JP6314805B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a power supply mode for cutting off power supply to each unit that executes image processing.

  In recent years, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) having a plurality of functions are used in offices and the like. A multifunction machine is often used in a situation where it is connected to an information processing terminal such as a personal computer through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  In such a multifunction device, in order to reduce the environmental load, when not in use, the power supply mode changes from a mode that supplies power to the entire multifunction device to a low power consumption mode (sleep mode) that consumes less power. The function to switch between is widely adopted. In recent years, devices that adopt an off mode have also appeared to meet the demand for further reduction in power consumption such as the European ErP (Energy-related Products) directive. In the off mode, the outlet plug is connected to the power outlet, but the power is substantially off. For example, only the operation of the power key (power button) provided on the operation panel can be detected. In this state, the power supply to the other components of the multifunction machine is stopped.

  For example, a configuration that is implemented when the power supply mode is not used for a predetermined period of time or a configuration that is executed according to a predetermined schedule is widely adopted. Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus having a function of shifting to a standby state (low power consumption mode) using information input according to a user's will. In this configuration, for example, when the user operates the standby button, the state immediately shifts to the standby state.

JP-A-6-214681

  In the above-described off mode, for example, functions other than the detection of the power key operation do not function, so that the image processing apparatus having the facsimile function or the image processing apparatus having the coin bender cannot perform facsimile reception or payment detection. When the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied and the configuration capable of shifting to the off mode by operating the power key is adopted, the above-described limitations when shifting to the off mode are recognized, and the image If the user who has determined that there is no inconvenience even when the processing apparatus is in the off mode operates the power key to shift the image processing apparatus to the off mode, no problem occurs.

  However, since the power key is assumed to be operated by the user, the power key is arranged at a position where the user can operate, such as an operation panel. Therefore, there is a possibility that the power key is operated by an erroneous operation, and the image processing apparatus unintentionally shifts to the off mode. It is only necessary that a user who has made an erroneous operation recognize the erroneous operation and immediately perform a recovery operation such as operating the power key again. However, if the recovery operation is not performed, the image processing apparatus will remain in the off mode. In this case, the user may suffer a disadvantage due to the above-mentioned restrictions.

  It is also conceivable to employ a configuration in which the possibility of erroneous operation is reduced by providing a cover for preventing erroneous operation on the power key. However, even when such a configuration is employed, it is difficult to completely avoid the transition to the off mode due to an erroneous operation as long as the power key can be operated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional situation, and an image processing apparatus capable of avoiding a disadvantageous state for a user even when erroneously operated by a relatively simple configuration. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following technical means. First, the present invention is premised on an image processing apparatus having an off mode that cuts off power supply to each unit that executes image processing. The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes off mode transition instruction unit, inquiry unit, power control unit, and the transition prohibition unit.

The off mode transition instructing unit is operated by the user for transition to the off mode. When the off mode transition instruction unit is operated, the inquiry unit inquires of the user whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode, and an answer indicating whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode is input. Instead, a default answer that is selected when a predesignated time has elapsed is set . The power control unit is switched when a standby mode in which at least one function of the image processing apparatus can be performed and a state in which an instruction to the image processing apparatus is not input in the standby mode continues for a certain period of time. It is possible to detect whether or not it is a power supply mode that consumes less power than the standby mode by supplying power to only a part of the power supply, and satisfies the conditions for transition from the power supply mode to another power supply mode The power supply mode including the low power consumption mode in the state and the off mode can be switched, and the power supply mode is switched to the off mode based on a response from the user to the inquiry unit. The transition prohibiting unit prohibits the power control unit from shifting to the off mode when a specific option is mounted on the image processing apparatus.

In the above image processing apparatus, when a predetermined time elapses without an answer indicating whether or not to shift to the off mode being input from the user to the inquiry unit, the default answer is set to “off mode. When the transition prohibition unit does not prohibit the transition to the off mode, the inquiry unit switches the power supply mode to the off mode through the power control unit. In addition, when the default answer is “transition to off mode” and the transition prohibition part prohibits the transition to off mode, and when the default answer is “do not transition to off mode”, the inquiry part Cancels the operation to the off mode transition instruction unit through the power control unit and cancels the switching to the off mode.

In this image processing apparatus, when an off mode transition instruction unit including an operation unit such as a power key is operated by the user, the user is inquired whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode. In response to the inquiry, for example, when an instruction to perform the transition to the off mode is input from the user, the transition to the off mode is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a shift to the off mode in which facsimile reception or the like is impossible against the user's intention due to an erroneous operation or the like, and it is possible to avoid a disadvantageous state for the user. In addition, even if the user is left in the state of inquiring whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode, the transition to the off mode or the non-transition to the off mode may be confirmed. In addition, when an option such as a facsimile board is installed, it is possible to prevent a shift to an off mode in which facsimile reception or the like becomes impossible against the user's intention due to an erroneous operation or the like.

