JPH10294811A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an image processor that enhances a composite function through the addition of functional components to reduce power consumption efficiently even when no functional component is added. SOLUTION: The image processing unit is provided with two power supply sections as a usual power application use power supply section 112 for usual power application and an operation display power supply section 113 and with a required time power application use power supply section 118 conducting power as required only, and the usual power application use power supply section 112 supplies power to a 1st communication control section 116A that is removable from the processor. Thus, when a communication equipment is not mounted to the processor, only the power application and an operation display power supply section 113 that supplies power to an operation display section 117 usually is active so as to reduce the power consumption. The communication equipment is divided into the 1st communication control section 116A and a 2nd communication control section 116B to which power is supplied as required and the power saving is attained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of reading and recording an image and communicating the image with another apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus having a power saving function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As various image processing apparatuses are used in offices and homes, an increase in their power consumption has become a problem. For this reason, various devices have been devised to reduce the power consumed by these image processing apparatuses.

FIG. 10 shows a conventional image processing apparatus designed to save power. This image processing apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-37615, and includes two power supply units, a main power supply unit 11 and a sub power supply unit 12. These power supply units 11 and 12 are connected to the power switch 1
3 is connected to a commercial power supply (not shown).

The main power supply unit 11 is a power supply having a large capacity, and supplies power to each unit 14 in the apparatus and also supplies power to a master CPU (central processing unit) 15. The sub power supply unit 12 is a power supply unit having a relatively small capacity, and supplies power to the operation display unit 16 including operation keys and a display unit of the image processing apparatus and the slave CPU 17. The sub power supply section 12 is always supplied with power when the power switch 13 is turned on.

[0005] The slave CPU 17 detects, for example, when the operator performs a predetermined operation from the operation display section 16 or receives an incoming call from a partner station (not shown).
Then ring the attached telephone (not shown).
A copy control signal for outputting a ringing control signal 21 for operating a start switch for outputting an image, and a copy switch control signal for operating a copy switch for starting copying. 23, or a document insertion control signal 2 for inserting a document into a scanner (not shown) for image transmission.
5 is output. Further, the slave CPU 17 sends out a control start signal 25 to the main power supply 11 at a predetermined timing in order to activate each of the above-mentioned units 14, and starts the control based on the control start signal 25.

FIG. 11 shows a case where the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-37615 is applied to an image processing apparatus having a copying function and a facsimile function. The image processing apparatus includes two power supply units, a power supply unit 31 when necessary corresponding to the output power supply unit 11 shown in FIG. 10 and a power supply 32 for a constant power supply unit corresponding to the sub power supply unit 12. Is supplied with power from a commercial power supply (not shown) via a power switch 33.
When necessary, the power supply unit 31 is composed of a relatively large-capacity power supply. The power supply unit 31 supplies power to the units 34 such as an exposure lamp and a fixing power supply in the image processing apparatus when necessary, and controls a copying function. The power is also supplied to the copying function control unit 35 as a circuit part to perform the power supply in a time zone required by them.

The power supply 32 for the constantly energized portion is a relatively small-capacity power supply, and supplies power to the operation display section 36 and the first communication control section 37A in the communication control section 37. The reason why the power is always supplied to the operation display unit 36 is that the operation display unit 36 can always cope with the operation of the operator. The reason why power is always supplied to the first communication control section 37A is to be able to always respond to an incoming call. The communication control section 37 includes a second communication control section 37B as a circuit section that can cope with late power supply, in addition to the first communication control section 37A. The first communication control section 37A is provided with
The control start signal 39 is transmitted in response to the power supply at the stage where the power supply is required, thereby enabling the power supply to the main part later.

[0008]

As described above, the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 11 is provided with one power supply 32 for the always-on portion, and the operation display section 36 and the first communication control section 37A.
Are supplied from the same place. However, an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as communication and recording or copying as shown in this example is not necessarily commercialized in a form in which the plurality of functions are completed, and some functions are optional. It may take an additional form. Providing an image processing device with only the functions required by the user, and adding options as needed for functions that are required later, is used in order to prevent the purchase of useless functional components. Is beneficial to the elderly.

