JP2012249220A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus in which a low power consumption mode can be reset to a normal mode in a state appropriate for the user.SOLUTION: When a transition is made from a low power consumption mode to a normal mode by a power control unit 401, an activation unit 403 reads a snap shot stored in a snap shot storage unit 402 and resets on a work memory. A time acquisition unit 404 acquires a start time corresponding to the reset by the activation unit 403. When a transition is made from a normal mode to a low power consumption mode, a saving unit 405 stores the snap shot on the work memory, in association with the start time, in the snap shot storage unit 402. When a transition is made from a low power consumption mode to a normal mode, a snap shot selection unit 406 selects a snap shot to be read by the activation unit 403 from among the snap shots stored in the snap shot storage unit 402, based on the transition time and the start time.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of switching between a plurality of power supply modes including a normal mode and a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode.

  In recent years, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) having a plurality of functions are used in offices and the like. A multifunction machine is often used in a situation where it is connected to an information processing terminal such as a personal computer through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). It functions as a printer device that prints image data input from the information processing terminal on paper, functions as a facsimile device that transmits image data input from the information processing terminal by facsimile, and is used in the information processing terminal. Function as an image reading device that acquires image data to be acquired, or function as a document management device that stores document image data in a searchable manner.

  In addition, in order to reduce the environmental load, in such a multifunction device, when not in use, the normal mode for supplying power to the entire multifunction device is changed to a low power consumption mode (sleep mode) with reduced power consumption. The function of switching the power supply mode is widely adopted. Various techniques relating to the return from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode have been proposed for the purpose of application to a multifunction machine having such a function (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a switching memory that reads and stores data registered by a user from a hard disk storage unit, and a switch when power supply to the hard disk storage unit is started in association with a return from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode. An image forming apparatus including an access switching unit that selectively displays user registration data registered in a memory on a display unit is disclosed. In this technique, user registration data can be used even during a period in which data cannot be read from the hard disk storage means from the start of power supply until the operation preparation of the hard disk storage means is completed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a display control device including a screen storage unit that stores screen data immediately before shifting to the low power consumption mode when the power supply mode is switched as described above. In this technology, when the time of shifting to the low power consumption mode is within a predetermined time, it is estimated that the operation is continuous by the same user, and the screen data in the screen storage unit is read and displayed on the display device. . If it is not within the predetermined time, it is estimated that the operation is not continuous by the same user, and an initial screen is displayed on the display device. This ensures continuity of operation even when the power supply mode is frequently switched.

  Further, Patent Document 3 describes a boot process data and a return initial screen data in a multi-function machine including a main control unit that performs overall control of the multi-function machine and an operation unit control unit that controls an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. A configuration is disclosed in which the data is stored in the non-volatile storage medium of the operation unit control unit instead of the storage medium of the main control unit. More specifically, the boot process data is stored in the nonvolatile NOR flash memory, and the initial screen data at the time of return is stored in the nonvolatile NAND flash memory. By reading the screen data, the recovery time is shortened. Further, Patent Document 3 includes a screen generation unit that generates initial screen data at the time of return, and the screen generation unit acquires the peripheral device configuration of the multifunction peripheral and the toner remaining acquired when the multifunction peripheral shifts to the low power consumption mode. Device information such as quantity is acquired, and initial screen data at the time of return reflecting the device information is generated.

JP 2010-204428 A JP 2007-086230 A JP 2009-135873 A

  In recent years, in a multi-function device having a plurality of functions, when executing functions such as facsimile transmission, copying, printing, document storage, and data transmission, the user can set desired parameters for many setting items. It has become. In order to make it easy for the user to make settings for such multiple items, a multifunction peripheral normally has an operation screen for performing various settings for each function.

  For example, when the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to such a multifunction device, the operation screen displayed on the display unit when returning from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode is data specified in advance by the user. Become. In other words, unless the designation is changed, the same operation screen is displayed on the display unit when returning. In this case, it is unclear whether or not the displayed operation screen is an appropriate operation screen for a user who intends to use any function of the multifunction peripheral that has returned to the normal mode.

  In addition, when the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 is applied, when the operation screen displayed on the display unit when returning to the normal mode is estimated to be a continuous operation by the same user, the user operates the operation screen. However, when it is estimated that the operation is not a continuous operation by the same user, an initial screen is displayed. In other words, under a situation where it is estimated that a different user will use, a single operation screen will be displayed on the display unit when returning. Also in this case, it is unclear whether or not the displayed operation screen is an appropriate operation screen for the user who intends to use any function of the multifunction peripheral that has returned to the normal mode.

  Furthermore, when the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3 is applied, the operation screen displayed on the display unit at the time of return is initial screen data at the time of return reflecting the device information at the time of shifting to the low power consumption mode. In this configuration, the device information when shifting to the low power consumption mode is displayed on the display unit when returning. In this case, it is an advantage for the user that the device information is displayed, but the displayed operation screen is an appropriate operation screen for the user who wants to use any of the functions of the MFP that has returned to the normal mode. Whether or not there is is unknown.

