JP6399163B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In Patent Document 1, a human sensor is installed in an image processing apparatus, a person approaching the image processing apparatus is detected, the power of the image processing apparatus is turned on, and power consumption and convenience are reduced. It has been proposed to achieve both.

  More specifically, distance detection means installed at two points are employed as the human sensor, and it is determined whether or not the moving direction of the human body is toward a predetermined area, and based on the determination result, the image forming apparatus main body In the case where the start-up is executed for an event (simple pedestrian) that approaches the image forming apparatus and passes through without being operated when the human body approaches the human body by the human sensor Contains.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes that the UI (user interface) display is turned off when it is determined that there is no person by human detection.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707 describes that a human sensor illuminance sensor received light amount detection and a vibration sensor are used in combination.

  Furthermore, Patent Document 4 has a description regarding the detection of passing cars.

JP 05-054771 A JP 2002-006686 A JP 2004-175099 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-166943

  An object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of establishing transition control of power supply of an image forming unit according to priority of convenience or energy saving.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an image forming unit that forms an image, a first detection unit that detects an object approaching the device, and a second detection that detects an operation input through the touch panel unit or a hard key in the device. A first power supply control unit that controls power supply to the image forming unit when the object is detected by the first detection unit, and the object is detected by the first detection unit. However, when power is not supplied to the image forming unit and the operation input is detected by the second detecting unit after the object is detected by the first detecting unit, the image forming unit is switched to the second power supply control means for controlling to provide power, one by the control either of the first power supply control means and said second power supply control means is executed Te Comprising a switching unit that, the said second power supply control means, once the supplied power to the image forming unit, when the detection of the operation input is no longer performed, the first sensing Even if the object is detected by the means, the power supply to the image forming unit is controlled to be reduced, and the control to reduce the power supply is performed on the image forming unit. Even after the power is supplied, even when the process using the image forming unit has never been performed, the image forming unit is executed .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the image forming unit may perform other processing including the touch panel unit before the image forming unit can perform image formation from the sleep mode. The longest compared to the department .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit includes a touch panel unit in a power consumption amount in a standby mode in which an image processing operation can be immediately executed. Most compared to other processing units .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit is in a standby mode in which an image processing operation can be immediately executed from a sleep mode. The time required to enter the state is longer than the time required for the touch panel unit to enter the standby mode from the sleep mode.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image forming unit is configured to consume power in a standby mode in which an image processing operation can be immediately executed. However, it is more than that of the touch panel unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to establish transition control of power supply of an image forming unit based on priority of convenience or energy saving.

1 is a connection diagram of a communication network including an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for each function of a control system of a main controller and a power supply device according to the present embodiment. 5 is a timing chart showing each mode state and an event that triggers the transition of the mode state in the image processing apparatus. 1 is a plan view illustrating an image processing apparatus and its periphery according to the present embodiment. (A) is a characteristic diagram showing the correlation of each device when the horizontal axis is the time until startup, and the vertical axis is the power consumption during standby, and (B) is the allocation of each device and human sensor It is a table which shows a relationship. It is a control flowchart which shows the routine performed when the system of an image processing apparatus changes to sleep mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the monitoring control at the time of sleep mode (convenience priority) in step 104 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the sleep mode time monitoring control (energy saving priority) in step 106 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to a network communication network 20 such as the Internet. In FIG. 1, two image processing apparatuses 10 are connected, but this number is not limited and may be one or three or more.

  In addition, a plurality of PCs (personal computers) 21 as information terminal devices are connected to the network communication line network 20. In FIG. 1, two PCs 21 are connected, but this number is not limited and may be one or three or more. Further, the information terminal device is not limited to the PC 21 and does not need to be wired. That is, it may be a communication network that transmits and receives information wirelessly.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the image processing apparatus 10, for example, when data is transferred from the PC 21 to the image processing apparatus 10 remotely to perform an image formation (print) instruction operation, or a user (user) May stand in front of the image processing apparatus 10 and instruct various processes such as copying (copying), scanning (image reading), and facsimile transmission / reception by various operations.

  FIG. 2 shows an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The image processing apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 240 that forms an image on recording paper, an image reading unit 238 that reads an original image, and a facsimile communication control circuit 236. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a main controller 200, and controls the image forming unit 240, the image reading unit 238, and the facsimile communication control circuit 236 to temporarily store image data of an original image read by the image reading unit 238. The stored image data or the read image data is sent to the image forming unit 240 or the facsimile communication control circuit 236.

  A network communication line network 20 such as the Internet is connected to the main controller 200, and a telephone line network 22 is connected to the facsimile communication control circuit 236. For example, the main controller 200 is connected to a host computer via the network communication line network 20 and receives image data or performs facsimile reception and facsimile transmission using the telephone line network 22 via the facsimile communication control circuit 236. Has a role to play.

