of resuming the time measurement of the energization control time based on the clock signal of the clock transmitter 63a by acquiring and setting this as the time measurement start time. Thereby, the energization control time is calibrated based on the reference time. Thereafter, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 continuously measures the energization control time after calibration.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 resets (restores) the time when the predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) is added to the timing start time newly set in step S6 as the next calibration time (S7). Thereafter, the process returns to step S3.

[Steps S8 and S9]
On the other hand, if neither the processing request nor the calibration time has elapsed in steps S3 and S5, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines the current time (energization control time) and the weekly schedule WS for each of the functional block groups. And whether or not a stop condition for switching each functional block to the “non-energized state” is established (S8). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current time belongs to a blank time zone in the weekly schedule WS shown in FIG.
When the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines that the stop condition based on the weekly schedule WS is not satisfied for any functional block, the MPU 63 shifts the process to step S22 described later, and otherwise performs the process. To step S9.
In step S9, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 controls the energization switching circuit 10 to stop energization of the functional block for which the stop condition is satisfied in step S8 (switch from the “energized state” to the “no energized state”).

[Steps S10 to S13]
Next, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines whether or not a processing request such as print processing or data filing processing has been received from the external host device 32 through the network 30 (S10).
Here, if the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines that the processing request has been received, the MPU 63 shifts the processing to the next step S11, and if not, shifts the processing to step S14 described later.
In step S11, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines whether or not the process corresponding to the process request received in step S10 can be executed by the functional block that is in the “energized state” at that time (S11).
If it is determined that the processing can be executed, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 transmits the processing request to the main control unit 9, and the main control unit 9 controls the necessary functional blocks, thereby performing processing according to the processing request. Execute (S12). Thereafter, the process returns to step S8 described above.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution is impossible, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 responds to the requesting host apparatus 32 that the requested processing cannot be executed because the functional block is stopped (S13). Thereafter, the process returns to step S8 described above.
Thereby, it is possible to avoid the illusion that the user of the host device 32 is a failure of the image processing apparatus X.

[Step S14]
On the other hand, in step S14, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines a predetermined control unit for the information distribution server 31 with respect to a control unit that is stopped at that time (ie, “not energized”), ie, a control unit that is stopped by weekly timer control. The version check request is transmitted and response information for the version check request is received from the information distribution server 31 (S14). This version check request is a request for requesting the information distribution server 31 to determine whether or not the version of the firmware held by the control unit stopped at that time is the latest version.
Here, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 is the firmware type information regarding the control unit that is stopped at that time among the firmware type information and version information for each control unit 6 to 9 stored in advance in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5. And version information is included in the version check request.
Here, processing executed by the information distribution server 31 that has received the version check request will be described.
The information distribution server 31 that has received the version check request first specifies the type of firmware to be checked based on the firmware type information included in the version check request.
Further, the information distribution server 31 receives the version information of the latest firmware of the specified type, each of the version information included in the version check request, and each of the latest firmware version information held in the HDD of its own device. By comparing, it is determined whether there is a version upgrade.
Then, the information distribution server 31 transmits (responses) response information including the determination result to the requesting image processing apparatus X.
The latest firmware and its type information are information stored in advance in the HDD of the information distribution server 31 for each firmware.

[Steps S15 and S16]
Next, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 that has received a response (reply) from the information distribution server 31 determines whether the content of the response is content indicating that there is a version upgrade or content indicating that there is no version upgrade (S15). ).
Then, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 executes a process of updating the firmware of the control unit when the firmware whose version has been upgraded exists among the control units stopped by the weekly timer control (S16). Thereafter, the process returns to step S8 described above.
In this firmware update process, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 first activates the control unit in which the firmware has been upgraded by controlling the energization switching circuit 10.
Further, the latest version of firmware corresponding to the activated control unit is acquired (received) from the information distribution server 31 through the network 30 and the firmware already stored in the flash memory 76 of the activated control unit is also distributed. Update to the latest firmware version received from the server 31. Note that the latest version of firmware is transmitted from the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 to the MPU 73 of the control unit through the bus 11, and the MPU 73 of the control unit updates the firmware stored in the flash memory 76 of the control unit.
Finally, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 controls the energization switching circuit 10 to stop energization of the control unit whose firmware has been updated.

