JP6365493B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

  In an image processing apparatus such as a copier, the operation of its own apparatus may be controlled using an optical sensor. For example, in this type of image processing apparatus, whether or not the image reading process using the ADF is performed is controlled based on the detection result of the presence or absence of the document in the document placement unit of the ADF (automatic document feeder) by the optical sensor. Is done.

  On the other hand, there is known an image processing apparatus capable of switching an operation mode between a normal mode and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal mode. For example, in this type of image processing apparatus, the operation mode transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode when the non-operation state for the self apparatus continues for a predetermined time. Further, in this type of image processing apparatus, when a predetermined state change in the apparatus, such as a change in the document placement state in the ADF document placement unit, is detected by the optical sensor, the operation mode is reduced. There is a case where a transition is made from the power mode to the normal mode. Here, when the operation mode is the power saving mode, a configuration is known in which power consumption in the power saving mode can be reduced by intermittently operating an optical sensor used for detecting the state change ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-243238 A

  By the way, in the image processing apparatus, when the operation mode is the normal mode, the operation mode is set to the power saving mode by the second control unit that is different from the first control unit that controls the operation of the apparatus using the optical sensor. In some cases, the state control to the normal mode may be performed using an optical sensor. Here, when light emission control of the optical sensor is performed by the first control unit when the operation mode is the power saving mode, both the first control unit and the second control unit are in the power saving mode. Need to be powered.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption in the power saving mode.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an optical sensor, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The optical sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and detects presence / absence of a predetermined state change in the own device. When the operation mode of the own device is a normal mode, the first control unit controls whether or not to execute a specific process determined in advance based on an electric signal input from the light receiving unit. When the operation mode is a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal mode, the operation mode is suspended. The second control unit performs light emission control for causing the light emitting unit to emit light at predetermined intervals when the operation mode of the device is the power saving mode, and detection of the state change by the light receiving unit. And a state control for transitioning the operation mode of the device from the power saving mode to the normal mode when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied.

  According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption in the power saving mode is realized.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the light emission control process executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Schematic Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus 100]
First, a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image processing apparatus 100 includes an ADF 1, an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, an operation display unit 5, a communication unit 6, an engine control unit 7, and a network control unit. 8, the control part 9 and the power supply part 10 are provided. The image processing apparatus 100 is a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function or a copy function, in addition to a scan function for reading image data from a document and a print function for forming an image based on the image data. The present invention is also applicable to image processing apparatuses such as scanner apparatuses, printer apparatuses, facsimile apparatuses, and copiers.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF 1 is an automatic document feeder that includes a document placement section 11, a plurality of transport rollers 12, a document press 13, and a paper discharge section 14. The ADF 1 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document placement surface 211 of the image reading unit 2, and also serves as a document cover for the document placed on the document placement surface 211. In the ADF 1, each of the transport rollers 12 is driven by a motor (not shown), so that the document placed on the document placement unit 11 passes through the image data reading position by the image reading unit 2 and reaches the paper discharge unit 14. Be transported. The document conveyed by the ADF 1 is pressed toward the document placement surface 211 by the document pressing unit 13 at the reading position. As a result, the image reading unit 2 can read image data from a document conveyed by the ADF 1. Here, the ADF 1 is an example of a document conveying portion in the present invention and an example of a cover member.

  The image reading unit 2 can read image data from a document conveyed by the ADF 1 or a document placed on the document placement surface 211. Specifically, the image reading unit 2 includes a document table 21, a reading unit 22, a mirror 23, a mirror 24, an optical lens 25, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 26, as shown in FIG.

  The document table 21 is provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit 2 and includes a document placement surface 211. The document placement surface 211 is an upper surface of a translucent contact glass provided on the document table 21, on which a document on which image data is to be read is placed. On the document placement surface 211, documents of various sizes are placed according to a predetermined placement reference position.

  The reading unit 22 includes a light source 221 and a mirror 222, and is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) by a moving mechanism (not shown) using a driving unit such as a stepping motor. When the reading unit 22 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by the driving means, the light emitted from the light source 221 onto the document table 21 is scanned in the sub-scanning direction.