  The image reading unit 238 receives a document table for positioning a document, a scan drive system that scans an image of the document placed on the document table and irradiates light, and light reflected or transmitted by scanning of the scan drive system. And a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD for converting into an electrical signal.

  The image forming unit 240 includes a photoconductor. Around the photoconductor, a charging device that uniformly charges the photoconductor, a scanning exposure unit that scans a light beam based on image data, and the scanning exposure unit. An image developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed by scanning exposure, a transfer unit that transfers the developed image on the photoreceptor to a recording sheet, and a surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer are cleaned. And a cleaning unit. A fixing unit for fixing the image on the recording paper after transfer is provided on the recording paper conveyance path.

  In the image processing apparatus 10, an outlet 245 is attached to the tip of the input power supply line 244. By inserting the outlet 245 into the wiring plate 243 of the commercial power supply 242 wired up to the wall surface W, the image processing apparatus 10 The power supply is received from the commercial power source 242.

(Control system hardware configuration)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the control system of the image processing apparatus 10.

  The network line network 20 is connected to the main controller 200. The main controller 200 includes a facsimile communication control circuit 236, an image reading unit 238, an image forming unit 240, and a UI touch panel 216 (backlight unit shown in FIG. 4) via buses 33A to 33D such as a data bus and a control bus. 216BL) are connected. In other words, the main controller 200 is the main body, and each processing unit of the image processing apparatus 10 is controlled.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a power supply device 202, and is connected to the main controller 200 via a bus 33E. The power supply device 202 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 242. The power supply device 202 includes power supply lines 35 </ b> A to 35 </ b> D that supply power independently to the main controller 200, the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, the image forming unit 240, and the UI touch panel 216. Yes. For this reason, the main controller 200 individually supplies power to each processing unit (device) (power supply mode) or shuts off the power supply (sleep mode) to enable so-called partial power saving control.

  In addition, two first human sensors 28 and a second human sensor 30 are connected to the main controller 200 to monitor the presence or absence of people around the image processing apparatus 10. The first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 will be described later.

(Functional block diagram with a partial power-saving configuration)
FIG. 4 illustrates a processing unit (sometimes referred to as “device”, “module”, and the like) controlled by the main controller 200, and a power source 202 for supplying power to the main controller 200 and each device. It is a schematic block diagram which made the line a main body. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 can supply or not supply power in units of processing units (partial power saving).

[Main controller 200]
As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 200 includes a CPU 204, a RAM 206, a ROM 208, an I / O (input / output unit) 210, and a bus 212 such as a data bus and a control bus for connecting them. A UI touch panel 216 is connected to the I / O 210 via a UI control circuit 214. A hard disk (HDD) 218 is connected to the I / O 210. The functions of the main controller 200 are realized by the CPU 204 operating based on programs recorded in the ROM 208, the hard disk 218, and the like. Note that the image processing function may be realized by installing the program from a recording medium (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.) storing the program and operating the CPU 204 based on the program.

  A timer circuit 220 and a communication line I / F 222 are connected to the I / O 210. Further, the I / O 210 is connected to each device of a facsimile communication control circuit (modem) 236, an image reading unit 238, and an image forming unit 240.

  The timer circuit 220 measures the initial set time as an opportunity to put the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 into a power saving state (power supply non-supply state). .

  The main controller 200 and each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240) are supplied with power from the power supply device 202 (see the dotted line in FIG. 4). In FIG. 4, the power supply line is shown by one line (dotted line), but in reality it is two to three wires.

[Power supply device 202]
As shown in FIG. 4, the input power supply line 244 drawn from the commercial power supply 242 is connected to the main switch 246. When the main switch 246 is turned on, power can be supplied to the first power supply unit 248 and the second power supply unit 250.

  The first power supply unit 248 includes a control power generation unit 248A and is connected to the power supply control circuit 252 of the main controller 200. The power supply control circuit 252 supplies power to the main controller 200 and is connected to the I / O 210. According to the control program of the main controller 200, each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240). Switching control for conducting / non-conducting the power supply line to) is performed.

  On the other hand, a first sub power switch 256 (hereinafter also referred to as “SW-1”) is interposed in the power line 254 connected to the second power unit 250. This SW-1 is controlled to be turned on / off by the power supply control circuit 252.

  The second power supply unit 250 includes a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1). The 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) is a power supply mainly used for a motor or the like.

  The 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and the 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) of the second power supply unit 250 are selectively supplied with an image reading unit power supply unit 258, an image forming unit power supply unit 260, and a facsimile communication control circuit power supply. 264 and a UI touch panel power supply unit 266.

  The image reading unit power supply unit 258 uses the 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) as an input source, and the image reading unit 238 via a second sub power switch 268 (hereinafter also referred to as “SW-2”). It is connected to the.

  The image forming unit power supply unit 260 uses a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) as input sources, and a third sub power switch 270 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “SW-3”). And connected to the image forming unit 240.

