JP2007180989A - Compound image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compound image processor capable of reducing unneeded power consumption as much as possible and quickly using a copying function and a printer function when needed. <P>SOLUTION: In the compound image processor provided with a power feeding control means 21 for controlling power feeding for each function block divided on the basis of a plurality of image processing modes, and a power-saving control means 22 for stopping or limiting normal power feeding by the power feeding control means 21 when a predetermined power-saving mode transition condition is established and restarting the normal power feeding by the power feeding control means 21 when a predetermined power-saving mode restoration condition is established, the power-saving control means 22 performs control so as to normally feed the power to all of function blocks by the power feeding control means 21 and later, normally feed the power only to a required function block on the basis of a selected image processing mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides power supply control means for controlling power supply for each functional block divided based on a plurality of image processing modes, and stops or restricts normal power supply by the power supply control means when a predetermined power saving mode transition condition is satisfied, The present invention relates to a composite image processing apparatus including power saving control means for resuming normal power feeding by the power feeding control means when a predetermined power saving mode return condition is satisfied.

  In recent years, composite image processing apparatuses having a copying function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, a printer function, and the like have become widespread.

  The composite image processing apparatus includes: a power supply control unit that performs power supply control for each functional block divided based on a plurality of image processing modes; and a normal power supply by the power supply control unit when a predetermined power saving mode transition condition is satisfied or Attempts have been made to reduce unnecessary power consumption as much as possible by providing power saving control means that limits and resumes normal power feeding by the power feeding control means when a predetermined power saving mode return condition is satisfied.

  In order to further reduce power consumption, Patent Document 1 does not return from the energy saving state unless the copy button, document box button, fax button, printer button, and scanner button provided for each function are selected and pressed. In addition, a technique has been proposed in which only a part necessary for operating a selected function is restored.

  On the other hand, when the composite image processing apparatus forms an image on a recording paper as a copying function or a printer function, for example, the toner image transferred from the photosensitive member to the recording paper is fixed at a predetermined temperature. It is fixed on the recording paper by heating and melting with a roller. In order to heat the fixing roller to a predetermined temperature, usually, a certain amount of time is required after power is turned on to a heater or the like for heating the fixing roller.

JP 2004-222234 A

  In the above-described conventional technology, for example, immediately before using the copying function or the printer function, power is supplied to a portion necessary for operating the copying function or the printer function, that is, a heater for heating the fixing roller. Become. For this reason, when the user uses the copying function or the printer function, it is necessary to wait for the time until the processing is started, that is, the time for heating the fixing roller to a predetermined temperature. It was a problem that wasted time more than necessary. In other words, simply placing a document on the platen to make a copy does not restore the energy-saving state, but if you are unfamiliar with the operation to return from the energy-saving mode only after selecting one of the functions, In particular, there is a problem that it takes a long time to start copying and causes a reduction in business efficiency.

  In view of the above-described conventional drawbacks, the present invention provides a composite image processing apparatus that can reduce unnecessary power consumption as much as possible and can quickly use a copying function and a printer function when necessary. The point is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first characteristic configuration of the composite image processing apparatus according to the present invention is a function divided based on a plurality of image processing modes as described in claim 1 of the document of the claims. Power supply control means for performing power supply control for each block, and normal power supply by the power supply control means is stopped or restricted when a predetermined power saving mode transition condition is satisfied, and normal power supply by the power supply control means is satisfied when a predetermined power saving mode return condition is satisfied A composite image processing apparatus configured to include power saving control means for resuming power supply, wherein the power saving control means is configured to apply a power saving control means to all functional blocks when the power saving mode return condition is satisfied. Thus, the normal power supply is performed, and thereafter, the normal power supply is controlled only to the necessary functional blocks based on the selected image processing mode.

