JP2018069617A - Processing device, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that a startup time fluctuates unless the voltage of power storage means is properly controlled.SOLUTION: A processing device includes: acquisition means for acquiring information on the supply capability of power supplied from a power source; power storage means for storing at least a portion of the power supplied from the power source; and control means for performing voltage control of the power storage means. The control means controls the voltage of the power storage means on the basis of the information on the supply capability acquired by the acquisition means in a stand-by state of the processing device and the voltage of the power storage means in the stand-by state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and a control method thereof.

  Some image processing apparatuses that form an image on a recording medium such as paper include an electric storage unit such as an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC). In such an image processing apparatus, a main heater and a sub heater are provided for controlling the temperature of the fixing device, the main heater is supplied with electric power from the main power source, and the sub heater is supplied with electric power stored in the EDLC. When the image processing apparatus is not in use, the EDLC is fully charged, and during operation, power is supplied to both the main heater and the sub heater to quickly raise the fixing device temperature.

  On the other hand, it is known that EDLC has a short life when held in a fully charged state for a long time. Therefore, in order to extend the life of the EDLC, it is considered to reduce the voltage of the EDLC when it is not necessary to supply power to the sub-heater at night when the apparatus is not used much or during the energy saving mode. In Patent Document 1, the EDLC output is switched to output as a power source for internal devices other than the heater instead of the heater power source at night or in the energy saving mode, thereby consuming the EDLC power and lowering the voltage. The EDLC has a long life.

JP 2008-58500 A

  Patent Document 1 does not mention how much the voltage of the EDLC is lowered. However, if the voltage of the EDLC is lowered too much, the start-up time (charging time) may become longer at dawn or when returning from the energy saving mode. In the case of a device that can be connected to an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), power may be input from an external device such as a PC via the USB. In the case of such a device, there is a possibility that a USB having various power supply capabilities is connected. Examples of USB types include USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB Battery Charging Specification. That is, in the case of a device that charges EDLC with power supplied via USB, the startup time varies depending on the power supply capability.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus and a control method capable of appropriately controlling the voltage of the power storage means during standby in order to set an appropriate startup time.

  The processing apparatus according to the present invention is a processing apparatus that executes a predetermined process using power supplied from a power source, an acquisition unit that acquires information about a supply capability of power supplied from the power source, and a power source supplied from the power source. Storage means for storing at least part of the power to be stored, and control means for performing voltage control of the storage means, wherein the control means is the supply acquired by the acquisition means in a standby state of the processing apparatus. The voltage of the power storage means is controlled based on the information on the capability and the voltage of the power storage means in the standby state.

  Another processing apparatus according to the present invention is a processing apparatus that executes a predetermined process with power supplied via an interface, and is supplied via a connection means to which a terminal of the interface is connected and the interface. Power storage means for storing at least part of the electric power, and the voltage of the power storage means in the standby state of the processing device is changed according to the type of interface connected to the connection means.

  The control method of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a supply capability of power supplied from a power source, and a power storage unit that stores at least part of the power supplied from the power source, and is supplied from the power source. A method of controlling a processing apparatus that executes a predetermined process with the generated power, wherein the information regarding the supply capability acquired by the acquisition unit in the standby state of the processing apparatus, and the voltage of the power storage unit in the standby state And controlling the voltage of the power storage means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit that stores at least a part of electric power supplied through an interface, and executes a predetermined process using electric power supplied from an external device through the interface. A method for controlling a processing apparatus, wherein the voltage of the power storage means in a standby state of the processing apparatus is changed according to the type of interface connected to the connection means.

  According to the present invention, since the voltage of the power storage means during standby is appropriately controlled, the apparatus can be started up with an optimal start-up time.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply unit of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for determining an EDLC voltage VT when the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in a standby state. 6 is a flowchart for controlling the EDLC voltage when the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in a standby state. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of EDLC power when the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in a standby state. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of EDLC power when the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in a standby state. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between an EDLC voltage and a drive system load of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The conceptual diagram explaining EDLC voltage VT when the image processing apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is a standby state. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a charging time measurement flowchart from the standby voltage VT to the operation start voltage VD of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a control flowchart of an EDLC voltage when the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is in a standby state. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a power supply unit of an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 9 is an example of an EDLC voltage control flowchart when the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is in a standby state. 9 is another example of an EDLC voltage control flowchart when the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is in a standby state.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the first to third embodiments, an example of an image processing apparatus having a printing function and an image reading function will be described as the processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing function is not limited thereto. Or only the image reading function. Further, it may be a processing device that projects an image such as a projector, and can also be applied to a processing device that performs a predetermined process such as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal or a digital camera.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of an image processing apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image processing apparatus 101 is connected to an external apparatus such as a PC via a USB 109 that is an interface. The image processing apparatus 101 includes a USB port 102 to which a USB 109 cable terminal is connected, and can support a plurality of types of USB standards.