  The facsimile communication control circuit power supply unit 264 may be referred to as a fifth sub power switch 274 (hereinafter “SW-5”) with the 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and the 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) as input sources. ) To the facsimile communication control circuit 236 and the image forming unit 240.

  The UI touch panel power supply unit 266 uses a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) and a 24V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) as input sources and a sixth sub power switch 276 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “SW-6”). Via the UI touch panel 216 (including the backlight unit 216BL). Note that power may be supplied from the power-saving monitoring control unit 24 to the original functions of the UI touch panel 216 (functions excluding the backlight unit 216BL).

  Similarly to the first sub power switch 256, the second sub power switch 268, the third sub power switch 270, the fifth sub power switch 274, and the sixth sub power switch 276 are the main controller 200. On / off control is performed based on the power supply selection signal from the power supply control circuit 252. Although not shown, the switches and wirings to which the 24V power supply unit 250H and the 5V power supply unit 250L are supplied are composed of two systems. In addition, the power switches 268 to 276 may be arranged not in the power supply apparatus 202 but in each device to which power is supplied.

  In the above configuration, power is supplied to select each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240) for each function, and power is not supplied to devices unnecessary for the instructed function. Minimal power is required.

(Supervisory control)
Here, the main controller 200 of the present embodiment may partially stop its function so as to achieve the minimum necessary power consumption. Alternatively, the power supply may be stopped including most of the main controller 200. These may be collectively referred to as “sleep mode (power saving mode)”.

  The sleep mode can be shifted, for example, by starting a timer when image processing is completed. That is, the power supply is stopped by counting a predetermined time after the timer is started. If there is any operation (hard key operation, etc.) before the predetermined time elapses, the timer count to the sleep mode is naturally canceled and the timer is started from the end of the next image processing.

  On the other hand, during the sleep mode, the power-saving monitoring control unit 24 is connected to the I / O 210 as an element that constantly receives power. The power-saving monitoring control unit 24 can be configured by, for example, an ASIC, which is called an ASIC, stores an operation program by itself and is processed by the operation program, an IC chip including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. .

  By the way, in the monitoring during power saving, for example, a print request is received from the communication line detection unit or a FAX reception request is received from the FAX line detection unit. In the unit 24, the first sub power switch 256, the second sub power switch 268, the third sub power switch 270, the fifth sub power switch 274, and the sixth sub power supply are connected via the power supply control circuit 252. It is assumed that power is supplied by controlling the switch 276.

  Further, a power saving cancel button 26 is connected to the I / O 210 of the main controller 200, and the user can cancel power saving by operating the power saving cancel button 26 during power saving.

  Here, in order to monitor in the sleep mode, it is preferable to supply the necessary minimum power to the power saving cancel button 26 and each detection unit during power saving in addition to the power saving monitoring control unit 24. That is, even in the sleep mode in which the power is not supplied, there is a case where the power is not more than a predetermined power (for example, 0.5 W or less) and is supplied with the power necessary for determining whether to supply power. is there.

  In addition, in a specific period of the sleep mode (awake mode (awk) shown in FIG. 5), the minimum necessary power supply mainly including an input system such as the UI touch panel 216 and the IC card reader 217 is included.

  By the way, when the user stands in front of the image processing apparatus 10 in the sleep mode and then operates the power saving cancel button 26 to restart the power supply, it may take time until the image processing apparatus 10 starts up. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 are installed in the power saving monitoring control unit 24, and the user presses the power saving cancel button 26 in the sleep mode. It was detected by a human sensor before and power supply was restarted early so that users could use it quickly. Although the power saving cancel button 26, the first human sensor 28, and the second human sensor 30 are used in combination, all the monitoring is performed only by the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30. It is also possible to perform.

  The first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 include detection units 28A and 30A and circuit board units 28B and 30B. The circuit board units 28B and 30B are detected by the detection units 28A and 30A. Adjust the sensitivity of generated signals and generate output signals.

  The first human sensor 28 is “human feeling”, but this is a proper noun in accordance with the present embodiment, and it is sufficient that at least a person can sense (detect), in other words, other than human. It also includes sensing (detection) of moving objects. Therefore, in the following, the detection target of the human sensor may be referred to as “person”, but in the future, a robot or the like that executes on behalf of a person is also within the detection target range. On the other hand, when there is a special sensor that can be identified and identified as a person, the special sensor can be applied.

  The specification of the first human sensor 28 is to detect the movement of a person around the image processing apparatus 10. In this case, an infrared sensor using the pyroelectric effect of the pyroelectric element is representative (pyroelectric sensor). In the present embodiment, a pyroelectric sensor is applied as the first human sensor 28.

  The greatest feature of the sensor using the pyroelectric effect of the pyroelectric element applied to the first human sensor 28 is that the detection area is wide. Further, in order to sense the movement of a person, the presence of the person is not detected if the person is stationary within the detection region. For example, when a high-level signal is output when a person moves, the signal becomes a low-level signal when a person within the detection range stops.