  The light source 221 includes a large number of white LEDs arranged along the main scanning direction (the depth direction in FIG. 1). The light source 221 transmits the white light for one line in the main scanning direction through the document placement surface 211 of the document table 21. The irradiation position of the light from the light source 221 is the reading position of the image data by the image reading unit 2, and the reading position moves in the sub scanning direction as the reading unit 22 moves in the sub scanning direction. Specifically, the reading unit 22 is moved to a position where the light from the light source 221 passes through the document placement surface 211 when reading image data from the document placed on the document placement surface 211. Further, when reading image data from a document conveyed by the ADF 1, the reading unit 22 is moved to a position where the light from the light source 221 faces the document press 13 of the ADF 1 on the document placement surface 211.

  The mirror 222 reflects the light emitted from the light source 221 and reflected by the surface of the document at the reading position on the document table 21 toward the mirror 23. The light reflected by the mirror 222 is guided to the optical lens 25 by the mirror 23 and the mirror 24. The optical lens 25 collects the light incident from the mirror 24 and makes it incident on the CCD 26.

  The CCD 26 is an image sensor having a photoelectric conversion element that converts received light into an electrical signal (voltage) corresponding to the amount of light and outputs it as image data. Then, the CCD 26 inputs an electric signal based on the reflected light that is reflected from the original when the light source 221 is irradiated and enters the control unit 9 as image data of the original.

  The image forming unit 3 forms an image by an electrophotographic method (printing process) based on the image data read by the image reading unit 2 or image data input from a communication device such as an external personal computer. Can be executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31, a charger 32, an optical scanning device 33, a developing device 34, a transfer roller 35, a cleaning device 36, a fixing roller 37, and a pressurizing unit. A roller 38 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed unit 4 includes a paper feed cassette 41, a plurality of transport rollers 42, and a paper discharge tray 43. The paper feed cassette 41 is detachably attached to the housing of the image processing apparatus 100 and accommodates a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 3. The sheet is a sheet material such as paper, coated paper, postcard, envelope, and OHP sheet. In the paper feed unit 4, each of the transport rollers 42 is driven by a motor (not shown), so that the sheet stored in the paper feed cassette 41 passes through the image forming position by the image forming unit 3 and is transported to the paper discharge tray 43. Is done. Here, the sheet feeding unit 4 is an example of a sheet conveying unit in the present invention.

  In the image forming unit 3, an image is formed on the sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit 4 according to the following procedure, and the sheet after the image formation is discharged to the paper discharge tray 43.

  First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 32. Next, the light scanning device 33 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 with light based on the image data. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 31 is developed (visualized) as a toner image by the developing device 34. The developing device 34 is supplied with toner (developer) from a toner container 34 </ b> A that can be attached to and detached from the image forming unit 3.

  Subsequently, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 35. Thereafter, the toner image transferred to the sheet is heated and fixed by the fixing roller 37 when the sheet passes between the fixing roller 37 and the pressure roller 38. The toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is removed by the cleaning device 36.

  The operation display unit 5 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various types of information in response to control instructions from the control unit 9, and an operation key or touch panel that inputs various types of information to the control unit 9 in response to user operations. And so on.

  The communication unit 6 is a communication interface capable of executing wired or wireless data communication with an external communication device.

  The power supply unit 10 supplies power supplied from an external commercial power supply to each component of the image processing apparatus 100. For example, the power supply unit 10 is an AC-DC converter that converts an AC voltage supplied from the external commercial power source into a DC voltage.

  The engine control unit 7 controls operations of the ADF 1, the image reading unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the paper feeding unit 4. For example, the engine control unit 7 is configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC, DSP).

  Here, the image processing apparatus 100 is provided with a plurality of optical sensors that detect presence or absence of a predetermined state change in the apparatus itself. Specifically, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a first photosensor 15, a second photosensor 27, and a third photosensor 44, as shown in FIG.