  The memory 104 is a storage unit that stores a program and data for controlling the image processing apparatus 101, and includes a ROM and a RAM. The operation display unit 105 includes a switch for operating the image processing apparatus 101 and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an LED that indicates an operation state of the image processing apparatus 101. A system control unit 103 communicates with an external apparatus via the USB 109 and controls operations of each unit of the image processing apparatus 101. The system control unit 103 includes one or more processors such as a CPU, an MPU, and an ASIC, and executes a plurality of processes using the processor. The system control unit 103 reads a program and data from the memory 104 and executes various processes and operation control of each unit. For example, the system control unit 103 can perform display control on the display unit of the operation display unit 105 and voltage control of the power storage unit 206 (see FIG. 2) in the power supply unit 108.

  For example, in the case of an inkjet printer, the printer driving unit 106 includes a recording head that ejects ink, a motor for moving the recording head, a heater driving circuit for ejecting ink, a motor for transporting recording paper, and the like. The scanner unit 107 is an image reading unit that scans a document, optically reads the document, and converts it into digital data.

  The power supply unit 108 receives power supplied from an external device via the USB 109 connected to the USB port 102, and generates voltages Vo1 and Vo2 necessary for operating the image processing apparatus 101. The voltage Vo1 is used in an operation control unit (system system load) for operating a drive unit such as a recording head or a motor, and the voltage Vo2 is used in the drive unit. Specifically, Vo1 is a voltage used in the system control unit 103, the memory 104, the operation display unit 105, and the like, and Vo2 is used in the printer driving unit 106 and the document scanning motor of the scanner unit.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the power supply unit 108. In FIG. 2, power is input to the power input unit 201 from an external device via the USB 109 connected to the USB port 102. The power input unit 201 is an input unit that receives power supply from the USB 109 and has a function of limiting an input current. The supply capability detector 202 communicates with an external device such as a PC via the USB 109 to acquire information based on the standard of the type of the USB 109 connected to the USB port 102 and information based on the standard of the power that can be supplied. To do. Examples of the type of USB 109 include USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB Battery Charging Specification, and the like. The information based on the standard of power that can be supplied may be profile information based on a standard called USB power delivery. USB power delivery is classified into five profiles 1-5. For example, profile 1 can supply 10 w of power, and profile 5 can supply up to 100 w of power.

  The USB power supply capability can be identified from information based on the USB standard (USB type standard or suppliable power standard). The supply capability detection unit 202 only needs to be able to acquire information regarding the USB power supply capability, and may directly detect the current or power actually input to the power input unit 201.

  The supply capability detection unit 202 holds the acquired result, and controls the power input unit 201 so that the input current falls within the corresponding standard of the USB. Information about the power supply capability is transmitted to the system control unit 103. The current output from the power supply input unit 201 is supplied to the voltage conversion unit 203 and the charge control unit 205.

  The voltage conversion unit 203 converts the supplied power into a voltage for driving the system load and outputs the voltage (Vo1). This voltage Vo1 is consumed by the system load 204. The charging control unit 205 functions as a charging unit to charge the power input from the power input unit 201 to the power storage unit 206, and can supply the power stored in the power storage unit 206 to the voltage conversion unit 203. Yes, and it is composed of a bidirectional DC-DC converter. That is, the charging control unit 205 functions as a switching unit that switches whether to charge the power storage unit 206.

  The power storage means 206 is an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) capable of storing power. The rated voltage of a single EDLC is often 2.5 V, and a plurality of EDLCs may be connected in series depending on the required voltage.

  The voltage conversion unit 207 converts the output power of the power storage unit 206 into a voltage required by the drive system load 208 and outputs the voltage (Vo2). The voltage detection unit 209 detects the output voltage of the power storage unit 206 and transmits information related to the detection result to the system control unit 103. The system control unit 103 monitors the detection result and controls the charge control unit 205 based on the voltage of the power storage unit 206 and the information on the power supply capability obtained from the supply capability detection unit 202, thereby The voltage control of the means 206 is performed. As described above, the driving system load 208 indicates at least one or more driving means (such as the printer driving unit 106 and the document scanning motor of the scanner unit 107). The system load 204 indicates at least one operation control unit (system control unit 103, memory 104, operation display unit 105, etc.) that controls the operation of the drive unit. The scanner unit 107 may use Vo1 (or a voltage converted from Vo1) for image processing and optical system operation during image reading, and use Vo2 for the operation of the document scanning motor.

  Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 101 having such a configuration will be described. When a USB 109 for connecting to an external device is connected to the USB port 102, power is input to the power input unit 201 via the USB 109 and supplied to the voltage conversion unit 203. The voltage conversion unit 203 converts the supplied power into a system load voltage and outputs a voltage Vo1. The system control unit 103 is activated by Vo1.

