JP5392606B2 - Image processing apparatus, memory control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus (a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, etc.) having a memory control device that controls the operation of a memory that stores data relating to image processing. An image processing apparatus having a function for maintaining the operation of a memory control device normally even when a state changes and an environmental change affecting the operation of the memory occurs, a memory control method, and a program for executing the method About.

In recent years, a double-rate memory capable of high-speed operation is installed in a control system of office automation equipment such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine. A double-rate memory is a memory in which data signals (DQ) are read and written in synchronization with both rising and falling timings of a data strobe signal (DQS). DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate-Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), and DDR2 and DDR3 established by JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) as standards for speeding up DDR.
Since the operating frequency of these memories reaches several hundred MHz, the timing margin for memory access has become extremely small, and the influence of skew due to the pattern of the printed circuit board on the signal quality cannot be ignored.

In order to prevent the deterioration of the signal quality that occurs in this background, ON / OFF switching of ODT (On Die Termination), ODT resistance value setting, fine adjustment of write data latch timing, fine adjustment of read data latch timing, etc. Memory controllers having various adjustment functions have been developed.
However, as the number of such adjustment functions increases, the number of setting parameters for each function also increases, so the number of parameter combinations also increases.If adjustment is performed manually, it takes a lot of time to find the optimum parameters. Need.

Therefore, a method for automatically setting these parameters has been proposed.
Patent Documents 1 and 2 exemplify memory control devices provided with means for automatically setting appropriate parameters. In Patent Document 1, delay adjustment is performed by delaying the data strobe signal DQS. Patent Document 2 covers a plurality of parameters (read, write, etc.) on the memory control device side and the memory side, conducts an operation test including the memory side while managing a combination thereof, and according to the results, As an adjustment method, an optimum memory parameter is determined.

By the way, in recent years, in an image processing apparatus such as a multi-function peripheral, a transition is made to a power saving consumption ("energy saving" or "energy saving" for short) period when the apparatus is not used, and the apparatus waits in a state where the power consumption is reduced. It has become common to have functions.
For this reason, the environment such as temperature and humidity inside the apparatus is considerably different before and after the energy saving transition. That is, since it was used until just before the energy saving transition, it is high temperature and low humidity, but at the time of return, there is a change over time such as returning from high temperature and low humidity to room temperature humidity. Such a change with time also occurs depending on usage conditions such as the frequency of use of an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral.

Such changes in temperature and humidity inside the device affect the operation of the memory, and parameters adjusted during energy-saving transitions are more likely to be inadequate when returning from energy-saving transitions. Re-setting and resetting parameters has never been done before.
It should be noted that Patent Documents 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 1 make adjustments when starting up the apparatus, and Patent Document 1 makes readjustments at predetermined intervals after adjustment at startup. It is shown. However, since Patent Document 1 employs a method of performing readjustment at regular intervals regardless of changes in the environment inside the apparatus, it cannot be said that an optimal operating state is continuously guaranteed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art in an image processing apparatus, and its purpose is to reset parameters when automatically setting parameters for controlling the operation of a memory. It is intended to be able to be carried out in a safe situation and to continuously guarantee an optimal operating state.

The present invention relates to a memory for storing data relating to image processing, a memory control device for setting parameters for controlling the operation of the memory, a mode for performing normal power supply, and power supply to some processing units An image processing apparatus having an operation mode control means for performing mode transition when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a power saving consumption mode for stopping the operation, for storing parameters to be set in the memory control apparatus A setting value storage means, wherein the memory control device stores in advance parameters suitable for the environment after a predetermined time in the power saving consumption mode in the setting value storage means, and when transitioning to the power saving consumption mode The parameter set for controlling the operation of the memory is changed to the parameter stored in advance in the set value storage means, and the changed parameter is omitted. Characterized in that it uses at the time of return from the power consumption mode.
The present invention relates to a memory control method for controlling the operation of a memory mounted on an image processing device according to parameters set by the memory control device, wherein the image processing device includes a mode for performing normal power supply and a part of processing units. Is a device that performs mode transition when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the power saving consumption mode in which the power supply to the device is stopped, and is set to control the operation of the memory when returning from the power saving consumption mode As a parameter to be set, a setting value storing step for storing in advance a parameter suitable for the environment after a predetermined time in the power saving consumption mode in the setting value storage means, and controlling the operation of the memory when transitioning to the power saving consumption mode Therefore, a setting value changing step for changing a parameter that has been set so far to a parameter stored in advance in the setting value storing step is provided. To.

