JP6537888B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a technique for reducing a return time from a power saving state to a normal state.

  As one type of information equipment, image processing apparatuses (typically copy machines) have been introduced in many business places (company, office, etc.). Like multifunction machines (MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals)) that are one of such image processing apparatuses, there are also many machines having a plurality of operation modes such as a copy mode, a network compatible print mode, and a scanner mode. ing.

  An image processing apparatus such as an MFP is normally controlled to shift to a power saving state in which power consumption is reduced to a low level when a predetermined time elapses without any operation on the image processing apparatus. When the user's operation is detected in the power saving state, the image processing apparatus is controlled to return to the normal state from the power saving state. By returning to the normal state, the image processing apparatus becomes ready to execute the operation mode selected by the user. The return time to the normal state is preferably as short as possible because the longer the return time from the power saving state to the normal state increases the waiting time of the user.

  Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technique for shortening the recovery time from the power saving state to the normal operating state, which reduces the power consumption to a low level. This technology is applied to an image forming apparatus which is a type of image processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet based on the read image data, and a sheet feeding unit that feeds the recording sheet to the image forming unit. Including. Each of the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the paper feeding unit is provided with a sensor for monitoring the setting state of each unit. For example, the image reading unit is provided with an open / close sensor that detects the opening and closing of an original stacking unit that collects read originals, and an original detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of an original in an original storage unit that stores an original to be read. It is done.

  The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, except for the system control unit, stops supply of power to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus at the time of transition to the power saving state, while supplying power to the sensor. Will continue. By supplying power to the sensor, the change in the setting state of each unit is monitored even in the power saving state, so that the change in the setting state of each unit is recognized when returning to the normal operation state There is no need for processing. This reduces the time required to return to the normal operating state.

JP, 2010-26129, A

  In the image processing apparatus, adjustment of setting of the image reading unit is performed at the time of activation from the power on. In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the supply of power to the image reading unit is stopped by the transition to the power saving state, the setting adjustment is performed again when returning from the power saving state to the normal operation state. Ru. Since it takes time to adjust this setting, there is a disadvantage that the return time of the image reading unit becomes long. Therefore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the recovery time can not be effectively shortened.

  The present invention has been made to solve the problems as described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of effectively shortening the return time from the power saving state to the normal state. To provide.

  An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that shifts from a normal state to a power saving state in response to an elapse of a transition time without a predetermined operation being performed in a normal state. This image processing apparatus reads an image of a document and generates an image reading unit for generating image data based on the read image information, a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit of the image processing apparatus, and a power supply A power supply control means for controlling the supply of power by the means, and a return detection means for detecting an event which triggers a return from the power saving state to the normal state. The image reading unit reads an image of a document and generates an image information generation unit for generating image information of the image, and a volatile storage device for storing preset adjustment data related to the generation process of the image data. And processing execution means for executing predetermined processing based on the adjustment data on the image information generated by the image information generation means in order to generate image data. The power supply means includes a first supply means for supplying power to the image information generation means, and a second supply means for supplying power to the processing execution means. The power supply control means is responsive to the image processing apparatus transitioning to the power saving state, to stop the supply of power by the first supply means and to maintain the supply of power by the second supply means. A first control means for controlling the supply means, and in response to detection of an event that triggers a return by the return detection means, the second supply means maintaining the supply of power; And second control means for controlling the power supply means to supply power by one of the supply means.

  The image processing apparatus performs adjustment of settings of the image reading means, for example, at the time of activation from power on, and stores adjustment data generated thereby in a volatile storage device. When reading an image by the image reading means, the image information generation means reads an image of a document to generate image information of the image, and the processing execution means generates image information based on the adjustment data stored in the storage device. Then, a predetermined process is executed. When the image processing apparatus shifts to the power saving state, the power supply control unit stops the supply of power to the image information generation unit by the first supply unit, and the power supply to the process execution unit by the second supply unit. Control the power supply means to maintain The power supply control means further maintains the supply of power to the process execution means by the second supply means when the return detection means detects an event that triggers a return from the power saving state to the normal state. The power supply means is controlled to supply power to the image information generation means by the first supply means.

  When the image processing apparatus shifts to the power saving state, the supply of power to the image information generation unit by the first supply unit is stopped, while the supply of power to the processing execution unit by the second supply unit is maintained. . The volatile storage device for storing the adjustment data is supplied with power even in the power saving state, so that the adjustment data can be held in the storage device. Since the adjustment data held in the storage device can be used when reading the image of the document, it is not necessary to re-adjust the setting of the image reading means when returning to the normal state. Thereby, the return time of the image reading means can be effectively shortened. Furthermore, since power supply to the image information generation means is stopped in the power saving state, power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

  Preferably, the image information generation means includes an imaging device for capturing an image of a document and outputting an analog image signal as the image information, and the processing execution means performs predetermined adjustment on the analog image signal from the imaging device. The storage device includes a set value storage unit for storing the set value of the signal adjustment circuit as adjustment data.

