JP4883779B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to control at the time of low power consumption of a composite device that efficiently controls, for example, an image input device such as a scanner using a CCD linear image sensor such as a copying machine and an image output device such as a printer.

  In recent years, in an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, a printer, and a copying machine, an apparatus equipped with a power saving function that suppresses power consumption during standby is increasing.

  In particular, recently, there is an increasing number of devices that stop supplying the operation clock during standby and supply power only to the minimum necessary control unit when supplying power to minimize power consumption.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a conventional image forming apparatus 90.

  The image forming apparatus 90 includes a data terminal device 91, a control panel unit 94, a self power source 95, a printer unit 96, a scanner unit 97, a line interface unit 98, and a handset 99.

  The data terminal device 91 operates with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and controls operations of other units. The control panel unit 94 is a user interface that accepts an instruction from the user, and includes a key and a display. The scanner unit 97 reads a document with a CCD linear image sensor or the like to acquire image data, and the printer unit 96 performs luminance density conversion based on the image data received from the scanner unit 97 and records an image on a recording medium. To do.

  The line interface unit 98 is connected to the telephone line L, transmits / receives various data via the telephone line L, and transmits / receives voice signals when making a call using the handset 99.

  The self power supply 95 supplies power to each part when the image forming apparatus 90 is operating, and supplies power only to the minimum necessary part when the image forming apparatus 90 is on standby. As a result, the image forming apparatus 90 supplies power to each part from the self-power supply 95 during operation and supplies power by switching the self-power supply 95 to a low-power power-saving mode by a power supply control unit (not shown) during standby.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus and a PC host (not shown) are connected via a USB interface unit, and data is transmitted and received between them. Further, as a means for supplying power necessary for standby of the image forming apparatus, power supplied from the self-power supply 95 is switched to power supply from the host, so that power received from the host can be supplied only to the minimum necessary part during standby. The function to supply is known.

  The part to be supplied with power in the standby state is a part that detects a state change that becomes a trigger when the image forming apparatus 90 returns from the standby state. That is, the parts to be fed in the standby state are, for example, a ring signal detection unit (not shown) of the line interface unit 98, a key input detection unit (not shown) of the control panel unit 94, and the like.

  Therefore, after shifting to the power saving mode, a control unit that reduces power consumption by controlling power supply to each unit in the image forming apparatus 90 in order to suppress power consumption in the image forming apparatus 90 is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

In this conventional example, in the printer and FAX, in the operation mode, power is supplied only to each selected unit in the image forming apparatus, and power is supplied by turning on / off the power supply to the unit. This reduces power consumption.
JP 2004-77623 A

  As described above, in a conventional image forming apparatus or the like, as power control in a standby state, the output voltage of the self power supply is switched to a low voltage, and the power supply to each unit is turned on / off, thereby reducing power consumption. This reduces power consumption.

  For example, in power supply to a scanner unit using a CCD, in a standby state, since the power supply is turned off, the lamp as the scanner light source is turned off. For this reason, when the scanner operates (specifically, operations such as scanner and copying) are performed after shifting to the standby state, the lamp is turned off in the standby state. It must be made. Accordingly, since the initial operation time is required until the operation of reading the original is started, there is a problem that the throughput of the image forming apparatus main body is slow.

The present invention can suppress the power consumption of the image processing apparatus in the power saving mode, moreover, a transfer from the power saving mode to the normal power mode, and an object thereof is to enable shortening the time required for the warm-up.

That is, the present invention has an object to provide an image processing apparatus capable of shortening the time required for warming up the lamp, which is the initial process of the scanner unit when operating the scanner unit from the power saving mode, and a control method thereof. And

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is a self-power source provided in the image processing apparatus having a scanner unit including a lamp and a reading sensor, and supplying power to the image processing apparatus including the lamp in a normal power mode. And an interface means connected to the host via a cable having a data line and a power line, and a power supply for supplying the power received via the interface via the power line of the cable to the image processing apparatus Means, a means for performing warm-up processing of the lamp in the normal power mode, and a power supply to the lamp in the power saving mode for reducing the power supplied by the self-power supply. Means for continuing by the supply means, and switching from the power saving mode to the normal power mode. When gills, characterized by omitting the warm-up process of the lamp.

According to the present invention, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus in the power saving mode can be suppressed, and moreover, when shifting from the power saving mode to the normal power mode , the time required for warming up the lamp, which is the initial process of the scanner unit , can be reduced. There is an effect that it can be shortened.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a data terminal device 10, a USB cable 30, a control panel unit 40, a self power source (Main power source) 50, a printer unit 60, a scanner unit 70, a line interface unit 80, and a handset 81. And have.

  The data terminal device 10 operates with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and controls operations of other unit units.

  The control panel unit 40 is a user interface for accepting instructions from the user, and includes a display device such as a key, LED, and LCD.

  The printer unit 60 records a copy image, a received image, and an external input image.

  The scanner unit 70 includes a CCD linear image sensor that performs photoelectric conversion for reading a document, and a lamp (not shown) as a light source for the CCD linear image sensor. The scanner unit 70 is a reading unit including an image processing LSI that binarizes the read image and performs image processing as necessary. The scanner unit 70 also includes a document conveyance system (not shown).

  The line interface unit 80 is configured by an NCU (Network Control Unit) that provides an interface between a modem that performs modulation / demodulation of data to be communicated and a communication line. The line interface unit 80 is connected to the telephone line L, transmits and receives various data and the like via the telephone line L, and transmits and receives audio signals when making a call using the handset 81.

  Each of the unit parts is normally powered by a self power source 50 and operates. A HOST 20 composed of a PC or the like is connected to the data terminal device 10 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 30. Data is exchanged between the data terminal device 10 and the HOST 20 via the USB cable 30, and power can be supplied from the HOST 20 to the data terminal device 10.

  Next, specific examples of the data terminal device 10, the control panel unit 40, the scanner unit 70, and the line I / F unit 80 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating specific examples of the data terminal device 10, the control panel unit 40, the scanner unit 70, and the line I / F unit 80 provided in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The data terminal device 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a USB interface (I / F) 13, a return trigger detection unit 14, a power supply control unit 15, and a data bus 16.

  The control unit 11 is configured by a CPU. The memory 12 stores a program for operating the CPU and is used as a work area. The USB interface (I / F) 13 connects the USB cable 30.

  The return trigger detection unit 14 detects a trigger when returning from the standby mode (power saving mode). The power supply control unit 15 switches the output voltage when the self-power supply 50 is turned on and in the power saving mode. The data bus 16 transmits data and signals exchanged between the units.

  The control panel unit 40 includes a key input detection circuit 41 that detects the presence or absence of a key input by the user.

  The scanner unit 70 includes a lamp drive voltage control unit 71, a CCD linear image sensor 72, and a lamp 73.

  The lamp driving voltage control unit 71 drives the lamp 73. The CCD linear image sensor 72 performs photoelectric conversion for reading a document. The lamp 73 is a light source for a CCD linear image sensor.

  The line interface unit 80 includes a ring signal detection circuit 82 and an off-hook detection circuit 83.

  The ring signal detection circuit 82 detects a ring signal from the telephone line L. The off-hook detection circuit 83 detects the off-hook state of the handset 81.

  In FIG. 2, solid arrows indicate the flow of data (including the data bus 16), and broken arrows indicate the flow of power supplied from the HOST 20.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100, the self power supply 50 shifts to a low power output state, and the power supply control unit 15 switches the output voltage of the self power supply 50 to a low voltage and supplies power to each unit. When power is supplied to the lamp 73 in the scanner unit 70 and the lamp drive voltage control unit 71, power is supplied from the self power supply 50 by switching to power supply from the HOST 20. As a result, the lamp 73 is driven.

  The key input detection circuit 41 detects the presence / absence of key input by the user, and the image forming apparatus 100 enters a standby state according to the presence / absence of the detection, and returns from the standby state.

  Ring signal detection circuit 82 detects a ring signal from telephone line L, and off-hook detection circuit 83 detects an off-hook state of handset 81.

  Further, the return trigger detection unit 14 detects each state change by the USB I / F 13, the key input detection circuit 41, the ring signal detection circuit 82, and the off-hook detection circuit 83 as a return trigger signal that is a return trigger from the standby state. . When the trigger signal is detected, the power supply control unit 15 is operated, and the power supply control unit 15 switches the output voltage of the self-power supply 50 from the low voltage to the normal voltage by the return trigger signal, and the image forming apparatus 100 is shifted to the normal state.

  When power is supplied to the lamp 73 in the scanner unit 70 and the lamp drive voltage control unit 71, the power supply from the HOST 20 is switched to the power supply from the self power source 50 to supply power, thereby driving the lamp 73 in the normal state. .

<Overview of USB>
Next, an outline of the USB will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the USB cable 30.

  The USB cable 30 includes a pair of data lines (D +, D−) and a pair of power lines (Vbus, GND). Power is supplied from the HOST 20 to the data terminal device 10 through the power lines (Vbus, GND), and the current value that the data terminal device 10 can draw from the HOST 20 is as follows. It depends on the situation.

  The first situation is when the USB is initialized, such as immediately after the USB cable 30 is connected or immediately after the data terminal device 10 is turned on. The current value at this time is 100 mA at the maximum. .

  The second situation is a normal time after the end of initialization, and the current value at this time is 500 mA at the maximum. However, the power consumption notified to the HOST 20 by the data terminal device 10 at the time of initialization is the upper limit. If another USB device is connected to the HOST 20, the current value consumed by all USB devices may exceed 500 mA. Absent.

  The third situation is when suspending. Suspend is a mode that shifts when communication between the data terminal apparatus 10 and the HOST 20 is interrupted for 3 ms or more, and the current value at this time is 500 μA at the maximum.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection example between the HOST 20 and the USB device in the above embodiment.

  The USB device is not only directly connected to the HOST 20 via the Root HUB 21 as in the USB device D1 shown in FIG. 4, but is connected via the HUB 22 as in the USB device D2. Further, like the USB devices D3 and D4, they may be connected to the HOST 20 via the HUBs 22 and 23.

  For example, if the HUB 22 does not have a self power supply, power is supplied from the HOST 20 to the USB device D2 via the root HUB 21, and if the HUB 23 has a self power supply, the USB device D3, Power is supplied to D4.

  Therefore, the data terminal 10 is not necessarily supplied with power from the HOST 20, but is supplied with power from the HUB depending on the connection configuration.

  Next, the lamp control sequence in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a conventional lamp lighting sequence.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, the lamp 73 in the scanner unit 70 is turned on, and the lamp 73 is warmed up until the output voltage from the CCD linear image sensor 72 reaches a set level. By warming up, the output voltage level of the CCD increases with time.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing changes in the output level of the CCD during warm-up.

  Thereafter, when the output voltage level of the CCD reaches the set level and becomes stable, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the standby state. When the HOST 20 (or the control panel unit 40) generates a scanning operation request in the standby state, scanning is started and a document is read. When the reading of the original is finished, the scanning operation is finished, and the image forming apparatus 100 again enters the standby state.

  If a new job does not occur after the set time has elapsed after shifting to the standby state, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the standby state (power saving mode). Then, the power supply control unit 15 switches the output voltage of the self power supply 50 to a low voltage, turns off the lamp 73 in the scanner unit 70, and suppresses power consumption.

  After returning to the standby state (power saving mode), the return trigger detection unit 14 that detects the return trigger for returning to the normal mode polls the USB I / F 13 (or user key input). For example, when the scan key is pressed and it is detected that a scan job has occurred, the power supply control unit 15 switches the output voltage of the self power supply 50 to a normal voltage and supplies power to each unit.

  In the scanner unit 70, the self-power supply 50 supplies power to the lamp 73, the lamp 73 is turned on, and the lamp 73 is warmed up until the output voltage from the CCD linear image sensor 72 reaches the set level. Read the original.

  Next, a lamp lighting sequence in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5-2 is a diagram illustrating a lamp lighting sequence according to the first embodiment.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, the lamp 73 in the scanner unit 70 is turned on, and the lamp 73 is warmed up until the output voltage from the CCD linear image sensor 72 reaches the set voltage level. By performing warm-up, the output voltage level of the CCD increases with time. The change in the output voltage level of the CCD during the warm-up is shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the output voltage level of the CCD reaches the set voltage level and becomes stable, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the standby state.

  When a scanning operation request is issued from the HOST 20 or the control panel unit 40 in the standby state, scanning is started and an original is read. When the reading of the original is finished, the scanning operation is finished, and the image forming apparatus 100 again enters the standby state.

  If a new job does not occur after the set time has elapsed after shifting to the standby state, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the standby state (power saving mode), and the power supply control unit 15 performs the self-control. The output voltage of the power supply 50 is switched to a low voltage to supply power to each unit.

  When power is supplied to the lamp 73 in the scanner unit 70 and the lamp drive voltage control unit 71, the power supply from the self power supply 50 is switched to the VBUS power supply from the HOST 20 to supply power. As a result, the driving of the lamp 73 is continued. The drive voltage of the lamp 73 in this case is driven at a lower voltage than in the normal case in FIG. 5B, but the voltage level may be changed by boosting the supply voltage from VBUS.

  The return trigger detection unit 14 that detects a return trigger for returning to the normal mode after shifting to the standby state (power saving mode) polls the USB I / F 13 or a key input by the user. For example, when the scan key is pressed and it is detected that a scan job has occurred, the power supply control unit 15 switches the output voltage of the self power supply 50 to a normal voltage and supplies power to each unit.

  When power is supplied to the lamp 73 in the scanner unit 70 and the lamp drive voltage control unit 71, the VBUS power supply from the HOST 20 is switched to the power supply from the self power supply 50, and the scanning operation is performed immediately. This eliminates the need for warm-up, which is the initial operation of the scanner.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the lamp 73 is always driven, and the time required for warming up the lamp 73, which is the initial process of the scanner when performing operations such as scanning and copying from the standby state (power saving mode), is shortened. Can do. Thereby, the throughput from the operation start to the operation completion can be significantly shortened.

  The above embodiment can be applied to an image processing apparatus other than the image forming apparatus.

When performing warm-up, which is the initial operation of the scanner, the lamp driving method may be switched according to the environment of the apparatus, the time required for warm-up, and the power that can be supplied from the HOST 20 to the VBUS. That is, a plurality of lamp driving means at the time of warm-up in the power saving mode may be provided, and the plurality of driving means may be switched according to the power that can be supplied from the interface means.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a data terminal device 10, a control panel unit 40, a scanner unit 70, and a line I / F unit 80 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a USB cable 30. FIG. In the said Example, it is a figure which shows the example of a connection of HOST20 and a USB device. It is a figure which shows the conventional lamp lighting sequence. It is a figure which shows the lamp lighting sequence in Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the change of the output level of CCD during warm-up. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a conventional image forming apparatus 90.

Explanation of symbols

100: Image forming apparatus,
10: Data terminal device,
11 ... control unit,
12 ... Memory,
13 ... USB I / F,
14: Return trigger detection unit,
15 ... Power control unit,
20 ... HOST,
30 ... USB cable,
40 ... Control panel section,
41 ... Key input detection circuit,
50 ... Self power supply (Main power supply),
60: Printer section,
70: Scanner unit,
71 ... Lamp drive voltage control unit,
72 ... CCD,
73 ... lamp,
80: Line interface section.

Claims (5)

In an image processing apparatus having a scanner unit including a lamp and a reading sensor,
A self-power supply provided in the image processing apparatus for supplying power to the image processing apparatus including the lamp in a normal power mode;
Interface means for connecting to the host via a cable comprising a data line and a power line;
Power supply means for supplying the image processing apparatus with power received via the interface means via the power line of the cable;
Means for warming up the lamp in the normal power mode;
Means for continuing the supply of power to the lamp by the power supply means when shifting to a power saving mode for reducing the power supplied by the self-power supply;
Have
An image processing apparatus , wherein the lamp warm-up process is omitted when the power saving mode is switched to the normal power mode . In claim 1,
In the power saving mode, the image processing apparatus is configured to continue driving the lamp on which the warm-up process has been performed using the power supplied from the power supply unit. In claim 1 or 2,
An image processing apparatus comprising printer means for recording an image on a recording medium based on image data obtained by reading an original with the scanner unit. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interface means is means compatible with a universal serial bus (USB) communication standard. An image processing apparatus having a scanner unit including at least a lamp and a reading sensor, and further comprising a self-power supply for supplying power to the image processing apparatus including the lamp in a normal power mode, a data line, and a power line In an image processing apparatus control method, comprising: interface means for connecting to a host via the power supply means; and power supply means for supplying the power received via the interface means via the power line of the cable to the image processing apparatus.
Performing a warm-up process of the lamp in the normal power mode;
Continuing the supply of power to the lamp by the power supply means when shifting to a power saving mode for reducing the power supplied by the self-power supply ;
Have
A control method for an image processing apparatus, wherein the lamp warm-up process is omitted when the power saving mode is switched to the normal power mode .

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