  That is, in the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the state of the multifunction device that has returned from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode is restored without considering whether or not the state is appropriate for the user. Yes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and when returning from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, an attempt is made to use any of the functions of the multifunction peripheral that has returned to the normal mode. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus that can be restored in a more appropriate state for a user who wants to perform the process.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention employs the following technical means. That is, the present invention is an image processing apparatus that can execute a plurality of functions and has an operation screen corresponding to each function, and includes a power control unit, a working memory, a snapshot storage unit, a startup processing unit, and a time acquisition unit. And an evacuation processing unit and a snapshot selection unit. The plurality of functions include, for example, image formation such as copying, image reading, facsimile transmission, network transmission, and the like. The power control unit switches between a plurality of power supply modes including a normal mode and a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode. In the normal mode, data for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus is expanded in the working memory. The snapshot storage unit is made of a non-volatile storage medium, and stores a snapshot that is image data of data stored in the working memory. When the power control unit shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the activation processing unit reads the snapshot stored in the snapshot storage unit and restores the snapshot to the working memory. The time acquisition unit acquires the activation time corresponding to the return by the activation processing unit. When the power control unit shifts from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode, the save processing unit stores the snapshot of the working memory in the snapshot storage unit in association with the activation time acquired by the time acquisition unit. Then, when the power control unit shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the snapshot selection unit, based on the transition time and the startup time, stores the snapshot stored in the snapshot storage unit. Select the snapshot to be read by the startup processor.

  According to this image processing apparatus, when shifting from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the image processing apparatus can be restored in a state corresponding to the transition time. For example, in a multifunction machine or the like used in an office or the like, the functions used are biased depending on the time zone. This is because, in offices and the like, there are daily operations performed by users, and such daily operations tend to be performed every day at specific times. . According to the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, when shifting from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the image processing apparatus restored in that time zone is then in a state at the time of shifting to the low power consumption mode, It will return to normal mode. For example, when the image processing apparatus is returned from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode in the past corresponding time zone, the facsimile function is used, and the apparatus is shifted to the low power consumption mode as it is, the display unit of the image processing apparatus Displays the operation screen of the facsimile function. Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, when returning from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, it is possible for the user who intends to use the image processing apparatus to return in a more appropriate state compared to the related art. Become. In addition, since the snapshot is restored to the working memory, the image forming apparatus can be restored to an operable state in a shorter time compared to a configuration in which the operating system and application software are sequentially activated.

  When the image processing apparatus includes a plurality of units for realizing the plurality of functions, a configuration further including a priority activation unit and a function selection unit can be employed. Here, when the priority activation unit shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the unit of the image processing apparatus that realizes the priority designated function is preferentially made executable. The function selection unit selects a function to be preferentially activated when shifting from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode. In this configuration, when shifting from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode, the save processing unit stores the snapshot in the snapshot storage unit in association with the function selected by the function selection unit. Then, when shifting from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the snapshot selection unit designates the function associated with the selected snapshot as the function for preferentially starting the function. Note that a unit means a component of the image processing apparatus configured to be supplied with power independently of each other, and one function is realized by one unit or a combination of a plurality of units.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to preferentially activate the functions of the image processing apparatus that are highly likely to be used in daily work or the like in a specific time zone. As a result, use of the image processing apparatus can be started more quickly. In addition, in this configuration, it is also possible to employ a configuration further including a history holding unit that holds a history of operations performed on the image processing apparatus after the transition from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode. In this configuration, the function selection unit selects a function to be preferentially activated based on the operation history held in the history holding unit when the save processing unit starts storing the snapshot. In this configuration, for example, a function is used after a transition from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, and a function that is used first after the transition to the normal mode is prioritized even if another operation is performed after that. Can be specified as In these configurations, it is preferable that the priority activation unit displays the operation screen corresponding to the function designated with priority on the display unit used for inputting an instruction to the image processing apparatus by the user. As a result, even when the function corresponding to the operation screen displayed on the display unit based on the restored snapshot is different from the function to be preferentially activated, it corresponds to the function to preferentially activate when returning to the normal mode. An operation screen can be displayed on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, when returning from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, it is more appropriate for a user who intends to use any of the functions of the image processing apparatus that has returned to the normal mode as compared with the conventional case. The image processing apparatus can be returned.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation panel of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows an example of the low power consumption mode switching procedure which the multifunctional device in one Embodiment of this invention implements The flowchart which shows an example of the priority function selection procedure which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention implements The flowchart which shows an example of the normal mode return procedure which the multifunctional machine in one Embodiment of this invention implements

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the present invention is embodied as a digital multifunction machine. The digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of executing a plurality of functions including an image reading function, an image forming function (copying function and printer function), a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a network transmission / reception function. In addition, this digital multi-function peripheral has a normal mode for supplying power to the entire multi-function peripheral and a low power consumption mode (sleep mode) that reduces power consumption by supplying power to only a part of the multi-function peripheral. A plurality of power supply modes including the power supply mode can be switched.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a main body 101 including an image reading unit 120 and an image forming unit 140, and a platen cover 102 attached above the main body 101. A document table 103 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 101, and the document table 103 is opened and closed by a platen cover 102. Further, the platen cover 102 includes a document conveying device 110.