  More preferably, the processing execution means further includes a processing circuit that performs shading processing on the image signal adjusted by the signal adjustment circuit, and the storage device further stores shading correction data for performing shading processing as adjustment data. Correction data storage means for

  More preferably, the return detection means includes a human sensor for detecting presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus, and the second supply means supplies power to the human sensor in addition to the processing execution means. .

  More preferably, the return detection means further includes a detection sensor for detecting the setting of the document to the image reading means, and the second supply means supplies power to the detection sensor in addition to the process execution means and the human sensor. Supply.

  More preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data read by the image reading unit, and the first supply unit is added to the image information generation unit. Power is also supplied to the image forming means.

  More preferably, the image processing apparatus further determines a determination unit for determining whether or not an instruction input to the image processing apparatus has been received, an event that causes the return detection unit to trigger a return, and the determination unit An activation means is provided for activating the image forming means in response to the determination being affirmative.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus capable of effectively shortening the return time from the power saving state to the normal state.

It is a control block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the image processing device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of an image reading unit. It is a figure which shows supply of the electric power to each part of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the signal processing system of an image reading unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program run with the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a detailed flow of FIG.5 S1040. It is a detailed flow of step S1090 of FIG. It is a figure which shows supply of the electric power to each part of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program run with the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program run with the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also identical. Therefore, detailed description about them will not be repeated.

First Embodiment
Referring to FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) provided with a plurality of operation modes such as a copy mode, a print mode compatible with a network, and a scanner mode. The image processing apparatus 100 has a so-called laser (electrophotographic) printing function that uses laser light for exposure. However, other types of printing functions may be provided.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 130 that reads an image of a document as image data. The image processing apparatus 100 uses a predetermined recording sheet based on image data of a document read by the image reading unit 130 or image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus (not shown) such as a personal computer (PC). Form a multi-color or single-color image.

  The image processing apparatus 100 starts activation when the power switch (not shown) is turned on. At startup, warm-up of a fixing device (not shown) described later and adjustment of settings of the image reading unit 130 are performed. Adjustment of setting of the image reading unit 130 includes adjustment of shading setting (generation of shading correction data) and setting of AFE (Analog Front End) described later. When the start-up is completed, the image processing apparatus 100 is in a normal energized state (hereinafter referred to as a "normal state"). The normal state is a state (Ready state) waiting until an instruction such as printing is received. The image processing apparatus 100 immediately executes a process upon receiving an instruction in the normal state. The normal state in the present embodiment means a state in which the power is on and at least an operation mode selected by the user can be executed.

  When a transition time elapses without a predetermined operation (for example, a key operation on operation panel 122) being performed in a normal state, image processing apparatus 100 transitions to a power saving state or an energy saving state in order to reduce power consumption. Is controlled. Whether to shift to the power saving state or the energy saving state is set in advance in the image processing apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the power saving state means a state in which the power consumption is suppressed to a low level by stopping the supply of power to some of the functional units including the fixing device. The energy saving state means a state in which the power consumption is further reduced by stopping the supply of power to more functional units than the power saving state.

  Image processing apparatus 100 further includes a human sensor described later that detects the presence or absence of a person around image processing apparatus 100. In the power saving state, power is supplied to the human sensor. In the power saving state, when the human sensor detects that a person is present around the image processing device 100, the image processing device 100 is controlled to return from the power saving state to the normal state.

  Here, when the supply of power to the image reading unit 130 is stopped, adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 is performed again at the time of return. Adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 takes a relatively long time. When the setting adjustment is performed at the time of return, the return time of the image reading unit 130 becomes longer.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, in the power saving state, while the supply of power is stopped to the majority of the image reading unit 130, the adjustment value (adjustment data) of the setting in the image reading unit 130 is held. The power is supplied to the Even in the power saving state, since the adjustment value of the setting is held, the adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 becomes unnecessary when returning. As a result, the recovery time of the image reading unit 130 is shortened while reducing power consumption. If, for example, the scanner mode is selected by the user without the image forming process, the image processing apparatus 100 can execute the document image reading process when the image reading unit 130 returns to the normal state.

  On the other hand, when the normal state is shifted to the energy saving state, the power supply to the human sensor and the image reading unit 130 is further stopped in the energy saving state. In the energy saving state, although the power consumption is further reduced than in the power saving state, the adjustment value of the setting in the image reading unit 130 is not held. When returning to the normal state, adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 is performed again. Therefore, when transitioning to the power saving state, it takes more time to restore the image reading unit 130 than when transitioning to the power saving state. That is, in the case of transition to the power saving state, recovery is performed faster than in the case of transition to the energy saving state.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has two modes of the “high-speed return mode” in which the power saving state is returned to the normal state at high speed, and the “low-speed return mode” Have a kind of return mode. The setting of the transition to the power saving state or the energy saving state described above is performed by the user selecting either the fast recovery mode or the slow recovery mode.

[Hardware configuration]
The image processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, an operation unit 120, an image forming unit 140, a sensor unit 150, a power supply unit 160, and an NIC (Network Interface Card) 170 in addition to the image reading unit 130.