  According to the above-described configuration, the power saving control unit is configured to supply power to all functional blocks by the power feeding control unit that performs power feeding control for each functional block divided based on the plurality of image processing modes when the power saving mode return condition is satisfied. On the other hand, since normal power supply enabling normal operation is performed, it is possible to supply power to the heater for heating the fixing roller at this time. In other words, heating of the fixing roller can be started simultaneously with the establishment of the power saving mode return condition, and then the fixing roller until the start of the image processing mode to be executed by the composite image processing apparatus. Can be sufficiently heated. Further, since the power saving control means normally supplies power only to necessary function blocks based on the image processing mode selected after normally supplying power to all the functional blocks, power is unnecessarily consumed. Can be prevented.

  As described in claim 2, the second characteristic configuration is the same as the first characteristic configuration described above. In addition to the first characteristic configuration, when the power saving mode return condition is satisfied, the power saving control unit is The function block is normally supplied with power, and when the image processing mode is not selected within a predetermined time, it is controlled to shift to the power saving mode again, thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption. be able to.

  As described in claim 3, the third characteristic configuration includes an operation unit in the functional block in addition to the second characteristic configuration described above, and the power saving control means is configured to satisfy the power saving mode return condition. When established, the operation unit outputs operation guidance information for selecting one of the image processing modes.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a composite image processing apparatus that can reduce unnecessary power consumption as much as possible and can quickly use a copying function and a printer function when necessary. Can now be offered.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a composite image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multifunction peripheral 10 having a copying function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a printer function will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 is connected to a personal computer 12 via an interface unit 11 and connected to another multi-function peripheral and a facsimile machine (FAX) 14 via a telephone line 13. Yes.

  In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 includes a scanner unit 15 that acquires a document image as image data, image data acquired from the scanner unit 15, and an image transmitted from the personal computer 12 via the interface unit 11. An image memory 16 for storing data, image data transmitted from another multifunction device or facsimile machine (FAX) 14 via the telephone line 13, and an image is formed on output paper based on predetermined print data And setting menus for functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 and the facsimile communication section 18 for transmitting and receiving predetermined image data between the printer section 17 for output and other multi-function peripherals and facsimile machines (FAX) 14. An operation display unit for displaying a menu setting state and an operation state of the digital multifunction peripheral 10 9, is configured to include a controller 20 for generally controlling the respective functional blocks. The control unit 20 is a microcomputer including a single or a plurality of CPUs, a ROM in which an operation program is stored, a RAM used in a working area, and the like.

  The scanner unit 15 reads a document set on a document placement unit (not shown), converts the document into an image signal for each line, and performs predetermined signal processing (level correction, γ correction, A / D conversion, etc.) on the image signal. By sequentially acquiring the image data that has been subjected to the scanner function, the scanner function is achieved. A document tray (not shown) on which a document is placed and a document feed that feeds the document placed on the document tray are fed. A paper unit (not shown) and a CCD linear sensor (not shown) for reading an image of the document fed by the document feeding unit are provided.

  The printer unit 17 is composed of, for example, a laser printer and exhibits a printer function (or a copy function) that forms and outputs an image on output paper based on print data converted from image data. A toner image forming unit (not shown) that forms a toner image on a photoconductor based on print data; a transport unit (not shown) that transports a recording sheet onto which the formed toner image is transferred; and the transferred image A fixing unit 8 (not shown) for fixing the toner image on the recording paper by being heated and melted by a fixing roller heated to a predetermined temperature by a heater (not shown) inserted and installed therein and a temperature sensor (not shown) It is prepared for.

  The facsimile communication unit 18 exhibits a facsimile function by performing transmission / reception processing of image data. The facsimile communication unit 18 compresses and encodes data (image data) to be transmitted by facsimile, and receives data (image data) received by facsimile. An encoding / decoding unit (not shown) for decompressing and decoding the image, modulating the compressed / encoded image data into an audio signal, and demodulating the received facsimile signal (audio signal) into the image data A network control unit (not shown) that corresponds to a modem unit (not shown) and an NCU (Network Control Unit) and controls the connection of the telephone line 13 with other multifunction peripherals and facsimile machines (FAX) 14 as transmission / reception partners. Etc. are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation display unit 19 includes a touch panel type color display unit 30 in which a plurality of menu setting keys for setting various functions are displayed in the form of software keys, and a specific function in advance. Is provided with a hardware key 34 to which is assigned.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the touch panel type color display unit 30 includes a color liquid crystal display device 32 as display means for displaying a predetermined screen on the display unit 31, and the display unit 31 of the color liquid crystal display device 32. And a touch panel 33 that detects the operation position of the user.

