JPH0888702A - Composite image processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce the power consumption without losing each function even when a facsimile function and a print function are made composite by releasing the power saving mode automatically and providing an image output when a communication data storage capacity exceeds a reference capacity. CONSTITUTION: Power supply from a power supply section to an image read means 201 and a printer section 200 is stopped during the execution of the power saving mode. A controller section 202 always stores surely communication data from an external equipment 208 to a storage means 204. When the stored communication data exceed a preset reference capacity, the controller section 202 releases the power saving mode to allow the power supply section to start power supply to the printer section 200 thereby setting the processing unit to be able to provide an image output and to provide the output of the communication data stored in the storage means 204 to a recording medium from the printer section 200. In the case of usual copying or FAX transmission, a read means 201 reads an image, an image control section 203 conducts required processing and gives a signal to the printer section 200 or an I/F section 205, in which the signal is processed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has an interface with an external device and outputs an image on a recording material based on output information input from the external device and document image information read and output from a document reading device. The present invention relates to a composite image processing device that does.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of image processing apparatus, for example, a digital copying apparatus, an original is illuminated with a halogen lamp or the like, and the reflected light is photoelectrically converted by using a charge-coupled device such as CCD and then converted into a digital signal. A reader unit for conversion is provided, and after the document image information output from the reader unit is subjected to predetermined processing, the printer unit forms an image.

By the way, in such a digital copying apparatus, the functions have been compounded in recent years, and by incorporating a simple peripheral device through an interface with an external device,
A device capable of performing combined processing of a facsimile processing function and a printer function has also been proposed.

[0004]

However, for example, in order to realize the FAX function which requires energization for 24 hours in the digital copying apparatus, it is necessary to energize the main body of the digital copying apparatus for 24 hours. However, there is a problem in that the copying apparatus main body requires a large amount of electric power due to its own control and maintaining the temperature of a fixing device used for fixing an image on a transfer sheet.

Incidentally, in view of the recent demand for power saving in general electronic equipment, it is an object of this type of device to realize a composite function with low power consumption.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to third inventions of the present invention is to suspend the power supply other than energizing the controller section for system control. Every time, monitoring the storage state of communication data input from an external device, starting energization to the image output unit and automatically outputting the stored communication data, without impairing each function of compounding, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite image forming apparatus that can realize power saving with an inexpensive configuration.

[0007]

A first aspect of the present invention is an image reading unit for reading an original image, and an image for outputting an image on a recording medium based on the original image information output from the image reading unit. An output unit, a communication interface for communicating with an external device via a predetermined interface, and a storage unit for storing communication data input from the external device or document image information read by the image reading unit by the communication interface. An image reading means for causing the image output means to output an image to the recording medium based on the communication data stored in the storage means, the document image information or the document image information output from the image reading means, A composite image processing apparatus having an output means and a system control means for controlling a storage means, An instruction means for instructing switching to a power saving mode in which the power supply state from the power source section to the image reading means and the image output means excluding the stem control means and the storage means is in a rest state, and during the power saving mode setting by the instruction means, A storage unit that stores communication data input from an external device in the storage unit, and when the storage capacity of the communication data by the storage unit exceeds a preset reference capacity, the power saving mode is canceled and the power supply is turned off. And an energization control means for starting energization of the image output means from the unit to set the image output possible state, and the communication data accumulated in the storage means by the system control means is output from the image output means to a recording medium. It is configured to allow.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the system control means is configured to reset the power saving mode after the communication data stored in the storage means is output from the image output means to the recording medium. Is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, image reading means for reading a document image, image output means for outputting an image on a recording medium based on document image information output from the image reading means, and a predetermined device are provided. A communication interface for communicating with an external device via the interface, an external storage device for storing communication data input from the external device by the communication interface or document image information read by the image reading device, and the external storage device. An image reading means, an image outputting means, an external means for causing the image outputting means to output an image to the recording medium based on the communication data stored in the document or the original image information or the original image information output from the image reading means. In a composite image processing device having a system control means for controlling a storage means, The image reading means excluding the memory control means and the external storage means, and an instruction means for instructing switching to a power saving mode in which the power supply state from the power supply unit to the image output means is in a rest state, and during the power saving mode setting by the instruction means, A storage unit that stores communication data input from the external device in the external storage unit, and cancels the power saving mode when the storage capacity of the communication data by the storage unit exceeds a preset reference capacity. An energization control unit that starts energization of the image output unit from the power source unit and sets the image output capable state is provided.
The system control unit is configured to output the communication data accumulated in the external storage unit from the image output unit to the recording medium.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the reference capacity in which the storage capacity of the communication data by the storage means for storing the communication data input from the external device in the storage means is preset while the power saving mode is set by the instructing means. If the power exceeds the power consumption, the power supply control means releases the power saving mode, starts power supply to the image output means from the power supply unit, sets the image output enabled state, and stores the data in the storage means by the system control means. The communication data from the external device is always surely accumulated by outputting the communication data from the image output means to the recording medium, and the communication data from the external device is surely accumulated even when the image output means is at rest. It is possible to output the image at a proper time and effectively operate the composite function while suppressing energization to the image output unit.