  The control unit 110 is substantially a computer, and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 112 that controls the entire image processing apparatus 100, a read-only memory (ROM) 114 for storing programs and the like, and a volatile storage device. RAM (Random Access Memory) 116, and a storage device 118. The storage device 118 is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when the power supply is interrupted, and is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. The CPU 112 is connected to a BUS line 180, and the ROM 114, the RAM 116, and the storage device 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 180.

  The CPU 112 executes various computer programs in response to an instruction from the operation unit 120 or the like to execute desired processing such as operation of each part of the image processing apparatus 100 and communication with an information processing apparatus (for example, PC). . The various computer programs described above are stored in advance in the ROM 114 or the storage device 118, and are read out from the ROM 114 or the storage device 118 and transferred to the RAM 116 when desired processing is performed. The CPU 112 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 116 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 112. The CPU 112 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes the operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The result of execution is also stored at an address designated by the instruction, such as the RAM 116, the storage 118 and the register in the CPU 112.

  The ROM 114 or the storage device 118 stores a computer program for realizing processing of transition to a power saving state or the like and a computer program for realizing a general operation of the image processing apparatus 100 and the like. The computer program is written to the ROM 114 or the storage device 118 when the image processing apparatus 100 is manufactured. Note that this computer program may be provided from an external device such as an information processing apparatus via the NIC 170. Furthermore, the computer program may be provided by a storage medium, such as a DVD, in which the computer program is recorded. That is, for example, a DVD as a recording medium for a computer program is loaded into a DVD drive (not shown) incorporated in the image processing apparatus 100, and the computer program is read from the DVD and installed in the storage device 118. It is also good. The storage device 118 also stores various data such as image data read by the image reading unit 130.

  Further, the operation unit 120, the image reading unit 130, the image forming unit 140, the sensor unit 150, the power supply unit 160, and the NIC 170 are electrically connected to the BUS line 180.

  Operation unit 120 accepts an operation by the user. The operation unit 120 communicates with the CPU 112 via an input / output interface (not shown). The operation unit 120 includes an operation panel 122. Operation panel 122 includes a display panel configured of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel disposed on the display panel for detecting a touched position. The display panel provides the user with various information such as information on the state of the image processing apparatus 100 and the states of various processes. The operation panel 122 provides an interactive operation interface (UI) to the user. The interactive operation interface receives a user's instruction for the operation of the entire image processing apparatus 100 from the touch panel, displays the content of the instruction on the display panel, and transmits a control signal according to the instruction to the control unit 110 or the like. Output.

  The image reading unit 130 includes a scanner unit 132, a signal processing unit 134, and an image processing unit 136. Referring to FIG. 2, the scanner unit 132 includes a first scanning unit (not shown) including a light source 202, a second scanning unit (not shown) including a reflection mirror, and first and second scanning units. It includes a drive control unit 204 that controls driving, an optical lens (not shown), and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor 200. The light source 202 includes, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The first scan unit and the second scan unit are driven by a drive source (not shown) such as a motor. The drive control unit 204 controls the drive of the first and second scanning units by controlling a drive source such as a motor. The first scanning unit moves from the light source 202 to the image surface of the document placed on the document placement table (not shown) while moving at a constant speed V by a distance according to the document size in the sub-scanning direction A reflected light image is obtained by irradiating light. The second scanning unit focuses the obtained reflected light image on the CCD line sensor 200 by the reflecting mirror and the optical lens while moving at a velocity V / 2 following the first scanning unit. The CCD line sensor 200 is an image pickup element for picking up an image of a document, sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image, and outputs it to the signal processing unit 134 as an analog image signal.

  The signal processing unit 134 includes an AFE 210. The AFE 210 is a signal adjustment circuit that performs predetermined adjustment (signal processing) on an analog image signal output from the CCD line sensor 200. The AFE 210 performs predetermined adjustment processing such as gain adjustment, conversion to a digital image signal, and the like to the analog image signal output from the CCD line sensor 200, and transmits the adjusted digital image signal to the image processing unit 136. Output. AFE 210 includes volatile registers (not shown). At the time of activation of the image processing apparatus 100, adjustment of setting of the AFE 210 is performed, and the adjustment value (adjustment data) is stored in the above-mentioned register.

  The image processing unit 136 includes a scan CPU 220 and a scan application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 222. The scan CPU 220 controls the image processing unit 136. The scan ASIC 222 is a processing circuit that performs shading processing on the digital image signal output from the AFE 210. The scan ASIC 222 includes volatile memory 224. Shading setting is performed when the image processing apparatus 100 is started, and the shading correction data (adjustment data) generated at that time is stored in the memory 224. The scan ASIC 222 may be configured to perform various types of image processing including shading processing. In addition to this, the image processing unit 136 may be configured to further include an image processing ASIC (not shown) that executes various types of image processing other than the shading processing.