  The supply capability detection unit 202 detects the power supply capability of the connected USB 109 and restricts the power input unit 201 so that the input current is within the supply capability defined by the USB 109 standard. The detected power supply capability of the USB 109 is maintained while the USB 109 is connected. A current obtained by subtracting the current supplied to the voltage conversion unit 203 from the input current limited within the supply capability of the USB 109 is supplied to the charge control unit 205. Electric power is supplied from the charging control unit 205 to the power storage means 206, and the power storage means 206 is charged.

  The voltage of the power storage unit 206 is monitored by the voltage detection unit 209, and the detection result is used for charge control in the system control unit 103. The system control unit 103 determines whether the image processing apparatus 101 is in a standby mode (standby state) in which the drive system load is not scheduled to be moved or an operation mode in which the drive system load needs to be moved.

  In the standby state, the system control unit 103 controls the voltage of the power storage unit 206 to be a predetermined voltage value. When it is determined as the operation mode, the system control unit 103 controls the voltage of the power storage unit 206 to be a voltage value higher than a predetermined voltage value. The voltage conversion unit 207 converts the electric power charged in the power storage unit 206 into a voltage for driving system load, and outputs Vo2.

  The reason why the voltage of the power storage means 206 is set to a high value in the operation mode is to store more power in the power storage means and smooth the voltage fluctuation due to a sudden load fluctuation. In this case, the voltage value of the power storage means 206 is preferably set close to the rated voltage in the case of EDLC in order to fully draw out the capacity of the power storage means. On the other hand, the reason why the voltage of the power storage means 206 is set to a voltage value lower than that in the operation mode in the standby state is to realize a longer life of the power storage means. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by optimizing the standby state voltage to an optimum voltage value (predetermined voltage value), it is possible to realize the optimization of the start-up time when shifting to the operation mode.

  A method for determining the standby voltage of the power storage means 206 during standby will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a concept for determining the voltage of power storage means 206 during standby. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing a change in voltage of the power storage means 206 when a USB having the maximum power supply capability is connected among USB types that can be connected to the USB port 102 as a connection unit. FIG. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing a change in voltage when a USB having a low supply capability in the USB standard is connected. Note that the voltage of the power storage unit 206 during standby is referred to as standby voltage VT, and the voltage of the power storage unit 206 when the image processing apparatus 101 becomes operable after shifting from the standby state to the operation mode is referred to as operation start voltage VD. And

  In the USB having the maximum supply capability and the USB having a lower supply capability, more electric charge can be charged when the current supply capability is larger. That is, when charging from the standby state to the operable state at the same start-up time T0, the USB having a higher supply capability can set a larger difference between the standby voltage VT and the operation start voltage VD. Since the operation start voltage VD is fixed, the standby voltage VT can be set low when the USB power supply capability is large (FIG. 3A). On the other hand, when the USB power supply capability is small, the supply amount at the same start-up time T0 is small, so the difference between the standby voltage VT and the operation start voltage VD is small. Therefore, since the operation start voltage VD is fixed, the standby voltage VT is set high (FIG. 3B).

  As described above, the startup time T0 is minimized by calculating the startup time T0 based on the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206 when the connected USB has the maximum supply capability. Can do. Even when another type of USB having another supply capability is connected, the standby voltage VT that can be charged at the startup time T0 can be calculated by setting the same startup time T0. Here, the minimum value VT_min of the standby voltage VT that can be set in the case of the USB having the maximum supply capability will be described. When the image processing apparatus 101 shifts from the operation mode to the standby state, the voltage of the power storage unit 206 is usually higher than the standby voltage VT. Therefore, in order to lower the voltage of the power storage unit 206 to the standby voltage VT, control is performed to supply the power of the power storage unit 206 to the system system load 204. Therefore, it is necessary that the voltage of the power storage means 206 does not fall below the minimum drive voltage V0 of the voltage converter 203 for system system load. The minimum drive voltage V0 is a minimum input voltage value necessary for the voltage conversion unit 203 to supply power to the system system load. Therefore, considering variation and the like, VT_min (= V0 + α) including a margin is the minimum value of the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206 that can be set.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the image processing apparatus 101 enters a standby state will be described in detail.

  The timing for detecting the standby state is expected when the USB 109 is connected and the power supply from the external device starts (after the system control unit 103 is started) and when the operation mode ends and the next operation is not scheduled. Is done. In order to set the voltage of the power storage means 206 to the above-described standby voltage VT, voltage control is required such that the former charges the power storage means 206 and the latter discharges the power storage means 206.

  FIG. 4 shows a control flow of the voltage of the power storage means 206 when the standby state is detected. When detecting the standby state of the image processing apparatus 101 (S401), the system control unit 103 first calculates the voltage VT of the power storage unit 206 during standby (S402 to S405). Thereafter, the current power storage means 206 voltage is detected (S406), and it is determined whether the detected value is larger or smaller than the standby voltage VT (S407, S412). When it is large, discharging is performed to lower the voltage of the power storage means 206 (S408 to S411), and when it is small, charging is performed (S413), so that the voltage of the power storage means 206 can be controlled to be the standby voltage VT. . Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.

  When the standby state is detected in S401, in order to calculate the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206, the system control unit 103 acquires the power Psys consumed by the system load 204 in standby in S402. This is because the power used for charging the power storage means 206 is performed by subtracting the power consumed by the system load from the power supplied from the USB 109. In the standby state, the power consumption of the system system load 204 becomes a substantially constant value, so that Psys can be stored in the memory in advance. Alternatively, it is possible to add a current detection circuit (not shown) to the output side of the voltage conversion unit 203 and detect the current consumption due to the current system load to calculate the power consumption.

  In S403, a time T0 required to charge the power storage means 206 from VT_min to the operation start voltage VD is calculated. Here, it is assumed that a USB having the maximum supply capability is connected to the image processing apparatus 101, and the input power is Pin_MAX. The power used for charging the power storage means 206 is the power obtained by subtracting Psys from Pin_MAX. Therefore, with this electric power (Pin_MAX−Psys), the time T0 required to charge the power storage means 206 from VT_min to the operation start voltage VD is calculated. The calculated result is held as the startup time of the power storage means 206.

  Next, in S404, information based on the USB standard is acquired as the power supply capability of the currently connected USB, and the supply power Pin is acquired. This Pin is detected and held every time the USB is connected by the supply capability detection unit 202 as described above.

  In step S405, when the power storage unit 206 is charged with the currently connected USB, a standby voltage VT that can be charged up to the operation start voltage VD at the start-up time T0 is calculated. Currently, the power used for charging the power storage means 206 is the power obtained by subtracting the power consumption Psys due to the system load from the current supply power Pin. Therefore, when the power storage means 206 is charged with this power (Pin-Psys), a standby voltage VT that can be charged up to the operation start voltage VD at the start-up time T0 is calculated.

  Here, in the calculation of the standby voltage VT, if the supply power of the connected USB is higher than expected, the calculation result may be smaller than VT_min, and power may not be supplied to the system system load 204. There is. Therefore, when a USB having a supply capacity higher than expected is input, VT = VT_min may be set. Further, when the power Psys of the system load 204 during standby is a substantially constant value and is known in advance, the startup time T0 can also be calculated in advance. Therefore, the calculation result of the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206 for each USB power supply capability can be stored in advance as a table. In this case, after acquiring the power supply capability Pin of the currently connected USB, the VT value can be acquired by reading the VT value for Pin from the table.

  In step S <b> 406, the system control unit 103 detects the current voltage of the power storage unit 206 using the voltage detection unit 209. In step S407, it is determined whether the voltage of the power storage unit 206 is higher than the standby voltage VT as a result of the detection.

  When the voltage of the power storage unit 206 is higher than the standby voltage VT, the charging control unit 205 turns off the charging of the power storage unit 206 in S408.

  In S409, the current input from the USB is further turned off by the power input unit 201, the charging control unit 205 which is a bidirectional DC-DC converter is operated in the reverse direction, and the electric power of the power storage unit 206 is passed through the voltage conversion unit 203. Supplied to the system system load 204. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the power of the power storage means 206 is supplied to the system load 204. As a result, the power of the power storage means 206 is consumed, and the voltage of the power storage means 206 is reduced to the standby voltage VT (S410).

  When the voltage of the power storage unit 206 decreases to the standby voltage VT, the system control unit 103 operates the charge control unit 205 in the forward direction to turn off the discharge of the power storage unit 206 in S411. Further, the power input unit 201 turns on the current input from the USB. As a result, the system load 204 is driven by the power from the USB. FIG. 6 shows a state where power is supplied from the power input unit 201 to the system load 204. In FIG. 6, the power from the power input unit 201 is also supplied to the charging control unit 205. This is to allow charging when the power storage means 206 spontaneously discharges in the standby state.

  As described above, when the voltage of the power storage unit 206 is decreased to the standby voltage VT, the power of the power storage unit 206 is consumed by the system system load 204, so that the power of the power storage unit 206 is not wasted and the input power is reduced. It is energy saving because it is cut off.

  In S412, it is determined whether the current voltage detection result of the power storage means 206 is smaller than the standby voltage VT. If the voltage of the storage means 206 is smaller than the standby voltage VT, the voltage of the storage means 206 is charged to the standby voltage VT in S413, and the charging is turned off.

  In the flow of FIG. 4, when the standby state is detected, the voltage of the power storage means 206 is charged or discharged until the standby voltage VT is reached, and after reaching the standby voltage VT, the charge or discharge is turned off. ing. This is because the voltage does not drop much in the natural discharge of the power storage means 206. However, when the voltage drops due to natural discharge, the VT can be maintained by charging the power storage means 206 in order to maintain the VT.

  With reference to FIG. 7, how the voltage of the power storage unit 206 changes depending on the operation of the image processing apparatus will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the voltage of the power storage means 206 and the drive system load 208.

  When a USB connected to an external device is connected to the USB port 102 of the image processing apparatus 101, power is supplied to the system control unit 103 via the power input unit 201 to the voltage conversion unit 203 and the image processing apparatus 101 is activated. At the same time, the USB supply capability is detected. When the system control unit 103 detects the standby state, the power storage unit 206 calculates a standby voltage VT, and the power storage unit 206 uses a current obtained by subtracting the current consumed by the system system load from the input current limited according to the USB standard. Start charging. As a result, the voltage of the power storage means 206 increases (t1 in FIG. 7).

  The voltage of the power storage unit 206 is monitored by the voltage detection unit 209, and the power storage unit 206 is charged up to the standby voltage VT. The system control unit 103 turns off the charging of the power storage unit 206 by the charge control unit 205 (FIG. 7). Middle t2).

  When the image processing apparatus 101 shifts to an operation mode (printing operation, scanner operation, etc.) according to an instruction from the operation display unit 105 or an external device, the power storage unit 206 is charged from the standby voltage VT to the operation start voltage VD (FIG. 7). Middle t3). At the same time, the voltage converter 207 is turned on, and the power supply Vo2 required by the drive system load 208 is output.

  When the voltage of the storage means 206 reaches the operation start voltage VD, the operation of the drive system load 208 of the image processing apparatus 101 is started, and consumption at the drive system load 208 is started. As the voltage of the power storage means 206 starts to be consumed by the drive system load 208, the voltage of the power storage means 206 begins to decrease (t4 in FIG. 7).

  The system control unit 103 monitors the voltage of the power storage unit 206 with the voltage detection unit 209, and resumes charging of the power storage unit 206 when the voltage of the power storage unit 206 starts to decrease. The power charged in the power storage means 206 is obtained by subtracting the power consumed by the system system load from the limited input power, and the voltage of the power storage means 206 depends on the amount of charging power and the power consumed by the drive system load. It fluctuates (“Driving system load operation” in FIG. 7).

  When the image processing apparatus 101 finishes the operation and enters the next operation waiting state (standby state), the charging of the power storage unit 206 is stopped and the voltage of the power storage unit 206 is discharged to the standby voltage VT (in FIG. 7). t5). As a result, the life of the power storage means 206 can be extended.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the start-up time and life of the power storage unit 206 are improved because the voltage of the power storage unit 206 during standby is changed by the power supply capability of the USB while keeping the start-up time appropriate. Both optimizations can be achieved. That is, the voltage when the power storage unit 206 is on standby is changed according to information based on the USB standard.

  In the above description, when a USB having the maximum supply capability is input, VT = VT_min is set and T0 is determined. However, it is also possible to determine the start-up time T0 that does not feel sensibly slow first. Is possible. That is, it is preferable to set an appropriate T0 and calculate a charging start voltage (standby voltage VT of the power storage unit 206) that can be charged up to the operation start voltage VD within the start-up time T0 from the supply capability of the connected USB. However, when VT <VT_min, VT = VT_min is preferable.

  In the above description, during standby, the voltage of the power storage unit 206 is reduced by supplying and consuming the power of the power storage unit 206 to the system system load 204. However, if it is desired to lower the voltage of the power storage means 206 more quickly, the power of the power storage means 206 can also be supplied to the drive system load 208 and consumed in parallel by turning the motor.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, an example in which the standby voltage VT is corrected in consideration of deterioration of the power storage unit 206 will be described. Even if the power storage means 206 has been devised to reduce the decrease in life, it can be considered that the power storage means 206 will deteriorate due to continued use and the capacitance of the power storage means 206 will decrease. When the capacitance decreases, the time required to charge the power storage means 206 from the standby voltage VT to the operation start voltage VD is shortened. This affects the setting of the start-up time T0 and the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206. A method for correcting this will be described as a second embodiment. Note that description of parts common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the concept of the second embodiment. When the supply power of the currently connected USB is Pin, the standby voltage of the power storage means 206 calculated by the method described in the first embodiment is VT1. When the capacitance decreases due to deterioration of the power storage means 206, when charging the power storage means 206 from the standby voltage VT1 of the power storage means 206 to the operation start voltage VD, the charging time becomes T1 shorter than the rise time T0 (FIG. 8). (See (A)). Since the charging speed from the standby voltage VT1 to the operation start voltage VD of the power storage means 206 is increased, the standby power storage is performed so that the startup time is kept at the same startup time T0 as when the power storage means 206 is not deteriorated. The voltage VT of the means 206 is corrected. By this correction, VT2 lower than VT1 is calculated. However, when VT <VT_min, VT = VT_min may be set.