  The hardware key 34 includes a numeric input key 37 for setting the number of copies or a destination of image data, a cursor key 39 for selecting various menu setting keys displayed in the form of software keys by the hardware key, The image processing menu set by the various menu setting keys is confirmed and a start key 38 for starting an image processing operation based on the image processing menu, a reset key 40 for resetting the image processing menu once input, A clear / stop key 41 or the like as stop instruction means for stopping the image processing operation based on the image processing menu is configured.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit 20 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. When the digital multi-function peripheral 10 is activated, the control unit 20 causes the touch panel type color display unit 30 to display any one of a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a print function as shown in FIG. A function selection screen for selecting these is displayed by the power saving control means 22 described later (SA1).

  When a copy selection key 50a as a software key 50 for selecting a copy function is operated by the user on the function selection screen (SA2), the control unit 20 displays the touch panel type color display unit 30 on, for example, FIG. A copy detail setting screen for setting a detailed function for the copy function as shown in FIG. 10A is displayed (SA3).

  In the detailed copy setting screen, a basic setting key group 51a for setting the paper size and direction (printing direction) of the output paper on which an image is formed by the printer unit 17 and the paper feeding method, and the image copy magnification. Image setting key group 51b for setting image copy density, color copy or black-and-white copy, and paper discharge setting key group 51c for setting the output paper distribution mode when the output paper is discharged. A menu setting key 51 as a plurality of software keys 51 for menu setting of detailed conditions and the number of copies are displayed.

  Each of the software keys 51 is displayed in white characters on a black background so that the user can recognize that the menu is set as a detailed condition for each function. Further, as detailed conditions, the software key 51 which is not set as a menu is displayed in black characters on a white background.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 10A, the detailed condition as the paper size and direction (printing direction) of the output paper is A4 size in the vertical direction, the paper feeding method is set to automatic paper feeding, and the image is copied. Indicates that the magnification or image copy density is set to automatic magnification and automatic density, the color copy or black and white copy setting is set to color copy, and the output paper sort mode setting is set to menu without sorting. The number of copies is displayed as the default setting of the image processing menu in the copy function.

  In addition, each of the software keys 51 is operated by the user so that the black character software key 51 on the white background is switched to the white character software key 51 on the black background and the black character is displayed on the operated white background. A software key 51 that is white on a black background in the same detailed condition classification as the software key 51 is switched to a software key 51 that is black on a white background.

  For example, in the menu setting for the paper size and its direction by the user, when the software key 51a2 for selecting the vertical direction in B5 size is operated, for example, as shown in FIG. The software key 51a1 for selecting the vertical direction in the A4 size of the white character on the black background indicating that the vertical direction has been selected is switched to the black character on the white background indicating that the vertical direction is not selected in the A4 size. At the same time, the software key 51a2 for selecting the vertical direction with the B5 size of the black character on the white background indicating that the vertical direction has not been selected with the B5 size indicates that the vertical direction has been selected with the B5 size. Switch to white characters on a black background.

  In the image processing menu, which is the default setting, the detailed condition as the paper size and direction (printing direction) of the output paper is B5 size in the vertical direction, the paper feeding method is set to automatic paper feeding, The copy magnification and image copy density are edited to a new image processing menu such as automatic magnification and automatic density, color copy or black and white copy setting is color copy, and output paper sorting mode setting is not sorted.

  The number of copies can be set by the numeric input key 37 as a hardware key.

  In other words, the combination of a group of detailed conditions displayed as software keys 51 of white characters on a black background and the set number of copies are edited as an image processing menu set by the user. .

  As described above, when the detailed condition is set as a menu by the user and the start key 38 is operated (SA4), the control unit 20 confirms the image processing menu (SA5), and the digital multi-function peripheral 10 is set. A copying operation based on the image processing menu is executed (SA6).