  The image processing unit 136 performs predetermined image processing on the digital image signal output from the AFE 210 to generate image data of a document. At the time of print processing, the image reading unit 130 (image processing unit 136) outputs the generated image data to the image forming unit 140.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, image forming unit 140 forms an image on recording paper based on image data of a document read by image reading unit 130 or image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus such as a PC. It includes an image forming unit 142 (printer unit), and a sheet feeding unit 144 for feeding a recording sheet to the image forming unit 142.

  The image forming unit 142 prints an image represented by image data in color or single color on a recording sheet, and, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit (LSU), a developing device, a transfer device, and cleaning A device, a fixing device, and a charge removing device are provided. The image forming unit 142 is provided with, for example, a conveyance path, and the recording sheet fed from the paper supply unit 144 is conveyed along the conveyance path.

  The paper feed unit 144 includes a paper feed tray (not shown) for storing recording paper. The sheet feeding unit 144 draws out the recording sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray one by one and feeds the recording sheets to the conveyance path of the image forming unit 142. While the recording sheet is being conveyed along the conveyance path of the image forming unit 142, the recording sheet passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, passes through the fixing device, and performs printing on the recording sheet. Be

  The photosensitive drum is rotated in one direction, and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by the charging device after being cleaned by the cleaning device and the charge removing device. The laser scanning unit modulates laser light based on image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with this laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum Do. The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop an electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum.

  The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording sheet, and a pressure roller for pressing the recording sheet. The image processing apparatus 100 starts warming up when the power switch is turned on to start up or when returning to the normal state. By this warm-up, the fixing temperature of the fixing device is raised to a temperature at which fixing can be performed. The recording sheet is heated by the heating roller and pressurized by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is fixed to the recording sheet. The recording sheet discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to the discharge tray.

  The sensor unit 150 detects an event that triggers a return from the power saving state to the normal state. The sensor unit 150 includes the above-described human sensor (human sensor 152: see FIG. 3). The human sensor 152 is, for example, a pyroelectric human sensor (pyroelectric sensor). The human sensor 152 detects the presence or absence of the user in a predetermined area around the image processing apparatus 100. When detecting that the user is in a predetermined area around (for example, in front of) the image processing apparatus 100, the human sensor 152 transmits to the CPU 112 a return signal instructing return from the power saving state.

  The power supply unit 160 is a power supply unit connected to an external power supply. The power supply unit 160 includes a main power supply 162 and a sub power supply 164, and supplies predetermined power to each unit constituting the image processing apparatus 100 under the control of the CPU 112.

  The NIC 170 interfaces with the network 50. The image processing apparatus 100 can perform data communication with an information processing apparatus (such as a PC) on the network 50 according to a predetermined communication protocol via the NIC 170. The image processing apparatus 100 can receive, from the PC or the like via the NIC 170, a command signal instructing to execute various processes such as a print job.

[Power supply to each functional unit]
Referring to FIG. 3, the power supply unit 160 includes a main power supply 162 that supplies most of the power necessary for image formation, and a sub power supply 164 that supplies power for maintaining the power saving state or the energy saving state. The sub power supply 164 includes a first sub power supply 166 and a second sub power supply 168. The first sub power supply 166 is a power supply unit that supplies power to a part of the image reading unit 130, a part of the main control board 230, the operation panel 122 (operation unit 120), the human sensor 152, and the like. The second sub power supply 168 is a power supply unit that supplies power to the main control board 230 on which the CPU 112 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the first sub power supply 166 supplies power to the signal processing unit 134 and the image processing unit 136 of the image reading unit 130.

  The CPU 112 includes a main CPU 112 a and a power saving CPU 112 b. The main CPU 112 a and the power saving CPU 112 b are mounted on the main control board 230. The supply of power by the power supply unit 160 is controlled by the main control board 230 on which the main CPU 112 a and the power saving CPU 112 b are mounted. Specifically, the supply of power by the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112 b.

  When the power switch is turned on in the image processing apparatus 100, first, power is supplied to the power saving CPU 112b by the second sub power source 168. When power is supplied to the power saving CPU 112 b and activated, the power saving CPU 112 b activates the main CPU 112 a. The first sub power supply 166 is activated by an instruction from the power saving CPU 112b, and supplies power to a part of the image reading unit 130, a part of the main control board 230, the operation panel 122, the human sensor 152 and the like. The main power supply 162 is activated by an instruction from the main control board 230 (power saving CPU 112 b), and supplies power to each unit including the image forming unit 140 (printer unit) and the image reading unit 130. When the activation is completed, the image processing apparatus 100 is in the normal state. In the normal state, the main power supply 162, the first sub power supply 166, and the second sub power supply 168 supply power to the components constituting the image processing apparatus 100.