In the second invention, the system control means outputs the communication data accumulated in the storage means from the image output means to the recording medium, and then resets the power saving mode,
It is possible to reliably stop the power supply to the unnecessary image output unit.

In the third aspect of the present invention, a standard for presetting the storage capacity of the communication data by the storage means for storing the communication data input from the external device in the external storage means while the power saving mode is set by the instructing means. When the capacity is exceeded, the energization control unit cancels the power saving mode, starts energization of the image output unit from the power supply unit and sets the image output enabled state, and the system control unit sets the external storage unit. Even if the stored image data is output from the image output unit to the recording medium and the image output unit is inactive, the communication data from the external device is always stored in a reliable and large amount. Can be output from the image output means at a low frequency at appropriate times, and the combined function can be effectively operated while suppressing energization to the image output means. To.

[0013]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view for explaining the schematic arrangement of a composite image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the case of a digital copying apparatus which is roughly divided into a reader section and a printer section. Corresponding to.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a document feeder serving as a document feeding means, which feeds one by one or two sheets placed one after another to a predetermined position on the glass platen 2 of the document table. The document feeding device 1 is an RDF that circulates a document and discharges it to the original document stacking table.
Alternatively, an ADF that conveys a document in one direction and discharges it onto a paper ejection tray
It may be composed of any of

Reference numeral 4 denotes a scanner composed of a document illumination lamp 3, a scanning mirror 5 and the like. When a document is placed on the platen glass surface 2 by the document feeder 1, the scanner 4 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction. Then, the reflected light of the document passes through the lens 8 via the scanning mirrors 5 to 7 and forms an image on the image sensor unit 101.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an exposure control unit composed of a laser scanner, which irradiates the photoconductor 11 with a light beam modulated based on image data output from the image signal control unit of the controller unit CONT. Reference numerals 12 and 13 denote developing devices that visualize the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 11 with a developer (toner) of a predetermined color.

Transfer paper stacking units (pedestals) 14 and 15 stack and store recording media of a fixed size, and are fed to the position where the registration rollers 25 are arranged by driving the feed rollers and then temporarily stopped. The sheet is re-fed in a state where the image leading edge alignment timing with the image formed on the photoconductor 11 is set. Reference numeral 16 denotes a transfer separation charger, which transfers the toner image developed on the photoconductor 11 onto the transfer paper and then
It is further separated and fixed by the fixing unit 17 via the conveyor belt.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a paper discharge roller, which stacks and discharges the transferred paper on which the image has been formed on the tray 20. Reference numeral 21 denotes a direction flapper, which switches the conveyance direction of the transfer-target paper on which the image formation has been completed to the discharge port direction and the internal conveyance path direction to prepare for the multiplex / double-sided image forming process. A paper discharge sensor 19 monitors the discharged and conveyed state of the transfer target paper.

Hereinafter, the image formation on the recording medium will be described with reference to FIG.
Etc. will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the composite image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The image signal input to the image sensor unit 101 is processed by the image control unit 203 in the controller unit CONT which will be described later, and then the printer control unit 2
It reaches 06.

The signal input to the printer control unit 206 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 10 to irradiate the photoconductor 11 according to the image signal. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 11 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 12 or the developing device 13. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit 14 or the transfer paper stacking unit 15 at the timing of the latent image body, and the developed image is transferred by the transfer separation charger 16. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer target paper by the fixing unit 17, and is then ejected to the outside of the apparatus by the paper ejection roller 18.