  Thus, even if the power storage means 206 deteriorates and the time required for charging from the standby voltage VT to the operation start voltage VD is shortened, the start-up time T0 is the same as when the power storage means 206 is not deteriorated. Launch as time. As a result, the standby voltage can be further reduced, which can contribute to extending the life of the power storage means 206.

  FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a timer 901 is added to the block diagram (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. Since the other means are the same as those in FIG. When the image processing apparatus 101 shifts to an operation mode (printing operation, scanner operation, or the like) according to an instruction from the operation display unit 105 or an external device, the power storage unit 206 is charged from the standby voltage VT to the operation start voltage VD. By measuring the charging time with the timer 901, the system control unit 103 can determine whether the charging time of the power storage means 206 has become shorter, that is, whether the power storage means 206 has deteriorated.

  FIG. 10 shows a measurement flow of the charging time from the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206 to the operation start voltage VD. T1 is a charging time required for the power storage means 206 to actually charge from the standby voltage VT to the operation start voltage VD. In S1001, the system control unit 103 sets the startup time T0 when the power storage unit 206 is not deteriorated to an initial value (S1001). Each time the image processing apparatus 101 shifts to the operation mode, the time during which the power storage means 206 is charged from the standby voltage VT to the operation start voltage VD is measured by the timer 901 and stored in the memory (S1003).

  When the measured number reaches the predetermined number, the system control unit 103 calculates an average value T1 'from the measurement result stored in the memory (S1005), and resets the measurement number (S1006). Then, the average value T1 'of the measurement results is compared with the charging time T1 (S1104). If T1 'is smaller than the charging time T1 as a result of the comparison, the system control unit 103 determines that the power storage means 206 has deteriorated and updates the charging time T1 to the average value T1' of the measurement results. The charging time is measured thereafter, and the system control unit 103 updates the charging time T1 whenever it is determined from the average value of the measured charging time that the power storage means 206 is deteriorated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for determining the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206 in the second embodiment. S401 to S405 are the same as the steps of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the standby voltage VT is calculated by the steps up to S405 as in the first embodiment, but S1101 is added. That is, in S1101, the measured charging time of the power storage means 206 is read from the memory as the charging time T1, and the standby voltage VT is corrected so as to maintain the start-up time T0 as described in FIG. 8B. . Since the steps after S406 are the same as the steps described in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by determining the deterioration of the power storage unit 206, correction is made to lower the voltage of the power storage unit 206 during standby, which can contribute to an improvement in the life of the power storage unit 206.

(Third embodiment)
In the image processing apparatuses of the first and second embodiments, power is input only by USB. However, in the third embodiment, connection to an AC power supply (AC power supply) is possible, and input from an AC power supply is also possible. A possible image processing apparatus will be described. Note that description of parts common to the first and second embodiments is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the image processing apparatus 101 capable of inputting AC power. In the image processing apparatus 101 of the present embodiment, power from an AC power supply is input to the power supply unit 1201 via an outlet. Since each other means is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the power supply unit 1201. In FIG. 13, an AC / DC converter 1301 is a circuit that converts an AC voltage into a direct voltage (DC voltage). The DC output is the same voltage as the USB, and output ON / OFF control can be performed according to an instruction from the system control unit 103.

  During output ON control, the output detection unit 1302 detects whether the output is from the AC / DC conversion unit 1301. The output capability (Pdc) of the AC / DC conversion unit 1301 is determined in advance and can be stored in the memory 104. The output of the AC / DC conversion unit 1301 is combined with the output of the power input unit 201 and supplied to the voltage conversion unit 203 and the charge control unit 205. Others are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the third embodiment, there are three types of power supply to the image processing apparatus 101: when power is supplied from only the USB 109, when power is supplied from only the AC power source, and when power is supplied from both the USB 109 and the AC power source. Here, in the setting of the start-up time T0 necessary for calculating the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206, the pattern (1) using the USB having the maximum supply capability among various types of AC power and the USB 109 and the AC power source The pattern (2) using the one having the maximum supply capacity among the simultaneous connections is considered. In the pattern (1), in the case of simultaneous connection of the USB 109 and the AC power supply, VT = VT_min is always satisfied, and therefore, this is a life priority mode. In the pattern (2), since the start-up time T0 is determined with the maximum supply capability even in the simultaneous connection, the start-up time priority mode is fast.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of determining the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206 in the third embodiment, and shows the case of the pattern (1). FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another example of a method of determining the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206 in the third embodiment, and shows the case of the pattern (2). Steps other than S1401 to S1403 in FIG. 14 are the same as the steps described using FIG. 4, and steps other than S1501 in FIG. 15 are the same as the steps described using FIG. 4 and FIG. Descriptions other than those specific to the form are omitted.