  An image reading unit 120 is provided below the document table 103. The image reading unit 120 reads an image of a document with the scanning optical system 121 and generates digital data (image data) of the image. The document can be placed on the document table 103 or the document transport device 110. The scanning optical system 121 includes a first carriage 122, a second carriage 123, and a condenser lens 124. The first carriage 122 is provided with a linear light source 131 and a mirror 132, and the second carriage 123 is provided with mirrors 133 and 134. The light source 131 illuminates the document. The mirrors 132, 133, and 134 guide reflected light from the document to the condenser lens 124, and the condenser lens 124 forms an optical image on the light receiving surface of the line image sensor 125. In the scanning optical system 121, the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 are provided so as to be able to reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction 135. By moving the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 in the sub-scanning direction 135, the image of the document placed on the document table 103 can be read by the image sensor 125.

  When reading an image of a document set on the document conveying device 110, the image reading unit 120 temporarily fixes the first carriage 122 and the second carriage 123 according to the image reading position, and passes the image reading position. Are read by the image sensor 125. The image sensor 125 generates image data of a document corresponding to, for example, each color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) from the light image incident on the light receiving surface.

  The generated image data can be printed on paper in the image forming unit 140. Further, the data can be transmitted to other devices through the network 162 by the network adapter 161. Further, facsimile transmission can be performed through the public communication line 164 by the FAX adapter 163.

  The image forming unit 140 receives the image data obtained by the image reading unit 120, the image data received by the network adapter 161 from another device (not shown) connected to the network 162, and the FAX adapter 163 through the public communication line 164. Prints the received image data on paper.

  The image forming unit 140 includes a photosensitive drum 141. The photosensitive drum 141 rotates in one direction at a constant speed. Around the photosensitive drum 141, a charger 142, an exposure unit 143, a developing unit 144, and an intermediate transfer belt 145 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. The charger 142 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 141. The exposure device 143 irradiates the surface of the uniformly charged photoconductor drum 141 with light according to the image data, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 141. The developing device 144 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 141. The intermediate transfer belt 145 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 141 onto a sheet. When the image data is a color image, the intermediate transfer belt 145 transfers each color toner image onto the same sheet. The RGB color image is converted into C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) format image data, and the image data of each color is input to the exposure unit 143.

  The image forming unit 140 feeds paper from the manual feed tray 151, the paper feed cassettes 152, 153, and 154 to the transfer unit between the intermediate transfer belt 145 and the transfer roller 146. Various sizes of paper can be placed or stored in the manual feed tray 151 and the paper feed cassettes 152, 153, and 154. The image forming unit 140 selects a sheet specified by the user or a sheet corresponding to the automatically detected document size, and pulls out the selected sheet from the manual feed tray 151 and the cassettes 152, 153, and 154 by the feeding roller 155. The pulled-out paper is sent to the transfer unit by the conveyance roller 156 and the registration roller 157. The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 148 by the conveyance belt 147. The fixing device 148 has a fixing roller 158 and a pressure roller 159 with a built-in heater, and fixes the toner image on the sheet by heat and pressing force. The image forming unit 140 discharges the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 148 to the discharge tray 149.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an operation panel included in the multifunction peripheral. The user can use the operation panel 200 to give the MFP 100 a start of copying and other instructions, and to confirm the status and settings of the MFP 100. On the operation panel 200, a display 201 with a touch panel and operation keys 203 are arranged. The display 201 includes a display surface including a liquid crystal display that displays operation buttons, messages, and the like, and a sensor that detects a pressed position on the display surface. The detection method of a press position is not specifically limited. Any method such as a resistance film method, a capacitance method, a surface acoustic wave method, and an electromagnetic wave method can be employed. The user can input through the display 201 using his / her finger or the touch pen 202.

  The display 201 displays an operation screen having a button display unit 204, a message display unit 205, and a status display unit 206. A plurality of tabs 208 are prepared in the button display unit 204, and operation buttons corresponding to the tab category are arranged on each tab. The “easy setting” tab has operation buttons used for basic setting. In the example of FIG. 2, operation buttons for setting paper size, copy magnification, density, printing surface, page aggregation, and post-processing are arranged. For example, when the user performs an operation of pressing the “density” button 207, a pop-up screen having selection buttons such as “light”, “normal”, and “dark” for selecting the density is displayed over the operation button. The density is set by the user's selection (pressing). In the example of FIG. 2, in addition to the “easy setting” tab, a “document / paper / finish” tab, a “color / image quality” tab, a “layout / edit” tab, and an “application / others” tab are also provided. The user can switch to the display of these tabs by performing an operation of selecting the tab button 208. While one tab is selected, other tabs and their elements are hidden on the operation screen.