  On the other hand, the specification of the second human sensor 30 is applied to detect the presence / absence (presence / absence) of a person. The sensor applied to the second human sensor 30 is typically a reflective sensor having a light projecting part and a light receiving part (reflective sensor). Note that the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit may be separated.

  The greatest feature of the reflective sensor or the like applied to the second human sensor 30 is that the presence or absence of a person is reliably detected by blocking / not blocking light entering the light receiving unit. In addition, since the amount of light incident on the light receiving unit is limited by the amount of light projected from the light projecting unit, a relatively short distance is the detection region.

  As the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 can be used as long as the following functions can be achieved. The invention is not limited to pyroelectric sensors or reflective sensors.

  The application form of the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 configured as described above needs to be set according to the state (mode) of the image processing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing each mode state and events that trigger the transition of the mode state in the image processing apparatus 10.

  If the image processing apparatus 10 is not processed, the operation state is the sleep mode, and in this embodiment, power is supplied only to the power-saving monitoring control unit 24.

  Here, when there is a start timing (detection of the start trigger or operation input (key input) of the operation unit), the operation state transitions to the warm-up mode.

  The startup trigger includes a signal, information, and the like based on detection results by the power saving cancellation operation by the operator, the first human sensor 28, and the second human sensor 30.

  In the warm-up mode, the image processing apparatus 10 is brought into a processable state quickly, so that the maximum power consumption in each mode is achieved. For example, by using an IH heater as a heater in the fixing unit, a halogen lamp is used. The warm-up mode time is relatively shorter than the heater used.

  When the warm-up operation in the warm-up mode is completed, the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode.

  The standby mode is literally a “preparation is complete in preparation” mode, and the image processing apparatus 10 is ready to execute an image processing operation.

  For this reason, when there is a job execution operation as a key input, the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the running mode, and image processing based on the instructed job is executed.

  When the image processing is completed (when a plurality of continuous jobs are waiting, when all the continuous jobs are completed), the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode. If there is a job execution instruction during the standby mode, the mode transits to the running mode again, and when the falling trigger is detected or a predetermined time elapses, the mode transits to the sleep mode.

  Note that the falling trigger includes a signal, information, and the like based on the detection result by the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30.

  Further, the mode state transitions in the actual operation of the image processing apparatus 10 do not all proceed in time series as shown in this timing chart. For example, the process may be stopped in the standby mode after the warm-up mode and the mode may be shifted to the sleep mode.

  Here, each device that operates by receiving the supply of power can immediately execute each process by shifting from the sleep mode in FIG. 5 to the standby mode through the awake mode and the warm-up mode.

  However, the time required for transition from the sleep mode to the standby mode differs for each device. In other words, if all the devices in the sleep mode are instructed to enter the standby mode at the same time, the transition time to the standby mode varies.

  For example, if convenience is desired, it is preferable to give priority to a device that takes a long time to transition from the sleep mode to the standby mode.

  On the other hand, if energy saving is required, it is preferable to preferentially transition a device that consumes less power in the standby mode.

  FIG. 7A illustrates the time until activation of each device (the image forming unit 240, the image reading unit 238, the UI touch panel 216 (excluding the backlight), the IC card reader 217) of the image processing apparatus 10 and the power during standby. It shows the relationship of consumption. The position of each device is a guide and varies depending on the type and model of the image processing apparatus 10. Note that the devices selected in FIG. 7 are devices that transition to the sleep mode in the present embodiment, and are not limited to these devices. For example, in the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the transmission unit may be a device that shifts to the sleep mode as long as the transmission unit and the reception unit can be separated.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, it can be seen that the image forming unit 240 has the longest time required for transition from the sleep mode to the standby mode and the largest power consumption during standby (event). 1).

  It can also be seen that the IC card reader 217 has the shortest time required for transition from the sleep mode to the standby mode and the least power consumption during standby (classified as event 3).

  The image reading unit 238 and the UI touch panel 216 are assigned between the image forming unit 240 and the IC card reader 217 (classified as event 2 and event 3).

  The event classification of each device is a guide and may be changed depending on the model, function, system program version, and the like of the image processing apparatus 10 to be applied.

  In the present embodiment, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 divide the maximum detection range (for example, the region M in FIG. 1) into two regions (the first region F and the first region in FIG. 6). 2 area N), each device is assigned to one of these two areas, each device is assigned to each of the relatively far detection range and the relatively near detection range, and the mobile object is moved to the area. When (user) enters, it is instructed to start from sleep mode to standby mode.

  The relatively distant detection range is a detection region by the first human sensor 28 and corresponds to the first region F in FIG. 6 (sometimes simply referred to as “region F”). The relatively close detection range is a detection region by the second human sensor 30 and corresponds to the second region N in FIG. 6 (sometimes simply referred to as “region N”).