  When transitioning from the normal state to the power saving state, the power supply unit 160 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112 b to stop the power supply by the main power supply 162 and maintain the power supply by the sub power supply 164. The signal processing unit 134 (AFE 210) and the image processing unit 136 (scan CPU 220, scan ASIC 222) of the image reading unit 130 and the human sensor 152 maintain the state where power is supplied even in the power saving state. Thus, even when the power saving state is entered, the adjustment value stored in the register of the AFE 210 and the shading correction data stored in the memory 224 of the scan ASIC 222 are held. When the human sensor 152 detects that the user is in a predetermined area around (for example, in front of) the image processing apparatus 100, the image processing apparatus 100 starts to return to the normal state. The power supply unit 160 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112 b to supply power from the main power supply 162 while maintaining the power supply from the sub power supply 164. The main power supply 162 supplies power to most of the image reading unit 130 including the scanner unit 132 and the image forming unit 140.

  When transitioning from the normal state to the energy saving state, the power supply unit 160 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112 b to stop the supply of power by the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166. In the energy saving state, for example, when the energy saving return button (not shown) is pressed by the user, the image processing apparatus 100 starts the return to the normal state. The power supply unit 160 is controlled by the power saving CPU 112 b to supply power from the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166.

  Further, when transitioning to the power saving state or the energy saving state, the power saving CPU 112 b supplies power to the power saving LED 232 to turn on the power saving LED 232. The power saving CPU 112 b notifies the user that the image processing apparatus 100 has shifted to the power saving state or the energy saving state by turning on the power saving LED 232.

[Configuration of signal processing system]
Referring to FIG. 4, the analog image signal output from CCD line sensor 200 is input to AFE 210. The AFE 210 includes a sampling circuit 212 that samples the input analog image signal, a gain control amplifier 214 that amplifies the sampled analog image signal, an offset setting circuit 216 that offsets the level of the analog image signal, and an offset analog image signal And an A / D converter 218 which converts the digital image signal into a digital image signal and outputs the digital image signal.

  The scan ASIC 222 controls the CCD line sensor 200, the light source 202, and the AFE 210. The scan ASIC 222 further executes shading processing on the digital image signal output from the AFE 210.

  In the image reading unit 130, the white level and the black level of the analog image signal read by the CCD line sensor 200 match the input range of the A / D conversion in order to accurately A / D convert the output of the CCD line sensor 200. Thus, the gain of the gain control amplifier 214 and the offset of the offset setting circuit 216 are adjusted in advance. The adjusted gain and offset values (adjustment values) are stored in the registers of the gain control amplifier 214 and the offset setting circuit 216, respectively.

  Furthermore, in the image reading unit 130, the original luminance of the image to be measured (original) and the measured image signal due to peripheral light reduction of the optical system, non-uniformity of the sensitivity of the imaging device (CCD line sensor 200), etc. There will be inconsistencies between them. Shading processing is performed to correct this misalignment. For example, in the case where the peripheral portion of the measured image has dark luminance unevenness compared to the central portion, the shading processing corrects the entire image so as to have an average uniform brightness. Specifically, the scan ASIC 222 obtains the conversion characteristics of each pixel of the CCD line sensor 200 using input data obtained by measuring an image (for example, a white reference member such as a white board) having a uniform luminance distribution as a whole. Shading correction data is generated based on the determined conversion characteristics. The scan ASIC 222 further stores the generated shading correction data in the memory 224.

  When reading the image data of the document, the AFE 210 performs signal amplification processing, digital conversion processing, etc. on the analog image signal output from the CCD line sensor 200 based on the gain and offset values stored in the register. Execute the predetermined adjustment process of The AFE 210 outputs the digital image signal converted by the A / D converter 218 to the scan ASIC 222. The scan ASIC 222 performs shading processing on the digital image signal output from the AFE 210 based on the shading correction data stored in the memory 224. The scan ASIC 222 generates and outputs image data by performing shading processing.

Software Configuration
A control structure of a computer program executed by the image processing apparatus 100 to execute the process of transitioning to and return from the power saving state will be described with reference to FIG. This program starts in response to the power switch being turned on.

  This program is executed after step S1000 for performing adjustment setting of the AFE 210 in the image reading unit 130 and shading setting (generation of shading correction data) with the start of activation, and after the step S1000, the normal state (Ready state) In step S1010, the power saving condition for transitioning to the power saving state or the power saving state is determined, and step S1020 in which the power saving condition is waited and the power saving condition is determined in step S1020. Is executed when it is determined that the high-speed recovery mode is set, and it is determined in step S1030 that the flow of control is branched according to the determination result, and the high-speed recovery mode is set in step S1030. Run when the And a step S1040 that line. In step S1000, adjustment settings of the AFE 210 and adjustment data (adjustment values of the AFE 210 and shading correction data) generated in the shading setting are stored in the register of the AFE 210 and the memory 224 of the scan ASIC 222, respectively.

  FIG. 6 is a detailed flow of step S1040 of FIG. 6, this routine controls step S1100 of controlling power supply unit 160 to stop the supply of power by main power supply 162 and controls power supply unit 160 to maintain the supply of power by sub power supply 164. And step S1110.