The image processing apparatus can further include a display unit that displays a message. In this configuration, the inquiry unit can inquire of the user whether or not the transition to the off mode is to be performed through the display unit, and can display the restrictions on the transition to the off mode on the display unit.

Further, in the image processing apparatus described above, migration prohibition unit, forbid the transition to the off mode, the power control unit, in place of the switching stop to off-mode, at least the foregoing functions of a particular option It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the power supply mode can be switched to a sleep mode that can accept the execution of the above and consume more power than the off mode .

  According to the present invention, with a relatively simple configuration, it is possible to avoid a disadvantageous state for the user due to a shift to the off mode against the user's intention due to an erroneous operation or the like.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation panel of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows an example of the electric power control procedure which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention implements The figure which shows an example of the inquiry screen which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention displays.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the present invention is embodied as a digital multifunction peripheral. The digital multi-function peripheral of this embodiment is configured to be able to execute a plurality of functions including an image reading function, an image forming function (copying function and printer function), a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a network transmission / reception function. Each function is realized by one or more of an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a FAX interface, and a network interface, and the image reading unit, the image forming unit, the FAX interface, and the network interface can be independently supplied with power. It is configured as one or a plurality of units.

  The digital multi-function peripheral is also in a standby mode in which power is supplied to one or a plurality of units and at least one function (image processing) can be executed, instruction input from the user through the operation panel, etc. Low power consumption mode (sleep mode) that reduces the amount of power consumption compared to standby mode by supplying the minimum power required for the power supply to all units is cut off, and a specific button such as a power key is A plurality of power supply modes including an off mode that enables detection only by pressing can be switched.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a main body 101 including an image reading unit 120 and an image forming unit 140, and a platen cover 102 attached above the main body 101. An operation panel 200 is provided on the front surface of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  An image reading unit 120 is provided on the upper portion of the main body 101. The image reading unit 120 reads an image of a document with the scanning optical system 121 and generates digital data (image data) of the image.

  The generated image data can be printed on paper in the image forming unit 140. The generated image data can also be transmitted to other devices through a network, a public communication line, etc. (not shown).

  The image forming unit 140 prints image data generated by the image reading unit 120 or image data received from another device (not shown) connected to a network or a public communication line on a sheet. The image forming unit 140 feeds paper from the manual feed tray 151, the paper feed cassettes 152, 153, and 154 to the transfer unit 155 that transfers the toner image. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred in the transfer unit 155 is discharged to a discharge tray 149.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an operation panel included in the multifunction peripheral. The user can use the operation panel 200 to start copying or give other instructions to the multi-function device 100 and to check the status and settings of the multi-function device 100. On the operation panel 200, a display 201 with a touch panel and operation keys 203 are arranged. The display 201 includes a display surface such as a liquid crystal display that displays operation buttons, messages, and the like, and a sensor that detects a pressed position on the display surface. The detection method of a press position is not specifically limited. Any method such as a resistance film method, a capacitance method, a surface acoustic wave method, and an electromagnetic wave method can be employed. The user can perform input through the display 201 using his / her finger or the like. The operation key 203 includes a power key 205. The power key 205 is used for switching the power ON and OFF (transition to the off mode and return from the off mode).

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control system in the multifunction machine. The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301, a random access memory (RAM) 302, a read only memory (ROM) 303, a hard disk drive (HDD) 304, an image reading unit 120, and an image forming unit 140. A driver 305 corresponding to each of the driving units is connected via an internal bus 306. The ROM 303, the HDD 304, and the like store programs, and the CPU 301 controls the multifunction peripheral 100 in accordance with the instructions of the control program. For example, the CPU 301 uses the RAM 302 as a work area, and controls the operation of each driving unit by exchanging data and commands with the driver 305. The HDD 304 is also used to store image data obtained by the image reading unit 120 and image data received from other devices via a network.

  An operation panel 200 and various sensors 307 are also connected to the internal bus 306. The operation panel 200 receives a user operation and supplies a signal based on the operation to the CPU 301. The display 201 displays the above-described operation screen according to a control signal from the CPU 301. The sensor 307 includes various sensors such as an open / close detection sensor for the platen cover 102, a document detection sensor on the document table, a temperature sensor for the fixing device, and a detection sensor for the conveyed paper or document. In particular, in the present embodiment, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an optional device is disposed.