  Here, the device allocation to each of the first region F or the second region N is described. As described above, it is necessary to change the allocation depending on the startup condition. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 is connected to the power saving monitoring control unit 24. In this embodiment, the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 may be any switch that can switch at least one bit of signal (ON / OFF, 1/0, H / L, etc.). However, for example, when a system in which the area is increased to 3 or more is constructed, it is necessary to prepare signals with the number of digits (number of bits) corresponding to all combinations (for example, 8 bits for 3 bits). It ’s a street combination.) Or you may make it provide the switch of several bits allocated to an area | region for every device.

  Furthermore, as a default setting of the monitoring control software program, the UI touch panel 216 or the like may be used to register the relationship between devices and areas. Further, the monitoring control program itself may be completely switched.

  FIG. 7B is an allocation table of devices ((image forming unit 240, image reading unit 238, UI touch panel 216 (excluding backlight), IC card reader 217)) based on FIG. 7A.

  In the present embodiment, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 form two types of regions, the first region F and the second region N (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 7 (A), there are two types of distribution when priority is given to convenience: the group of events 1 and 4 and the group of events 2 and 3. There are two types, a group of 3 and 4, and a group of events 1 and 2, and devices belonging to each event are assigned.

  That is, when the energy saving priority is given as the startup condition, the UI touch panel 216 and the IC card reader 217 belonging to the event 3 are switched to the first human sensor 28 by switching the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 to the “0” side. The image forming unit 240 belonging to the event 1 and the image reading unit 238 belonging to the event 2 are assigned to the second human sensor 30.

  Also, when convenience is given as a startup condition, the image forming unit 240 belonging to the event 1 is assigned to the area of the first human sensor 28 by switching the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 to the “1” side. The UI touch panel 216 belonging to the event 3, the image reading unit 238 belonging to the event 2, and the IC card reader 217 belonging to the event 3 are assigned to the second human sensor 30.

  In this embodiment, the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 is provided and the start-up condition can be selected. However, any one of the specified monitoring programs may naturally be used.

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

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 transits between the sleep mode, the warm-up mode, and the running mode, and the power supply amount is different for each mode.

  In the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition is met, the image processing apparatus 10 shifts to the sleep mode. In this sleep mode, power is supplied not only to the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 but also to the main controller 200 excluding the power saving monitoring control unit 24 and the UI touch panel 216. Cut off. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the power saving cancel button 26 connected to the main controller 200 is also stopped. For this reason, when the image processing apparatus 10 is viewed from the periphery, the state is almost the same as the state where the main power switch is turned off. That is, it is possible to confirm from the surroundings that the sleep mode is being executed reliably (realization of “visualization”).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 are applied, and the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 are used in the image processing apparatus 10. Control for reducing power consumption is executed as a whole of the image processing apparatus 10 by adapting to the operation state (each mode).

  In the first human sensor 28, an area wider than the detection area of the second human sensor 30 around the image processing apparatus 10 is set as a detection area (hereinafter referred to as “first area F”). For example, the detection area of the first human sensor 28 is about 2 to 3 m as a guide, although it depends on the environment where the image processing apparatus 10 is installed (the first area F (far in FIG. 6 )reference).

  On the other hand, in the second human sensor 30, a region narrower than the detection region (first region F) of the first human sensor 28 is set as a detection region (hereinafter referred to as "second region N"). . For example, the detection area of the second human sensor 30 is a range in which the UI touch panel 216 and hard keys of the image processing apparatus 10 can be operated, and is about 0 to 0.5 m as a guide (the second area in FIG. 6). Area N (near)).

  The specification of the first human sensor 28 is to detect a person's movement, and an infrared sensor using a pyroelectric effect of a pyroelectric element is representative.

  The greatest feature of the first human sensor 28 is that the detection area is wide (the above-mentioned 2-3 m or more is possible). Further, in order to sense the movement of a person, the presence of the person is not detected if the person is stationary within the detection region. For example, when a high-level signal is output when a person moves, the signal becomes a low-level signal when a person within the detection range stops.

  “Still” in the present embodiment naturally includes complete stillness like a still image taken with a still camera or the like, but includes, for example, that a person stops in front of the image processing apparatus 10 for the purpose of operation. . Accordingly, a case where a predetermined range of fine movement (such as movement accompanying breathing) or movement of a limb, neck, or the like is set as a stationary category.

  However, if a person performs a stretching exercise or the like in front of the image processing apparatus 10 while waiting for processing such as image formation or image reading, the human sensor 28 may detect the presence of the person. .

  Accordingly, the sensitivity of the first human sensor 28 is not adjusted by adjusting the sensitivity of the first human sensor 28, but the sensitivity is adjusted relatively roughly and standardly. You may make it depend on a state. That is, when the first human sensor 28 outputs one of the binary signals (for example, a high level signal), it indicates that the person is moving, and the second first human sensor. A case where a person exists in the 28 detection regions and another one of the binary signals (for example, a low level signal) is output may be set to be stationary.