  The message display unit 205 displays a message notifying the user of settings such as whether copying is possible and the number of copies. The status display unit 206 displays device status information as necessary. In this display, detection results of various sensors included in the multifunction peripheral 100 are reflected. The device status information means a message that notifies the user of a warning that prompts the user to respond to an abnormality although the device is in an operable state. For example, the fact that the remaining amount of paper is low, the document platen 103 is dirty, and the facsimile document is stored in the memory when the facsimile memory reception is set is included. Further, the device status information may include out-of-paper, conveyance jam, and the like.

  The operation keys 203 include a power key 209, a numeric keypad 210, a start key 211, a clear key 212, and the like. For example, the power key 209 is used to switch the MFP 100 on and off. Here, the power ON corresponds to the normal mode, and the power OFF corresponds to the low power consumption mode. The numeric keypad 210 can be used for specifying the number of copies and setting the copy magnification. When the user makes these settings, the multi-function device 100 displays a message such as “Can be copied (with settings)” on the message display unit 205 to notify the user that the settings have been made. The start key 211 is used for a start instruction for copying or image printing. The user operates the clear key 212 when canceling the setting made by the user. Since whether or not the machine accepts the setting by the user can be determined by the above-described message, the clear key 212 may be operated if the setting becomes unnecessary.

  In FIG. 2, when “Copy” (generation of image data in the image reading unit 120 and printing of image data in the image forming unit 140) is selected by the operation key 203 as a function of the multifunction peripheral 100, the display 201 is displayed. The operation screen displayed on is illustrated. When other functions such as “Send” (transmission of image data through the network adapter 161 and transmission of image data through the FAX adapter 163) and “Document Box” (generation of image data in the image reading unit 120) are selected. The operation screen corresponding to the selected function is displayed on the display 201.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control system in the multifunction machine. The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 302, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, an original transport device 110, and an image reading unit 120. A driver 305 corresponding to each drive unit in the image forming unit 140 is connected via an internal bus 306. The ROM 303, the HDD 304, and the like store programs, and the CPU 301 controls the multifunction peripheral 100 in accordance with the instructions of the control program. For example, the CPU 301 uses the RAM 302 as a work area, and controls the operation of each driving unit by exchanging data and commands with the driver 305. The HDD 304 is also used to store image data obtained by the image reading unit 120, image data received from another device through the network adapter 161, and image data received through the FAX adapter 163. In this embodiment, the RAM 302 functions as a working memory in which data for realizing each function of the multifunction peripheral 100 is expanded, and the HDD 304 is a snap that is image data (RAM image) of data stored in the RAM 302. It functions as a snapshot storage unit for storing shots.

  An operation panel 200 and various sensors 307 are also connected to the internal bus 306. The operation panel 200 receives a user operation and supplies a signal based on the operation to the CPU 301. The display 201 displays the above-described operation screen according to a control signal from the CPU 301. The sensor 307 includes various sensors such as an open / close detection sensor for the platen cover 102, a document detection sensor on the document table 103, a temperature sensor for the fixing device 148, and a detection sensor for the conveyed paper or document. The CPU 301 executes, for example, a program stored in the ROM 303 to realize each of the following means (functional blocks) and controls the operation of each means according to signals from these sensors.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a power control unit 401, a snapshot storage unit 402, a startup processing unit 403, a time acquisition unit 404, a save processing unit 405, and a snapshot selection unit 406. Further, a display control unit 411, an operation recognition unit 412, an operation control unit 413, and a timer unit 414 are provided.

  The display control unit 411 displays the above operation screen on the display surface of the display 201. The display control unit 411 holds information (for example, coordinates on the display surface) indicating the display position of each element such as operation buttons and messages included in the operation screen. The operation performed on the display surface of the display 201 is detected by a sensor that detects the pressed position of the display 201, and the coordinates of the pressed position are acquired by the operation recognition unit 412. The operation recognition unit 412 recognizes the user's operation content based on the coordinates of the screen elements held by the display control unit 411 and the pressed position. The operation recognition unit 412 also recognizes pressing of the operation key 203 on the operation panel 200.

  For example, the operation control unit 413 generates image data in the image reading unit 120, prints image data in the image forming unit 140, and transmits / receives image data through the network adapter 161 based on an instruction recognized by the operation recognition unit 412. Transmission / reception of image data through the FAX adapter 163 is executed. In the MFP 100, the image reading unit 120, the image forming unit 140, the network adapter 161, and the FAX adapter 163 are configured as units that can independently supply power, and according to instructions from the operation control unit 413. Thus, the unit is configured as a unit capable of switching between an operation state in which power is supplied and a stop state in which power supply is stopped independently of each other. The timer 414 includes a timer that measures time and outputs the time information. The timing unit 414 only needs to be able to measure at least any time in one day (24 hours), but in this embodiment, it is configured to be able to measure year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. .

  The power control unit 401 includes a plurality of modes including a normal mode in which power is supplied to the entire multifunction device 100 and a low power consumption mode in which power consumption is reduced by supplying power to only a part of the multifunction device 100. Switch the power supply mode. The transition from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode and the transition from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode are executed when a pre-registered condition is satisfied. For example, as a condition for shifting from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode, a state in which an instruction to the multifunction device 100 is not input continues for a predetermined period of time can be employed. Such a passage of time can be recognized based on the time information output from the timer 414. Further, it is possible to adopt that an instruction to the multifunction device 100 is input as a condition for shifting from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode. Here, the instruction to the multifunction device 100 means an instruction (for example, pressing of the power key 209) by the user via the operation panel 200. Even when image data is received via the network adapter 161 or image data via the FAX adapter 163, the multifunction peripheral 100 needs to leave the low power consumption mode for data reception. The user does not need to give any instruction to the multifunction peripheral 100 through the operation screen. That is, it is not necessary to display an operation screen on the display 201, and it is sufficient to supply power only to components necessary for receiving image data. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a transition is made to a dedicated power supply mode such as a network data reception mode or a FAX data reception mode without shifting to the normal mode in which power is supplied to the entire MFP 100. .

  In the low power consumption mode, by supplying power to only a part of the multifunction peripheral 100, it is possible to detect whether or not the transition condition from the low power consumption mode to another power supply mode is satisfied. The multi-function device 100 is maintained. For example, a sensor irrelevant to the detection of whether or not the return condition is satisfied (for example, a platen cover open / close detection sensor or a document detection sensor), RAM 302, HDD 304, each unit (image reading unit 120, image forming unit 140, network adapter) 161, the power supply to the FAX adapter 163) and the like are stopped. Also, only the minimum power necessary for the detection is supplied to the CPU 301. In addition, it is preferable that the time measuring unit 414 continues time measurement even in the low power consumption mode. However, for example, if accurate time can be obtained from the outside of the apparatus when returning to the normal mode by receiving the Internet time through the network adapter 161 or receiving the standard frequency time signal, the power is supplied to the time measuring unit 414. May be stopped.

  As long as the snapshot storage unit 402 is a non-volatile storage medium, any medium can be used. In this embodiment, the snapshot storage unit 402 is configured by the HDD 304 as described above. The snapshot storage unit 402 stores a snapshot of the RAM 302 that is a working memory in which data for realizing various functions of the multifunction device 100 is expanded when the multifunction device 100 is in the normal mode. As described above, the snapshot is image data (RAM image) of data stored in the RAM 302.

  The activation processing unit 403 reads the snapshot stored in the snapshot storage unit 402 and restores it to the RAM 302 when the power control unit 401 shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode. At this time, the time acquisition unit 404 acquires time information from the time measuring unit 414 and holds the time information as a time corresponding to the return by the activation processing unit 403 (hereinafter referred to as activation time). In the present embodiment, as described later, since a plurality of snapshots are stored, the snapshot read from the snapshot storage unit 402 is selected by the snapshot selection unit 406. Yes.

  The save processing unit 405 stores the snapshot of the RAM 302 in the snapshot storage unit 402 when the power control unit 401 shifts from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode. At this time, the save processing unit 405 acquires from the time acquisition unit 404 the activation time corresponding to the transition from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, which is performed immediately before the transition to the low power consumption mode. Then, the snapshot is stored in association with the acquired activation time. The snapshot and the activation time may be associated with each other, and the storage location of the activation time is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the activation time is stored in the snapshot storage unit 402 together with the snapshot.

  When the power control unit 401 shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the snapshot selection unit 406 is stored in the snapshot storage unit 402 based on the transition time and the startup time. A snapshot to be read by the activation processing unit 403 is selected from the snapshots.

  In addition, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment further includes a priority activation unit 407, a function selection unit 408, and a history holding unit 409. The priority activation unit 407 is a unit (here, the image reading unit 120, the image forming unit 140, the network) that realizes various functions of the multifunction peripheral 100 when the power control unit 401 shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode. Of the adapter 161 and the FAX adapter 163), the unit that realizes the function designated with priority is preferentially made executable. In addition, the function selection unit 408 selects a function to be preferentially activated when the power control unit 401 shifts from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the function selection unit 408 selects a function to be preferentially activated based on the operation history held in the history holding unit 409. The history holding unit 409 holds a history of operations performed on the multifunction peripheral 100 after the power control unit 401 shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode.

  Information indicating the priority function selected by the function selection unit 408 corresponds to the snapshot stored in the snapshot storage unit 402 by the save processing unit 405 when the power control unit 401 shifts from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode. It is attached. The snapshot and the information indicating the priority function need only be associated with each other, and the storage location of the information indicating the priority function is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, information indicating the priority function is stored in the snapshot storage unit 402 together with the snapshot.

  The snapshot selection unit 406 is prioritized as a function that preferentially activates the function associated with the snapshot selected by itself when the power control unit 401 shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode. It designates to the starting part 408.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for switching from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode performed by the multifunction peripheral 100 described above. The procedure starts with, for example, the fact that the multifunction peripheral 100 is in the normal mode as a trigger. When the MFP 100 is in the normal mode, the power control unit 410 shifts to the power supply mode, or when the main power of the MFP 100 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state (from the outside to the MFP 100). When power supply is started).