  The first optical sensor 15 is provided on the document placement unit 11 of the ADF 1, and can detect the presence or absence of a change in the document placement state on the document placement unit 11. For example, the first optical sensor 15 is a reflective optical sensor having a light emitting unit 15A and a light receiving unit 15B. For example, in the first optical sensor 15, when a document is present on the document placement unit 11, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 15A is reflected by the document and applied to the light receiving unit 15B. On the other hand, in the first optical sensor 15, when there is no document on the document placement unit 11, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 15 </ b> A is not irradiated to the light receiving unit 15 </ b> B. As a result, the light receiving unit 15B outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the presence or absence of a document in the document placement unit 11. The electric signal output from the light receiving unit 15B is input to the engine control unit 7 and the network control unit 8. Note that the first photosensor 15 may be a transmissive photosensor.

  The second optical sensor 27 is provided on the document table 21 of the image reading unit 2, and can detect the presence / absence of a change in the open / close state with respect to the document placement surface 211 of the ADF 1. For example, the second optical sensor 27 is a reflective optical sensor having a light emitting unit 27A and a light receiving unit 27B, as with the first optical sensor 15. For example, in the second optical sensor 27, when the ADF 1 is in a closed state with respect to the document placement surface 211, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 27A is reflected by the ADF 1 and applied to the light receiving unit 27B. On the other hand, in the second optical sensor 27, when the ADF 1 is in an open state with respect to the document placement surface 211, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 27A is not irradiated to the light receiving unit 27B. Accordingly, the light receiving unit 27B outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the ADF 1 with respect to the document placement surface 211. The electric signal output from the light receiving unit 27B is input to the engine control unit 7 and the network control unit 8. The second photosensor 27 may be a transmissive photosensor.

  The third optical sensor 44 is provided in the paper feeding unit 4 and can detect whether or not the paper cassette 41 is attached to or detached from the housing of the image processing apparatus 100. For example, the third photosensor 44 is a reflective photosensor having a light emitting unit 44A and a light receiving unit 44B, as with the first photosensor 15. For example, in the third optical sensor 44, when the paper feed cassette 41 is attached to the housing of the image processing apparatus 100, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 44A is reflected by the paper feed cassette 41 and received by the light receiving unit. 44B is irradiated. On the other hand, in the third optical sensor 44, when the paper feed cassette 41 is not attached to the housing of the image processing apparatus 100, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 44A is not irradiated to the light receiving unit 44B. Accordingly, the light receiving unit 44B outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state of the paper feed cassette 41 with respect to the housing of the image processing apparatus 100. The electric signal output from the light receiving unit 44B is input to the engine control unit 7 and the network control unit 8. The third optical sensor 44 may be a transmissive optical sensor.

  On the other hand, when the operation mode of the self-device is the normal mode, the engine control unit 7 performs a specific process predetermined based on the electrical signals input from the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B. Controls execution. Here, the engine control unit 7 is an example of a first control unit in the present invention.

  Specifically, the engine control unit 7 includes a reading processing unit 71, a pre-reading processing unit 72, and a printing processing unit 73 as shown in FIG.

  The reading processing unit 71 controls the operation of each component of the ADF 1 and the image reading unit 2 when the operation display unit 5 performs an operation for reading a document image. Then, the first reading process for reading the image of the document placed on the document placement unit 11 or the second reading process for reading the image of the document placed on the document placement surface 211 is executed.

  Specifically, the reading processing unit 71 controls the ADF 1 and the image reading unit 2 to detect the image reading when the presence of the document in the document placing unit 11 is detected based on the electric signal input from the light receiving unit 15B. The unit 2 is caused to execute the first reading process.

  On the other hand, when the reading processing unit 71 detects the absence of a document in the document placing unit 11 based on the electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 15B, the reading processing unit 71 controls the image reading unit 2 to The second reading process is executed. Here, the first reading process and the second reading process are an example of the specifying process in the present invention and an example of the image reading process.