  The specification of the second human sensor 30 is to detect the presence or absence (presence / absence) of a person, and is typically a reflective sensor having a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit. Note that the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit may be separated.

  The greatest feature of the second human sensor 30 is that the presence / absence of a person is reliably detected by blocking / not blocking light entering the light receiving unit. In addition, since the amount of light incident on the light receiving unit is limited by the amount of light projected from the light projecting unit, a relatively short distance is the detection region (about 0 to 0.5 m).

  Here, the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 mounted on the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment are connected to the power-saving monitoring control unit 24 as described above. The detection signal is input to the power saving monitoring control unit 24.

  By the way, the relationship between the person (moving body) and the image processing apparatus 10 is roughly divided into three forms. In the first form, the person approaches the image processing apparatus 10 to an operable position for the purpose of use. Form (see A-line arrow trend (A pattern) in FIG. 6), the second form is a form in which a person approaches the operable position, although the processing device is not intended for use (line B in FIG. 6) The third form of the visual trend (see pattern B) is close to the distance at which the person may not move to the operable position of the processing apparatus, but may shift to the first form or the second form. Form (Refer to the trend (C pattern) of the arrow C in FIG. 6).

  In the power-saving monitoring control unit 24, first, based on the above-described three types based on the detection signal of the first human sensor 28, first, the first human sensor 30, the UI touch panel 216 in the main controller 200, Power supply to an input system such as a hard key for instructing copy execution including the power saving cancel button 26 is executed. This state may still be defined as the sleep mode, or may be defined as the awake mode “awk” (wake-up mode) because the power supply amount increases more than the power supply of the power saving monitoring control unit 24 alone. (Refer to parentheses [] in the sleep mode range in the transition diagram of FIG. 5).

  Thereafter, power is supplied to a device required for the function instructed by the user detection by the second human sensor 30 or an operation instruction by the UI touch panel 216 or a hard key.

  Here, since the time required for transition from the sleep mode to the standby mode differs for each device, the target of the device to be preferentially transited to the standby mode differs depending on whether convenience is required or energy saving is desired. It will be.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, each device of the image processing apparatus 10 (image forming unit 240, image reading unit 238, UI touch panel 216 (excluding the backlight unit 216BL)), IC Based on the relationship between the time until activation of the card reader 217) and the power consumption during standby, the events are classified, and the priority when energy saving is selected as the startup condition, and the priority when convenience is selected. And established transition control suitable for the set (selected) start-up conditions. Hereinafter, the flow of start condition adaptation transition control will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

(Energy saving / convenience selection control)
FIG. 8 is a routine executed when the system of the image processing apparatus 10 shifts to the sleep mode. In step 100, the state of the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 is recognized.

  In the next step 102, when the state of the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 recognized in step 100 is "convenient", the process proceeds to step 104, and the sleep mode monitoring control (convenience) shown in FIG. Run the (priority) routine.

  In step 102, when the state of the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 recognized in step 100 is "energy saving", the process proceeds to step 106 and monitoring control during sleep mode (energy saving priority) shown in FIG. Run the routine.

(Convenience priority sleep mode monitoring control)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of sleep mode monitoring control (convenience priority) in step 104 of FIG.

  In step 110, it is determined whether or not the first human sensor 28 has detected a moving body. If a negative determination is made, this routine ends. In this case, since processing in the main controller 200 or the like is not performed during the sleep mode, when the switching operation of the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 is not performed (in the case of maintaining the current state), The process immediately returns to step 110 in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the definition of the “moving object” is mainly a user who intends to use the device, but other moving objects, for example, a device that is not intended to use the device but passes near the image processing apparatus 10. It includes things that do and things that stop.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 110, it is determined that the moving body has entered the first area F, which is the area of the first human sensor 28, and the process proceeds to step 112, where the highest priority is given to convenience. A start-up instruction (sleep mode → standby mode) is executed to the image forming unit 240 (high priority), and the process proceeds to step 114.

  In step 114, it is determined whether or not the moving object is detected by the second human sensor 30.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 114, it is determined that the moving body has entered the second area N, which is the area of the second human sensor 30, that is, the user is facing the image processing apparatus 10, The process proceeds to step 116, and a startup instruction (sleep mode → standby mode) is executed for the UI touch panel 216, the image reading unit 238, and the IC card reader 217 whose priority is low in convenience, and the process proceeds to step 118.

  In step 118, it is determined whether or not a job execution instruction operation has been performed. If a negative determination is made in step 118, the process returns to step 114 and the above process is repeated. In the process of step 116 in this repetitive process, a start-up instruction may be issued many times. However, when a start-up instruction (start-up instruction based on the flow of steps 112 → 114 → 116) is executed once, It is preferable to cancel the start-up instruction for the second and subsequent processes. During this time (during the repetition of steps 114, 116, and 118), the user performs function setting operations such as magnification, paper size, number of copies, and color / monochrome when copying is performed as a job, for example. Is called.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 118, for example, it is determined that the start key has been operated, and the routine proceeds to step 120. Note that, by operating the start key, the job is executed in a separate process in the main controller 200.