  The CPU 301 executes, for example, a program stored in the ROM 303, thereby realizing the following means (functional blocks) and controlling the operation of each means according to signals from these sensors.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes an off-mode transition instruction unit 401, an inquiry unit 402, and a power control unit 403.

  The off mode transition instructing unit 401 is operated by the user for transition to the off mode. In the present embodiment, the off-mode transition instruction unit 401 includes a power key 205 of the operation panel 200 and an off-mode transition instruction detection unit 411 that detects an operation on the power key 205. The off mode transition instruction unit 401 inputs an off mode transition instruction to the power control unit 403 in response to pressing of the power key 205.

  When the off mode transition instruction unit 401 is operated, the inquiry unit 402 inquires of the user whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode. For example, the inquiry unit 402 displays a selection button on the display 201 (display unit) included in the operation panel 200 and requests the user to select whether or not to shift to the off mode.

  Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, a response time limit and a default response are preset in the inquiry unit 402. The inquiry unit 402 requests the user to select whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode, and then the response time limit has elapsed without an answer indicating whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode being input. If the default answer is selected, it is determined that the default answer is selected. As the default answer, either “transition to off mode” or “do not transition to off mode” is set.

  The power control unit 403 switches the power supply mode to the off mode based on a response from the user to the inquiry unit 403. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the power control unit 403 switches a plurality of power supply modes including the above-described standby mode, low power consumption mode, and off mode.

  The standby mode includes a mode in which only one of the functions that can be executed by the MFP 100 (image reading function, image forming function, facsimile transmission / reception function, network transmission / reception function, etc.) can be immediately executed. A mode in which only a plurality of functions can be immediately executed (for example, a mode in which power supply to a power consuming device such as a fixing device is stopped and an image forming function cannot be executed immediately) or a state in which all functions can be executed immediately Modes are included.

  In the low power consumption mode, by supplying power to only a part of the multifunction peripheral 100, it is possible to detect whether or not the transition condition from the low power consumption mode to another power supply mode is satisfied. The multi-function device 100 is maintained. For example, a sensor (for example, a platen cover open / close detection sensor, a document detection sensor, etc.) irrelevant to detection of whether the transition condition is satisfied, RAM 202, HDD 204, each unit (image reading unit 120, image forming unit 140), etc. Power supply is stopped. Further, only the minimum power necessary for the detection is supplied to the CPU 201.

  Further, in the off mode, the MFP 100 is maintained in a state where only pressing of a specific button (here, the power key 205 of the operation panel 200) can be detected, and power is supplied to a portion not involved in the detection. Is cut off. In this case, only the minimum power necessary for the detection is supplied to the CPU 201.

  In the present embodiment, for example, when the multifunction device 100 is in the standby mode, the power control unit 403 switches from the standby mode to the low power consumption mode when a state in which an instruction to the multifunction device 100 is not input continues for a predetermined time. Switch the power supply mode. In addition, when the MFP 100 is in the low power consumption mode, when the user inputs an instruction through the operation panel 200, the power control unit 403 supplies power from the low power consumption mode to the standby mode according to the content of the user instruction. Switch modes. Further, when the multifunction device 100 is in the standby mode or the low power consumption mode, when the power key 205 is pressed, the power control unit 403 switches the power supply mode to the off mode.

  The multifunction device 100 further includes a migration prohibition unit 404. The transition prohibition unit 404 prohibits the power control unit 403 from shifting to the off mode when a specific option is attached to the multifunction peripheral 100. A specific option is a unit that realizes a function that needs to always wait for input of a signal or data. For example, a facsimile board that always needs to wait for reception of a facsimile or a coin vendor that always needs to wait for the receipt of money corresponds to the specific option. As described above, in the present embodiment, a sensor that detects the presence / absence of an optional device is disposed at the mounting position of the optional device, and the presence / absence of the optional device is detected based on the detection state of the sensor.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power control procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral 100. The procedure starts with the user's instruction to shift to the off mode (here, the power key 205 is pressed) as a trigger.

  The power control unit 403 to which the off mode transition instruction is input from the off mode transition instruction detection unit 411 that has detected that the user has pressed the power key 205 notifies the inquiry unit 402 of the fact. In response to the notification, the inquiry unit 402 displays on the display 201 of the operation panel 200 an inquiry screen for inquiring whether or not to shift the user to the off mode.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inquiry screen displayed on the display 201 of the operation panel 200 by the inquiry unit 402. In this example, the inquiry screen 601 includes a message display field 602, a “Migrate” button 603, and a “Do not migrate” button 604.