  The pre-read processing unit 72 controls the operation of each component of the image reading unit 2 and causes the image reading unit 2 to execute a pre-read process for reading a part or all of the document placed on the document placement surface 211. . For example, part or all of the image data of the document read by the pre-reading process is used for detecting the size of the document and determining whether the document is a color document or a monochrome document.

  Specifically, the pre-reading processing unit 72 controls the image reading unit 2 to detect the image reading when the switching of the ADF 1 from the open state to the closed state is detected based on the electric signal input from the light receiving unit 27B. The unit 2 is caused to execute the pre-reading process. Here, the pre-reading process is an example of the specifying process in the present invention.

  The print processing unit 73 receives an instruction to execute the print process together with image data from the external communication device when an operation for executing the print process for printing an image of a document is performed on the operation display unit 5. In this case, the operation of each component of the image forming unit 3 and the paper feeding unit 4 is controlled to cause the image forming unit 3 to execute the printing process.

  Specifically, the print processing unit 73 causes the reading processing unit 71 to execute the first reading process or the second reading process when an operation for executing the printing process is performed on the operation display unit 5. Then, the print processing unit 73 controls the image forming unit 3 and the paper feeding unit 4 to print the image data of the document read in the first reading process or the second reading process on the image forming unit 3. Execute print processing.

  On the other hand, the print processing unit 73 controls the image forming unit 3 and the paper feeding unit 4 when the print processing execution instruction is input together with the image data from the external communication device, and the image forming unit 3 is The print processing for printing image data input from an external communication device is executed.

  Here, the print processing unit 73 executes the print processing only when the mounting state of the paper feed cassette 41 with respect to the housing of the image processing apparatus 100 is detected based on the electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 44B. That is, when the print processing unit 73 detects that the paper feed cassette 41 is not attached to the housing of the image processing apparatus 100, the print processing unit 73 detects until the paper feed cassette 41 is attached to the housing of the image processing apparatus 100. During this time, the execution of the printing process is reserved. Here, the printing process is an example of the specifying process in the present invention.

  The network control unit 8 can execute data communication with the external communication device. Specifically, the network control unit 8 controls the communication unit 6 to execute data communication with the external communication device. For example, the network control unit 8 includes an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC, DSP).

  The control unit 9 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and EEPROM (registered trademark) (not shown). The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which information such as a control program for causing the CPU to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile storage unit, and the EEPROM is a non-volatile storage unit. The RAM and the EEPROM are used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU. In the control unit 9, various control programs stored in advance in the ROM are executed by the CPU. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 9. The control unit 9 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC), and is a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that controls the image processing apparatus 100 in an integrated manner. May be.

  Moreover, the control part 9 contains the 1st state control part 91, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 9 executes the control program stored in the ROM using the CPU. Thereby, the control unit 9 functions as the first state control unit 91.

  When the first state control unit 91 satisfies a predetermined first transition condition, the first state control unit 91 transitions the operation mode of the own device from the normal mode to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced from the normal mode. For example, the first transition condition includes that the non-operation state for the operation display unit 5 continues for a predetermined time. The first transition condition may include an operation mode change operation performed on the operation display unit 5.

  By the way, in the conventional image processing apparatus having the same configuration as the image processing apparatus 100, the state change is detected by the optical sensors such as the first optical sensor 15, the second optical sensor 27, and the third optical sensor 44. In some cases, the operation mode may transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Here, when the operation mode is the power saving mode, a configuration is known in which power consumption in the power saving mode can be reduced by intermittently operating the optical sensor used for detecting the state change. .

  Further, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when the operation mode is the normal mode, the second control different from the first control unit such as the engine control unit 7 that controls the operation of the own apparatus using the optical sensor. The state control to the normal mode using the optical sensor in the case where the operation mode is the power saving mode may be performed by the unit. Here, when light emission control of the photosensor is performed by the first control unit when the operation mode is the power saving mode, the first control unit and the second control unit are in the power saving mode. It is necessary to supply power to both. On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the power consumption in the power saving mode as described below.