  In step 120, it is determined whether or not the job is completed. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 114.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 114, it is determined that the moving body has left the second region N, which is the region of the second human sensor 30, that is, the user has left the image processing apparatus 10, and step The process shifts to 122, and a shutdown instruction (standby mode → sleep mode) is executed to the UI touch panel 216, the image reading unit 238, and the IC card reader 217 whose priority is low in convenience, and the process proceeds to step 124.

  In step 124, it is determined whether or not the moving object is detected by the first human sensor 28. If an affirmative determination is made, the vehicle exits the second area N but remains in the first area F. It returns to step 114 and repeats the above affirmation. In this iterative process (steps 114, 122, and 124), the step-down instruction may be issued many times in step 122. However, if the state is already in the state of lowering, it is preferable to cancel the step-down instruction.

  If the determination in step 124 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the moving body (user) has also left the first area F, the routine proceeds to step 126 and a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed. It is determined whether or not.

  If a negative determination is made in step 126, the process returns to step 124, and the moving object detection by the first human sensor 28 is continued. This assumes, for example, a case where a user who wants to execute image processing forgets a document and returns to collect it, and gives a certain amount of time to the shutdown of the image forming unit 240. . Accordingly, the 15 seconds shown as an example is an intermediate position (fine adjustment amount ± 0) for fine adjustment of convenience (+ direction) and energy saving (− direction), and is not limited to 15 seconds. Basically, priority is given to convenience, but if you want to make it slightly more energy efficient, you can set it to less than 15 seconds (with fine adjustment in the-direction, for example, 10 seconds to 14 seconds). It may be set to exceed 15 seconds (fine adjustment + direction, for example, 16 seconds to 20 seconds).

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 126, the process proceeds to step 128, a shutdown instruction is executed to the image forming unit 240 (standby mode → sleep mode), and this routine ends.

(Monitoring control during energy-saving priority sleep mode)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of sleep mode monitoring control (energy saving priority) in step 106 of FIG.

  In step 150, it is determined whether or not the moving object is detected by the first human sensor 28. If a negative determination is made, this routine ends. In this case, since processing in the main controller 200 or the like is not performed during the sleep mode, when the switching operation of the energy saving / convenience changeover switch 219 is not performed (in the case of maintaining the current state), The process immediately returns to step 150 in FIG.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 150, it is determined that the moving body has entered the first area F, which is the area of the first human sensor 28, and the routine proceeds to step 152 where the highest priority is given to energy saving ( A start-up instruction (sleep mode → standby mode) is executed to the UI touch panel 216 and the IC card reader 217 (high priority), and the process proceeds to step 154.

  In step 154, it is determined whether the second human sensor 30 has detected a moving body.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 154, it is determined that the moving body has entered the second area N, which is the area of the second human sensor 30, that is, the user is facing the image processing apparatus 10, The process proceeds to step 156, and a start-up instruction (sleep mode → standby mode) is executed for the image forming unit 240 and the image reading unit 238 that have a low priority in energy saving, and the process proceeds to step 158.

  In step 158, it is determined whether or not a job execution instruction operation has been performed. If a negative determination is made in step 158, the process returns to step 154 and the above process is repeated. In the process of step 156 in this repetitive process, a start-up instruction may be issued many times. However, when a start-up instruction (start-up instruction by the flow of steps 152 → 154 → 156) is executed once, It is preferable to cancel the start-up instruction for the second and subsequent processes. During this time (while repeating steps 154, 156, and 158), the user performs function setting operations such as magnification, paper size, number of copies, color / monochrome, etc., when the user intends to perform copying as a job, for example. Is called.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 158, for example, it is determined that the start key has been operated, and the routine proceeds to step 160. Note that, by operating the start key, the job is executed in a separate process in the main controller 200.

  In step 160, it is determined whether or not the job is completed. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 154.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 154, it is determined that the moving body has left the second area N that is the area of the second human sensor 30, that is, the user has left the image processing apparatus 10, and step The process proceeds to 162, and a command to lower the image forming unit 240 and the image reading unit 238, which have a low priority in energy saving, is issued (standby mode → sleep mode), and the process proceeds to step 164.

  In step 164, it is determined whether or not the first human sensor 28 has detected a moving body. If the determination is affirmative, the vehicle exits the second area N but remains in the first area F. It returns to step 154 and repeats the above affirmation. In this iterative process (steps 154, 162, 164), the lowering instruction may be issued many times in step 162. However, if it is already in the lowering state, it is preferable to cancel the lowering instruction.

  If a negative determination is made in step 164, that is, if it is determined that the moving body (user) has also left the first region F, the routine proceeds to step 166 and a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed. It is determined whether or not.