  When the procedure starts, first, the power control unit 401 waits until the above-described condition for shifting to the low power consumption mode is satisfied (No in step S501). When an operation is performed on the multifunction peripheral 100 until the condition for shifting to the low power consumption mode is satisfied, the operation recognition unit 412 records the operation in the history holding unit 409. Although not particularly limited, the present embodiment is configured to record an operation through the operation panel 200 in the history holding unit 409 as an operation performed on the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When detecting that the condition for shifting to the low power consumption mode is satisfied, the power control unit 401 instructs the save processing unit 405 to execute the save process (Yes in step S501). Upon receiving the instruction, the save processing unit 405 acquires the activation time described above from the time acquisition unit 404. Also, information indicating the priority function is acquired from the function selection unit 408 (step S502). The priority function selection procedure by the function selection unit 408 will be described later.

  The save processing unit 405 that has acquired the information indicating the activation time and the priority function stores the snapshot of the RAM 302 that is the working memory in the snapshot storage unit 402 (step S503). The save processing unit 405 continues the storage process until the storage of the snapshot is completed (No in step S504). When the storage of the snapshot is completed, the saving processing unit 405 notifies the power control unit 401 accordingly (Yes in step S504).

  In this embodiment, in order to avoid wasting the storage capacity of the HDD 304 by storing the snapshot in the snapshot storage unit 402 without limitation, the number of stored snapshots is limited. That is, one day (24 hours) is divided into a plurality of time zones, and an upper limit is set for the number of stored snapshots belonging to each time zone.

  For example, a case will be described in which the time width of one division is 2 hours, and 24 hours are divided into 12 time zones starting from 8:00 am. In this case, a snapshot whose activation time is 8:15 (hereinafter referred to as snapshot A) and a snapshot whose activation time is 9:40 (hereinafter referred to as snapshot B) are the same category. Belonging to. When the save processing unit 405 stores the snapshot B in a state where the snapshot A is stored in the snapshot storage unit 402 in advance, the save processing unit 405 first stores the snapshot in the same time segment first. Check the number of snapshots used. If the number of snapshots exceeds the maximum number of snapshots set for each section, the save processing unit 405 stores the snapshot B in advance in the same time section when storing the snapshot B. Delete the oldest snapshot among the existing snapshots. For example, in this embodiment, since the upper limit number of snapshots belonging to each section is set to “1”, the save processing unit 405 precedes in the same time section when storing the snapshot B. Delete the stored snapshot A. That is, the snapshot storage unit 402 stores only one snapshot belonging to one section.

  The number of snapshots belonging to each time segment stored in the snapshot storage unit 402 is stored when the save processing unit 405 stores a table in which the time segment and the number of snapshots are recorded in association with each other. In addition, it can be easily managed by updating the number of snapshots in the table. Further, when the upper limit number of each time segment is “2” or more, information for specifying the snapshot and the relationship between the storage and the storage may be recorded in the table. In addition, the time width of each time division does not need to be the same, and the upper limit number set to each division may differ. Thereby, more detailed snapshot management can be executed.

  The power control unit 401 that has received the notification from the save processing unit 405 instructs the operation control unit 413 to shift to the low power consumption mode (step S505). Upon receiving the instruction, the operation control unit 413 supplies power to the components of the multifunction peripheral 100 except for power supply necessary for detecting that the transition condition from the low power consumption mode to another power supply mode is satisfied. Stop and the procedure ends. In the present embodiment, the operation history held by the history holding unit 409 is also deleted with the shift to the low power consumption mode.

  Here, a procedure for selecting a priority function by the function selection unit 408 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority function selection procedure executed by the function selection unit 408. The procedure starts with, for example, an acquisition request for information indicating the priority function from the save processing unit 405 as a trigger. As described above, the operations performed on the multifunction device 100 via the operation panel 200 after the multifunction device 100 enters the normal mode and before the transition condition to the low power consumption mode is satisfied. The history is recorded in the history holding unit 409.

  The function selection unit 408 that has received an acquisition request for information indicating the priority function from the save processing unit 405 refers to the history holding unit 409 and confirms the presence or absence of functions executed up to that point after entering the normal mode. (Step S601). If there is an executed function, the function selection unit 408 selects the function executed first as a priority function after entering the normal mode (Yes in steps S601 and S603).

  On the other hand, when the executed function does not exist, the function selection unit 408 confirms whether or not the auto clear function is set in the multifunction peripheral 100 (No in steps S601 and S602). The auto-clear function means that the multifunction device 100 is set to a pre-designated default state when a state in which the multifunction device 100 is not operated reaches a pre-registered designated time (hereinafter referred to as auto-clear time). It is a function to return. When the auto-clear function is set, when the auto-clear time elapses, for example, all settings such as the number of copies and the copy magnification set through the numeric keypad 210 are canceled, and the MFP 100 is in a default setting state. . In the present embodiment, when the auto clear function is set, the auto clear time is set to a time shorter than the time specified as the transition condition to the low power consumption mode.

  When the auto clear function is set in the multi-function device 100, the function selection unit 408 selects a function corresponding to the operation screen displayed on the display 201 immediately before the auto clear function is activated as a priority function (step S602 Yes). , S604). If the auto clear function is not set in the multifunction peripheral 100, the function selection unit 408 selects a function corresponding to the operation screen displayed on the display 201 at the start of storing the snapshot as a priority function (No in step S602). , S605).

  As described above, in the normal mode, when any function of the multi-function device 100 is executed through the operation panel 200 in the normal mode, the function selection unit 408 prioritizes the function executed first after entering the normal mode. If the executed function does not exist, the function when the normal mode is entered (the function corresponding to the operation screen displayed on the display 201 when returning to the normal mode) is selected as the priority function.

  As described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 that has shifted to the low power consumption mode starts the return operation from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode when the above-described conditions for transition to the normal mode are satisfied. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for switching from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode performed by the multifunction peripheral 100. The procedure starts, for example, as a trigger when an instruction (for example, pressing of the power key 209) by the user via the operation panel 200 is satisfied. That is, when the operation recognition unit 412 that has detected the instruction notifies the power control unit 401 of the fact, the procedure starts.

  When the procedure starts, the power control unit 401 instructs the activation processing unit 403 to execute the return processing to the normal mode. Upon receiving the instruction, the activation processing unit 403 instructs the snapshot selection unit 406 to select a snapshot to be read from the snapshot storage unit 402. Upon receiving the instruction, the snapshot selection unit 406 acquires the time at that time from the time measuring unit 414, and selects a snapshot to be read based on the time and the activation time associated with each snapshot ( Step S701). In this embodiment, since one snapshot is stored for each time segment described above, the snapshot selection unit 406 selects a snapshot of the time segment to which the acquired time belongs as a snapshot to be read. At this time, the snapshot selection unit 406 acquires information indicating the priority function associated with the selected snapshot. If the snapshot corresponding to the time segment to which the acquired time belongs is not stored in the snapshot storage unit 402, the snapshot selection unit 406 selects the snapshot belonging to the adjacent time segment and further to another time segment. For example, a snapshot associated with an activation time closer to the acquired time may be selected as a snapshot to be read. Further, when adopting a configuration in which a plurality of snapshots are stored in the same time segment, the snapshot selection unit 406, for example, as a snapshot to read a snapshot associated with an activation time closer to the acquired time Just choose.

  The snapshot selection unit 406 notifies the activation processing unit 403 of information indicating information specifying the snapshot selected as described above (Yes in step S702). In addition, the priority activation unit 407 is notified of information indicating the priority function. On the other hand, when the snapshot is not stored in the snapshot storage unit 402, the activation processing unit 403 is notified of that fact (No in step S702). In this case, the activation processing unit 403 notifies the power control unit 401 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the power control unit 401 supplies power to each element constituting the multi-function device 100 in accordance with a predetermined startup procedure (for example, a startup procedure when the main power source changes from the OFF state to the ON state). The MFP 100 is shifted to the normal mode (step S707).

  The priority activation unit 407 to which information indicating the priority function is input from the snapshot selection unit 406 activates the input priority function with the highest priority through the operation control unit 413 (step S703). At this time, the operation control unit 413 supplies power to the unit for executing the priority function with priority over other units, so that the unit can be operated in a shorter time than when all the units are started in parallel. Start the unit. For example, when the priority function is facsimile transmission, the image reading unit 120 and the FAX adapter 163 are activated with priority over others.

  In addition, the activation processing unit 403 that has received information specifying a snapshot to be read from the snapshot selection unit 406 reads the snapshot from the snapshot storage unit 402 according to the input information, and stores it in the RAM 302 that is a working memory. The read snapshot is expanded (step S704). At this time, the activation processing unit 403 notifies the power control unit 401 that the snapshot is expanded. Based on this notification, the power control unit 401 recognizes that the activation is different from a predetermined activation procedure, and instructs the activation of another unit after the activation of the priority function by the operation control unit 413 is completed.

  The activation processing unit 403 continues the expansion process until the expansion of the snapshot is completed (No in step S705), and when the expansion of the snapshot is completed, notifies the priority activation unit 407 to that effect (Yes in step S705). At this time, the priority activation unit 407 causes the display control unit 411 to display an operation screen corresponding to the function activated with priority (step S706).

  As described above, in the MFP 100, when shifting from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the MFP 100 can be restored in a state corresponding to the transition time. For this reason, for example, in an office where a daily operation using a specific function is performed in a specific time zone, if the MFP 100 is returned from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode in the time zone, compared to the conventional case. Therefore, it will be restored in a state more suitable for the use of functions used in daily work. In addition, since the configuration is such that the snapshot is restored to the working memory, the MFP 100 can be brought into an operable state in a shorter time compared to the configuration in which the operating system and application software are sequentially activated.