  In the case of FIG. 14, the start-up time T0 is calculated as shown in S1401, which is the larger one of the supply power Pin_MAX from the USB having the maximum supply capability that can be connected and the output power Pdc of the AC / DC conversion unit 1301. The power of The standby voltage is calculated to be VT_min using the larger power.

  The power used for charging the power storage means 206 is the power obtained by subtracting Psys from the larger of Pin_MAX or Pdc. The time required to charge from VT_min to the operating voltage VD with this power (Pin_MAX-Psys or Pdc-Psys) is T0, and this time is stored in the memory. In S404, the supply power Pin is acquired based on the supply capability of the currently connected USB. If the USB is not connected, Pin = 0.

  In step S1402, the presence / absence of power supply from the AC / DC conversion unit 1301 is detected. If power is supplied from the AC / DC converter 1301, VT is calculated based on the power obtained by subtracting Psys from the power obtained by adding Pin and Pdc in S1403. If there is no power supply from the AC / DC converter 1301, VT is calculated based on the power obtained by subtracting Psys from Pin in S405.

  If power is supplied from both the USB and AC power supplies, the calculated VT is VT <VT_min. In this case, processing is performed as VT = VT_min as described in the first embodiment. The subsequent flow is the same as in the first embodiment.

  In the case of FIG. 15, the start-up time T0 is calculated so that the standby voltage becomes VT_min when power is supplied from both the USB and AC power supply with the maximum supply capacity that can be connected, as shown in S1501. Calculated.

  The power used for charging the power storage means 206 is the power obtained by subtracting Psys from the power obtained by adding Pin_MAX and Pdc. The time required to charge from VT_min to the operating voltage VD with this power (Pin_MAX + Pdc−Psys) is T0, and this time is stored in the memory. The other flow is the same as FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to optimally set the start-up time T0 and the standby voltage VT of the power storage means 206 even when there are a plurality of USB and AC power inputs.

(Other embodiments)
The first to third embodiments can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the function of the system control unit 103 of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus. This is a process of reading and executing a program. Further, the program may be executed by one computer or may be executed in conjunction with a plurality of computers. Further, it is not necessary to implement all of the above-described processing by software, and part or all of the processing may be realized by hardware.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Image processing apparatus 102 USB port 103 System control part 104 Memory 105 Operation display part 106 Printer drive part 107 Scanner part 108 Power supply part 109 USB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Power supply input part 202 Supply capability detection part 203 Voltage conversion part 204 System system load 205 Charge control part 206 Power storage means 207 Voltage conversion part 208 Drive system load 209 Voltage detection part 901 Timer 1201 Power supply part (AC input exists)
1301 AC / DC converter 1302 Output detector

Claims (28)