  If a negative determination is made in step 166, the process returns to step 164, and the moving object detection by the first human sensor 28 is continued. This assumes, for example, a case where a user who wants to execute image processing forgets a document and returns to collect it, and gives a certain amount of time to the shutdown of the image forming unit 240. . Therefore, 15 seconds shown as an example is an intermediate position (fine adjustment amount ± 0) of fine adjustment of energy saving (− direction) and convenience (+ direction), and is not limited to 15 seconds. Basically, energy saving is prioritized, but if you want to make it slightly more convenient, you can set it longer than 15 seconds (in the + direction, for example, 16 to 20 seconds). What is necessary is just to set to less than 15 seconds (fine adjustment-direction, for example, 10 seconds-14 seconds).

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 166, the process proceeds to step 168 to execute a shutdown instruction to the UI touch panel 216 and IC card reader 217 (standby mode → sleep mode), and this routine ends.

  In the present embodiment, two regions (region F, region N) are set using the two human sensors 28 and 30, and each device is assigned to these two regions. In some cases, devices with different power consumption during standby time or standby time may be assigned to the same area, but if you set the number of devices or more areas, the startup sequence will get more detailed, energy saving or convenience (See the convenience priority arrow and the energy saving priority arrow in FIG. 7A).

  In addition, the startup conditions may be set for convenience, energy saving, or other conditions fixedly. In this case, since the activation priority of each device is determined in advance, a switch for switching (energy saving / convenient The sex changeover switch 219) is not necessary.

  The detection areas of the first human sensor 28 and the second human sensor 30 have different area areas as shown in FIG. 6, and the detection area of the first human sensor 28 is the second detection area. The detection area of the human sensor 30 is included, and the detection area far from the image processing apparatus 10 is detected first. However, for example, a person who has directivity regardless of the detection area (area). Although the detection area is narrow using a sensor, two types of human sensors may be applied depending on the time difference to be detected. In this case, functionally, the human sensor detected first corresponds to the second human sensor 30 according to the present embodiment, and the human sensor detected later is the first human sensor according to the present embodiment. Corresponds to the human sensor 28.

W Wall surface 10 Image processing device 20 Network communication network 21 PC
22 Telephone Line Network 24 Power Saving Monitoring Control Unit 26 Power Saving Cancel Button 28 First Human Sensor 30 Second Human Sensor 200 Main Controller 204 CPU
206 RAM
208 ROM
210 I / O (input / output unit)
212 Bus 214 UI Control Circuit 216 UI Touch Panel 217 IC Card Reader 218 Hard Disk 219 Energy Saving / Convenience Changeover Switch 220 Timer Circuit 222 Communication Line I / F
236 Facsimile communication control circuit 238 Image reading unit 240 Image forming unit 242 Commercial power supply 243 Wiring plate 244 Input power supply line 245 Outlet 246 Main switch 248 First power supply unit 250 Second power supply unit 248A Control power generation unit 252 Power supply control Circuit (Power supply control means)
254 Power line 256 First sub power switch ("SW-1")
250H 24V power supply (LVPS2)
250L 5V power supply (LVPS1)
258 Image reading unit power supply unit 260 Image forming unit power supply unit 266 Facsimile communication control circuit power supply unit 268 Second sub power switch (“SW-2”)
270 Third sub power switch ("SW-3")
274 Fifth sub power switch ("SW-5")
276 Sixth sub power switch ("SW-6")

Claims (5)

An image forming unit for forming an image;
First detection means for detecting an object approaching the device;
Second detection means for detecting an operation input through a touch panel unit or a hard key in the own device;
First power supply control means for controlling power to be supplied to the image forming section when the object is detected by the first detection means;
Even if the object is detected by the first detection unit, power is not supplied to the image forming unit. On the other hand, after the detection of the object by the first detection unit, the operation input is detected by the second detection unit. A second power supply control unit configured to control power supply to the image forming unit .
Switching means for switching so that control by any one of the first power supply control means and the second power supply control means is executed ;
Have
The second power supply control unit detects the object by the first detection unit when the operation input is no longer detected after supplying power to the image forming unit. Even so, the power supply to the image forming unit is controlled to be reduced, and the control to reduce the power supply is performed after the power is supplied to the image forming unit. even if the treatment with section is not performed even once, the image forming apparatus, characterized in that it is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming unit takes a longest time from the sleep mode to a state where image formation can be performed as compared with other processing units including a touch panel unit . 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming unit has the largest amount of power consumption in a standby mode in which an image processing operation can be immediately executed as compared with other processing units including a touch panel unit. . The time required for the image forming unit to change from the sleep mode state to the standby mode state where the image processing operation can be immediately executed is changed from the sleep mode state to the standby mode state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the image forming apparatus is longer than a time required until the time. 5. The image formation according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming unit consumes more power in a standby mode in which an image processing operation can be immediately executed than in the touch panel unit. apparatus.