However, in the conventional image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 11, regardless of whether the communication control unit 37 is incorporated in the apparatus as an option or not, the power supply 32 for the always energized portion is used.
Was incorporated into the device. Since the power supply 32 for the constantly energized portion is also used as a power supply when the communication control unit 37 is incorporated in the device in the future, its capacity is large enough to supply power to the communication control unit 37. Is set to Therefore, in a state where the communication control unit 37 is not incorporated in the device, the power supply 32 for the constantly energized portion is larger than that for the sole use for the operation display unit 36, and the power consumption is unnecessarily large. Not only that, but for users who do not plan to incorporate the communication control unit 37 into the device in the future, there is a problem that the cost of the power supply increases.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of exhibiting a complex function by adding a functional component, and capable of efficiently reducing power consumption even when no functional component is added. Is to provide.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, (a) an image reading means for reading an image;
(B) recording means for recording an image; and (c) component parts that are added as necessary, wherein the power is constantly supplied in the added state to perform image communication with a partner station and to perform communication. When the image reading means or the recording means needs to be operated according to the obtained result, the first instruction is given.
(D) It is necessary to control the operation of each part by always being supplied with power from a power supply system different from the communication means, and to operate the image reading means or the recording means accordingly. An operation control unit for generating a second operation instruction signal for instructing the operation, and (e) supplying power to the corresponding image reading unit or recording unit when any of the first and second operation instruction signals is generated. The image processing apparatus is provided with power supply start control means for starting.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the communication means and the operation control means, which are additional components as required, are always supplied with power by separate power supply systems, so that the communication means is provided to the apparatus. A multifunction function is provided to reduce the size of the power supply and reduce power consumption when it is not mounted, and to start power supply to the image reading unit and the recording unit at the separate request of the communication unit and the operation control unit. To reduce power consumption in the device.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention described in claim 1 described above can be further extended to some embodiments.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the communication means generates a first operation instruction signal to the recording means when receiving data relating to the image from the partner station, and the operation control means It is characterized in that a second operation instruction signal is generated when any input for operation is made. In other words, power supply is started at the time when the necessary conditions for the respective power supply occur, thereby enabling a small power control.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the communication means is a first communication control unit which is always supplied with power, and the communication unit is delayed at a predetermined timing when the first communication control unit is energized. And a second communication control unit which is started to be energized. For example, if the receiving means and the transmitting means are provided in the communication means, the transmitting means and the reading means conflict in operation, so that the transmitting means is supplied with power when it becomes necessary, and only the receiving means is used. By always supplying power, the effect of power saving can be promoted. A similar effect can be obtained by removing other communication circuit parts that are not required for incoming calls from the parts that are always supplied with power.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this image processing apparatus, a platen glass 102 is horizontally disposed above an apparatus main body 101, and a platen cover 10 that can be opened and closed freely.
3 is located on this top. An image reading unit (not shown) is arranged inside the apparatus main body 101, and a document (not shown) placed on the platen glass 102 is read by the image reading unit. Device body 1
01, a cassette tray 104 is inserted. Similarly, an image recording unit including a photosensitive drum (not shown) arranged inside the apparatus main body 101 includes:
The image read by the image reading unit is transferred to the cassette tray 104.
Is recorded on the paper sent from the company. The sheet after the recording is discharged onto the discharge tray 105.

A communication device 10 is provided on the side of the device main body 101.
6 can be detachably mounted. When this communication device 106 is mounted, a modular cable is connected to the communication socket 107, and connection to a line is made, facsimile transmission / reception is enabled. When the communication device 106 is not attached to the device main body 101, the image processing device simply exerts a copy function of copying a document placed on the platen glass 102.

A power cable 109 is attached to the back of the image processing apparatus. When the power cable 109 is connected to a commercial power supply, the operation display section 110 and the communication apparatus 106 arranged at the upper front of the apparatus main body 101 are connected to the power cable 109. Power is always supplied. Although not shown, various buttons or key switches such as a start button and a liquid crystal display are arranged on the operation display unit 110, so that the operator can perform various operations and display data necessary for the operations and the like. It has become.

FIG. 2 shows the principle configuration of the image processing apparatus. This image processing apparatus includes a power switch 111 having one end connected to the power cable 109 shown in FIG. The other end of the power switch 111 is connected to a power supply unit 112 for a normal energizing portion and a power supply unit 113 for an operation display.
, And the power supply input terminal of the power supply relay 114. The power supply section 112 for the normal energizing section is a first communication control section 116 of the sections for controlling communication.
This is for supplying power to A. Power supply for operation display 1
Reference numeral 13 is for supplying power to the operation display unit 117 used for various operations of the image processing apparatus. When the power supply relay 114 is excited, the power supply relay 114 supplies power to the power supply section for power supply section 118 when necessary, which is connected to the power supply output terminal side. Power supply section 118 for energized part when necessary
Is a copy function control unit 119 having both functions of reading and recording an image, and a second function control unit for controlling communication.
And a power supply to the communication control portion 116B of the device and each unit 121 in the device. The second communication control part 116B is always distinguished from the first communication control part 116A as a part to which power is supplied, in that power is supplied as needed.