  In the multifunction device 100, the function used in the daily work is activated with priority. For this reason, the MFP 100 is activated until all functions are activated in parallel, and the functions used in daily work can be used, compared to the conventional configuration in which the functions cannot be used until the activation is completed. Time can be shortened. That is, due to the synergistic effect of being able to return to the operable state in a short time, the use of the multifunction device 100 can be started more quickly than before. In addition, even if the function corresponding to the operation screen displayed on the display 201 based on the restored snapshot is different from the function to be preferentially activated, the function that has been preferentially activated upon returning to the normal mode is used. A corresponding operation screen can also be displayed on the display 201.

  Furthermore, since the function selection unit 408 selects the priority function based on the operation history stored in the history holding unit 409, for example, a function in the MFP 100 that has shifted from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode is used. Even if another operation is performed thereafter, the function used first after the transition to the normal mode is designated as the function to be preferentially activated, regardless of the state of the multi-function device 100 when the transition to the low power consumption mode is performed. be able to.

  In addition, since the data on the working memory is stored in a nonvolatile storage medium such as an HDD, the power consumption in the low power consumption mode can be extremely reduced.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the function selecting unit 408 selects the priority function based on the operation history stored in the history holding unit 409 has been described. However, the function selecting unit 408 is a function designated in advance according to the time zone. For example, the priority function may be selected by another method.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration including the priority activation unit 407 and the function selection unit 408 has been described, but these elements are not essential elements of the present invention. For example, in a multi-function peripheral having a function of detecting that the user has left the front of the multi-function peripheral using a sensor or the like, a configuration may be adopted in which the user immediately shifts to the low power consumption mode after leaving the user. it can. In this case, the snapshot at the time of transition to the low power consumption mode is stored together with the startup time, and the time at which the transition to the normal mode from the low power consumption mode and the startup time associated with the snapshot are performed as in the above embodiment. By selecting the snapshot to be read based on the above, it is possible to return the multifunction peripheral in a state more suitable for the use of functions used in daily work, at least as compared with the conventional case. Further, even in a multi-function apparatus that shifts to the low power consumption mode after a predetermined time has elapsed, the same effect can be obtained by setting the predetermined time short.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when returning from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, a user who wants to use one of the functions of the image processing apparatus that has returned to the normal mode is compared with the conventional case. Can be restored in a more appropriate state.

  The above-described embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various modifications and applications other than those already described are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the flowcharts shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, the order of the steps can be changed as appropriate within a range where equivalent actions are achieved.

  Further, when the multi-function peripheral has an authentication function for identifying a user or organization information to which the user belongs, the snapshot may be stored for each user or each organization information. Thereby, the MFP can be returned to the normal mode in a more appropriate state.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is embodied as a digital multifunction peripheral having a scanner function, a printing function, and a transmission function. However, the present invention is not limited to such a digital multifunction peripheral, and an arbitrary image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions. The present invention can also be applied to.

  According to the present invention, when returning from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, it is possible for the user to return in a more appropriate state than in the prior art, which is useful as an image processing apparatus.

100 MFP (image processing device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 Image reading part 140 Image formation part 161 Network adapter 163 FAX adapter 201 Display (display part)
302 RAM (working memory)
304 HDD (snapshot storage unit)
401 Power control unit 402 Snapshot storage unit 403 Activation processing unit 404 Time acquisition unit 405 Save processing unit 406 Snapshot selection unit 407 Priority activation unit 408 Function selection unit 409 History holding unit

Claims (4)

An image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions and having an operation screen corresponding to each function,
A power control unit that switches between a plurality of power supply modes including a normal mode and a low power consumption mode that consumes less power than the normal mode;
In the normal mode, a working memory in which data for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus is expanded;
A snapshot storage unit that includes a nonvolatile storage medium and stores a snapshot that is image data of data stored in the working memory;
An activation processing unit that reads a snapshot stored in the snapshot storage unit and restores the snapshot to the working memory when the power control unit shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode; ,
A time acquisition unit for acquiring a start time corresponding to the return by the start processing unit;
When the power control unit shifts from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode, the snapshot of the working memory is stored in the snapshot storage unit in association with the activation time acquired by the time acquisition unit. An evacuation processing unit;
When the power control unit shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode, the startup from the snapshots stored in the snapshot storage unit based on the transition time and the startup time A snapshot selection unit for selecting a snapshot to be read by the processing unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus includes a plurality of units for realizing the plurality of functions,
A priority activation unit that preferentially executes a unit of the image processing apparatus that realizes a priority designated function when the low power consumption mode is shifted to the normal mode;
A function selection unit that selects the function to be preferentially activated when the normal mode is shifted to the low power consumption mode;
Further comprising
When shifting from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode, the save processing unit stores the snapshot in the snapshot storage unit in association with the function selected by the function selection unit, and The snapshot selection unit designates the function associated with the selected snapshot as the function to preferentially activate the function associated with the selected snapshot when shifting from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode. Image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus further includes a history holding unit that holds a history of operations performed on the image processing apparatus after transitioning from the low power consumption mode to the normal mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the function to be preferentially activated is selected on the basis of an operation history held in the history holding unit at the time of starting storage.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the priority activation unit displays an operation screen corresponding to a function designated by priority on a display unit used for inputting an instruction to the image processing apparatus by a user.

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