  Specifically, the first state control unit 91 controls the power supply unit 10 to supply power to each component of the image processing apparatus 100 including the engine control unit 7 in the power supply unit 10 when the first transition condition is satisfied. Except for a part of the configuration including the network control unit 9. That is, in the image processing apparatus 100, the engine control unit 7 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 10 when the operation mode of the own apparatus is the power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal mode. Pause.

  The first state control unit 91 notifies the network control unit 8 that the operation mode has transitioned to the power saving mode. Then, after the power supply to each component of the image processing apparatus 100 is stopped, the first state control unit 91 controls the power supply unit 10 to cause the power supply unit 10 to stop the power supply to itself.

  In addition, when the 1st state control part 91 satisfies the said 1st transition condition, the engine control part 7 does not stop the electric power feeding to the engine control part 7 to the power supply part 10, but satisfies the said 1st transition condition. In some cases, a configuration that pauses itself may be considered as another embodiment.

  On the other hand, when the operation mode of the device is the power saving mode, the network control unit 8 causes the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A to emit light at predetermined intervals. When the predetermined second transition condition including the detection of the state change by the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B is satisfied, the operation mode of the own device is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode. And state control to make transition to. Here, the network control unit 8 is an example of a second control unit in the present invention. The second light emission control is an example of light emission control in the present invention. The second transition condition is an example of the transition condition in the present invention.

  Specifically, the network control unit 8 includes a first light emission control unit 81, a second light emission control unit 82, a detection processing unit 83, and a second state control unit 84, as shown in FIG.

  The first light emission control unit 81 executes the first light emission control that always causes the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A to emit light when the operation mode of the device is the normal mode. For example, the first light emission control unit 81 inputs a predetermined first control signal to the power supply unit 10 and causes the power supply unit 10 to supply power to the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A. For example, the first control signal is a pulse signal having a cycle of 100 ms and a duty ratio of 100%. Note that the first light emission control unit 81 may be provided in the engine control unit 7 or the control unit 9.

  The second light emission control unit 82 executes the second light emission control for causing the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A to emit light at the intervals when the operation mode of the device is the power saving mode. To do. For example, the second light emission control unit 82 inputs a predetermined second control signal to the power supply unit 10 and supplies the power supply unit 10 with power to the light emission unit 15A, the light emission unit 27A, and the light emission unit 44A at the intervals. Let it run. For example, the second control signal is a pulse signal having a cycle of 100 ms and a duty ratio of 2%. Thereby, the power consumption in the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A in the power saving mode is suppressed to 1/50 compared with that in the normal mode. The interval may be changed according to the duration of the power saving mode.

  The detection processing unit 83 detects the presence / absence of the state change based on electrical signals input from the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B when the operation mode of the device is the power saving mode. To do.

  For example, the detection processing unit 83 includes a document placement unit 11 that is detected on the basis of an electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 15B when the operation mode of the own apparatus is changed from the normal mode to the power saving mode. Placement state information indicating the placement state of the document is stored in a storage unit such as a register provided in the network control unit 8. And the detection process part 83 detects the said state change, when the electric signal which shows a state different from the said mounting state information memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part is input from the light-receiving part 15B.

  In addition, the detection processing unit 83 indicates the open / closed state of the ADF 1 detected based on the electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 27B when the operation mode of the self apparatus transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode. The open / close state information is stored in a storage unit such as a register provided in the network control unit 8. And the detection process part 83 detects the said state change, when the electric signal which shows a state different from the said opening / closing state information memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part is input from the light-receiving part 27B.

  In addition, the detection processing unit 83 attaches / detaches the paper feed cassette 41 that is detected based on an electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 44B when the operation mode of the self apparatus transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode. The attachment / detachment state information indicating the state is stored in a storage unit such as a register provided in the network control unit 8. And the detection process part 83 detects the said state change, when the electric signal which shows a state different from the said attachment / detachment state information memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part is input from the light-receiving part 44B.