  Again referring to FIG. 5, this program is executed after step S1040 and is executed after step S1050 for controlling the human sensor 152 to start sensing by the human sensor 152, and after step S1050, and image processing It is determined whether the human sensor 152 detects that a user (person) is present in a predetermined area around the apparatus 100 (for example, in front), and waits until a user (person) is detected in step S1060 When it is determined in step S1030 that the high speed recovery mode is not set, that is, when it is determined that the low speed recovery mode is set, steps S1070 and S1070 are performed to shift to the energy saving state. It is executed later to determine whether the energy saving return button is pressed or not, and the energy saving return button There and a step S1080 to wait until the pressing. In step S1070, the supply of power by the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166 is stopped.

  This program further indicates that, in step S1060, it is determined that the human sensor 152 detects that the user (person) is in a predetermined area around (for example, in front of) the image processing apparatus 100, or the energy saving return button This step is executed when it is determined that the button has been pressed, and step S1090 of starting the return processing to the normal state. When the process of step S1090 ends, control returns to step S1010.

  FIG. 7 is a detailed flow of step S1090 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, this routine determines whether or not the image processing apparatus 100 is in the power saving state, and branches the flow of control according to the determination result, and the power saving state is in step S1200. If it is determined in step S1210 that the power supply unit 160 is controlled to start the supply of power by the main power supply 162, and if it is determined in step S1200 that it is not in the power saving state, that is, it is in the energy saving state. And control the power supply unit 160 to start supplying power from the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166, and step S1220. When the process of step S1210 or step S1220 ends, this routine ends.

[Operation]
The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. In the following description, only the part related to the present invention in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. The other operations are the same as those of the conventional image processing apparatus.

  When the power switch is turned on by the user, the image processing apparatus 100 starts to be activated. The image processing apparatus 100 performs warm-up and adjustment of settings of the image reading unit 130. The image processing apparatus 100 sets the adjustment of the AFE 210 in the image reading unit 130 and sets the shading, and stores those adjustment values (adjustment data) in the register of the AFE 210 and the memory 224 of the scan ASIC 222 (step shown in FIG. 5) S1000). When the activation is completed, the image processing apparatus 100 is in the normal state, and waits in this state until an instruction is input (step S1010).

  The image processing apparatus 100 determines whether the power saving condition is satisfied, and stands by in the normal state until the power saving condition is satisfied. For example, when a transition time elapses without a predetermined operation (for example, a key operation on the operation panel 122) being performed in a normal state, the image processing apparatus 100 determines that the power saving condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the power saving condition is satisfied (YES in step S1020), the image processing apparatus 100 determines whether the fast recovery mode is set or the slow recovery mode is set. When the high speed return mode is set (YES in step S1030), the image processing apparatus 100 shifts to the power saving state (step S1040). At the time of transition to the power saving state, the power saving CPU 112b controls the power supply unit 160 to stop the supply of power to the image forming unit 140 and the image reading unit 130 (scanner unit 132 etc.) by the main power supply 162 (see FIG. Step S1100) The power supply unit 160 is maintained so that the supply of power from the sub power supply 164 to the main control board 230, the human sensor 152, the operation panel 122, and the image reading unit 130 (the signal processing unit 134 and the image processing unit 136) is maintained. Are controlled (step S1110).

  When shifting to the power saving state, the human sensor 152 starts sensing (step S1050 shown in FIG. 5). The image processing apparatus 100 stands by until the human sensor 152 detects that the user is present around the image processing apparatus 100. When the human sensor 152 detects that the user is around the image processing apparatus 100 (YES in step S1060), the human sensor 152 transmits a return signal to the CPU 112. When the CPU 112 receives a return signal from the human sensor 152, under the control of the CPU 112, the image processing apparatus 100 starts returning (starting) to the normal state (step S1090). When returning from the power saving state to the normal state (YES in step S1200 shown in FIG. 7), the power saving CPU 112b controls the power supply unit 160 to start the supply of power from the main power supply 162 (step S1210).

  When the low speed return mode is set in the image processing apparatus 100 (NO in step S1030 shown in FIG. 5), the image processing apparatus 100 shifts to the energy saving state (step S1070). At the time of transition to the energy saving state, the power saving CPU 112 b supplies power to the image forming unit 140 and the image reading unit 130 (such as the scanner unit 132) by the main power supply 162, and the human sensor 152 by the first sub power supply 166. The power supply unit 160 is controlled to stop the supply of power to the panel 122, the image reading unit 130 (the signal processing unit 134, the image processing unit 136) and the like. When shifting to the energy saving state, the image processing apparatus 100 stands by until the energy saving return button is pressed by the user. When the energy saving recovery button is pressed by the user (YES in step S1080), the image processing apparatus 100 starts recovery (activation) to the normal state (step S1090). When returning from the energy saving state to the normal state (NO in step S1200 shown in FIG. 7), the power saving CPU 112b controls the power supply unit 160 to start supply of power by the main power supply 162 and the first sub power supply 166 (step S1220).

  When the activation is completed and returns to the normal state, the image processing apparatus 100 waits in this state until an instruction is input (step S1010 shown in FIG. 5).