[Steps S17 to S19]
On the other hand, if there is no controller whose firmware has been upgraded, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines whether or not the current time (energization control time) has passed the calibration time (S17).
Here, when the current time (energization control time) has passed the calibration time, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 executes the calibration process for the energization control time in the same manner as the process of step S6 ( S18, an example of time calibration means). However, in this step S18, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 activates the main control unit 9 by controlling the energization switching circuit 10 when the main control unit 9 is stopped ("no energization state"). Thus, the clocking time of the calendar management unit 78 provided in the main control unit 9 is acquired, the calibration process of the energization control time is executed, and the energization to the main control unit 9 is stopped again after the calibration is completed.
As a result, the state where the time measured based on the clock oscillator 63a is not calibrated is prevented from continuing for a long time, and the weekly timer control is prevented from becoming inaccurate.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 resets (restores) the time when the predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) is added to the timing start time newly set in step S18 as the next calibration time (S19). Thereafter, the process returns to step S8 described above.

[Steps S20 and S21]
On the other hand, if the calibration time has not passed in step S17, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 compares the current time (energization control time) with the weekly schedule WS for each of the function blocks stopped at that time, It is determined whether or not the current time has passed the time (scheduled start time) for starting the stopped function block (S20). That is, it is determined whether or not the activation condition for switching to the “energized state” is satisfied for each stopped functional block. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current time belongs to the time zone marked with “*” in the weekly schedule WS shown in FIG.
Here, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 returns the processing to the above-described step S8 when there is no functional block whose scheduled activation time has elapsed among the stopped functional blocks.
On the other hand, if there is a functional block whose scheduled activation time has elapsed among the stopped functional blocks, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 activates the functional block by controlling the energization switching circuit 10 (S21).
As described above, when one or more functional blocks are in the “non-energized state”, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 sets the functional block in the “energized state” according to the weekly schedule WS (an example of a time schedule) stored in the flash memory 66. “Switch to“ (an example of schedule activation control means).
Here, when activating a plurality of function blocks, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 causes each of the plurality of function blocks to be activated to be in an operation ready state (ready state) almost simultaneously according to a predetermined procedure. In addition, the components are activated individually in order from the longest activation time (switch to “energized state”).

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing an example of the activation procedure of a plurality of functional blocks in the process of step S21.
The example shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a procedure for starting the print unit 7a (including the fixing heater 7b), the main control unit 9, the scanner unit 6a, the scanner control unit 6, and the print control unit 7.
Here, the activation time of each functional block (the time from when the energization is started until the operation preparation is completed) is t1 for the printing unit 7a (including the fixing heater 7b) and t2 for the main control unit 9 (<t1). ), The scanner unit 6a is t3 (<t2), and the scanner control unit 6 and the print control unit 7 are t4 (<t3). The approximate values of the activation times t1 to t4 can be known in advance for each model of the image processing apparatus.
In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 first starts energizing the printing unit 7a (including the fixing heater 7b) having the longest activation time t1 at the processing start time P1 in step S21. At time P2 when time (t1-t2) elapses from P1, energization to the main control unit 9 having the second longest activation time t2 is started. Thereafter, similarly, the scanner unit 6a and the scanner control unit 6a are arranged in the descending order of the activation time while shifting the activation start points P3 and P4 by the difference (t2-t3) and (t4-t4) of the activation time in the order of the activation time. The print control unit 7 is sequentially activated. As a result, each functional block is ready for operation at substantially the same time point P0. By activating a plurality of functional blocks in this procedure, the functional block with a short activation time becomes useless in the waiting time until the other functional blocks become ready for operation after they are ready for operation. Power consumption can be reduced.
As a configuration for realizing such activation processing, for example, the activation time of each functional block is stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5, and the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 has a plurality of functions according to the difference between the activation times. It is conceivable to control the start time of block activation.

Then, after the function block is activated by the process of step S21 or when it is determined by the process of step S8 that the stop condition for switching each function block to the “no power supply state” is not satisfied, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 It is determined whether or not the functional block is in the “energized state” (S22).
Here, if the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines that all the functional blocks are in the “energized state” (operation mode state), the process returns to step S3 described above. Thereby, the processes S3 to S7 when all the functional blocks are in the “energized state” are repeated.
On the other hand, if the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines that one or more functional blocks are in the “non-energized state”, the process returns to step S8 described above. As a result, the processes S8 to S21 when one or more functional blocks are in the “non-energized state” are repeated.

As described above, the image processing apparatus X has a function in which the NIC 5 activates each functional block 3, 6-9, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a according to a weekly schedule WS that is a predetermined time schedule. Realize. Therefore, the image processing apparatus X maintains the NIC 5 in the “energized state” at the time of low usage frequency (predetermined time) such as nighttime and holidays, and “energizes each functional block that is another device”. Can be set to “None”. As a result, the image processing apparatus X can be maintained in a state where communication processing with an external apparatus can be performed while suppressing power consumption as much as possible in the sleep mode.
As a result, in order to determine whether or not the firmware held by the control units 6 to 9 needs to be updated even when the sleep mode is in the night or on a holiday, the information distribution server 31 is inquired about whether there is a version upgrade. (S14), processing for responding to a request from the external host device 32 (S13), and the like can be executed.

Incidentally, in step S12 described above, the NIC 5 transmits a weekly schedule WS (an example of a time schedule) stored in the flash memory 66 to the host device 32 in response to a request from the external host device 32, You may perform the process which updates the weekly schedule WS memorize | stored in the flash memory 66 (an example of a time schedule external access means).
For example, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 receives a weekly schedule update request including the day of the week and the time (time zone), the function block group, and the classification information indicating whether to be in the stopped state or the activated state from the host device 32 in step S11. Is received, the process of updating the weekly schedule WS stored in the flash memory 66 is executed according to the contents of the update request.
Further, when the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 receives a predetermined weekly schedule transmission request from the host device 32 in step S11, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 displays information indicating the contents of the weekly schedule WS stored in the flash memory 66 as the request source host. Transmit to device 32.
Thereby, when the main control unit 9 is in a stopped state, it is not necessary to bother to start the main control unit 9 to refer to or update the weekly schedule WS, and an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

  The present invention can be used for an image processing apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention and a network system including the image processing apparatus X as a component. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a NIC included in an image processing apparatus X. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control unit included in the image processing apparatus X. FIG. 3 is a power supply system diagram showing a connection relationship of power supplies in the image processing apparatus X. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of weekly timer control in the image processing apparatus X. The figure which represented typically the weekly schedule of the weekly timer control in the image processing apparatus X. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an example of a procedure for starting a plurality of functional blocks in the image processing apparatus X.

Explanation of symbols

X ... image processing apparatus 1 ... operation detection switch 2 ... operation / display unit 3 ... hard disk drive 4 ... image processing operation unit 5 ... network interface card 6 ... scanner control unit 6a ... scanner unit 7 ... print control unit 7a ... print unit 8 ... post-processing control unit 8a ... shifter 8b ... puncher 8c ... stapler 9 ... main control unit 10 ... energization switching circuit 11 ... bus 21 ... main power source 22 (221-229) ... sub power source 30 ... network 31 ... information distribution server 40 ... Manual changeover switches 41 to 49... Automatic changeover switches 61 and 71... Bus connectors 62 and 72... Bus control units 63 and 73.
63a ... clock oscillators 64, 74 ... memory control units 65, 75 ... ROM
66, 76 ... Flash memory 67 ... Network control unit 68 ... Network connector 69, 77 ... I / O port 78 ... Calendar management unit S1, S2, ... ... Processing procedure identification symbols

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus comprising a communication means for communicating with an external device,
Energization switching means for switching whether or not to energize one or a plurality of functional blocks that are parts or a set of parts related to image processing independently of energization to the communication means;
Time schedule storage means for storing a predetermined time schedule relating to energization control of the functional block;
Are those having both said communication means, when the functional block is a non-energized state, by controlling the pre-Symbol energizing of switching means in accordance with the time schedule stored in the time schedule storage unit, the function block A schedule activation control means for switching to the energized state;
Ri name comprises a,
Further, the functional block includes a reference time measuring means for measuring a reference time in the image processing apparatus in a state where the power backup by the battery is performed,
The schedule activation control means is
Clock signal generating means for generating a clock signal having a constant period;
Energization control time counting means for timing the energization control time of the functional block based on the integration result of the clock signal;
Time calibration means for acquiring the time measured by the reference timekeeping means and calibrating the timekeeping time of the power supply control timekeeping means when the functional block including the reference timekeeping means is energized. the image processing apparatus according to claim Rukoto such by. The functional block consists of a plurality of functional blocks configured to be able to switch whether or not to individually energize each by the energization switching means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the schedule activation control unit individually switches from a non-energized state to an energized state for each of the plurality of functional blocks.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the schedule activation control unit switches each of the plurality of functional blocks to an energized state in descending order of activation time in accordance with a predetermined procedure.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the schedule activation control unit switches each of the plurality of functional blocks to an energized state so that they are in an operation ready state substantially simultaneously according to a predetermined procedure.   External of the time schedule in which the communication means executes one or both of transmission of the time schedule stored in the time schedule storage means to the external device and update of the time schedule in response to a request from the external device The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, which also has access means. The time calibration means switches the functional block to an energized state by controlling the energization switching means when the functional block including the reference timekeeping means is in an energized state, and the functional block includes 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time measured by the reference time measuring means is acquired and the time measured by the time control means for energization control is calibrated.

Images