A change in the environment that affects the operation of the memory is determined based on the operation state of the image processing apparatus, and by resetting the set parameters according to the determination result, the optimum operation state is continuously guaranteed, and the apparatus Can increase performance.
In addition, by setting a parameter to be applied at the time of return prepared in advance at the time of transition to energy saving, it is possible to continuously guarantee an optimal operating state and improve the performance of the apparatus.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control part of the memory mounted in the image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) which concerns on this invention. It is a control flow figure showing operation (embodiments 1-3) of a memory control system which can reset a memory parameter. FIG. 10 is a control flow diagram illustrating an operation (embodiment 4) of a memory control system capable of resetting memory parameters. FIG. 10 is a control flow diagram illustrating an operation (fifth embodiment) of a memory control system capable of resetting memory parameters.

Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus and a memory control method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the embodiment described below, for example, in an image processing apparatus equipped with a memory capable of high-speed operation such as DDR-SDRAM, a parameter (hereinafter referred to as “memory parameter”) for controlling the operation of the memory is set. When performing automatically, the memory parameters are reset with the intention of continuously guaranteeing an optimal operating state with respect to changes in the environment over time. In this embodiment, two methods are adopted as a method for resetting the memory parameter with this intention.

The first method is used when it is necessary to re-set the memory parameters by capturing the change in the environment that affects the operation of the memory, instead of performing the resetting at predetermined intervals as in the prior art. , Is a way to perform reconfiguration. In other words, the operating state of the image processing apparatus is monitored to capture changes in the environment that affect the operation of the memory, and based on the monitoring result, the presence or absence of adaptability of the set memory parameter is determined (hereinafter referred to as “setting”). If the suitability is denied by this judgment, resetting is executed.
The second method captures the state at the time of energy saving transition and the return from energy saving as the operating state of the image processing apparatus that is predicted to change the environment that affects the operation of the memory, and as a memory parameter to be set at the time of return. This is a method using setting values that can be adapted in advance.

In the embodiment described below, a multi-function machine is exemplified as an image processing apparatus equipped with a memory (for example, DDR-SDRAM, DDR2-SDRAM, etc.) capable of high-speed operation. The multi-function machine has a composite image processing function such as copying, printer, facsimile, scanner, etc., and includes a scanner as an image input unit and a printer as an image output unit. The internal temperature becomes high and the change in temperature and humidity becomes large, and the change in temperature and humidity is usually large because of the energy saving function, and the influence on the operation of the memory cannot be ignored. Therefore, the effectiveness of the memory parameter resetting function intended by this embodiment is high.
In the following description of the embodiment, the description will focus on the component responsible for the operation of resetting the memory parameters according to the above method, which is a characteristic part of this embodiment. About a structure, since it can implement by employ | adopting the existing structure, description is abbreviate | omitted.

"Memory control part"
First, the configuration of a memory control unit having a function of resetting parameters for controlling the operation of the memory by the above method will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory control unit installed in an image processing apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the memory 150 is a double-rate memory such as a DDR-SDRAM or a DDR2-SDRAM capable of high-speed operation, and is used as a memory for storing data relating to image processing of a requested job. To achieve high-speed job processing.
The memory control unit 110 that controls the memory 150 includes a memory control system 120 and a memory controller 130. The memory control system 120 accesses the memory 150 via the memory controller 130.

The memory control system 120 includes a parameter automatic setting unit 111, a set value suitability determining unit 112, a temperature monitoring unit 114 and a voltage monitoring unit 115 as components for resetting the memory parameter by the first method. The energy saving transition determination unit 116, the time measurement unit 117, and the set value storage unit 113 are included as components for resetting the memory parameters by the second method.
Further, as described above, the energy saving transition determination means 116 is incorporated in the memory control system 120 in order to cope with the environmental change that affects the memory operation caused by the energy saving operation. It has energy saving means 118 for making a predetermined component unit (not shown) in the machine 100 transition to a power saving consumption (energy) state.

The memory control system 120 can be realized by hardware, and can also be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program (software). In addition, the memory control unit 110 can be implemented in the form of a CPU with a built-in memory controller, a north bridge that is a general-purpose semiconductor integrated circuit used for various devices, an ASIC, and the like.
When the memory control system 120 and the memory control unit 110 are configured by a computer (CPU) (not shown), the ROM under the control of the CPU has a control flow diagram shown in FIGS. By recording a program for executing a function such as resetting the memory parameter shown, the CPU constitutes a means for realizing this function. The medium for recording the program is not limited to the ROM, but can be read by a computer such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, an MO (Magnet Optical Disk), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Possible recording media can be used. The program may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network (not shown) such as the Internet and downloaded via the network.

  The parameter automatic setting unit 111 of the memory control system 120 includes a memory parameter management unit, a unit for performing a read / write verify test, a unit for determining a memory parameter, a unit for setting a memory parameter, and the like. -The memory parameter is automatically set according to the result of the verify test (for details of the automatic setting of the memory parameter, see Patent Document 2 shown in "Background Art" above). In addition, when resetting the memory parameter by the second method, there is also a function of reading / writing a set value with the set value storage means 113 and a function of notifying the energy saving means 118 of a transition command to the energy saving state Prepare.

Based on the operation state of the multi function device 100, the set value suitability determination unit 112 determines whether or not the set parameter is adapted to an environmental change that affects the operation of the memory, and the obtained suitability determination result is a parameter. Notify the automatic setting means 111.
The information indicating the operation state of the multifunction peripheral 100 used for the setting value suitability determination is information indicating a change in the environment that affects the operation of the memory. For example, the following (1) to (3) affect the operation of the memory. It can be implemented by grasping it as a change in the environment.
(1) Energy-saving transition possibility determination information notified from the energy-saving transition determining means 116
(2) Temperature information from the temperature monitoring means 114
(3) The voltage information from the voltage monitoring means 115 is included. The operation for executing the resetting of the memory parameters based on the information (1) to (3) will be described later with reference to control flow diagrams (FIGS. 2 to 4).
In addition to the above, information indicating the elapsed time is combined with the information of the above (1) to (3) to become an element for keeping the memory parameters normal. This will be described with reference to 4).

The set value storage unit 113 is a unit for recording / holding memory parameter setting information. In this embodiment, it is used for storing in advance memory parameters suitable for the environment after the operation has been stopped for a predetermined time in the energy saving mode.
The energy saving transition determination unit 116 determines whether or not to transition to the energy saving state, and notifies the set value suitability determination unit 112 of the result. For example, the determination as to whether or not to transition to the energy saving state is based on the fact that there is no job for a certain time (energy saving transition time Te), but other transition conditions may be used.
Based on the energy saving transition command from the parameter automatic setting means 111, the energy saving means 118 causes a predetermined component unit or the like (not shown) in the multifunction peripheral 100 to transition to the power saving consumption (energy) state.
The temperature monitoring unit 114 is a unit that monitors the temperature of the memory 150 or the memory controller 130 and provides temperature information used for determination by the set value suitability determination unit 112.
The voltage monitoring unit 115 is a unit that monitors the voltage of the supply voltage to the memory 150 or the memory controller 130 and provides voltage information used for determination by the set value suitability determination unit 112.
The time measuring unit 117 is a unit that measures the time managed for use in the determination by the set value suitability determining unit 112.
The memory controller 130 includes a register that holds parameters necessary for the operation of the memory 150 including the memory parameters set by the parameter automatic setting unit 111. It has a function and functions as an interface between the memory 150 and the memory control device 120.

Next, the memory parameter resetting operation performed by the memory control unit 110 in response to a change in the environment that affects the operation of the memory will be described in detail.
Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 5 are shown as embodiments of this operation.
The first embodiment relates to the basic operation according to the first method in which the operation state of the MFP 100 is monitored, and the suitability is denied by the setting value suitability determination performed based on the monitoring result, the resetting is executed. . The second and third embodiments relate to a lower embodiment of the first embodiment.
Further, the fourth and fifth embodiments relate to the operation according to the second method using a setting value that can be adapted at the time of return prepared in advance as a memory parameter in response to the state change of the multifunction device 100 at the time of return from energy saving. This is implemented in a form used in combination with a method for executing resetting by information representing elapsed time.

“Embodiment 1”
The operation of the memory control unit 110 (memory control system 120) capable of resetting the memory parameters in this embodiment will be described with reference to the control flowchart shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the control operation is continued according to the control flow shown in FIG. 2 until the MFP 100 is powered on and the memory control system 120 is activated and then shut down.
According to the control flow of FIG. 2, when the MFP 100 is turned on and the memory control system 120 is activated (step S101), first, the memory parameter is initially set by the parameter automatic setting unit 111 (step S102). ). In the initial setting of the memory parameters performed here, the automatic parameter setting unit 111 that automatically sets the memory parameters automatically executes a procedure that is normally performed when the power is turned on, according to the result of the read / write / verify test.

Thereafter, a standby state is waited for the input of the job to be processed (step S103), and it is confirmed whether or not the job to be processed has been received (step S104). If the job to be processed is the MFP 100, a print request, a copy request, a scan request, a facsimile transmission request, a facsimile reception request, and the like can be given. The confirmation of whether or not the job in step S104 has been accepted is performed in a short cycle because the requested job must be processed immediately.
If the job is accepted in step S104 (step S104-YES), the job processing is executed in response to the request (step S105). After the processing is completed, the process returns to the standby state in step S103.