[Effect of this embodiment]
As apparent from the above description, by using the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  When the image processing apparatus 100 shifts to the power saving state, the supply of power to the scanner unit 132 by the main power supply 162 is stopped, while the signal processing unit 134 (AFE 210) by the sub power supply 164 and the image processing unit 136 (scan CPU 220, The supply of power to the scan ASIC 222) is maintained. Since the register for storing the adjustment value of the AFE 210 and the volatile memory 224 of the scan ASIC 222 for storing shading correction data are supplied with power even in the power saving state, these data are held without being erased. When reading the image of the document, the adjustment value stored in the register of the AFE 210 and the shading correction data stored in the scan ASIC 222 can be used, so adjustment of the setting of the image reading unit 130 when returning to the normal state It becomes unnecessary to execute again. Thereby, the return time of the image reading unit 130 can be effectively shortened. Furthermore, since power supply to the scanner unit 132 of the image reading unit 130 is stopped in the power saving state, power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

  Furthermore, since the power supply for supplying power to the human sensor 152 and the power supply for supplying power to a part of the image reading unit 130 (AFE 210, scan ASIC 222, and scan CPU 220) are the same power supply system, the human sensor 152 In response to the detection signal from the image reading unit 130, the image reading unit 130 can be activated at high speed.

Second Embodiment
Referring to FIG. 8, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the first in that it returns from the power saving state to the energized state even when it is detected that the document is set in image reading unit 130. It differs from the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. Otherwise, each image processing apparatus has the same configuration.

  The image processing apparatus includes a sensor unit 250 in place of the sensor unit 150 shown in FIG. In addition to the human sensor 152, the sensor unit 250 includes a detection sensor 154 that detects that the document is set in the image reading unit 130. The detection sensor 154 is supplied with electric power by the first sub power supply 166 in the same manner as the human sensor 152. Therefore, even when the normal state is entered, the detection sensor 154 detects that the document has been set in the image reading unit 130. When the detection sensor 154 detects that the document is set on the document placement table or the document automatic conveyance device (not shown), the detection sensor 154 transmits a return signal for instructing return from the power saving state to the CPU 112. When the CPU 112 receives the return signal from the detection sensor 154, it returns the image processing apparatus to the normal state.

Software Configuration
In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the program shown in FIG. 9 is executed instead of the program shown in FIG. The program of FIG. 9 further includes step S2000 in the program of FIG. The processing in steps S1000 to S1090 in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing in each step shown in FIG. The different parts will be described below.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in this program, in step S1060, it is determined that the human sensor 152 does not detect that the user (person) is in a predetermined area around (for example, in front of) the image processing apparatus. It is determined whether the detection sensor 154 detects the setting of the document to the image reading unit 130, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result in step S2000. If it is determined in step S2000 that a document set has been detected, control proceeds to step S1090. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2000 that the original set has not been detected, the control returns to step S1060.

[effect]
In the power saving state, for example, when the document is set from the direction in which the human sensor 152 does not respond, the detection sensor 154 detects the setting of the document. When the detection sensor 154 detects that the document has been set on the image reading unit 130, the image processing apparatus starts to return to the normal state. Therefore, even when the user operating the image processing apparatus is not detected by the human sensor 152, the image processing apparatus can be returned to the normal state by setting the document on the image reading unit 130. This can reduce the waiting time of the user.

  The other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
The image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment in that the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment returns from the power saving state to the energized state even when an instruction input to the operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) is received. It is different from the device. Otherwise, each image processing apparatus has the same configuration.

  The image processing apparatus saves power in response to detection of a user by the human sensor 152 (see FIG. 8), detection of a set of documents by the detection sensor 154 (see FIG. 8), or reception of an instruction input to the operation unit 120. Return from the state to the normal state. At the time of return to the normal state, power is supplied from the main power supply 162 and the sub power supply 164 to each part of the image processing apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, power is supplied to the image forming unit 140 (see FIG. 1) when the user is detected by the human sensor 152 or when the set of the document is detected by the detection sensor 154. Control of the image forming unit 140 is not started. Image forming unit 140 starts activation by accepting a user's instruction input to operation unit 120. The image forming unit 140 includes drive members (not shown) such as a motor, a clutch, and a fan. These drive members are also driven when the image forming unit 140 is started. When the drive member is driven, an operation noise is generated. The image forming unit 140 receives an instruction input from the user to the operation unit 120 which is highly likely to be used to suppress the generation of unnecessary operation noise in the image forming unit 140. It is started.

Software Configuration
In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the program shown in FIG. 10 is executed instead of the program shown in FIG. The program of FIG. 10 further includes step S3000 in the program of FIG. The processes in steps S1000 to S1090 and S2000 in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes in each step shown in FIG. The different parts will be described below.

  Referring to FIG. 10, this program is executed when it is determined in step S2000 that the detection sensor 154 has not detected the setting of the document on the image reading unit 130, and the operation unit 120 (operation panel 122) It is determined whether or not the operation to the button has been operated, that is, whether or not the instruction input to the operation unit 120 has been accepted, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S3000 that an instruction input to operation unit 120 has been received, control proceeds to step S1090. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3000 that an instruction input to operation unit 120 has not been received, control returns to step S1060.