A processing device that executes a predetermined process with power supplied from a power source,
Obtaining means for obtaining information on the supply capacity of power supplied from the power source;
Power storage means for storing at least part of the power supplied from the power source;
Control means for performing voltage control of the power storage means;
With
The control means controls the voltage of the power storage means based on the information on the supply capability acquired by the acquisition means and the voltage of the power storage means in the standby state in the standby state of the processing apparatus. A processing apparatus characterized by the above.   In the standby state, the control means controls to lower the voltage value of the power storage means when the voltage of the power storage means is higher than a predetermined voltage value determined based on information on the supply capability. The processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The said control means controls the voltage value of the said electrical storage means so that it may become a predetermined voltage value determined based on the information regarding the said supply capability in the said standby state. Processing equipment.   The control unit controls the power storage unit not to be charged with power from the power source when the voltage of the power storage unit is higher than a predetermined voltage value determined based on the information on the supply capability in the standby state. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein   In the standby state, the control unit controls the power storage unit to be charged with power from the power source when the voltage of the power storage unit is lower than a predetermined voltage value determined on the basis of information on the supply capability. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Driving means;
An operation control means for controlling the operation of the drive means;
With
The control means includes
During the operation of the drive means, control to supply power from the power storage means to the drive means,
6. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied from the power storage unit to the operation control unit in a standby state in which the driving unit is not operating. Driving means;
An operation control means for controlling the operation of the drive means;
Input means for receiving power from the power source;
With
When power is being input from the power source to the input unit, when the driving unit is operating, power is supplied from the power source to the operation control unit via the input unit. The processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6. A voltage converter that converts the input power into a voltage to be output to the operation control means;
When the control means lowers the voltage value of the power storage means in the standby state, the voltage value of the power storage means is smaller than the voltage value set based on the minimum drive voltage required to drive the voltage converter. It controls so that it may not become, The processing apparatus of any one of Claim 6 or 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The processing device is supplied with power via an interface,
A voltage set based on the minimum drive voltage based on the input power when the interface having the maximum power supply capability among the interfaces that can be connected is connected and the power consumption of the operation control means in the standby state Storage means for storing a start-up time necessary for charging the power storage means until a voltage value necessary for starting the operation of the processing device from the value;
With
The control means controls the voltage value of the power storage means in the standby state so that the voltage of the power storage means reaches a voltage value necessary for starting the operation at the start-up time stored in the storage means. The processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: Measuring means for measuring the time until the voltage of the power storage means becomes a voltage value necessary for starting the operation from a voltage value during standby;
The processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit determines the predetermined voltage value based on a time measured by the measurement unit. The processing device can be connected to an AC power source;
The acquisition means acquires information about power supplied from the AC power source,
In the standby state of the processing apparatus, the control unit is configured to control the storage unit based on the information on the supply capability and the information on the power acquired by the acquisition unit and the voltage of the storage unit in the standby state. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the voltage is controlled. The processing device is supplied with power via an interface,
The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information based on a standard of the interface as information relating to the supply capability. A connection means to which the terminal of the interface can be connected;
The connection means can support a plurality of standard interfaces having different power supply capabilities,
The processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information based on a standard of an interface connected to the connection unit as information regarding the supply capability. The control means includes
When power is supplied via the first interface, the voltage of the power storage means in the standby state is controlled to be the first voltage value,
When power is supplied via a second interface having a higher power supply capability than the first interface, the voltage of the power storage means in the standby state is set to a second voltage lower than the first voltage value. The processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processing device is controlled to be a value. A processing device that executes a predetermined process using power supplied via an interface,
A connection means to which a terminal of the interface is connected;
Power storage means for storing at least part of the power supplied through the interface;
With
The processing apparatus, wherein the voltage of the power storage means in the standby state of the processing apparatus is changed according to a standard of an interface connected to the connection means. A connection means to which the terminal of the interface is connected;
The processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the connection unit is capable of supporting a plurality of standard interfaces having different power supply capabilities. When power is supplied via the first interface, the voltage of the power storage means in the standby state becomes a first voltage value,
When power is supplied through a second interface having a higher power supply capability than the first interface, the voltage of the power storage means in the standby state is a second voltage lower than the first voltage value. The processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the processing apparatus is a value.   18. In the standby state, when the voltage of the power storage unit is higher than a predetermined voltage value determined based on the standard of the interface, the power storage unit decreases the voltage value. The processing apparatus according to item 1.   19. The processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein in the standby state, the voltage value of the power storage unit is a predetermined voltage value determined based on a standard of the interface.   20. In the standby state, if the voltage of the power storage means is higher than a predetermined voltage value determined based on the standard of the interface, the power storage means is not charged. The processing apparatus as described in.   21. The storage device according to claim 15, wherein, in the standby state, the storage device is charged when the voltage of the storage device is lower than a predetermined voltage value determined based on a standard of the interface. The processing apparatus according to item. Driving means;
An operation control means for controlling the operation of the drive means;
With
While the driving means is operating, power is supplied from the power storage means to the driving means,
The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein power is supplied from the power storage unit to the operation control unit in a standby state in which the driving unit is not operating. Driving means;
An operation control means for controlling the operation of the drive means;
With
The power supplied from the interface is supplied to the operation control means when the drive means is operating in a state where the terminal of the interface is connected to the connection means. The processing apparatus of any one of thru | or 22. The processing device can be connected to an AC power source;
In the standby state of the processing apparatus, the voltage of the power storage unit is changed based on the standard of the interface, information on the power supplied from the AC power supply, and the voltage of the power storage unit in the standby state. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 23.   The processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the interface is a USB.   26. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a recording head for forming an image and a reading unit for reading the image. An acquisition means for acquiring information on the supply capacity of power supplied from a power source;
Power storage means for storing at least part of the power supplied from the power source;
A processing apparatus control method for executing a predetermined process by power supplied from the power source,
Control in which the voltage of the power storage unit is controlled based on the information regarding the supply capability acquired by the acquisition unit and the voltage of the power storage unit in the standby state in the standby state of the processing apparatus. Method. Power storage means for storing at least part of the power supplied via the interface;
A processing apparatus control method for executing a predetermined process by power supplied from an external apparatus via the interface,
A control method, comprising: changing a voltage of the power storage unit in a standby state of the processing device according to a standard of an interface to which a terminal is connected to the connection unit.

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