In this embodiment, the first communication control section 116A
Is connected to a telephone line (not shown). Each time a facsimile is received from any of the other terminals via this telephone line, the facsimile is detected and the logic level is set to H (high)
A first operation instruction signal 131 of a level is generated. The operation display unit 117 includes keys and switches for the operator to perform various operations, and a liquid crystal display. When any one of the keys and switches is operated, the operation is detected and the logic is similarly determined. The second operation instruction signal 132 having the same H level
Is caused to occur. These first and second operation instruction signals 131 and 132 are supplied to a two-input OR gate 133.
And a logical sum of the two is obtained, whereby an H-level relay operation instruction signal 134 is supplied to the power supply relay 114.
, Is excited.
However, the two-input OR gate 133 is connected to the operation display unit 117 or the first communication control unit 116 as described later.
This is a logical representation of the internal processing of A, and does not exist in the apparatus of this embodiment.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus of this embodiment,
If the power switch 111 is turned on, the power supply unit 112 and the second communication control unit 116B are always supplied with power. After that, when the relay operation instruction signal 134 is output from the two-input OR gate 133, the power supply relay 114 is excited to supply power to the second communication control unit 116B and the copy function control unit 119. become. Second communication control part 116B
Is a circuit portion for communication control excluding a circuit portion necessary for receiving data from the outside, and is constituted by a circuit portion required only for data transmission, for example.

The copying function control unit 119 reads the image information on the document placed on the platen glass 102 shown in FIG.
And a recording device for recording on the sheet sent from the cassette tray 104 shown in FIG. The reading device is provided with circuit components such as a motor for transporting the document, an exposure lamp for performing illumination for reading image information on the document, and a one-dimensional image sensor. It is supposed to do.
The recording apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum (not shown) using a laser beam, and develops a motor for driving components such as the photosensitive drum and the electrostatic latent image. When a heat roll or a fuser for fixing the toner image obtained on the sheet to the sheet is energized, an image is recorded and the sheet after recording is discharged.

FIG. 3 shows a main part of the circuit configuration of the operation display unit of this embodiment. The operation display unit 117 is in a state where the communication device 106 shown in FIG.
A display CPU (central processing unit) 141 for performing overall control in addition to control for operation display is provided. The display CPU 141 communicates with the ROM 14 through the bus 142.
3, the working memory 144, the input circuit 145, the display control circuit 146, the timer circuit 147, and the I / O (input / output) port 148.

Here, the ROM 143 stores a control procedure for performing general control and display control of the image processing apparatus in a state where the communication apparatus 106 is not mounted, and fixed data such as display fonts. The lead
Only memory. The work memory 144 is a random access memory that temporarily stores various data required when the display CPU 141 is controlled. Although not shown, the input circuit 145 is connected to keys and switches, and is a circuit for inputting operation data. The display control circuit 146 is a circuit for visually displaying necessary information on a liquid crystal display (not shown). Timer circuit 1
Reference numeral 47 denotes a timer for performing a timekeeping operation for generating a first release instruction signal for stopping energization of the circuit device once energized.

The I / O port 148 outputs data or commands to other circuit devices to be controlled other than the operation display unit 117 shown in FIG. 2, and inputs data or commands from these other circuit devices. Port.

The first communication control part 1 shown in FIG.
16A and the copy function control unit 119 have their own CPUs, and control the respective circuit parts. Therefore, the display CPU 141 does not perform detailed control of the copy function control unit 119 when the first communication control unit 116A is not connected to the image processing apparatus. Also, the first communication control part 116A
The CPU (communication CPU) provided in the communication device 10
6 is mounted on the image processing apparatus, the display CPU 141
Instead, overall control of the image processing apparatus is performed. The determination whether or not the communication device 106 is mounted on the image processing apparatus is initially performed when the power switch 111 is turned on. As a result of this,
If it is determined that the communication device 106 is not mounted on the image processing device, the display CPU 141 performs overall control, and if the communication device 106 is mounted, the communication CPU performs overall control. Will do.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of a circuit configuration of the first and second communication control parts. First and second
The communication control sections 116A and 116B include a communication CPU 151 for controlling these operations and controlling the entire image processing apparatus in a predetermined case. Communication CPU 151
Is the ROM 153 and the working memory 1 via the bus 152
54, the communication control circuit 155, the timer circuit 156, and the first and second I / O ports 157 and 158. The ROM 153, the working memory 154, and the timer circuit 156 are functionally the same as the corresponding circuits in FIG. Communication control circuit 155
Is connected to a line 161 to transmit and receive facsimile data to and from another facsimile apparatus or computer. First I / O port 15
Reference numeral 7 mainly connects a circuit part constituting the second communication control part 116B to the bus 152. The second I / O port 157 is used to exchange necessary data with other circuit parts of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows a state of control for canceling power saving of the image processing apparatus to which the communication device is attached. The communication CPU 151 shown in FIG. 4 monitors whether an incoming call for facsimile communication has been performed via the communication control circuit 155 (step S10).
1). Further, whether any key or switch on the operation display unit 117 shown in FIG.
Monitoring is performed based on the presence / absence of the operation start signal 131 input from Step 17 (Step S102). When an incoming call for facsimile communication is performed (step S101; Y),
The communication CPU 151 performs reception processing of facsimile data according to the procedure written in the ROM 153 (step S103). Then, a relay excitation signal is generated at a predetermined timing of this processing (step S104). This relay excitation signal is substantially the same as the first operation instruction signal 131 shown in FIG. This relay excitation signal is input to an excitation control circuit (not shown), and the power supply relay 114 shown in FIG. 2 is excited.