  The message display field 602 displays a message “Do you want to shift to the off mode?” Which is an inquiry to the user. In this example, in particular, in order to call attention to the user, the message display field 602 is a restriction item when the mode is shifted to the off mode, “All functions cannot be used when the mode is shifted to the off mode”. A warning statement is also written. The “Migrate” button 603 is used to execute the transition to the off mode. A “do not shift” button 604 is used to cancel the shift to the off mode (cancel the pressing of the power key 205).

  The inquiry screen 601 is displayed on the display 201 until the user selects either the “Migrate” button 603 or the “Do not migrate” button 604 or until the response time limit specified in advance in the inquiry unit 402 elapses. (No in steps S502 and S503).

  When the user selects the “Migrate” button 603, the inquiry unit 402 notifies the power control unit 403 to that effect (Yes in Steps S502 and S505). In response to the notification, the power control unit 403 inquires of the transition prohibition unit 404 whether or not the transition to the off mode may be executed. In response to the inquiry, the migration prohibition unit 404 inquires the optional device detection unit 412 about the optional device attached to the multifunction peripheral 100. At this time, the optional device detection unit 412 identifies the installed optional device based on the detection state of the sensor that detects the presence or absence of the optional device, and notifies the migration prohibition unit 404 of the identified optional device (step S506). .

  At this time, the migration prohibition unit 404 checks whether or not the above-mentioned specific option is included in the option device notified from the option device detection unit 412 (step S507). The specific option is registered in advance in the migration prohibition unit 404.

  If the optional device notified from the optional device detection unit 412 does not include an optional device that realizes the specific optional function described above, the migration prohibition unit 404 notifies the power control unit 403 to that effect. In response to the notification, the power control unit 403 switches the power supply mode to the off mode (No in steps S507 and S508). In addition, when the optional device notified from the optional device detection unit 412 includes an optional device that realizes the specific optional function described above, the transition prohibition unit 404 instructs the power control unit 403 to not transition to the off mode. Notice. In response to the notification, the power control unit 403 cancels the pressing of the power key 205 and stops the transition to the off mode (Yes in step S507). In this case, it is preferable that the power control unit 403 displays a message such as “cannot shift to the off mode because facsimile reception cannot be performed” on the display 201 of the operation panel 200.

  Further, when the user selects the “do not move” button 604 on the inquiry screen 601, the inquiry unit 402 notifies the power control unit 403 to that effect (Yes in step S502). In response to the notification, the power control unit 403 cancels the pressing of the power key 205 and stops the transition to the off mode (No in step S505).

  On the other hand, when the time specified in advance in the inquiry unit 402 has elapsed while the inquiry screen is displayed, the inquiry unit 402 determines that the above-mentioned default answer has been selected (steps S502 No, S503 Yes, S504).

  When the default answer registered in advance in the inquiry unit 402 is “transition to off mode”, the inquiry unit 402 notifies the power control unit 403 to that effect (Yes in step S505). In response to the notification, the power control unit 403 executes the same processing as when the above-mentioned “Migrate” button 603 is selected (Step S506, S507 No, S508, or Step S506, S507 Yes).

  When the default answer registered in advance in the inquiry unit 402 is “do not shift to off mode”, the inquiry unit 402 notifies the power control unit 403 to that effect. In response to the notification, the power control unit 403 cancels the pressing of the power key 205 and stops the transition to the off mode (No in step S505).

  In the above example, when an optional device that implements a specific optional function is mounted on the multifunction peripheral 100, the transition prohibition unit 404 notifies the power control unit 403 that the transition to the off mode is impossible, and the off mode is entered. Although the configuration for canceling the transition is exemplified, other configurations may be employed. For example, the power control unit 403 inquires of the user again whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode through the inquiry unit 402, and when there is an instruction to transition to the off mode, the power control unit 403 transitions to the off mode. There may be. Alternatively, the transition prohibition unit 404 shifts the power supply mode to a sleep mode that can accept at least the execution of the function of the specific option described above, which consumes more power than the off mode, instead of canceling the transition to the off mode. A configuration can also be adopted. In this case, it is preferable that the power control unit 403 displays a message such as, for example, “Cannot shift to the off mode because facsimile reception becomes impossible. Shift to the sleep mode” on the display 201 of the operation panel 200.

  In the above, both the “transfer” button 603 and the “do not transfer” button 604 are displayed on the inquiry screen 601, but only one button (for example, the “transfer” button) is displayed, and the response time limit is exceeded. If the button is not selected, the other (for example, “do not shift”) may be recognized as being selected.

  As described above, in this multi-function device 100, whether or not the user is to enter the off mode when an instruction to enter the off mode is input by the user pressing the power key 205 or the like. Inquiries are made. Then, when the user inputs an instruction to execute the transition to the off mode, the transition to the off mode is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a shift to the off mode in which facsimile reception or the like is impossible against the user's intention due to an erroneous operation or the like, and it is possible to avoid a disadvantageous state for the user.

  Since the MFP 100 is set with a response time limit and a default response, even when the user is left in the state of inquiring the user whether or not to shift to the OFF mode, the MFP 100 enters the OFF mode. Transition or non-transition of the off mode can be determined. In addition, the operation when the response time limit elapses can be set as a default response based on the user's will.

  Further, in the multi-function device 100, when a specific option such as a facsimile board that realizes a function that always needs to wait for input of signals and data is installed, the transition to the off mode is restricted. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a shift to the off mode in which facsimile reception or the like becomes impossible against the user's intention due to an erroneous operation or the like.

  The above-described embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various modifications and applications other than those already described are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration including the transition prohibition unit 404 is illustrated as a particularly preferable mode, but the transition prohibition unit 404 is a selective component and is not an essential component of the present invention. Even in a configuration that does not include the transition prohibition unit 404, it is possible to prevent a user from being in a disadvantageous state by shifting to the off mode against an intention of the user due to an erroneous operation or the like. Similarly, the configuration for displaying the restriction items on the inquiry screen 601 is also a selective configuration, and it is not essential to execute the inquiry through the display unit (display 201). For the inquiry to the user, any method can be adopted as long as it can be recognized by the user, such as voice.

  Further, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the order of the steps can be appropriately changed within a range where the equivalent action is achieved. For example, in FIG. 5, the configuration is such that the presence / absence of the specific option is confirmed when there is an instruction to shift to the off mode. However, the confirmation may be performed at an arbitrary timing before that.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is embodied by a digital multifunction peripheral. However, the present invention can be applied not only to a digital multifunction peripheral but also to an arbitrary image processing apparatus such as a scanner, a printer, and a copying machine. It is.

  According to the present invention, with a relatively simple configuration, it is possible to avoid a disadvantageous state for a user by shifting to an off mode against a user's intention due to an erroneous operation or the like, which is useful as an image processing apparatus. .

100 MFP (image processing device)
200 Operation panel 201 Display (display unit)
205 Power Key 401 Off Mode Transition Instruction Unit 402 Inquiry Unit 403 Power Control Unit 404 Transition Prohibited Unit

Claims (3)

An image processing apparatus having an off mode for cutting off power supply to each unit that executes image processing,
An off mode transition instruction unit operated by the user for transition to the off mode;
When the off mode transition instructing unit is operated, the user is inquired whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode, and an answer as to whether or not to perform the transition to the off mode is input. An inquiry part in which a default answer selected when a predetermined time has passed ,
Switching between a standby mode in which at least one function of the image processing apparatus can be performed and a state in which no instruction to the image processing apparatus is input in the standby mode continues for a certain period of time, and only a part of the image processing apparatus Is a power supply mode that consumes less power than the standby mode by supplying power to the standby mode, and is in a state where it can be detected whether the transition condition from the power supply mode to another power supply mode is satisfied. A power control unit configured to be able to switch between a low power consumption mode and a power supply mode including the off mode, and based on an answer from the user to the inquiry unit, a power control unit that switches the power supply mode to the off mode;
When a specific option is installed in the image processing apparatus, a transition prohibiting unit that prohibits transition of the off mode by the power control unit,
Equipped with a,
When a predetermined time has passed without an answer indicating whether or not to shift to the off mode being input from the user to the inquiry unit,
When the default answer is `` transition to off mode '' and the transition prohibition unit does not prohibit transition to the off mode, the inquiry unit switches the power supply mode to the off mode through the power control unit,
When the default answer is “transition to off mode”, the transition prohibition unit prohibits the transition to off mode, and when the default answer is “do not transition to off mode”, The inquiring unit cancels the operation to the off mode transition instruction unit through the power control unit and stops switching to the off mode . A display unit for displaying a message;
2. The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry unit inquires of a user whether or not to shift to the off mode through the display unit, and displays restrictions on the transition to the off mode on the display unit. apparatus. When the transition prohibition unit prohibits the transition to the off mode, the power control unit can accept at least the execution of the function of the specific option instead of stopping the switching to the off mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply mode is switched to a sleep mode that consumes more power than the sleep mode.

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