[effect]
A false detection may occur in the human sensor 152 due to various factors such as the user passing in front of the image processing apparatus. Also in such a case, when the image forming unit 140 starts to be activated, an unnecessary operation noise is generated. In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the user's instruction input to operation unit 120 is received, image formation unit 140 is activated, so unnecessary operation noise caused by false detection of human sensor 152 or the like. Can be suppressed.

  The other effects are the same as in the second embodiment.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the MFP, which is one type of image processing apparatus, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image processing apparatus may be, for example, a copying machine or a scanner other than the MFP.

  Although the above embodiment shows an example of maintaining the supply of power to the AFE of the image reading unit, the scan ASIC, and the scan CPU even in the power saving state, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. . Supply of power to the image reading unit in the power saving state may be one or more of the AFE, the scan ASIC, and the scan CPU. For example, in the power saving state, the power supply to the AFE and the scan ASIC may be maintained, and the power supply to the scan CPU may be stopped.

  Although the above embodiment shows an example using a pyroelectric sensor as a human sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Various sensors other than the pyroelectric sensor can be used as the human sensor. For example, instead of the pyroelectric sensor, an ultrasonic type human sensor can be used. The number of installed human sensors may be one or plural. When a plurality of human sensors are installed in the image processing apparatus, the plurality of human sensors may be the same type of human sensors or may be different types of human sensors.

  Although the above embodiment shows an example of transitioning to the power saving state or the energy saving state when a certain transition time elapses without a predetermined operation being performed in the normal state, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is not limited. For example, it may be configured to shift to the power saving state or the energy saving state in response to the user pressing a button for shifting to the power saving state or the energy saving state such as the power saving button. Moreover, the structure which combined these may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the image reading unit returns to the normal state, for example, when the scanner mode is selected by the user, supply of power to a unit (for example, the image forming unit) unnecessary for the scanner mode operation is performed. You may make it stop.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The scope of the present invention is defined by each claim of the claims in consideration of the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all the changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the words and phrases described therein Including.

100 image processing apparatus 110 control unit 120 operation unit 130 image reading unit 132 scanner unit 134 signal processing unit 136 image processing unit 140 image forming unit 152 motion sensor 154 detection sensor 160 power supply unit 162 main power supply 164 sub power supply 200 CCD line sensor 202 light source 204 drive control unit 210 AFE
220 scan CPU
222 Scan ASIC
224 memory

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus that shifts from the normal state to a power saving state in response to an elapse of a transition time without a predetermined operation being performed in the normal state.
Image reading means for reading an image of a document and generating image data based on the read image information;
Power supply means for supplying power to each part of the image processing apparatus;
Power supply control means for controlling the supply of power by the power supply means;
Return detection means for detecting an event that triggers a return from the power saving state to the normal state;
The image reading means is
Image information generating means for reading an image of a document and generating image information of the image;
It has a volatile storage device for storing adjustment data set in advance regarding generation processing of image data, and in order to generate image data, the adjustment data is generated with respect to image information generated by the image information generation means. Processing execution means for executing predetermined processing based on
The power supply means includes a first supply means for supplying power to the image information generation means, and a second supply means for supplying power to the storage device .
The power supply control means
In response to the image processing apparatus transitioning to the power saving state, the supply of power by the first supply unit is stopped, and the supply of power by the second supply unit is maintained. First control means for controlling the means;
In response to the detection of the event that triggers the return by the return detection unit, the power supply by the first supply unit is performed while the supply of the power by the second supply unit is maintained. Second control means for controlling the power supply means ;
In response to the image processing apparatus shifting to the power saving state, the power supply is stopped by the first supply unit, and the power supply by the second supply unit is also stopped. Third control means for controlling the supply means;
Selecting means for selecting whether to execute control of the power supply means by the first control means or control of the power supply means by the third control means on the basis of settings Processing unit. The image information generation means includes an imaging device for capturing an image of a document and outputting an analog image signal as the image information.
The process execution means includes a signal adjustment circuit that performs predetermined adjustment on the analog image signal from the imaging device and outputs the adjusted image signal.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage device includes setting value storage means for storing the setting value of the signal adjustment circuit as the adjustment data. The processing execution means further includes a processing circuit that performs shading processing on the image signal adjusted by the signal adjustment circuit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage device further includes correction data storage means for storing shading correction data for performing shading processing as the adjustment data. The return detection unit includes a human sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person around the image processing apparatus.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second supply unit supplies power to the human sensor in addition to the storage device. The return detection means further includes a detection sensor for detecting the setting of the document on the image reading means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second supply unit supplies power to the detection sensor in addition to the storage device and the human sensor. The image processing apparatus further includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data read by the image reading unit.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first supply unit supplies power to the image forming unit in addition to the image information generating unit. The image processing apparatus further
A determination unit configured to determine whether an instruction input to the image processing apparatus has been received;
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: activation means for activating the image forming means in response to the fact that the return detection means detects an event that triggers return and the determination by the determination means is positive. Image processing apparatus as described.

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