During double-sided recording, after the transfer target paper has passed the paper discharge sensor 19, the paper discharge roller 18 is rotated in the direction opposite to the paper discharge direction. At the same time, the flapper 21 is raised upward and the copied transfer paper is stored in the intermediate tray 24 via the transport paths 22 and 23. Next, when the back surface recording process is started, the transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 24 is re-fed and the back surface is transferred.

During the multiple recording, the flapper 21 is raised and the copied transfer paper is stored in the intermediate tray 24 via the transport paths 22 and 23. Next, when the multiplex recording process is started, the transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 24 is fed and the multiplex transfer is performed.

Next, the basic block configuration of the image processing apparatus embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the basic configuration of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 200 denotes a printer unit, 20
Reference numeral 1 denotes a reading unit (reading unit) that exposes and scans an image of a document to read image information as an electric signal, and corresponds to the scanner unit, the lens, and the image sensor unit in the above-described configuration of the copying apparatus.

Reference numeral 202 denotes the controller unit CONT described above, which internally has an image control unit 203, a storage means 204, and an I / O unit.
C (not shown) having an F (interface) unit 205
It is controlled by a PU and a ROM that stores control data. Reference numeral 203 denotes an image control unit that performs image processing on the image data from the reading unit 201 based on various settings on the operation unit described above, and the image data is always passed through the image control unit 203 to each control unit. Etc. 204
Is a storage means for image data, and is the aforementioned image control unit 20.
3, and a semiconductor memory is used in this embodiment.

Reference numeral 205 denotes an I / F section with an external device 208 connected to the image processing apparatus, and communication between the image processing apparatus and the external apparatus is performed via this I / F section 205. Two
Reference numeral 06 denotes a printer control unit, which includes a CPU (not shown) and a ROM storing control data, and controls the transfer of the transfer target paper and the fixing unit. Reference numeral 10 is the above-mentioned exposure control unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control structure around the printer section of the composite image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 2, and the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 301 is an AC power source, 302 is a printer controller 206 and a controller CONT2.
02 is a DC power source that supplies power to the controller unit CONT202, and the controller unit C receives a signal from the controller unit CONT202.
The power supply to other than the ONT 202 can be cut off. Reference numeral 304 denotes sensors (not shown) used for detection of transferred paper, and 305 denotes an AC load control unit.
The driver controls the heater 306.

A motor control unit 307 includes a main motor (not shown) for driving the photoconductor 11 shown in FIG. 1 and a polygon motor (not shown) for irradiating the photoconductor 11 with light in the exposure control unit 10. Control 308.

Reference numeral 312 denotes a laser for outputting an optical signal, 30
Reference numeral 9 is a high-voltage generator, which is the transfer separation charger 16 shown in FIG.
The high voltage is supplied to the charging / developing system 310 such as the developing devices 12 and 13. Reference numeral 311 is a load such as a solenoid and a clutch. Reference numeral 313 is an AC driver for controlling a lamp 314 for illuminating an original, 316 is the above-mentioned operation unit, and 315 is various sensors attached to the scanner unit.

Reference numeral 303 is a relay for cutting off the power supply of the AC power source to the AC drivers 305 and 313 by the signal from the controller unit CONT202.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first and second inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The first invention is image reading means (reading means 201) for reading an original image, and image output means (printer section) for outputting an image on a recording medium based on original image information output from the image reading means. 200), a communication interface (interface unit 205) for communicating with an external device via a predetermined interface, and communication data input from the external device by the communication interface or document image information read by the document reading unit. Based on the storage means 204 for storing and the communication data or the document image information stored in the storage means or the document image information output from the image reading means (reading means 201), the image output means stores the data on the recording medium. An image reading means, an image output means, a memorizer so as to output an image In a composite image processing apparatus having a system control unit (controller unit 202) for controlling the above, a power supply state from a power supply unit to the image reading unit and the image output unit excluding the system control unit and the storage unit is set to a rest state. Instructing means for instructing to switch to the power saving mode (system residual heat key 5053 described later)
And a storage unit (a function of the image control unit 203) that stores communication data input from the external device 208 in the storage unit while the power saving mode is set by the instruction unit, and a storage capacity of the communication data by the storage unit. If the current exceeds the preset reference capacity, the power saving mode is canceled and the power supply unit (AC power supply 301 or the like) starts power supply to the image output unit to set the image output capable state. (Depending on the function of the controller unit 202) is provided, and during the power saving mode setting by the system residual heat key, the storage capacity of the communication data that the controller unit 202 stores in the storage unit 204 for the communication data input from the external device 208 is preset. If the reference capacity is exceeded, the controller unit 202 releases the power saving mode and the power supply unit Even if the printer unit 200 is in a stopped state, the external device is set to a state in which the power supply to the device 200 is started to set the image output possible state and the communication data stored in the storage unit 204 is output from the printer unit 200 to the recording medium. The communication data from 208 is always accumulated surely,
It is possible to output the accumulated communication data from the printer unit 200 at a suitable time and effectively operate the composite function while suppressing the energization of the printer unit 200.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the system control means (controller section 202) outputs the communication data accumulated in the storage section 204 from the image output means (printer section 200) to the recording medium, and then the power saving mode is restored. By setting, it is possible to surely stop the power supply to the unnecessary printer section 200.

Next, the data processing operation of the image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

When performing a normal copying operation, the image of the original is read by the reading means 201, and the image control unit 2
After processing the image data based on various modes set on the operation unit by 03, the image data is sent to the printer control unit 206. The signal input to the printer control unit 206 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 10 and irradiates the photoconductor 11 according to the image signal. The following is as described above.

When the image of the original is stored, the image of the original is read by the reading means 201, and the image control unit 20
After processing the image data based on the various modes set on the operation unit by 3, the image data is sent to the storage unit 204 and stored therein.

Next, data communication between the image processing apparatus and the external device 208 will be described.

When the read image is sent to the external device 208, the image of the original is read by the reading unit 201, and the image data is processed based on various modes set on the operation unit by the image control unit 203. After that, the image data is sent to the external device 208 via the I / F unit 205.

When the communication data from the external device 208 is stored, the communication data from the external device 208 is I / F.
It is input to the image control unit 203 via the unit 205 and stored in the storage unit 204.

When the communication data from the external device 208 is output to the printer unit, the communication data from the external device 208 is input to the image control unit 203 via the I / F unit 205 and then to the printer control unit 206. The image is output and the image is formed on the recording medium.

When the data in the storage means 204 is output to the printer, the image control section 203 reads desired data from the storage means and sends it to the printer control section 206 to form an image on a recording medium.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel provided in the reader section of the composite image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

First, regarding various keys on the operation panel,
The function and the like will be described.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 5001 denotes a power switch for controlling the energization of the image processing apparatus. A reset key 5002 operates as a key for returning various mode settings to the standard mode during standby. A copy start key 5003 and a clear key 5004 are used to clear the set numerical value.

Reference numeral 5005 denotes an ID key, which is the ID key 50.
By pressing 05, a copying operation can be performed for a specific operator, and for an operator other than the above, the ID key 5005
By this, the copying operation can be prohibited unless the ID is input.

Reference numeral 5006 denotes a stop key, which is used when interrupting or canceling the copy operation. Reference numeral 5007 is a guide key, which is used when it is desired to know the contents of each function.

Reference numerals 5008 and 5009 denote up and down cursor keys which move the pointer up and down on each function setting screen. Reference numerals 5011 and 5010 denote left and right cursor keys, which move the pointer to the left and right in each setting image. 5012 is OK
This is a key, and if this is acceptable on each function setting screen, press this key.

Reference numeral 5013 denotes an execution key, which is pressed to confirm and execute the output on the lower right of the display screen 5052 in each function setting screen. A fixed size reduction key 5014 is used when reducing a fixed size to another fixed size. Reference numeral 5015 is a same size key, which is used when selecting a same size copy. Reference numeral 5016 is a standard enlargement key, which is used to enlarge a standard size to another standard size.

Reference numeral 5017 is a cassette selection key for selecting the cassette stage of the transfer paper to be copied. A copy density selection key 5018 is used to reduce the copy density. An AE key 5019 automatically adjusts the copy density with respect to the density of the original.

Reference numeral 5020 denotes a copy density selection key, which is used to increase the copy density. A sorter key 5021 is a key for designating an operation mode of the sorter.

Reference numeral 5022 denotes a residual heat key, which is used to turn on / off the residual heat mode. Reference numeral 5023 is an interrupt key, which is pressed to interrupt copying during copying and perform copying. Reference numeral 5024 is a ten-key pad, which is used when inputting a numerical value.

Reference numeral 5025 is a marker processing key for setting trimming, masking, and partial processing (contour, mesh, shadow, negative / positive). Reference numeral 5026 denotes a patterning key, which is used when patternizing a color and expressing it or expressing a color by a density difference. 5027 is a color erase key,
It is used when you want to erase a specific color by the process described below.

An image quality key 5028 is used when setting the image quality. 5029 is a negative-positive key,
Used when doing negative / positive. Reference numeral 5030 denotes an image create key, which is pressed when performing contouring, shadowing processing, halftone processing, italics, mirror image, and image repeat.

Reference numeral 5031 is a trimming key, which is used when an area is designated and trimming is performed. 5032
Is a masking key, which is used to specify an area and perform masking. 5033 is a partial processing key,
Specify an area and then set partial processing (contour, mesh, shadow, negative / positive, etc.).

A frame erasing key 5034 is used to erase the frame according to the mode. In this embodiment, the modes are sheet frame erasing (processing for creating a frame for a sheet size), original frame erasing (original size designation processing for creating a frame according to the original size), and book frame erasing (book Book spread size specification process that creates a frame and a blank in the center according to the spread size). 503
A binding margin key 5 is used to create a binding margin at one end of the paper.

Reference numeral 5036 denotes a move key, which is used when it is desired to move. The movement in this embodiment includes parallel movement (up and down, left and right), center movement, corner movement, and designated movement (point movement).

Reference numeral 5037 denotes a zoom key, which can set the copy magnification from 25% to 400% in 1% increments. Also,
Main scanning and sub scanning can be set independently.

Reference numeral 5038 denotes an automatic variable magnification key, which automatically enlarges or reduces the size of the transfer paper in accordance with its size. Further, the main scanning and the sub-scanning can be automatically scaled independently.

Reference numeral 5039 denotes an enlargement continuous shooting key, which is used when an original is enlarged into a plurality of sheets for copying. A reduction layout key 5040 is used when two originals are enlarged or reduced to one and copied. It is also used when enlarging / reducing four originals for copying.

Reference numeral 5043 denotes a continuous shooting key, which is used when the copying area on the platen glass surface is divided into two and automatic copying is to be performed (continuous copying on both sides, continuous copying on both sides). , 5044 are double-sided keys, which are used when both-sided output is desired (single-sided double-sided, page continuous shooting both-sided, double-sided both-sided).

Reference numeral 5045 denotes a multiplex key, which is used when multiplexing is desired (multiplexing, page continuous multiplex). 5046
Is an MC key, which is used when using a memory card. Reference numeral 5047 is a projector key, which is used when the projector is used. Reference numeral 5048 denotes a printer key, which is used when setting at the time of printing.

Reference numeral 5050 denotes a document mixed loading key, which is used when the document sizes are mixed when copying is performed using the feeder. Reference numeral 5051 denotes a mode memory key, which is used for registering the copy mode set for copy or for calling the registered copy mode. Fifty
Reference numeral 52 is a display screen for displaying the device status, the number of copies, the copy magnification, and the copy paper size.
Display the contents to be set.

Reference numeral 5053 denotes a system residual heat key, which operates only the external interface and its peripheral circuits and stops the control unit for copying.
Used for N / OFF. Reference numeral 5054 denotes a power display unit, which lights up when the power switch 5001 is in an ON state and is OFF
Turns off when in the state.

The process after the system residual heat key 5053 on the operation panel is pressed will be described in detail below.

When the system residual heat key 5053 is pressed,
A control signal is sent from the controller unit CONT 202 shown in FIG. 2 to the DC power source 302 to shut off the power supply to the reading unit 201, the printer control unit 206 and the exposure control unit 10, and also controls the relay 303. A signal is sent and the AC power supply to the AC drivers 305 and 313 is cut off.

As a result of the above operation, it is the DC power source 302 and the controller CON that are electrically operating thereafter.
Only T202 occurs and the system is in the state of residual heat.

In this state, the external device 2 shown in FIG.
Only the operation between 08 and the controller unit CONT202 is possible, and all communication data sent from the external device 208 is input to the image control unit 203 via the I / F unit 205 and stored in the storage unit 204. The image control unit 203 always confirms the amount of data stored in the storage unit 204. When the amount of data is 70% or less of the storage capacity of the storage unit 204, the system residual heat state is maintained and exceeds 70%. In this case, the system residual heat state is released, a control signal is sent from the controller unit (CONT) 202 shown in FIG. 3 to the DC power supply 302, and the reading unit 201, the printer control unit 206, and the exposure control unit 10 are sent. While the power supply is released, the control signal is also sent to the relay 303 to disconnect the AC power supply to the AC drivers 305 and 313.

As a result, the entire device is brought into an electrically operable state. After that, the mode of outputting the data of the storage means 204 to the printer is executed, and after the output is completed, the data stored in the storage means 204 is erased, and the above operation is performed again to automatically bring the system into the state of system residual heat. Return. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the basic arrangement of a composite image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the above embodiment, the storage means 204 is arranged in the controller section CONT202.
In this embodiment, the storage unit 204 is replaced by the external storage device 204A.
2 is the difference from the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and the basic data processing as another image processing apparatus is the first
It is similar to the embodiment.

With such a configuration, unlike the above-described embodiment, the storage capacity of the external storage device 204A can be freely selected without considering the arrangement space in the housing and the large capacity. A storage device can be connected.

When the amount of data communication with the external device 208 is large, the configuration of this embodiment is used, and by connecting a large-capacity storage device, the storage data amount of the storage device described in the first embodiment is used. The frequency of automatic removal of system residual heat is reduced, and further power saving can be realized.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the third invention and its operation will be described below with reference to FIGS.

A third invention is an image reading means (reading means 201) for reading an original image, and an image output means (printer section) for outputting an image on a recording medium based on the original image information output from the image reading means. 200), a communication interface (interface unit 205) for communicating with an external device via a predetermined interface, and communication data input from the external device by the communication interface or document image information read by the document reading unit. An external storage device 204A for storing the communication data, the document image information, or the image reading means (reading means 20) stored in the external storage device 204A.
1) system control means (controller section 202) for controlling the image reading means, the image output means, and the storage means so that the image output means outputs an image to the recording medium based on the document image information output from 1). In the composite image processing apparatus having the instruction means for instructing switching to a power saving mode in which the power supply state from the power supply unit to the image reading means and the image output means excluding the system control means and the storage means is set to a rest state (system described later). The residual heat key 5053), a storage unit (a function of the image control unit 203) that stores communication data input from the external device 208 in the external storage device 204A while the power saving mode is set by the instruction unit, and the storage unit. If the communication data storage capacity exceeds a preset reference capacity, An energization control unit (depending on the function of the controller unit 202) is provided for canceling the mode and starting energization of the image output unit from the power supply unit (AC power supply 301 or the like) to set the image output possible state. When the storage capacity of the communication data by the storage means for storing the communication data input from the external device in the external storage device 204A exceeds the preset reference capacity during the power saving mode setting by the controller unit 202, The mode is released and the power supply unit starts energizing the image output unit to set the image output capable state, and the printer unit 200 outputs the communication data accumulated in the external storage unit 204A to the recording medium, Even when the printer unit 200 is in a rest state, communication data from the external device 208 is always reliably stored in a large amount. ; Then, the accumulated communication data by timely output less frequently from the printer unit 200, while suppressing the power supply to the printer unit 200, makes it possible to effectively operate multiple functions.

The system residual heat treatment operation in the composite image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the system residual heat treatment procedure in the composite image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

When the system residual heat key 5053 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed (1), the controller section 202 sets the system state to the power saving mode (2), and the printer section 200,
The power supply to the reader unit (reading means 201) is stopped (3), and a standby state for receiving communication data from the external device 208 is set (4).

When communication data is received in this state, the amount of data (including communication data) already stored in the storage means 204 is compared with a preset reference capacity, and the stored data amount is below the reference capacity. It is determined whether or not there is (5), and if YES, the communication data is stored in the memory means 204 in the power saving mode setting state (6), and the end of communication data is determined (7). If NO, go to step (4). return,
If YES, the process ends.

On the other hand, when the determination in step (5) is NO, there is a situation in which a considerable amount of communication data or the like is stored in the storage means 204 and the subsequent communication data cannot be received. Predicting that this will occur, the controller unit 202 cancels the power saving mode being set (8), starts energizing the printer unit 200 (9), and the printer unit 2
When 00 becomes printable (10), the storage means 20
The communication data stored in No. 4 is read out in the storage state and printed out by the printer unit 200 (11).

Next, the amount of data (including communication data) already accumulated in the storage means 204 is compared with a preset reference capacity, and the accumulated data amount is compared with the reference capacity (the reference capacity of step (5) above). Is less than or equal to a different value) (12), and if YES, the process returns to step (2) to set the power saving mode again, and if NO, the process returns to step (11) and the communication accumulated from the storage means 204 is returned. Continue printing data.

[0084]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, when the storage capacity of the communication data by the storage means for storing the communication data input from the external device in the storage means exceeds the preset reference capacity while the power saving mode is set by the instructing means. The energization control unit releases the power saving mode to start energization of the image output unit from the power supply unit to set an image output possible state, and the communication data stored in the storage unit by the system control unit is set. Since the image output means outputs the recording data to the recording medium, the communication data from the external device is always surely accumulated, and the accumulated communication data is outputted from the image output means at a proper time to suppress the energization to the image output means. ,
Combined functions can be operated effectively.

In the second invention, the system control means outputs the communication data accumulated in the storage means from the image output means to the recording medium, and then resets the power saving mode,
It is possible to reliably stop the power supply to the unnecessary image output means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the storage capacity of the communication data by the storage means for storing the communication data input from the external device in the external storage means while the power saving mode is set by the instructing means is preset. When the capacity is exceeded, the energization control unit cancels the power saving mode, starts energization of the image output unit from the power supply unit and sets the image output enabled state, and the system control unit sets the external storage unit. Since the accumulated communication data is output from the image output means to the recording medium, the communication data from the external device is always reliably accumulated in a large amount,
It is possible to output the stored communication data from the image output means at a low frequency in a timely manner, and to effectively operate the composite function while significantly suppressing the energization of the image output means.

Therefore, there is an effect that power saving can be realized with an inexpensive structure without deteriorating each function of the combination.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a composite image processing apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the composite image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration around a printer unit of the composite image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel provided in the reader section of the composite image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a composite image processing apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a system residual heat treatment procedure in the composite image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 200 printer unit 201 reading unit 202 controller unit 203 image control unit 204 storage unit 206 printer control unit 208 external device

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image reading unit for reading an original image,
An image output unit that outputs an image to a recording medium based on the document image information output from the image reading unit, a communication interface that communicates with an external device via a predetermined interface, and this communication interface is input from the external device. Storage means for storing the communicated communication data or the document image information read from the image reading means, and the communication data stored in the storage means or the document image information or the document image information output from the image reading means. In a composite image processing apparatus having an image reading means, an image output means, and a system control means for controlling the storage means so as to output an image to the recording medium based on the image output means, the system control means and the storage means are provided. From the power source section for the image reading means and the image output means that have been removed Instructing means for instructing to switch to a power saving mode in which the power supply state is in a resting state, accumulating means for accumulating communication data input from the external device in the storing means during setting of the power saving mode by the instructing means, and this accumulating means When the storage capacity of the communication data exceeds the preset reference capacity, the power-saving mode is released, the power-supply unit starts power-supply to the image output unit, and sets the image output-enabled state. Means, and the communication data stored in the storage means is output from the image output means to the recording medium by the system control means. 2. The composite image processing according to claim 1, wherein the system control unit resets the power saving mode after the communication data stored in the storage unit is output from the image output unit to the recording medium. apparatus. 3. An image reading means for reading an original image,
An image output unit that outputs an image to a recording medium based on the document image information output from the image reading unit, a communication interface that communicates with an external device through a predetermined interface, and the communication interface that is input from the external device. External storage means for storing the communication data that has been read or the document image information read from the image reading means,
The image reading means and the image so that the image output means outputs the image to the recording medium based on the communication data stored in the external storage means or the original image information or the original image information output from the image reading means. A composite image processing apparatus having an output means and a system control means for controlling an external storage means, wherein the image reading means excluding the system control means and the external storage means,
Instructing means for instructing switching to the power saving mode in which the power supply state from the power supply unit to the image output means is in a rest state,
When the power saving mode is set by the instructing means, the storage means for storing the communication data input from the outside in the external storage means, and the storage capacity of the communication data by the storage means exceeds a preset reference capacity. And an energization control unit for releasing the power saving mode and starting energization of the image output unit from the power supply unit to set the image output capable state, and the system control unit stores the data in the external storage unit. A composite image processing apparatus, wherein communication data is output from an image output means to a recording medium.