When the power supply relay 114 is energized, the power supply section 118 for the energized portion is activated when necessary, and the copy function control section 1 is activated.
19 and the second communication control section 116B and the power supply to each unit 121 in the apparatus are started. As a result, the image data sent from the communication partner is recorded.

On the other hand, if any key or switch of the operation display unit 117 is operated before the facsimile is received (Step S102; Y), a relay excitation signal is immediately generated in this case (Step S10).
4). This is because there is a possibility that an operation for immediately starting reading of an image for copying or recording of the read image has been performed. The relay excitation signal at this time is substantially the same as the second operation instruction signal 132 shown in FIG. When the power supply relay 114 is energized, the power supply section 118 for the current supply section is activated when necessary, as described above, and the copy function control section 119 and the second communication control section 11 are operated.
6B and power supply to each unit 121 in the apparatus are started. Thus, the first and second operation instruction signals 13
Regardless of which of the relay excitation signals 1 and 132 is generated, the relay excitation signal is generated in the form of the logical sum of these signals, and the supply of power to necessary circuit parts is started. Will be.

FIG. 6 shows a state of control for starting the power saving of the image processing apparatus to which the communication device is attached. The communication CPU 151 shown in FIG. 4 performs a copying operation using a reading device or a recording device,
Then, it is checked whether facsimile reception using the recording device has been completed (step S201). When this is completed, the timer circuit 15 shown in FIG.
6 starts a timekeeping operation for starting power saving (step S202). This timing operation is continued until the time reaches a preset time and a timeout occurs (step S204), unless the timing is canceled in the middle (step S203). Here, the cancellation of the timekeeping operation is performed by the facsimile reception in step S101 shown in FIG. 5 or the operation of the operation display unit 117 in step S102. Once the timekeeping operation is canceled, the process returns to step S201, and the timekeeping operation by the timer circuit 156 is not started until the copying operation or the communication operation ends. Also,
When the timer operation is canceled in step S203, the timer operation of the timer circuit 156 is reset, and the timer operation is started again from the beginning.

When the timer circuit 156 times out (step S204; Y), the communication CPU 151 sends a relay demagnetization signal from the second I / O port 158 to the excitation control circuit (step S205), and the power supply relay The excitation of 114 (FIG. 2) will be released. As a result, power supply to the second communication control unit 116B and the copy function control unit 119 shown in FIG. 2 is stopped.

FIG. 7 shows the principle configuration of the circuit configuration when no communication device is attached to the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. Since the description has been made with reference to FIG. Since the communication device 106 shown in FIG. 1 is not mounted on the image processing apparatus, the operation display unit 1 is always energized.
17, and the power supply unit 113 for operation display supplies this power supply. The copy function control unit 119 is supplied with power only when necessary from the power supply unit for energized portion 118 when necessary.

FIG. 8 shows a state of control for canceling power saving of the image processing apparatus in a state where no communication apparatus is attached. Display CPU 1 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 41 denotes an operation display unit 117 via a display control circuit 146.
It is monitored whether any key or switch has been operated (step S301). Then, the operation display unit 1
If any one of the keys or switches 17 is operated (Y), a relay excitation signal is generated (step S302). As a result, as described above, the power supply unit 118 for the energized portion is activated when necessary, and the power supply to the copy function control unit 119 is started.