  Here, the detection processing unit 83 is an electric signal input at the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A among the electric signals input from the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B. The presence / absence of the state change is detected based on the signal. For example, the detection processing unit 83, based on the second control signal input to the power supply unit 10, among the electric signals input from the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B, the light emitting unit 15A, the light emission The electrical signals input at the light emission timings of the unit 27A and the light emitting unit 44A are extracted, and the presence or absence of the state change is detected based on the extracted electrical signals.

  When the second state control unit 84 satisfies the second transition condition including the detection of the state change by the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B, the second state control unit 84 sets the operation mode of the device itself to the power saving mode. The state control for making a transition to the normal mode is executed.

  Specifically, the second state control unit 84 controls the power supply unit 10 when the state change is detected by the detection processing unit 83, and each of the image processing apparatuses 100 including the control unit 9 in the power supply unit 10. Resume power to the configuration.

  Here, the second transition condition includes reception of an instruction to execute the printing process from the external communication device. Specifically, the second state control unit 84 controls the power supply unit 10 when the communication unit 6 receives the print processing execution instruction from the external communication device, and controls the power supply unit 10 to control the control unit 9. The power supply to each component of the image processing apparatus 100 including the power supply is resumed.

  Further, the second transition condition includes detection of an operation on the operation display unit 5. Specifically, when the second state control unit 84 detects an operation on the operation display unit 5, the second state control unit 84 causes the power supply unit 10 to resume power supply to each component of the image processing apparatus 100 including the control unit 9. When the operation display unit 5 is operated in the power saving mode, the operation display unit 5 inputs an electric signal indicating that to the second state control unit 84. The second state control unit 84 detects an operation on the operation display unit 5 when an electric signal indicating that there is an operation on the operation display unit 5 input from the operation display unit 5 is input.

[Light emission control processing]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the light emission control process executed by the network control unit 8 in the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, Steps S1, S2,... Represent processing procedure (step) numbers executed by the network control unit 8.

<Step S1>
First, in step S1, the network control unit 8 executes the first light emission control that always causes the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A to emit light. Here, the process of step S <b> 1 is executed by the first light emission control unit 81 of the network control unit 8.

  For example, the network control unit 8 inputs the first control signal to the power supply unit 10 and causes the power supply unit 10 to perform power supply to the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A. In the light emission control process, the process of step S1 may be omitted.

<Step S2>
In step S <b> 2, the network control unit 8 determines whether or not the operation mode of the own device has transitioned from the normal mode to the power saving mode. For example, when the network control unit 8 is notified from the first state control unit 91 of the control unit 9 that the operation mode of the own device has changed from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the operation mode is set to the power saving mode. It is determined that the mode has been changed to the power mode.

  Here, when the network control unit 8 determines that the operation mode has shifted to the power saving mode (Yes in S2), the network control unit 8 shifts the processing to step S3. If the operation mode has not changed to the power saving mode (No in S2), the network control unit 8 waits for the operation mode to change to the power saving mode in step S2.

<Step S3>
In step S <b> 3, the network control unit 8 uses the network control unit 8 to store the above-described placement state information indicating the placement state of the document on the document placement unit 11 detected based on the electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 15 </ b> B. The data is stored in the storage unit such as a register provided. Further, the network control unit 8 stores the opening / closing state information indicating the opening / closing state of the ADF 1 detected based on the electric signal input from the light receiving unit 27B in the storage unit. Further, the network control unit 8 causes the storage unit to store the attachment / detachment state information indicating the attachment / detachment state of the paper feed cassette 41 detected based on the electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 44B. Here, the process of step S3 is executed by the detection processing unit 83 of the network control unit 8.

<Step S4>
In step S4, the network control unit 8 executes the second light emission control for causing the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A to emit light at the intervals. Here, the process of step S <b> 4 is executed by the second light emission control unit 82 of the network control unit 8.

  For example, the network control unit 8 inputs the second control signal to the power supply unit 10 and causes the power supply unit 10 to perform power supply at the intervals to the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A.

<Step S5>
In step S5, the network control unit 8 determines whether the state change is detected. Here, the process of step S <b> 5 is executed by the detection processing unit 83 of the network control unit 8.