  That is, the control unit 20 reads the document set on the document placement unit by the scanner unit 15 and converts it into an image signal in units of lines, and performs predetermined signal processing (level correction, γ correction) on the image signal. The image data is sequentially stored in the image memory 16 by sequentially acquiring the image data subjected to A / D conversion and the like. When the image data sequentially stored in the image memory 16 is stored as image data of a predetermined unit, for example, image data for one original, the control unit 20 stores the image stored in the image memory 16. Data is converted into print data based on the image processing menu, and an image based on the print data is formed on the output paper by the printer unit 17 and output.

  When the facsimile selection key 50b as the software key 50 for selecting the transmission function in the facsimile function is operated by the user on the function selection screen (SA7), the control unit 20 displays the touch panel type color display unit 30 on the touch panel type color display unit 30. A detailed facsimile setting screen for setting a detailed function for the facsimile function is displayed (SA8).

  In the detailed facsimile setting screen, for example, a plurality of destination telephone numbers registered in advance are displayed, and a desired destination telephone number can be selected from the registered destination telephone numbers. . In addition, it is possible to set menus for detailed conditions such as the reading resolution of the document and the settings for color acquisition or monochrome acquisition. These combinations set by the user as a menu are edited as an image processing menu in the facsimile function.

  The user selects an arbitrary destination telephone number from the destination telephone numbers registered in advance, or the destination telephone number is input via the numerical value input key, and the start key 38 is operated. (SA9), the control unit 20 determines the image processing menu (SA10) and causes the digital multi-function peripheral 10 to execute a facsimile transmission operation based on the image processing menu (SA11).

  That is, the control unit 20 is connected to the transmission destination FAX 14 via the telephone line 13 by the facsimile communication unit 18 and reads the original set on the original placement unit by the scanner unit 15. The image data is sequentially converted into an image signal, and the image data is sequentially acquired by performing predetermined signal processing (level correction, γ correction, A / D conversion, etc.) on the image signal. 16 to memorize. Then, the control unit 20 causes the facsimile communication unit 18 to sequentially transmit the image data stored in the image memory 16 to the transmission destination FAX 14 via the telephone line 13. When all the image data read by the scanner unit 15 is transmitted to the transmission destination FAX 14, the facsimile communication unit 18 cancels the line connection with the transmission destination FAX 14 via the telephone line 13.

  When a user selects a scanner selection key 50c as a software key 50 for selecting a scanner function on the function selection screen (SA12), the control unit 20 causes the touch panel type color display unit 30 to display the scanner function. A scanner detailed setting screen for setting the detailed function is displayed (SA13).

  On the scanner detailed setting screen, it is possible to set menus for detailed conditions such as a document reading resolution and color acquisition or monochrome acquisition settings. These combinations set by the user as a menu are edited as an image processing menu in the scanner function.

  When a detailed condition is set by the user and the start key 38 is operated (SA14), the control unit 20 determines the image processing menu (SA15), and the digital multi-function peripheral 10 receives the image processing menu. The scanner operation based on the above is executed (SA16).

  That is, the control unit 20 reads the document set on the document placement unit by the scanner unit 15 and converts it into an image signal in units of lines, and performs predetermined signal processing (level correction, γ correction) on the image signal. The image data is sequentially stored in the image memory 16 by sequentially acquiring the image data subjected to A / D conversion and the like. Then, the control unit 20 causes the touch panel type color display unit 30 to display a file name setting screen for setting a file name for the image data stored in the image memory 16.

  When a user sets a file name and, for example, when a confirmation key as a software key displayed on the file name setting screen is operated, the file name is stored in association with the image data stored in the image memory 16. To do.

  When a user selects a printer selection key 50d as a software key 50 for selecting a printer function on the function selection screen (SA17), the control unit 20 displays the touch panel type color display unit 30 on the output paper. A file selection screen for selecting a file to be output after forming an image is displayed (SA18).

  In the file selection screen, for example, file names for each image data stored in the image memory 16 by the scanner function and file names for each image data stored in the image memory 16 by the facsimile communication unit 18 are listed. It is displayed and it is possible to select an arbitrary file name.

  When an arbitrary file name is selected by the user and, for example, a confirmation key as a software key displayed on the file selection screen is operated (SA19), the control unit 20 displays the touch panel type color display unit 30. Then, a printer detailed setting screen for setting a detailed function for the printer function corresponding to the file name is displayed (SA20).

  On the printer detailed setting screen, for example, a screen similar to the copy detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 10A is displayed. That is, the printer detailed setting screen is displayed as a copy detailed setting screen for the image data stored in the image memory 16 corresponding to the file name set by the user.

  In the same manner as when the copy function is selected, when a detailed condition is set by the user and the start key 38 is operated (SA21), the control unit 20 confirms the image processing menu ( SA22), the digital multi-function peripheral 10 is caused to execute a printing operation based on the image processing menu (SA23).

  That is, the control unit 20 executes conversion of image data corresponding to the file name set by the user stored in the image memory 16 into print data based on the image processing menu, and the printer. The unit 17 forms an image based on the print data on the output paper and outputs it.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 includes functional blocks divided based on a plurality of image processing modes, such as the scanner unit 15, the image memory unit 16, the printer unit 17, and the facsimile communication unit 18. The operation display unit 19, the interface unit 11, and the like are provided with power supply control means 21 that controls power supply for each functional block, and each functional block is supplied with power from the power supply 23 via the power supply control means 21. It is configured.

  The power supply control means 21 includes a scanner power supply switch SW1 that controls power supply to the scanner unit 15, a memory power supply switch SW2 that controls power supply to the image memory unit 16, and a printer power supply switch SW3 that controls power supply to the printer unit 17. A facsimile power supply switch SW4 that controls power supply to the facsimile communication unit 18, an operation display power supply switch SW5 that controls power supply to the operation display unit 19, an interface power supply switch SW6 that controls power supply to the interface unit 11, and the like. Yes.

  Here, each power supply switch switches a control state of whether to shift to a power saving mode in which normal power supply to each functional block is stopped or restricted or to return to a normal mode in which normal power supply capable of performing a normal operation is performed. For example, when the printer power supply switch SW3 for controlling power supply to the printer unit 17 is turned off, not only when power supply to the function block is completely stopped, but also fixing. It is described that the case where the power supplied to the heater of the apparatus is limited from the normal mode is also included.

  The control unit 20 stops or restricts normal power supply by the power supply control unit 21 when a predetermined power saving mode transition condition is satisfied, and normal power supply by the power supply control unit 21 when a predetermined power saving mode return condition is satisfied. The power saving control means 22 which restarts is provided.

  The digital multifunction machine 10 is provided with various sensors As for detecting the predetermined power saving mode return condition, and the control unit 20 controls the power supply control based on input signals from the various sensors As. The power supply by the means 21 is resumed.

  The various sensors As are, for example, a start key 38 as the hardware key, a document detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of a document placed on the document tray, and the digital computer 10 from the personal computer 12. A data communication start signal detecting means (not shown) for detecting a data communication start signal for transmitting image data to the facsimile, and a facsimile transmission start for detecting a facsimile transmission start signal for transmitting a facsimile from the FAX 14 to the digital multi-function peripheral 10 It is provided as signal detection means (not shown).

  And the electric power is always supplied to the said control part 20 and the said various sensors As.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the power saving control means 22 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. When a predetermined power saving mode transition condition is established, the power saving control means 22 stops the power supply by the power supply control means 21.

  Specifically, all of the functional blocks such as the scanner unit 15, the image memory unit 16, the printer unit 17, the facsimile communication unit 18, the operation display unit 19, and the interface unit 11 perform predetermined operations. In a state where the input operation from the user via the operation display unit 19 is not executed and the various sensors As are not detected, the predetermined energy-saving mode start time Eth continuously elapses. Then (SB1, SB2, SB3), the power saving control means 22 is connected to the scanner power supply switch SW1, the memory power supply switch SW2, the printer power supply switch SW3, the facsimile power supply switch SW4, and the operation display power supply switch. By opening SW5 and the interface power supply switch SW6, the switch A catcher Na portion 15, and the image memory unit 16, and the printer unit 17, and the facsimile communication unit 18, and the operation display unit 19, respectively the feeding stop or limit to the interface unit 11 (SB4). The fixing heater of the fixing device (not shown) is energized (normally energized mode) so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller can be maintained at 180 degrees during normal operation. The fixing heater is energized and controlled so that the temperature is maintained at 120 degrees (energy saving energization mode).

  When the power saving mode return condition is detected by any of the various sensors As (SB5), the power saving control means 22 starts normal power supply to all functional blocks by the power supply control means 21 (SB6).

  Specifically, the operation of the start key 38 by the start key 38, the placement of the document on the document tray by the document detection sensor, the reception of the data communication start signal by the data communication start signal detecting means, the facsimile transmission When any of the reception of the facsimile transmission start signal by the start signal detecting means is detected, the power saving control means 22 performs the scanner power supply switch SW1, the memory power supply switch SW2, the printer power supply switch SW3, and the By turning on the facsimile power supply switch SW4, the operation display power supply switch SW5, and the interface power supply switch SW6, the scanner unit 15, the image memory unit 16, the printer unit 17, and the facsimile communication unit 18 , The operation display unit 19 and the interface It starts the power supply to Esu portion 11. At this time, the energization of the fixing heater is controlled so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at 180 degrees so that the toner can be fixed on the sheet.

  At this time, the power-saving control means 22 applies one of the image processing modes such as a copying function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a printing function as shown in FIG. When the user selects one of the image processing modes as the operation guide information for selecting the operation (SB7) and the user selects one of the image processing modes, it is normal only for the necessary function blocks based on the selected image processing mode. The power supply is continued (SB8). At this time, when a copy function, a print function, or the like, which is a function that requires printing, is selected, the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at 180 degrees so that the toner can be fixed on the sheet. When the facsimile function that does not require printing processing is selected, the energization control for the fixing heater is changed, and the fixing roller is fixed so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at 120 degrees. The heater is energized and controlled.

  More specifically, when the copy function selection key 50a for selecting the copy function is operated on the function selection screen, the power saving control means 22 displays the scanner unit as a function block necessary for the copy function. 15, the image memory unit 16, the printer unit 17, and the operation display unit 19, in order to maintain power supply, the scanner power switch SW1, the memory power switch SW2, and the printer power switch SW3. The operation display power supply switch SW5 is maintained in an ON state, and as a functional block unnecessary for the copying function, in order to stop or limit the power supply to the facsimile communication unit 18 and the interface unit 11, The facsimile power supply switch SW4 and the interface power supply switch SW6 are respectively turned on. Make. At this time, the energization control of the fixing heater is continued so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at 180 degrees so that the toner can be fixed on the sheet.

  When a facsimile transmission function selection key 50b for selecting a transmission function in the facsimile function is operated on the function selection screen, the power saving control means 22 uses the scanner as a functional block necessary for the facsimile transmission function. In order to maintain power supply to the unit 15, the image memory unit 16, the facsimile communication unit 18, and the operation display unit 19, the scanner power supply switch SW1, the memory power supply switch SW2, and the facsimile power supply switch In order to stop the power supply to the printer unit 17 and the interface unit 11 as a functional block unnecessary for the facsimile transmission function, while maintaining the ON state of the SW4 and the operation display power supply switch SW5. The printer power switch SW3 and the front An interface power supply switch SW6 is turned off, respectively. At this time, since the toner fixing process on the sheet is not performed, the energization control to the fixing heater is changed, and the energization control of the fixing heater is performed so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at 120 degrees.

  When a scanner function selection key 50c for selecting the scanner function is operated on the function selection screen, the power saving control unit 22 includes the scanner unit 15 and the function block necessary for the scanner function, In order to maintain power supply to the image memory unit 16 and the operation display unit 19, the scanner power supply switch SW1, the memory power supply switch SW2, and the operation display power supply switch SW5 are maintained in an ON state, respectively. As function blocks unnecessary for the scanner function, the printer power supply switch SW3 and the facsimile power supply switch SW4 are used to stop or limit power supply to the printer unit 17, the facsimile communication unit 18, and the interface unit 11. And the interface power supply switch SW6. It is turned off. At this time, since the toner fixing process on the sheet is not performed, the energization control to the fixing heater is changed, and the energization control of the fixing heater is performed so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at 120 degrees.

  When a print function selection key 50d for selecting the print function is operated on the function selection screen, the power saving control unit 22 includes the image memory unit 16 as a function block necessary for the print function, In order to maintain power supply to the printer unit 17 and the operation display unit 19, the memory power supply switch SW2, the printer power supply switch SW3, and the operation display power supply switch SW5 are maintained in an ON state, respectively. As function blocks unnecessary for the print function, the scanner power supply switch SW1 and the facsimile power supply switch SW4 are used to stop or limit power supply to the scanner unit 15, the facsimile communication unit 18, and the interface unit 11. And the interface power supply switch SW6. It is turned off. At this time, the energization control of the fixing heater is continued so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at 180 degrees so that the toner can be fixed on the sheet.

  When the power saving control unit 22 detects the data communication start signal by the data communication start signal detection unit, the control unit 20 is based on the image data transmitted from the personal computer 12 thereafter. The digital multifunction device 10 is caused to execute a predetermined operation, that is, a print function. Further, when the facsimile transmission start signal is detected by the facsimile transmission start signal detecting means, a predetermined operation based on image data transmitted from the FAX 14 thereafter, that is, a reception function in the facsimile function is assigned to the digital composite. The machine 10 is executed. At this time, the energization control of the fixing heater is continued so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at 180 degrees so that the toner can be fixed on the sheet. During this time, even if any one of the selection keys 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d is operated by the user, the power saving control unit 22 applies the unnecessary function block as described above. It is configured to reserve power supply stoppage or restriction.

  That is, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 is configured such that the power saving control unit 22 normally supplies power to all functional blocks by the power supply control unit 21 when the power saving mode return condition is satisfied. That is, the fixing roller can be sufficiently heated before the start of the copying function or the printing function as an image processing mode to be executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 10. Yes.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 10 is configured such that the power saving control unit normally supplies power only to necessary function blocks based on an image processing mode selected after supplying normal power to all the functional blocks. ing. That is, it is configured to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

  The above-described embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the specific configuration of each functional block can be changed and designed as appropriate within the scope of the effects of the present invention.

Illustration of digital multifunction device Illustration of operation display Illustration of touch panel color display Flow chart for explaining the operation of the control unit Flow chart for explaining the operation of the control unit Flow chart for explaining the operation of the control unit Flow chart for explaining the operation of the control unit Flow chart for explaining the operation of the control unit Illustration of function selection screen It is explanatory drawing of a copy detailed setting screen, (a) is an example of the default setting of an image processing menu, (b) is an example of the image processing menu changed from default setting Flow chart for explaining the operation of the power saving control means

Explanation of symbols

10: Digital MFP 11: Interface unit 12: Personal computer 13: Telephone line 14: FAX
15: scanner unit 16: image memory 17: printer unit 18: facsimile communication unit 19: operation display unit 20: control unit 21: power supply control unit 22: power saving control unit 23: power supply

Claims (3)

Power supply control means for controlling power supply for each functional block divided based on a plurality of image processing modes, and normal power supply by the power supply control means is stopped or restricted when a predetermined power saving mode transition condition is satisfied, and predetermined power saving A composite image processing apparatus comprising power saving control means for resuming normal power supply by the power supply control means when a mode return condition is satisfied,
The power saving control means normally supplies power to all functional blocks by the power supply control means when the power saving mode return condition is satisfied, and then only to the necessary functional blocks based on the selected image processing mode. A composite image processing apparatus that is controlled so as to normally supply power.   The power saving control means normally supplies power to all functional blocks by the power supply control means when the power saving mode return condition is satisfied, and again when the image processing mode is not selected within a predetermined time. The composite image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the composite image processing apparatus is controlled so as to shift to step 1.   The operation block is included in the functional block, and the power saving control unit causes the operation unit to output operation guide information for selecting one of the image processing modes when the power saving mode return condition is satisfied. Composite image processing device.