FIG. 9 shows a state of control for starting power saving of the image processing apparatus in a state where the communication apparatus is not attached. Display CPU shown in FIG.
141 checks whether the copying operation using the reading device or the recording device has been completed (step S40).
1). Then, at the end of this, the timer circuit 147 shown in FIG. 3 starts a timekeeping operation for starting power saving (step S402). This timing operation is performed unless the timing is canceled during the operation (step S40).
3) Continue until a preset time is reached and timeout occurs (step S404). The cancellation of the timing operation is performed by operating the operation display unit 117 in step S102 shown in FIG. Once the timer operation is canceled, the process returns to step S401, and the timer circuit 147 does not start the timer operation until the copying operation ends. When the timekeeping operation is canceled in step S403, the timekeeping of the timer circuit 147 is reset, so that the timekeeping operation is started again from the beginning.

When the timer circuit 147 times out (step S404; Y), the display CPU 141 sends a relay demagnetization signal from the I / O port 148 to the excitation control circuit (step S405), and the power relay 11
4 (FIG. 2) will be released. As a result, the power supply to the copying function control unit 119 shown in FIG. 2 is stopped.

In the above-described embodiment, any key or switch is operated as a condition for operating the power supply unit 118 when necessary by operating the operation display unit 117. When necessary, a power supply section 118 for a power supply portion is provided on condition that a key or a switch of a specific function required to start power supply such as start of copying is operated.
May be activated. The operation display unit 11
7, the second communication control unit 11
6B immediately or the copy function control unit 119
It is also possible to perform control such that power is supplied with a delay of a predetermined time from the operation of the operation display unit 117.

Further, in the present embodiment, for example, when the facsimile is received, the copying function control unit 119 is energized all at once. Since the operation of the apparatus is unnecessary, it is possible to control the energization of only the recording apparatus to further save power.
Similarly, when the operator operates the operation display unit 117 only to copy the image information once stored in the image processing apparatus, the operation contents are analyzed to turn on only the recording apparatus, for example. It is also possible to save power by operating the system.

[0041]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the portion which is always energized is separated into the communication means detachable from the apparatus and the image reading means and the recording means originally provided in the apparatus. By making the former always energized part detachable from the image processing apparatus integrally with the communication means, it is possible to further reduce the size and cost of the image processing apparatus at the stage without the communication means. There is.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the communication control unit is divided into the first communication control unit which is always supplied with power and the second communication control unit which is energized when necessary, so that large power is required for transmission. In the case of such a device, there is an effect that the power saving effect can be particularly increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a principle configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of a circuit configuration of an operation display unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a circuit configuration of first and second communication control units.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a state of control for canceling power saving of the image processing apparatus to which the communication apparatus is attached in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a state of control for starting power saving of the image processing apparatus to which the communication apparatus is attached in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a principle configuration of a circuit configuration in a state where a communication device is not attached to the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a state of control for canceling power saving of the image processing apparatus in a state where the communication apparatus is not attached.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a state of control for starting power saving of the image processing apparatus in a state where the communication apparatus is not attached.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional image processing device devised to save power.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an apparatus configuration when a conventionally proposed technique is applied to an image processing apparatus having a copying function and a facsimile function.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 106 denotes a communication device, 111 denotes a power switch, 112 denotes a power supply unit for a normal energized portion, 113 denotes a power supply unit for operation display, 11
4 ... power relay, 116A ... first communication control part, 1
16B: second communication control section, 117: operation display section, 1
18: power supply section for energized portion when necessary 119: copy function control section 141: display CPU, 143, 153: ROM,
151: Communication CPU

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Ryuichiro Kobayashi, Inventor 3-7-1, Fuchu, Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image reading means for reading an image, a recording means for recording an image, and a component part added as necessary, wherein a power supply is constantly supplied in an added state and the power supply is constantly connected to a partner station. Communication means for performing communication of images at the same time and generating a first operation instruction signal for instructing the image reading means or the recording means when it is necessary to operate the image reading means or the recording means in accordance with the result obtained by the communication; Is an operation in which power is always supplied from a different power supply system to control the operation of each unit and to generate a second operation instruction signal for instructing the operation of the image reading unit or the recording unit when the operation is necessary. Control means; and power supply start control means for starting power supply to the corresponding image reading means or recording means when one of the first and second operation instruction signals is generated. The image processing apparatus according to claim. 2. The communication means generates a first operation instruction signal to the recording means when receiving data relating to an image from a partner station, and the operation control means executes a first operation instruction signal when any input for operation is received. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus generates a second operation instruction signal. 3. The communication unit includes a first communication control unit that is constantly supplied with power, and a second communication control unit that starts energization later at a predetermined timing when the first communication control unit is energized. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: