JP4332731B2 - Image processing apparatus and power consumption control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for power consumption control (power saving) in an image processing apparatus including a plurality of image processing units such as a composite printer including a printer and an image scanner.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing units (for example, a printer unit and an image scanner unit) that can function independently or in cooperation with other image processing units. A device is disclosed that includes a plurality of power supply units provided corresponding to the processing units, and a control unit that individually controls the plurality of power supply units to suppress power consumption in the plurality of image processing units. In addition, when all of the plurality of power supply units are in the OFF state, the means for turning on the corresponding power supply unit according to the activation factor from the outside and the unused time of the plurality of image processing units each exceed a predetermined time In such a case, there are disclosed means for turning off a plurality of power supply units, and means for turning on all of the plurality of power supply units in response to a predetermined operation.

  Patent Document 2 includes input means for inputting image data, output means for recording and outputting image data input by the input means on a recording medium, and operation means for setting the processing mode of input / output processing. An image input / output apparatus provided with a control unit that individually performs power saving control for an input unit, an output unit, and an operation unit is disclosed. Also, the power saving control for the input means and the operation means is performed in conjunction with each other, and when the input means, the output means, and the operation means are all in the power saving state, the image data is supplied from the outside of the apparatus and the image data is output. When a request is made, only the power saving state for the output means is canceled, or when both the input means and the output means are not operated for a predetermined time or longer, the input means, the output means, and the operation means are shifted to the power saving state. This is also disclosed.

JP 2002-9992 A JP 2001-268288 A

  According to the image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the power consumption of a plurality of image processing units can be individually controlled for each image processing unit. According to the image processing apparatus described in Patent Literature 2, it is possible to individually control the power consumption of the input unit, the output unit, and the operation unit. In this way, by dividing the device into multiple units and performing power consumption control individually for each unit, it is possible to obtain superior advantages in terms of power saving compared to the case where the entire device is controlled collectively. become.

  However, in order to be able to individually control a plurality of units of the apparatus, the number of parts for power saving control is increased and the configuration becomes more complicated and the cost may be higher than when the entire apparatus is controlled collectively. There is.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to allow an image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing units to exhibit an excellent power saving effect while suppressing the complexity of the configuration for power saving control for each image processing unit. .

  An image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of image processing units that can operate independently from each other, and each image processing unit includes a first type circuit and a second type circuit. In the apparatus, a plurality of individual control units provided corresponding to the plurality of image processing units respectively for controlling the power consumption state of the first type circuit individually for each image processing unit; And a system control unit for commonly controlling the power consumption state of the second type circuit for the plurality of image processing units.

  In a preferred embodiment, each individual control unit performs the individual control according to the usage status of each image processing unit, while the system control unit performs overall use of the plurality of image processing units. The common control is performed according to the situation.

  In a preferred embodiment, in each image processing unit, the second type circuit is a circuit that consumes less power than the first type circuit.

  In a preferred embodiment, each image processing unit includes one or more motors and a motor driver for driving control of the motors as the first type circuit, and one or more optical sensors include the second sensor. As a kind of circuit.

  In a preferred embodiment, a printer unit that functions as a printer and a scanner unit that functions as an image scanner are provided as the plurality of image processing units, and the printer unit includes one or more printer motors. 1 type of circuit and one or more optical sensors as the two types of circuits, and the scanner unit includes a document irradiation lamp and one or more scanner motors. One type of circuit is provided, and one or more optical sensors are provided as the two types of circuits.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the power consumption state of the optical sensor is switched from the normal state to the low power state by the system control unit, the backup data of the level data of the optical sensor immediately before the transition to the low power state is performed. And backup means configured to report the backup data when reporting the level of the optical sensor when the power consumption state of the optical sensor is in a low power state.

  A preferred embodiment further includes a system unit having a common circuit for performing a function common to the plurality of image processing units, and the system control unit includes only the second type circuit in the image processing unit. In addition, the power consumption state of the common circuit in the system unit is also commonly controlled.

  In a preferred embodiment, the system unit includes a common power supply circuit for supplying power to the plurality of image processing units as the common circuit.

  In a preferred embodiment, each image processing unit has one or more motors and a motor driver specific unit for performing a drive control function specific to the motor as the first type circuit, and the system unit However, the common circuit includes a motor driver common unit for performing a control function common to the motors of the plurality of image processing units.

  An image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of image processing units that can operate independently of each other, and each of the plurality of images includes a specific circuit for performing a function specific to each image processing unit. Control of a power consumption state of a processing unit, a system unit having a common circuit for performing a function common to the plurality of image processing units, and at least a part of the specific circuit in each image processing unit, A plurality of individual control units provided corresponding to the plurality of image processing units for individually performing each image processing unit, and control of the power consumption state of the common circuit in the system unit, A system control unit for commonly performing the image processing unit.

  In a preferred embodiment, each individual control unit performs the individual control according to the usage status of each image processing unit, while the system control unit performs overall use of the plurality of image processing units. The common control is performed according to the situation.

  In a preferred embodiment, each image processing unit includes a first type circuit and a second type circuit as the specific circuit, and each individual control unit includes the first type circuit in each image processing unit. The system control unit controls the power consumption state of not only the common circuit in the system unit but also the second type circuit in the plurality of image processing units. Also do in common.

  In a preferred embodiment, the system unit includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to each unit in the image processing apparatus as one of the common circuits. In addition, the system control unit includes a stop control unit that performs a predetermined control operation for stopping the entire image processing apparatus when the output voltage of the power supply circuit decreases, and a power consumption state of the common circuit of the system unit. When switching from the normal state to the low power state, the common circuit further includes means for stopping the stop control unit before the common circuit shifts to the low power state.

  An image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a printer unit having a plurality of circuits for functioning as a printer, a scanner unit having a plurality of circuits for functioning as an image scanner, and an input to the printer unit. An image processing circuit that performs predetermined preprocessing on image data and predetermined postprocessing on image data output from the scanner unit, and power consumption states of at least some of the circuits of the printer unit. A printer individual control unit that individually controls according to a use state; a scanner individual control unit that individually controls a power consumption state of at least some of the circuits of the scanner unit according to a use state of the scanner unit; An image processing individual control unit that individually controls a power consumption state of the image processing circuit according to a use state of the image processing circuit;

  In a preferred embodiment, a system control unit is further provided for controlling the overall power consumption state of the image processing apparatus in accordance with the use state of the printer unit, the scanner unit, and the image processing circuit.

  In a preferred embodiment, the printer unit includes one or more printer motors and one or more optical sensors, and the power consumption state of the printer motor is controlled by the printer individual control unit, and the power of the optical sensors is controlled. The consumption state is controlled by the system control unit. The scanner unit includes a document irradiation lamp, one or more scanner motors, and one or more optical sensors, and power consumption states of the document irradiation lamp and the scanner motor are controlled by the scanner individual control unit, The power consumption state of the optical sensor is controlled by the system control unit.

  In a preferred embodiment, the image processing circuit is provided on one IC chip.

  An image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a printer unit having a plurality of circuits for functioning as a printer, an image processing circuit that performs predetermined preprocessing on image data input to the printer unit, and A printer individual control unit that individually controls the power consumption state of at least some of the circuits of the printer unit according to the usage state of the printer unit; and the power consumption state of the image processing circuit as the usage state of the image processing circuit And an image processing individual control unit that individually controls the image processing apparatus, and a system control unit that controls the overall power consumption state of the image processing apparatus according to the usage state of the printer unit and the image processing circuit.

  An image processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes a scanner unit having a plurality of circuits for functioning as a scanner, an image processing circuit that performs predetermined post-processing on image data output from the scanner unit, and A scanner individual control unit that individually controls a power consumption state of at least a part of a circuit of the scanner unit according to a usage state of the scanner unit; a power consumption state of the image processing circuit; a power consumption state of the image processing circuit And an image processing individual control unit that individually controls the image processing apparatus, and a system control unit that controls the overall power consumption state of the image processing apparatus according to the usage state of the scanner unit and the image processing circuit.

  According to the image processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the image processing device having a plurality of image processing units that can operate independently from each other, the first and second circuit groups to be controlled in each image processing unit are arranged. The power consumption state of the first type circuit in each image processing unit is individually controlled for each image processing unit, while the power of the second type circuit in all the image processing units Since the consumption state is commonly controlled, an excellent power saving effect can be exhibited while suppressing the complexity of the configuration for individually controlling the power consumption for each image processing unit.

  In particular, it is effective to select a circuit with relatively high power consumption as the first type of circuit and select a circuit with relatively low power consumption as the second type of circuit.

  According to the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the power consumption state of the plurality of image processing units operable independently of each other is individually controlled, while the function common to the plurality of image processing units is provided. Since the power consumption state of the system unit to be performed is commonly controlled, an excellent power saving effect can be exhibited while suppressing the complexity of the configuration for individually controlling the power consumption for each image processing unit. .

  According to the image processing apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, an image for processing image data input to and output from the printer unit and the scanner unit while individually controlling the power consumption state of the printer unit and the scanner unit. By controlling the power consumption of the processing circuit collectively and separately from the printer unit and scanner unit, it is possible to optimize the power saving of the image processing circuit whose operation timing is different from that of the printer unit and scanner unit. Power consumption is improved. The image processing circuit includes a plurality of circuits each performing a plurality of types of image processing (for example, color conversion, halftoning, compression, expansion, rotation, size change, etc.). By doing so, it becomes easy to mount these circuits on a single IC chip such as a system-on-chip, thereby simplifying the configuration of the image processing circuit and reducing the cost.

  Further, in a configuration further including a system control unit that controls the overall power consumption state of the image processing apparatus in accordance with the usage state of the printer unit, the scanner unit, and the image processing circuit, a circuit that is not subject to the individual control is provided. Power saving control can be performed in a lump, and therefore power saving control can be performed at a lower cost than when all circuits are targeted for individual control. In other words, the circuit to be subjected to the individual control and the circuit to be subject to system control can be appropriately selected in consideration of the power consumption and control cost of the circuit, resulting in a high power saving effect and It becomes easy to obtain an optimal design at a low cost.

  According to the image processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the printer unit and the power consumption of the image processing circuit are individually controlled, while the entire apparatus according to the usage state of the printer unit and the image processing circuit is controlled. Since the power consumption is controlled, an excellent power saving effect can be exhibited while suppressing the complexity of the configuration for individually controlling the power consumption.

  According to the image processing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the scanner unit and the power consumption of the image processing circuit are individually controlled, while the entire device according to the usage state of the scanner unit and the image processing circuit. Since the power consumption is controlled, an excellent power saving effect can be exhibited while suppressing the complexity of the configuration for individually controlling the power consumption.

  FIG. 1 shows a circuit configuration of a composite printer having an ink jet printer and an image scanner, which is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, circuit elements that are closely related to power consumption control, the flow of power between these circuit elements (shown by solid arrows), and the path of control signals for power consumption control (shown by dotted lines) are shown. Although shown, a path of a signal (for example, an image signal, a control signal for printing, a control signal for image reading, etc.) that is not related to the power consumption control is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the composite printer circuit 10 includes a printer unit 30 that performs a function or control specific to an inkjet printer, a scanner unit 40 that performs a function or control specific to an image scanner, a printer unit 30 and a scanner unit. 40, and a system unit 20 that performs functions or controls related to both the ink jet printer and the image scanner. The printer unit 30 and the scanner unit 40 can operate independently of each other and can also operate in cooperation with each other. For example, when the composite printer operates as a simple printer or as a simple image scanner, the printer unit 30 or the scanner unit 40 operates independently of the scanner unit 40 or the printer unit 30. When operating as a machine, the printer unit 30 and the scanner unit 40 operate in cooperation. The system 20 is involved in the function or control of the entire system of the composite printer.

  Hereinafter, specific circuits classified into the system unit 20, the printer unit 30, and the scanner unit 40 will be described. However, the classification is for convenience of explanation and is not strict. It is also possible to make a classification different from the explanation of.

  The system unit 20 first includes a power supply circuit. This power supply circuit includes a main power supply circuit 201 for supplying driving power to power type components (for example, various motors, a print head of a printer, a document irradiation lamp of an image scanner, etc.) and a type that operates at a low voltage. First sub-power supply circuit 202 for components (for example, logic circuits such as CPU and ASIC, and optical sensors using LEDs, etc.), and components operating at a medium voltage (for example, CCD image sensors) Etc.) for the second sub power supply circuit 203. The main power supply circuit 201 receives an AC 100V voltage from, for example, an external commercial power supply 100, converts it into a predetermined relatively high (eg, 42V) DC voltage necessary for driving a power type component, and outputs it. To do. The first sub power circuit 202 receives, for example, a 42V DC voltage from the main power circuit 201, converts it to a predetermined low DC voltage (for example, two types of 5V and 3.3V), and outputs it. To do. The second sub power circuit 203 receives, for example, a 42V DC voltage from the main power circuit 201 and converts it to a predetermined medium (for example, 12V) DC voltage for driving a CCD image sensor or the like. And output. In addition to the normal state in which the main power supply circuit 201 maintains the output voltage at the rated voltage of 42 V, the first sub power supply circuit 202 can operate normally while the first sub power supply circuit 202 can operate normally, but other components (particularly power type components) There is a low voltage (low power) state that is maintained at a predetermined reduced voltage (for example, 22.5 V) that cannot be substantially operated, and is controlled by a control signal (dotted line) from the controller 204 described later. The normal state and the low voltage (low power) state can be switched.

  The system unit 20 also includes a controller 204 for performing overall control and image processing of the composite printer circuit 20. The controller 204 includes a CPU 211 that performs a control operation by executing a control program (firmware), a program ROM (P-ROM) 212 that stores the control program, a RAM 213 that is used as a reception buffer, a work area, a print buffer, and the like. A rewritable non-volatile memory (for example, EEPROM 214 or FRAM) that stores various statuses and various function settings of the composite printer, and a host interface (host I / O) for communication with an external personal computer, digital camera, or other host device F) A circuit 215, a card interface (card I / F) circuit 216 for mounting an external memory card and exchanging data with the memory card, and image processing such as color system conversion and halftoning It consists of an image processing ASIC 217, which is an ASIC, To operate by being supplied with electric power, for example, from the first sub-power circuit 202. The CPU 211 has a normal state in which information processing can be normally performed and a low power state in which the information processing that can be performed is limited and power consumption is reduced from the normal state. The state and the low power state can be switched. The CPU 211 also has a function of ON / OFF control of the operation clock of the image processing ASIC 217.

  The system unit 20 further includes a motor driver common unit 205. The motor driver common unit 205 is integrally coupled with a printer motor driver 303 belonging to the printer unit 30 to be described later and a scanner motor driver 407 belonging to the scanner unit 40 to be described later, and various motors in the printer and the image scanner (for example, And a motor driver circuit for driving and controlling a printer motor such as a carriage (CR) motor 304 and a paper feed (PF) motor 306 of the printer unit 30 and a scanner motor 408 of the scanner unit 40. As described above, the motor driver circuit including the motor driver common unit 205, the printer motor driver 303, and the scanner motor driver 407 can be physically configured as an integrated object (for example, as a one-chip IC). It is divided as follows. That is, in this motor driver circuit, the motor driver common unit 205 has a common motor control function that does not depend on individual motors (for example, the entire power consumption state of the motor driver circuit is set to a normal state or a low power normal state). This is a part that performs switching control of whether or not to perform, and is shared by all motor controls. On the other hand, a printer motor driver 303 belonging to the printer unit 30 performs a function specific to a printer motor (CR motor 304, PF motor 306, etc.), and a scanner motor driver 407 belonging to the scanner unit 40 is an image scanner. It is a part that performs functions specific to the motor. The motor driver common unit 205, the printer motor driver 303, and the scanner motor driver 407 operate by receiving power from the main power supply circuit 201 and the first sub power supply circuit 202, for example. The entire motor driver circuit including the motor driver common unit 205, the printer motor driver 303, and the scanner motor driver 407 has a low power state in which the power consumption is lower than that in the normal state in addition to the normal state in which the motor driver can operate normally. The normal state and the low power state are switched by a control signal (dotted line) input from the controller 204 to the motor driver common unit 205. Further, in the motor driver circuit, only the printer motor driver 303 can independently switch between the normal state and the low power state, or only the scanner motor driver 407 can independently switch between the normal state and the low power state. Is also switched by a control signal (dotted line) input to the motor driver common unit 205 from the controller 204.

  The system unit 20 further includes a head power control switch 206 for ON / OFF control of power supply to the head drive circuit 301 of the printer unit 30 described later, and various optical elements in the printer unit 30 and the scanner unit 40 described later. Sensors (for example, the paper edge (PE) sensor 309, the paper width (PW) sensor 310, the automatic platen gap (APG) sensor 311 of the printer unit 30, the home position (HP) sensor 406 of the scanner unit 40, etc.) A low power circuit power supply control switch 207 for ON / OFF control of power supply to a low power type circuit whose power consumption is inherently smaller than that of other circuits is included. The head power supply control switch 206 and the low power circuit power supply control switch 207 are turned ON / OFF by a control signal (dotted line) from the controller 211, respectively.

  The printer unit 30 first includes a print head 302 and a head drive circuit 301 for driving the print head 302. The head drive circuit 301 operates by receiving power supply from, for example, the main power supply circuit 201 and the first sub power supply circuit 202 through the head drive power switch 206 of the system unit 20 described above.

  The printer unit 30 also includes a carriage (CR) motor 304 for running a carriage on which the print head 302 is mounted, a paper feed (PF) motor 305 for moving a paper feed mechanism, and a CR motor 304 and a PF motor. 305 includes a printer motor driver 303 for driving and controlling each. As described above, the printer motor driver 303 can not only be switched between a normal state and a low power state as a whole motor driver circuit combined with the motor driver common unit 205 and the scanner driver 407, but also can be independent only by the printer motor driver 303. It is also possible to switch between a normal state and a low power state. These state switching operations are controlled by the control signal (dotted line) that enters the motor driver common unit 205 from the controller 204 as described above. The printer motor driver 303 turns off the excitation current of the CR motor 304 and the PF motor 305 when in the low power state.

  The printer unit 30 further includes a carriage (CR) encoder 307 for detecting the carriage position as a numerical value, a paper feed (PF) encoder 308 for detecting the paper feed amount as a numerical value, and a CR encoder 307. An encoder power supply control switch 306 for ON / OFF control of power supply to the PF encoder 308 is included. The CR encoder 307 and the PF encoder 308 operate by receiving power from the first sub power circuit 202 through the encoder power control switch 306, for example. The encoder power control switch 306 switches ON / OFF according to a control signal (dotted line) from the controller 211.

  The printer unit 30 further includes various optical sensors, for example, a paper end (PE) sensor 309 for detecting that the front end of the paper has reached a predetermined position in the paper feed path, and for detecting the width of the paper. A paper width (PW) sensor 310 and an automatic platen gap (APG) sensor 311 for detecting a platen gap for automatic platen gap adjustment are included. These optical sensors 309, 310, and 311 operate by receiving power from the first sub power circuit 202 through the low power circuit power control switch 207 of the system unit 20 described above.

  The printer unit 30 is further equipped with a printing agent (ink) cartridge, and is a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, a cartridge EEPROM 311) that is used to hold the cartridge type, ink consumption, and other predetermined data. Is included. The controller 204 reads / writes predetermined data to / from the cartridge EEPROM 311.

  First, the scanner unit 40 includes a lamp (for example, a fluorescent lamp) 402 for irradiating light to a document to be read, and a lamp power control switch 401 for ON / OFF control of power supply to the lamp 402. . The lamp 402 operates by receiving power supplied from the main power supply circuit 201 through the lamp power control switch 401, for example. The lamp power control switch 401 is switched ON / OFF by a control signal (dotted line) from the controller 211.

  The scanner unit 40 also includes an image sensor (for example, a CCD sensor) 404 for reading an image of a document, and an image sensor power control switch 403 for ON / OFF control of power supply to the image sensor 404. It is. The image sensor 404 operates by receiving power supply from, for example, the second sub power supply circuit 404 through the image sensor power supply control switch 403. The image sensor power supply control switch 403 is switched ON / OFF by a control signal (dotted line) from the controller 211.

  The scanner unit 40 also includes an A / D converter 405 for converting a photoelectric conversion signal (analog signal) output from the image sensor 404 into digital data. The A / D converter 405 operates upon receiving power from the first sub power supply circuit 202. The A / D converter 405 has a low power state that consumes less power than the normal state in addition to a normal state in which it can operate normally, and switches between a normal state and a low power state by a control signal (dotted line) from the controller 204. .

  The scanner unit 40 also includes an optical sensor (home position (HP) sensor) 406 for detecting whether or not a carriage on which the lamp 402, the image sensor 404, and the like are mounted is at a predetermined home position. The HP sensor 406 operates by receiving power from the first sub power circuit 202, for example, through the low power circuit power control switch 207 of the system unit 20 described above.

  The scanner unit 40 further includes a scanner motor 408 for moving a carriage on which the lamp 402 and the image sensor 404 described above are mounted, and a scanner driver 407 for driving and controlling the scanner motor 408. . As described above, the scanner driver 407 can not only be switched between a normal state and a low power state as a whole motor driver circuit combined with the motor driver common unit 205 and the printer motor driver 303, but also independently with the scanner driver 407 alone. It is also possible to switch between a normal state and a low power state. These state switching operations are controlled by the control signal (dotted line) that enters the motor driver common unit 205 from the controller 204 as described above. The scanner driver 407 turns off the excitation current of the scanner motor 408 when in the low power state.

  In the composite printer circuit 10 having the above configuration, the power consumption is controlled by the CPU 211 of the controller 204 according to the control program. FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of power consumption control processing performed by the CPU 211.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power consumption control process 500 is a system for controlling the power consumption of the composite printer circuit 10 as a whole by switching the system unit 20 of the composite printer circuit 10 between a normal state and a low power state. A control unit 510 and a printer individual control unit 520 that individually controls only power consumption of the printer unit 30 by switching only a specific circuit (hereinafter referred to as a printer specific unit) in the printer unit 30 between a normal state and a low power state. And a scanner individual control unit 530 that individually controls only power consumption of the scanner unit 40 by switching only a specific circuit (hereinafter referred to as a scanner specific unit) in the scanner unit 40 between a normal state and a low power state. .

  The printer individual control unit 520 monitors the usage status of the printer unit 30, and in accordance with the result, the printer specific unit is in a normal state 521 in which it can normally operate, and power consumption is smaller (or no power consumption) than that. Switch to low power state 522. That is, the printer individual control unit 520 switches the printer specific unit from the normal state 521 to the low power state 522 when a predetermined condition A regarding the use status of the printer is satisfied when the printer specific unit is in the normal state 521. In the case where the printer specific unit is in the low power state 522, the printer specific unit is switched from the low power state 522 to the normal state 521 when a predetermined condition B regarding the use status of the printer is satisfied.

  The individual scanner control unit 530 monitors the usage status of the scanner unit 30, and in accordance with the result, the scanner specific unit operates in a normal state 531 where the scanner can operate normally, and power consumption is smaller (or no power consumption). Switch to low power state 532. That is, when the scanner unique part is in the normal state 531, the scanner individual control unit 530 switches the scanner unique part from the normal state 531 to the low power state 532 when a predetermined condition C regarding the use state of the scanner is satisfied. When the scanner unique portion is in the low power state 532, the scanner unique portion is switched from the low power state 532 to the normal state 531 when a predetermined condition D regarding the usage status of the scanner is satisfied.

  The system control unit 510 monitors the usage status of both the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 30, and in accordance with the result, the system unit 20 operates in a normal state 511 in which the system unit 20 can operate normally, and low power consumption with lower power consumption. Switch to state 512. In other words, when the system unit 20 is in the normal state 511, the system control unit 510 changes the system unit 20 from the normal state 511 to the low power state 512 when a predetermined condition E is satisfied regarding the usage status of both the printer and the image scanner. In addition, when the system unit 20 is in the low power state 512, the system unit 20 is switched from the low power state 532 to the normal state 531 when a predetermined condition F regarding the use status of both the printer and the image scanner is satisfied. . As will be understood from the specific operation description later, when the system unit 20 is set to the low power state 512, all of the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 40 are automatically set to the low power states 522 and 532. The entire system of the printer circuit 10 is in a low power state. On the other hand, even when the system unit 20 is in the normal state 511, the printer specific unit in the printer unit 30 or the scanner specific unit in the scanner unit 40 is individually controlled by the printer individual control unit 520 or the scanner individual control unit 530. May result in a low power state 522 or 532.

  Here, the printer specific unit includes the printer motor driver 303, CR motor 304, PF motor 305, CR encoder 306, PF encoder 308, etc. in the printer unit 30 shown in FIG. The status is individually controlled according to the usage status of the printer. On the other hand, the head drive circuit 301, the print head 302, the PE sensor 309, the PW sensor 310, and the APG sensor 311 in the printer unit 30 are not included in the printer specific unit, and thus their power consumption states are individually controlled. Instead, it is controlled as part of the power consumption control of the entire system. The scanner specific unit includes the lamp 402, the image sensor 404, the scanner motor driver 407, and the scanner motor 408 in the scanner unit 40 shown in FIG. 1, and accordingly, the power consumption state depends on the usage status of the image scanner. Are controlled individually. On the other hand, the A / D converter 405 and the HP sensor 406 in the scanner unit 40 are not included in the scanner-specific unit. Therefore, these power consumption states are not individually controlled, and are controlled as part of the power consumption control of the entire system. Is done.

  As described above, the printer unit 30 consumes a certain amount of power even when it is not operating, such as the printer motor driver 303, the CR motor 304, and the PF motor 305. Therefore, individual power consumption control is applied to a circuit in which it is desirable to switch the state finely individually from the viewpoint of power saving. Similarly, the scanner unit 40 also consumes a certain amount of power even when it is not operating, such as the lamp 402, the image sensor 404, the scanner motor driver 407, and the scanner motor 408. Individual power consumption control is applied to circuits in which it is desirable to switch the state individually and finely according to the power saving viewpoint. On the other hand, the power consumption is sufficiently small like the various optical sensors 309, 310, 311 and 406. Therefore, the complexity of the configuration for individual control or the cost increase is more important than the power saving effect by the individual control. Is removed from the individual power consumption control and incorporated into the power consumption control of the entire system. It should be noted that which circuit is specifically subject to individual control and which circuit is subject to overall system control may differ slightly from this embodiment depending on the overall system of the device and the specifications of individual components. Can be. For example, when the lamp 402 of the scanner unit 40 is an LED lamp with low power consumption, it may be excluded from the individual control target and incorporated into the overall system control target, or the image sensor 404 is not a CCD sensor. In the case of a CIS sensor with low power consumption, it may be excluded from the target of individual control and incorporated into the target of overall system control.

  The above-mentioned conditions A to F can be performed as follows, for example.

  Condition A is that the printer is not used or is unlikely to be used. Specifically, “print head 302 is capped at the home position, the carriage is locked, and there is no paper in the paper conveyance path. After that, a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has passed in that state ”. The condition B is that the use of the printer is started or is likely to be started. Specifically, the condition B can be defined as “the printer has received an operation request”.

  Condition C is that the scanner is not used or is not likely to be used. Specifically, “the scanner carriage is locked and the amount of light entering the scanner through the document table is substantially changed. 1 minute has passed in that state after it has run out. The condition D is that the use of the scanner is started or is likely to be started. Specifically, the condition D indicates that “the amount of light that has entered the scanner through a document table when an operation request is entered into the scanner or more than a predetermined amount. Increased or decreased ”.

  Condition E is that both the printer and the scanner are not used or are unlikely to be used. Specifically, “both the printer specific part and the scanner specific part are in a low power state”. is there. The condition F is that the use of at least one of the printer and the scanner is started or is highly likely to be started, and specifically, “the condition B or the condition D is satisfied”.

  Hereinafter, control operations of the printer individual control unit 520, the scanner individual control unit 530, and the system control unit 510 will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 3 shows a flow of power consumption control of the printer specific unit performed by the printer individual control unit 520.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the printer specific part is in the normal state, if the condition A is satisfied with respect to the operation or state of the printer (Y in step S1), steps S2 to S4 are performed, whereby the printer specific part is in the normal state. Transition from state to low power state.

  That is, in steps S2 and S3, the circuit currents of the CR encoder 307 and the PF encoder 308 are cut off. This is performed when the encoder power control switch 306 is turned off by a control signal from the controller 204. At the same time, the excitation current of the CR motor 304 and the PF motor 305 is cut off in step S4. This is performed when the printer motor driver 303 shifts from a normal state to a low power state by a control signal from the controller 204. At that time, if the CR motor 304 or the PF motor 305 is a brushless DC motor, the brushless DC motor is originally in a short brake state and no excitation current flows, but the printer motor driver 303 releases the short brake. By doing this (that is, by turning off the transistor in the printer motor driver 303 for maintaining the short brake), the power consumption of the printer motor driver 303 for maintaining the short brake is also reduced.

  If condition B is satisfied when the printer specific part is in the low power state (Y in step S5), steps S6 to S8 are performed, whereby the printer specific part shifts from the low power state to the normal state.

  That is, in steps S6 and S7, the circuit currents of the CR encoder 307 and the PF encoder 308 are supplied again. This is performed when the encoder power control switch 306 is turned on by a control signal from the controller 204. At the same time, in step S8, the interruption of the excitation current of the CR motor 304 and the PF motor 305 is released. This is performed when the printer motor driver 303 shifts from the low power state to the normal state by a control signal from the controller 204. However, when the CR motor 304 and / or the PF motor 305 (usually a step motor or a brushless DC motor) is a brushless DC motor, the printer motor driver 303 does not flow the excitation current of the brushless DC motor. , Start the short brake (that is, turn on the transistor to maintain the short brake). Furthermore, the controller 204 (or the position of the CR motor 304 and the PF motor 305 moves while the circuit current of the CR encoder 307 and the PF encoder 308 and the excitation current of the CR motor 304 and the PF motor 305 are cut off. Since there is a possibility that the carriage (CR) position and the paper feed (PF) position currently managed by the printer motor driver 303) are incorrect values, the controller 204 (or the printer motor driver) in steps S9 and S10. The initialization of the carriage (CR) position and the paper feed (PF) position managed in step 303) is performed. This is a so-called home seek process, that is, for example, the CR motor 304 and the PF motor 305 are driven to set the respective mechanical positions of the carriage and the PF motor 305 to a predetermined origin position, and the carriage (CR ) Position and paper feed (PF) position values are set to the origin value.

  FIG. 4 shows a flow of power consumption control of the scanner specific unit performed by the scanner individual control unit 530.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the scanner unique part is in the normal state, if the condition B is established regarding the operation or state of the image scanner (Y in step S21), steps S22 to S25 are performed, whereby the scanner unique part is Transition from the normal state to the low power state.

  That is, in steps S22 and S23, power supply to the document irradiation lamp 402 and the image sensor 404 is cut off. This is performed when the lamp power control switch 401 and the image sensor power control switch 403 are turned off by a control signal from the controller 204. In step S24, the A / D converter 405 shifts from the normal state to the low power state by the control signal from the controller 2. In step S25, the excitation current of the scanner motor 408 is cut off. This is performed when the scanner motor driver 407 shifts from a normal state to a low power state by a control signal from the controller 204. At this time, if the scanner motor 408 (usually a step motor or a brushless DC motor) is a brushless DC motor, the brushless DC motor is originally in a short brake state and no excitation current flows. 407 reduces the power consumption of the scanner driver 407 for maintaining the short brake by releasing the short brake (that is, turning off the transistor in the scanner driver 407 for maintaining the short brake). Although not shown, the position of the scanner motor (that is, the position of the carriage on which the document irradiation lamp 402 and / or the image sensor 404 is mounted) is measured with a detection pulse from the encoder instead of a drive pulse to the scanner motor 408. If so, the circuit current of the encoder is also turned off.

  If the condition C is satisfied when the scanner unique portion is in the low power state (Y in step S26), steps S27 to S30 are performed, and thereby the scanner unique portion shifts from the low power state to the normal state.

  That is, in steps S27 and S28, power supply to the document irradiation lamp 402 and the image sensor 404 is started again. This is performed when the lamp power control switch 401 and the image sensor power control switch 403 are turned on by a control signal from the controller 204. In step S29, the A / D converter 405 shifts from the low power state to the normal state by a control signal from the controller 204. Further, in step S30, the interruption of the excitation current of the scanner motor 408 is released. This is performed when the scanner motor driver 407 shifts from the low power state to the normal state by a control signal from the controller 204. However, when the scanner motor 408 is a brushless DC motor, the scanner motor driver 407 does not flow the excitation current of the brushless DC motor but starts a short brake (that is, a transistor for maintaining the short brake). ON). In step S31, the scanner motor position managed by the controller 204 (or the scanner motor driver 407) (that is, the position of the carriage on which the document irradiation lamp 402 and / or the image sensor 404 is mounted) is initialized. . This is so-called home seek processing, that is, for example, the scanner motor 408 is driven to set the mechanical position of the scanner motor 408 (carriage) to a predetermined origin position, and in that state, the value of the scanner motor position is set to the origin value. This is done by a method such as setting.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of power consumption control of the system unit 10 (the entire system) performed by the system control unit 510.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the system unit 10 is in the normal state, if the condition E is satisfied for the printer and the image scanner (for example, if both the printer specific unit and the scanner specific unit are in the low power state) (in step S41). Y) Steps S42 to S50 are performed, whereby the system unit 10 shifts from the normal state to the low power state (that is, the entire system enters the low power state).

  That is, in steps S42 to S43, the latest data of the information to be stored in the EEPROM 214 in the controller 204 and the cartridge EEPROM 311 on the ink cartridge (for example, the latest status and error history of this composite printer, the latest ink consumption) (S42) and the NMI (Non-Mascalable Interrupt) function of the CPU 211 of the controller 204 is disabled (S43). Thereafter, the control signal from the controller 204 The main power supply circuit 201 shifts from the normal state to the low voltage (low power) state (S44). Here, the reason why the latest data is written to the EEPROMs 214 and 311 before the main power supply circuit 201 is set to the low voltage (low power) state is that the data to the EEPROMs 214 and 311 is written when the main power supply circuit 201 is set to the low voltage (low power) state. Since writing becomes impossible, the latest data is saved in the non-volatile memory before this happens, so that for some reason (for example, the user manually turns off the manual power switch 200) during the low voltage (low power) state. This is to prepare for the case where the main power supply circuit 201 is completely turned off. The reason why the NMI function of the CPU 211 is disabled before the main power supply circuit 201 is set to a low voltage (low power) state is that the CPU 211 monitors the output of the main power supply circuit 201 and the output voltage decreases. NMI is activated when it falls below a predetermined threshold (output voltage in a low voltage state, for example, higher than 22.5V, for example, 35V), and the main power supply circuit 201 is determined to be turned off to stop the entire system. This is to prevent such a system stop operation from being performed.

  In steps S45 to S46, backup of data indicating the latest levels of various optical sensors of the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 30, such as the PE sensor 309, the PW sensor 310, the APG sensor 311 and the HP sensor 406, is performed by the controller. A predetermined memory (for example, RAM 213 or EEPROM 214) in 204 is taken (S45), and thereafter, the supply of photocurrent to these optical sensors 309, 310, 311 and 406 is cut off (S46). The supply of the photocurrent to the optical sensor is interrupted by turning off the low power circuit power supply control switch 207 by a control signal from the controller 204. Here, the reason why the latest level data of the optical sensor is backed up before the supply of the photocurrent to the optical sensor is cut off is that, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When there is a need to report (for example, when an inquiry is received from the host), if the entire system is in a low power state and the photocurrent supply of the corresponding optical sensor is cut off (Y in step S71), low This is because the backup data of the level of the corresponding optical sensor taken immediately before entering the power state is reported (step S73). Note that while the entire system is in the low power state, events or operations that change the level of the optical sensor (for example, paper feed, carriage movement, etc.) are rarely performed. In practice, there is almost no problem with substituting backup data.

  In step S47, power supply to the head drive circuit 301 is cut off. This is done by turning off the head drive power control switch 206 in response to a control signal from the controller 204. In step S48, the entire motor driver circuit including the motor driver common unit 205, the printer motor driver 303, and the scanner motor driver 407 is put into a low power state by a control signal from the controller 204.

  In step S49, the clock of the image processing ASIC 217 in the controller 204 is stopped by a control signal from the CPU 211. Since the data in the memory of the image processing ASIC 217 is not erased, the power supply to the image processing ASIC 217 is maintained, but the operation of the image processing ASIC 217 is stopped by stopping the clock, so that power consumption is reduced.

  After the above steps S42 to S49 are performed, in step S50, the core of the CPU 211 shifts from the normal state to the low power state. Thus, the entire system of the composite printer circuit 10 is in a low power state.

  When the entire system is in a low power state, if condition E is satisfied (that is, if either condition B or condition D is satisfied) (Y in step S51), steps S52 to S59 are performed, thereby the system unit 20 Shift from the low power state to the normal state.

  That is, first, in step S52, the core of the CPU 211 returns to the normal state. Thereafter, steps S53 to S59 are performed.

  That is, in steps S53 to S55, the main power supply circuit 201 is restored from the low voltage (low power) state to the normal state by the control signal from the controller 204 (S53), thereby increasing the output voltage of the main power supply circuit 201. After the threshold voltage (for example, 35V) at which the NMI of the CPU 211 operates is exceeded (H in step S54), the NMI function of the CPU 211 is enabled (S55).

  In step S56, supply of photocurrent to the various optical sensors 309, 310, 311 and 406 of the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 30 is started. In step S57, power supply to the head drive circuit 301 is resumed. These are performed when the low power circuit power control switch 207 and the head drive power control switch 206 are turned on by a control signal from the controller 204.

  In step S58, the motor driver common unit 205 returns to the normal state by the control signal from the controller 204. At that time, if the condition B is satisfied, the printer motor driver 303 also returns to the normal state together, and if the condition D is satisfied, the scanner motor driver 407 also returns to the normal state together. .

  In step S59, the clock of the image processing ASIC 217 starts operation in response to a control signal from the CPU 211.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is an illustration for description of this invention, and is not the meaning which limits the scope of the present invention only to this embodiment. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the gist thereof.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in the individual power consumption control of the printer unit 30, the circuit currents of encoders such as the CR encoder 307 and the PF encoder 308 in the printer unit 30 are set in a low power state. In this case, it is necessary to initialize the position by performing a home seek as shown in steps S9 and S10 when the normal state is restored, and the printer unit 30 operates normally accordingly. It takes time to get ready to start. Also in the scanner unit 40, when the scanner motor position is managed using an encoder, the encoder circuit current can be turned off by individual control of the scanner unit 40, but a recovery delay corresponding to the home seek also occurs. To do. In order to eliminate such a recovery delay for the home seek, the encoders as described above are excluded from the power consumption control target (that is, the circuit current is not turned off even in the low power state). Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the encoders described above are objects of individual control, whereas optical sensors such as the PE sensor 309, the PW sensor 310, the APG sensor 311, and the HP sensor 406 reduce cost. Therefore, it is not the individual control but the system control target. However, not only the optical sensors but also the encoders are subject to system control rather than individual control, so that further cost reduction can be achieved. In this way, multiple small circuits that originally have low power consumption and share the same power supply are not subject to individual control, but are subject to system control. Can be obtained.

  In addition, for the sensors such as the PE sensor 309, the PW sensor 310, the APG sensor 311, and the HP sensor 406, power consumption can be achieved by using mechanical parts instead of electric parts such as optical sensors. Therefore, a further power saving effect can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer motor and its drivers with relatively high power consumption in the printer unit 30 in FIG. 1 and the lamp, scanner motor and motor drivers with relatively high power consumption in the scanner unit 40 are: The system unit 20 that is the object of individual control and that is shared by the printer unit 30 and the scanner unit 40 is the target of system control. It has become. As a modification, an image processing circuit in the system unit 20 in FIG. 1 (preprocessing of image data to be printed to be input to the printer unit 30, post processing of scan image data output from the scanner unit 40, etc.) 1 is mounted on the image processing ASIC 217 in the controller 204 in the example shown in FIG. 1, and is removed from the system control target, and the individual control according to the necessity of the image processing is performed. It can also be the target of. In the following, such an embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows in more detail the internal configuration of the controller 204 shown in FIG. 1, particularly the configuration of the part related to image processing. In FIG. 7, dotted arrows indicate paths of a plurality of types of clock signals having different frequencies supplied to the respective units in the controller 204, and solid arrows indicate paths through which image data is transmitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a CPU 211, an image processing ASIC 217, and a clock generator 231 for supplying the CPU 211 and the image processing ASIC 217 with a plurality of types of clock signals necessary for driving them include a one-chip LSI such as a system on It is mounted on the chip 221. In addition to the system-on-chip 221, a USB circuit 233 (a circuit for communicating with an external device such as a host computer, a digital camera, a storage device, and the like corresponds to the host I / F circuit 215 in FIG. 1), a card ASIC 235 (Circuit for controlling communication with the memory card through the card I / F circuit 216) and the like are connected. The card ASIC 235 may also be incorporated in the system-on-chip 221.

  The image processing ASIC 217 includes an interface (I / F) control circuit 223, an image processing circuit 225, a printer control circuit 227, a scanner control circuit 229, gate circuits 231, 233, 235, and the like. The I / F control circuit 223 controls input / output of image data and control data with the USB circuit 233 connected to an external device. The image processing circuit 225 performs predetermined preprocessing (for example, color conversion and halftoning) on the image data to be printed, and predetermined postprocessing (for example, JPEG compression, rotation, size change, etc.) on the scanned image data. In addition, various image processing (for example, JPEG decompression, rotation, size change, etc.) is performed on image data read from a memory card or an external device. The printer control unit 227 transmits the print image data output from the image processing circuit 225 to the printer unit 30, and the printer unit 30 and the motor driver common unit 205 (FIG. 1) so that the print image data is correctly printed. Control). The scanner control circuit 229 controls the operation of the scanner unit 40 and the motor driver common unit 205 (see FIG. 1) so that the original image is scanned correctly, and scan image data output from the scanner unit 40 is converted into an image. The data is output to the processing circuit 225.

  The interface (I / F) control circuit 223, the image processing circuit 225, the printer control circuit 227, and the scanner control circuit 229 operate in synchronization with the clock signal supplied from the clock generator 231. The gate circuits 231, 233, and 235 are controlled to be opened and closed by the CPU 211 in order to control the power consumption state of the image processing circuit 225, the printer control circuit 227, and the scanner control circuit 229.

  That is, the clock signal is supplied to the image processing circuit 225 through the gate circuit 231. When the gate circuit 231 is open, the image processing circuit 225 operates normally (the power consumption state is the normal state), but when the gate circuit 231 is closed, the image processing circuit 225 stops (power). Consumption state is low power state). In this modification, the open / close control of the gate circuit 231, that is, the control of the power consumption state of the image processing circuit 225 is excluded from the above-described system control targets, and according to the necessity of the operation of the image processing circuit 225 itself. It is done individually.

  The printer control circuit 227 has a portion that is always supplied with a clock signal as long as the clock generator 231 is operating, and a portion that is supplied with a clock signal through the gate circuit 233. The former part is a part of the printer control circuit 227 that needs to operate constantly (for example, a circuit that interrupts the CPU 211), and the latter part has at least the printer unit 30 in a low power state. Sometimes it is a part that can be stopped. When the gate circuit 233 is open, the printer control unit 227 operates normally (the power consumption state is the normal state), but when the gate circuit 233 is closed, the latter part of the printer control unit 227 is operated. Stops (the power consumption state is a low power state). The opening / closing control of the gate circuit 233, that is, the control of the power consumption state of the printer control circuit 227 may belong to the above-described system control or to the above-described individual printer control.

  The scanner control circuit 229 has a portion that is always supplied with a clock signal as long as the clock generator 231 is operating, and a portion that is supplied with a clock signal through a gate circuit 235. The former part is a part of the scanner control circuit 229 that needs to operate constantly (for example, a circuit that interrupts the CPU 211), and at least the scanner unit 40 is in a low power state. Sometimes it is a part that can be stopped. When the gate circuit 235 is open, the scanner control unit 229 operates normally (the power consumption state is the normal state), but when the gate circuit 235 is closed, the latter part of the scanner control unit 229 is operated. Stops (the power consumption state is a low power state). The opening / closing control of the gate circuit 235, that is, the control of the power consumption state of the scanner control circuit 229 may belong to the above-described system control, or may belong to the above-described individual scanner control.

  Hereinafter, the image processing circuit 225 that is an object of individual control will be described in more detail.

  The image processing circuit 233 inputs image data from the USB circuit 233 through the I / F control circuit 223, inputs image data from the card I / F circuit 216 described later through the card ASIC 235, or the scanner control unit 229. Input image data from. Then, the image processing circuit 233 can sequentially or selectively perform all or part of a plurality of types of image processing as described later on the input image data. Further, the image processing circuit 233 outputs the processed image data to the printer control unit 227, outputs it to the USB circuit 233 through the I / F control circuit 223, or outputs it to the card I / F circuit 216 through the card ASIC 235. To do. As described above, the image processing circuit 233 performs various image processing on image data exchanged between the printer unit 30, the scanner unit 40, the external device, the memory card, and the like.

  FIG. 8 shows the internal configuration of the image processing circuit 225.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the image processing circuit 225 includes a color conversion circuit 241, a halftone processing circuit 243, an interlace processing circuit 245, a JPEG decompression circuit 247, a rotation processing circuit 249, a size changing circuit 251, a JPEG compression circuit 253, and the like. Have The color conversion circuit 241 performs color conversion from image data in the RGB color space to image data in the CMYK color space. The halftone processing circuit 243 performs area gradation processing (halftone processing) from multi-gradation bitmap image data to low gradation bitmap image data that looks like the same gradation in a pseudo manner. When performing interlaced printing, the interlace processing circuit 245 converts the pixel array of the bitmap image data to be printed that has been subjected to halftone processing into an array suitable for interlaced printing. The JPEG decompression circuit 247 compresses the uncompressed bitmap image data into the JPEG format. The rotation processing circuit 249 performs image data rotation processing. The size changing circuit 251 enlarges or reduces the image data. The JPEG compression circuit 253 decompresses bitmap image data in an uncompressed format.

  The color conversion, halftone processing, interlace processing, JPEG decompression processing, and the like described above are often performed as preprocessing for image data to be printed when printing is performed. Further, the above-described JPEG compression is performed as post-processing on the scanned image data output from the scanning unit 40, for example. In addition, the above-described rotation processing, size change processing, and the like may be performed as pre-processing for image data to be printed, or may be performed as post-processing for scanned image data. In some cases, the read image data may be preprocessed when displayed or stored.

  As described above, the image processing circuit 225 is used in various scenes, and the operation timing thereof differs from the operation timing of the printer unit 30 and the operation timing of the scanner unit 40. Therefore, by controlling the power consumption of the image processing circuit 225 independently of the power consumption control of the printer specific part and the scanner specific part, the control is performed at a unique timing according to the use state of the image processing circuit 225 itself. A higher power saving effect can be obtained. In addition, the image processing circuit used at the time of printing and the image processing circuit used at the time of image scanning are integrated into one LSI chip, and the power consumption state is controlled in a lump, whereby the image processing circuit The advantage is that 225 is simplified and the cost is reduced.

  FIG. 9 shows a functional configuration of power consumption control processing performed by the CPU 211 in this modification.

  In FIG. 9, the operations of the printer individual control unit 520 and the scanner individual control unit 530 are the same as those already described with reference to FIG. The image processing individual control unit 620 monitors the usage status of the image processing circuit 225 and opens and closes the gate circuit 231 shown in FIG. 7 according to the result, thereby changing the power consumption state of the image processing circuit 225 to the normal state ( Operation state) 621 and a low power state (stop state) 622 with lower power consumption are controlled. That is, when the condition G is satisfied when the power consumption state of the image processing circuit 225 is in the normal state 621, the image processing individual control unit 620 closes the gate circuit 231 and stops supplying the clock signal to the image processing circuit 225. As a result, the power consumption state of the image processing circuit 225 is switched to the low power state 622. The image processing individual control unit 620 opens the gate circuit 231 to supply the clock signal to the image processing circuit 225 when the condition H is satisfied when the power consumption state of the image processing circuit 225 is in the low power state 622. By starting, the power consumption state of the image processing circuit 225 is switched to the normal state 621.

  Here, the condition G is that the image processing circuit 225 is not used or is not likely to be used. For example, “the operation request of the image processing circuit 225 does not currently exist”, that is, “in FIG. There is currently no need to execute any of the multiple types of image processing shown ". The condition H is that the image processing circuit 225 is used or highly likely to be used. For example, “the operation request for the image processing circuit 225 has occurred”, that is, “the condition shown in FIG. In addition, a request to execute one of a plurality of types of image processing has occurred ".

  Referring again to FIG. 9, the system control unit 610 monitors the usage status of the printer unit 20, the scanner unit 30, and the image processing circuit 225, and the normal state in which the system unit 20 can normally operate according to the result. 511 and a low power state 512 with lower power consumption. That is, when the system unit 20 is in the normal state 511, the system control unit 510 lowers the system unit 20 from the normal state 511 when a predetermined condition I is satisfied regarding the usage status of the printer, the image scanner, and the image processing circuit 225. When the system unit 20 is switched to the power state 512 and the system unit 20 is in the low power state 512, the system unit 20 is put into the low power state 532 when a predetermined condition J is satisfied regarding the usage status of the printer, the image scanner, and the image processing circuit 225. To normal state 531. As described above, when the system unit 20 is set to the low power state 512, all of the printer unit 20, the scanner unit 40, and the image processing circuit 225 automatically enter the low power state 522, 532, 622. The entire system of the composite printer circuit 10 is in a low power state. On the other hand, even when the system unit 20 is in the normal state 511, the printer specific unit in the printer unit 30, the scanner specific unit in the scanner unit 40, or the image processing circuit 225 is the printer individual control unit 520, scanner individual control unit. The low power state 522, 532, or 621 may be caused by individual control by the image processing head control unit 620 or 530.

  Condition I is that none of the printer, the scanner, and the image processing circuit 225 is used or is unlikely to be used. Specifically, “Condition A, Condition C, and Condition G are all satisfied. That ’s it. The condition J is that the use of any of the printer, the scanner, and the image processing circuit 225 is started or is likely to be started. Specifically, “condition B, condition D, or condition H is satisfied” That ’s it.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the timing difference between the power saving control of the image processing circuit 225 and the power saving control of the printer specific unit when printing is performed.

  As shown in step S81 of FIG. 10, it is assumed that both the image processing circuit 225 and the printer specific unit are in a low power state. Here, for example, when print data arrives from the host computer, the CPU 211 generates an operation request for the image processing circuit 225 (condition H is established), and switches the image processing circuit 225 from the low power state to the normal state (S82). Then, the image processing control circuit 225 inputs the image data included in the print data, performs the above-described color conversion, halftone processing, interlace processing, and the like on the image data, and can be printed by the printer unit 30. Print image data is created and written into the print buffer (S83). When the first print image data is created in this way and stored in the print buffer, the CPU 211 generates a printer operation request (condition B is satisfied), and changes the printer specific unit from the low power state to the normal state. (S84). Then, the print image data is transferred from the print buffer to the printer unit 30, and the printing operation by the printer unit 30 is started (S85).

  After that, when the image processing circuit 225 finishes creating the last print image data based on the print data from the host computer and stores it in the print buffer (condition G is satisfied), the CPU 211 causes the image processing circuit 225 to Switch from the normal state to the low power state (S86). After that, when printing of the last print image data by the printer unit 30 is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed (condition A is satisfied), the CPU 211 switches the printer specific unit from the normal state to the low power state (S87).

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the timing difference between the power saving control of the image processing circuit 225 and the power saving control of the scanner specific unit when performing image scanning.

  As shown in step S91 of FIG. 11, it is assumed that both the image processing circuit 211 and the scanner specific unit are in a low power state. Here, when an operation request is input from the user to the scanner or when the lid of the scanner platen is opened by the user (condition D is satisfied), the CPU 211 switches the scanner specific unit from the low power state to the normal state (S92). ). Thereafter, the CPU 211 drives the scanner unit 40 in accordance with the instruction to cause the user to perform operations such as press scanning and main scanning of the document image (S93).

  When the scan image data read by the main scan is output from the scanner unit 40, the CPU 211 generates an operation request for the image processing circuit 225 (condition H is satisfied), and the image processing circuit 255 is changed from the low power state to the normal state. Switch to (S94). Then, the image processing circuit 225 performs predetermined post-processing on the scanned image data. Here, assuming that the scan image data is stored in the memory card, the image processing circuit 225 starts compression of the scan image data into the JPEG format as the post-processing (S95). When the JPEG compression processing by the image processing circuit 255 is completed and JPEG image data is passed to the card ASIC 235 (condition G is satisfied), the CPU 211 switches the image processing circuit 225 from the normal state to the low power state (S96). ).

  Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses after the main scanning operation by the scanner unit 40 ends (condition C is satisfied), the CPU 211 switches the scanner unit 40 from the normal state to the low power state (S97).

  In this way, when printing is performed, the image processing circuit 225 is set in a normal state only while it is necessary to perform preprocessing of image data to be printed at a timing different from the operation timing of the printer unit 30. In other cases, the low power state is controlled. Further, when performing image scanning, the image processing circuit 225 is set in a normal state only when it is necessary to perform post-processing of the scanned image data at a timing different from the operation timing of the scanner unit 40, and is otherwise low. Controlled to power state. Thereby, the power saving of the image processing circuit 225 is optimized. Since the image processing circuit 225 is made into one chip, the power consumption of the image processing circuit 225 can be controlled by a simple and inexpensive method of turning on and off the clock signal thereto.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is only the illustration for description of this invention, and is not the meaning which limits the scope of the present invention only to this embodiment. The present invention can be implemented in various other modes without departing from the gist thereof. The principle of the present invention can be applied to a single printer or an image scanner.

1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a composite printer having a printer and an image scanner, which is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the process of the power consumption control which CPU211 performs. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of power consumption control of a printer specific unit performed by an individual printer control unit 520. The figure which shows the flow of the power consumption control of the scanner specific part which the scanner individual control part 530 performs. The figure which shows the flow of the power consumption control of the system part 10 (the whole system) which the system control part 510 performs. The figure which shows the flow of operation | movement when the controller 204 reports the level of an optical sensor. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail the internal configuration of the controller 204 shown in FIG. 1, particularly the configuration of a part related to image processing. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image processing circuit 225. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the process of the power consumption control which CPU211 performs in the modification of embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a timing difference between power saving control of the image processing circuit 225 and power saving control of a printer specific unit when performing printing. FIG. 6 shows an example of the difference in timing between the power saving control of the image processing circuit 225 and the power saving control of the scanner specific unit when performing image scanning.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Composite printer circuit, 20 System part, 30 Printer part, 40 Scanner part, 201 Main power supply circuit, 202 1st sub power circuit, 203 2nd sub power circuit, 204 Controller, 205 Motor driver common part, 206 Head drive Power control switch, 207 low power circuit power control switch, 225 image processing circuit, 231 gate circuit, 211 CPU, 214 EEPROM, 217 image processing ASIC, 301 head drive circuit, 302 print head, 303 printer motor driver, 304 carriage motor, 305 Paper feed motor, 306 Encoder power control switch, 309 Paper edge sensor, 310 Paper width sensor, 311 Automatic platen sensor, 401 Lamp power control switch, 402 Document irradiation lamp, 4 03 image sensor power control switch, 404 image sensor, 405 A / D converter, 406 home position sensor, 407 scanner motor driver, 408 scanner motor, 500 power consumption control processing, 511 system control unit, 520 printer individual control unit, 530 scanner Individual control unit, 610 System control unit, 620 Image processing individual control unit

Claims (12)

In an image processing apparatus comprising a plurality of image processing units operable independently of each other, each image processing unit having a first type circuit and a second type circuit,
A plurality of individual control units provided respectively corresponding to the plurality of image processing units for individually controlling the power consumption state of the first type circuit for each image processing unit;
A system control unit for commonly controlling the power consumption state of the second type circuit for the plurality of image processing units;
Each image processing unit has one or more motors and a motor driver for driving control of the motors as the first type circuit, and has one or more optical sensors as the second type circuit.
Image processing device. In an image processing apparatus comprising a plurality of image processing units operable independently of each other, each image processing unit having a first type circuit and a second type circuit,
A plurality of individual control units provided respectively corresponding to the plurality of image processing units for individually controlling the power consumption state of the first type circuit for each image processing unit;
A system control unit for commonly controlling the power consumption state of the second type circuit for the plurality of image processing units;
As the plurality of image processing units, a printer unit that functions as a printer, and a scanner unit that functions as an image scanner,
The printer unit is
Having one or more printer motors as the first type of circuit and having one or more optical sensors as the second type of circuit;
The scanner unit is
A document irradiation lamp and one or more scanner motors as the first type of circuit, and one or more optical sensors as the second type of circuit,
Image processing device. In an image processing apparatus comprising a plurality of image processing units operable independently of each other, each image processing unit having a first type circuit and a second type circuit,
A plurality of individual control units provided respectively corresponding to the plurality of image processing units for individually controlling the power consumption state of the first type circuit for each image processing unit;
A system control unit for commonly controlling the power consumption state of the second type circuit for the plurality of image processing units;
A system unit having a common circuit for performing a function common to the plurality of image processing units;
The system control unit commonly controls not only the second type of circuit in the image processing unit but also the power consumption state of the common circuit in the system unit,
Each image processing unit has one or more motors and a motor driver specific unit for performing a drive control function specific to the motor as the first type circuit,
The system unit has a motor driver common unit for performing a control function common to the motors of the plurality of image processing units as the common circuit.
Image processing measures. Each individual control unit performs the individual control according to the usage status of each image processing unit,
The system control unit, an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 perform the common control depending on the overall usage of the plurality of image processing units. Within each of the image processing unit, the second type of circuit is an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is a small circuit having power consumption than circuits of the first type. When the power consumption state of the optical sensor is switched from the normal state to the low power state by the system control unit, backup data of the level data of the optical sensor at the time immediately before shifting to the low power state is acquired, and the optical sensor further comprising claim 1 or 2 image processing apparatus according to the backup unit configured to report the backup data when the state of power consumption to report the level of the optical sensor when it is in a low power state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the system unit includes a common power supply circuit for supplying power to the plurality of image processing units as the common circuit. In a method of controlling power consumption of an image processing apparatus including a plurality of image processing units operable independently of each other, and each image processing unit having a first type circuit and a second type circuit,
Controlling the power consumption state of the first type circuit individually for each image processing unit;
Controlling the power consumption state of the second type circuit collectively for the plurality of image processing units,
Each image processing unit has one or more motors and a motor driver for driving control of the motors as the first type circuit, and has one or more optical sensors as the second type circuit.
A power consumption control method for an image processing apparatus. In a method of controlling power consumption of an image processing apparatus including a plurality of image processing units operable independently of each other, and each image processing unit having a first type circuit and a second type circuit,
Controlling the power consumption state of the first type circuit individually for each image processing unit;
Controlling the power consumption state of the second type circuit collectively for the plurality of image processing units,
As the plurality of image processing units, a printer unit that functions as a printer, and a scanner unit that functions as an image scanner,
The printer unit is
Having one or more printer motors as the first type of circuit and having one or more optical sensors as the second type of circuit;
The scanner unit is
A document irradiation lamp and one or more scanner motors as the first type of circuit, and one or more optical sensors as the second type of circuit,
A power consumption control method for an image processing apparatus. In a method of controlling power consumption of an image processing apparatus including a plurality of image processing units operable independently of each other, and each image processing unit having a first type circuit and a second type circuit,
Controlling the power consumption state of the first type circuit individually for each image processing unit;
Controlling the power consumption state of the second type circuit collectively for the plurality of image processing units,
A system unit having a common circuit for performing a function common to the plurality of image processing units;
In the batch step, not only the second type circuit in the image processing unit but also the control of the power consumption state of the common circuit in the system unit is performed in common.
Each image processing unit has one or more motors and a motor driver specific unit for performing a drive control function specific to the motor as the first type circuit,
The system unit has a motor driver common unit for performing a control function common to the motors of the plurality of image processing units as the common circuit.
A power consumption control method for an image processing apparatus. A printer unit having a plurality of circuits for functioning as a printer, a scanner unit having a plurality of circuits for functioning as an image scanner, predetermined preprocessing for image data input to the printer unit, and the scanner unit In an image processing apparatus including an image processing circuit that performs predetermined post-processing on output image data,
A printer individual control unit for individually controlling the power consumption state of at least some of the circuits of the printer unit according to the usage status of the printer unit;
A scanner individual control unit for individually controlling the power consumption state of at least some of the circuits of the scanner unit according to the usage status of the scanner unit;
An image processing individual control unit that individually controls the power consumption state of the image processing circuit according to the usage status of the image processing circuit;
A system control unit for controlling the overall power consumption state of the image processing apparatus according to the usage status of the printer unit, the scanner unit, and the image processing circuit;
The printer unit includes one or more printer motors and one or more optical sensors. The power consumption state of the printer motor is controlled by the printer individual control unit, and the power consumption state of the optical sensor is controlled by the system control. Controlled by the department,
The scanner unit includes a document irradiation lamp, one or more scanner motors, and one or more optical sensors, and power consumption states of the document irradiation lamp and the scanner motor are controlled by the scanner individual control unit, The power consumption state of the optical sensor is controlled by the system controller.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image processing circuit is provided on one IC chip.

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