  Specifically, the network control unit 8 detects the state change when an electric signal indicating a state different from the above-described placement state information stored in the storage unit is input from the light receiving unit 15B. The network control unit 8 detects the state change when an electric signal indicating a state different from the open / close state information stored in the storage unit is input from the light receiving unit 27B. The network control unit 8 detects the state change when an electrical signal indicating a state different from the attachment / detachment state information stored in the storage unit is input from the light receiving unit 44B.

  Here, based on the second control signal input to the power supply unit 10, the network control unit 8 includes the light emitting unit 15A among the electric signals input from the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B. An electrical signal input at the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 27A and the light emitting unit 44A is extracted, and the presence or absence of the state change is detected based on the extracted electrical signal. Thus, network control is performed based on the electrical signal indicating the detection of disturbance light input from the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B outside the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 15A, the light emitting unit 27A, and the light emitting unit 44A. It is avoided that the unit 8 erroneously detects the state change.

  The network control unit 8 detects the presence or absence of the state change based on the electrical signals input from the light receiving unit 15B, the light receiving unit 27B, and the light receiving unit 44B without performing extraction based on the second control signal. May be. For example, if the above-described placement state information stored in the storage unit in step S3 indicates the absence of the document in the document placement unit 11, the network control unit 8 uses the electrical signal indicating placement of the document from the light receiving unit 15B. When a signal is input, the state change is detected. Further, when the above-described placement state information stored in the storage unit in step S3 indicates the presence of the document in the document placement unit 11, the network control unit 8 determines the document input from the light receiving unit 15B at the interval. The state change is detected when an electric signal indicating placement is not input even if the interval is exceeded.

  Here, when the network control unit 8 determines that the state change has been detected (Yes in S5), the process proceeds to step S8. If the state change is not detected (No in S5), the network control unit 8 shifts the process to step S6.

<Step S6>
In step S <b> 6, the network control unit 8 determines whether or not the communication unit 6 has received the print processing execution instruction from the external communication device.

  If the network control unit 8 determines that the communication unit 6 has received the print processing execution instruction from the external communication device (Yes in S6), the process proceeds to step S8. If the communication unit 6 has not received the print processing execution instruction from the external communication device (No in S6), the network control unit 8 shifts the processing to step S7.

<Step S7>
In step S <b> 7, the network control unit 8 determines whether an operation on the operation display unit 5 has been detected. For example, the network control unit 8 determines that an operation on the operation display unit 5 has been detected when an electric signal indicating that there has been an operation on the operation display unit 5 is input from the operation display unit 5.

  Here, when the network control unit 8 determines that an operation on the operation display unit 5 has been detected (Yes in S7), the process proceeds to step S8. If the operation on the operation display unit 5 is not detected (No in S7), the network control unit 8 shifts the process to step S5 to detect the state change and receive the print process execution instruction. Or, an operation on the operation display unit 5 is awaited.

<Step S8>
In step S <b> 8, the network control unit 8 executes the state control for changing the operation mode of the own device from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Here, the process of step S <b> 8 is executed by the second state control unit 84 of the network control unit 8.

  Specifically, the network control unit 8 controls the power supply unit 10 to cause the power supply unit 10 to resume power supply to each component of the image processing apparatus 100 including the control unit 9.

  Thus, in the image processing apparatus 100, when the operation mode is the power saving mode, the network control unit 8 uses the first light sensor 15, the second light sensor 27, and the third light sensor 44. While performing state control, the said 2nd light emission control of the 1st optical sensor 15, the 2nd optical sensor 27, and the 3rd optical sensor 44 is performed. Thereby, in the power saving mode, the power supply to the engine control unit 7 that controls the operation of the own device can be stopped using the first optical sensor 15, the second optical sensor 27, and the third optical sensor 44. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the power saving mode.

  In the image processing apparatus 100, the second light emission control unit 82 that executes the second light emission control and the second state control unit 84 that executes the state control are supplied from the external communication device in the power saving mode. It is provided in the network control unit 8 that waits for data communication. As a result, the number of configurations that require power supply in the power saving mode is reduced compared with the configuration in which the second light emission control unit 82 and the second state control unit 84 are provided in another control entity, and the power consumption is reduced. Can be further reduced.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus 100, when the second state control unit 84 of the network control unit 8 detects an operation on the operation display unit 5, the operation mode of the own apparatus is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Let Thereby, another control entity different from the network control unit 8 compares the operation mode of the own device from the power saving mode to the normal mode based on the detection of the operation on the operation display unit 5. The number of components that need to be fed in the power saving mode is reduced, and the power consumption can be further reduced.

  A configuration in which the first light emission control unit 81, the second light emission control unit 82, the detection processing unit 83, and the second state control unit 84 of the network control unit 8 are provided in the control unit 9 is considered as another embodiment. . In this case, steps S6 and S7 of the light emission control process may be omitted.

  In the image processing apparatus 100, any one or two of the first optical sensor 15, the second optical sensor 27, and the third optical sensor 44 may not be provided. In the image processing apparatus 100, four or more optical sensors may be provided.

1: ADF
11: Document placing unit 15: First optical sensor 2: Image reading unit 211: Document placing surface 27: Second optical sensor 3: Image forming unit 4: Paper feeding unit 41: Paper feeding cassette 44: Third optical sensor 5: Operation display unit 6: Communication unit 7: Engine control unit 71: Reading processing unit 72: Pre-reading processing unit 73: Print processing unit 8: Network control unit 81: First light emission control unit 82: Second light emission control unit 83 : Detection processing unit 84: second state control unit 9: control unit 91: first state control unit 10: power supply unit 100: image processing apparatus

Claims (6)

An optical sensor that has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit and detects the presence or absence of a predetermined state change in the device itself;
When the operation mode of the own device is a normal mode, the presence / absence of execution of a predetermined process is controlled based on an electric signal input from the light receiving unit, and the operation mode of the own device is the normal mode. A first control unit that pauses in a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced more than
Predetermined transition conditions including light emission control for causing the light emitting unit to emit light at predetermined intervals and detection of the state change by the light receiving unit when the operation mode of the device is the power saving mode A second control unit that executes state control for transitioning the operation mode of the own device from the power saving mode to the normal mode when satisfying
Equipped with a,
When the operation mode of the device is the power saving mode, the second control unit is based on an electric signal input at a light emission timing of the light emitting unit among electric signals input from the light receiving unit. Including a detection processing unit for detecting the presence or absence of a state change,
Information indicating the state of the device detected by the detection processing unit based on an electrical signal input from the light receiving unit when the operation mode of the device transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode. It is stored in the storage unit, the image processing apparatus an electric signal indicating a state different from the information stored in the storage unit that detect the state change when it is inputted from the light receiving portion. An image forming unit capable of forming an image based on the image data;
The second control unit is a network control unit that executes data communication with an external communication device,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transition condition includes reception of a print processing execution instruction using the image forming unit from the external communication apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transition condition includes detection of an operation on the operation display unit. An image forming unit capable of forming an image based on image data;
A paper feed cassette that is detachably attached to the device;
A sheet conveying unit that conveys a sheet stored in the sheet feeding cassette to the image forming unit,
The state change includes a change in the attachment / detachment state of the paper feed cassette with respect to the own apparatus,
It said specific processing, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a printing processing using the sheet conveying unit and the image forming unit. A document placement section on which a document is placed;
A document transporting section for transporting a document placed on the document placing section;
An image reading unit capable of reading an image of a document conveyed by the document conveying unit;
The state change includes a change in a document placement state in the document placement unit,
It said specific processing, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 including an image reading processing using the document conveying unit and the image reading unit. An image reading unit capable of reading an image of a document placed on a document placement surface;
A cover member that can be opened and closed with respect to the document placement surface;
The state change includes a change in the open / close state of the cover member,
It said specific processing, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a pre-reading processing using the image reading unit.

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