On the other hand, if the job is not accepted in step S104 (step S104-NO), it is confirmed whether or not the memory parameter needs to be reset (step S106). This step is a step of determining whether or not it is appropriate to continue using the current set value from the operating state of the multifunction peripheral 100 being monitored. When the suitability is determined from the information such as the above (1) to (3) indicating the change in the environment that affects the operation of the memory 150 by the set value suitability determining means 112 and the suitability is denied, the memory parameter It is determined that resetting is necessary.
An embodiment in which the operation state of the multifunction peripheral 100 is monitored by the temperature monitoring unit 114 and the voltage monitoring unit 115 and the necessity / unnecessity of resetting the memory parameter is determined in detail in the second and third embodiments. .

In step S106, it is determined whether or not the memory parameter needs to be reset. If resetting is not required (NO in step S106), the process returns to the standby state in step S103 where the input of a job to be processed is awaited.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the memory parameter needs to be reset (step S106-YES), the determination result is transmitted to the parameter automatic setting unit 111. The parameter automatic setting unit 111 receives this determination result and automatically sets the memory parameter according to the result of the read / write / verify test (step S107). After completing the setting, the process returns to the standby state in step S103.

In the case where the setting value suitability determining means 112 receives the energy saving request signal from the energy saving transition determining means 116 in the case where the suitability is determined in accordance with each information of the above (1) to (3), Since the method of resetting the memory parameter is different from that in the temperature monitoring and voltage monitoring, it is necessary to branch the control flow, although not shown in the control flow of FIG.
In other words, the memory parameter that can be adapted to the state change of the multifunction device 100 at the time of return from energy saving is not a method of resetting according to the result of the read / write / verify test, but is stored in the set value storage unit 113 in advance. The method using the prepared set value is adopted. Therefore, in the case of transition to energy saving, the contents of step S106 and step S107 are the procedure from step S210 to the flow end in the control flow of FIG. 3 to be described later, or the procedure from step S311 to the flow end in the control flow of FIG. Are executed instead of the operation of automatically setting the memory parameters according to the result of the read / write / verify test.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a change in the environment that affects the operation of the memory is always determined based on the operation state of the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) 100, and the set parameters are reset according to the determination result. By doing this, it is possible to continuously guarantee an optimum operating state and improve the performance of the apparatus.

“Embodiment 2”
In the first embodiment, as shown in step S106 in the control flow (FIG. 2), a method for determining whether or not the memory parameter needs to be reset is determined from the operating state of the monitored multifunction machine 100. Adopted. In this embodiment, the operation state to be determined in this step is a change in the ambient temperature that affects the operation of the memory 150, the ambient temperature is monitored, and whether or not the memory parameter needs to be reset according to the monitoring result. Specific means to be applied when determining whether or not will be described.

For this temperature monitoring, the temperature monitoring means 114 shown in the configuration of the memory control system 120 in FIG. 1 is used. The temperature monitoring unit 114 includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature around the memory 150 and the memory controller 130, or in recent devices such as an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Product), the CPU is configured to send temperature information inside the device to the outside. Some have a function of outputting, and when such a device is used for a memory control unit, the function may be used.
The temperature information acquired as a monitoring result by the temperature monitoring unit 114 is transmitted to the set value suitability determination unit 112. In step S106 in the control flow of FIG. 2, the set value suitability determination unit 112 determines whether or not the memory parameter can be reset based on the temperature information.

As a method of determining whether to reset the memory parameter from the temperature (ambient temperature) information, the device junction temperature can be calculated from the ambient temperature and power consumption.For example, the following methods (i) and (ii) are used. Can be adopted.
(i) When the junction temperature of the device becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined set value Tj, the memory parameter is reset.
(ii) When the time change of the junction temperature of the device is equal to or larger than a predetermined set value ΔTj, the memory parameter is reset.
Further, in the above method, depending on the characteristics of the device and the characteristics of the ambient temperature, the method described in the following (iii) and (iv) can be adopted.
(iii) Instead of the junction temperature, the resetting of the memory parameter is determined based on a reference to the ambient temperature (such as the ambient temperature inside the device) (the power consumption of the device is considered constant).
(iv) The values of Tj and ΔTj can be changed by register setting or the like to adapt to changes in characteristics.
As described above, according to this embodiment, even if a situation occurs in which the memory parameters set so far cannot be applied due to sudden temperature fluctuations, it is always determined whether or not the temperature fluctuations need to be reset. By resetting the set parameters according to the determination result, the optimum operating state can be maintained even for a sudden temperature fluctuation.

“Embodiment 3”
In the first embodiment, as shown in step S106 in the control flow (FIG. 2), a method for determining whether or not the memory parameter needs to be reset is determined from the operating state of the monitored multifunction machine 100. Adopted. In the present embodiment, the operation state to be determined in this step is a change in the supply voltage to the operation circuit of the memory such as the memory 150 or the memory controller 130, and this supply voltage is monitored. The concrete means applied when determining whether or not resetting is necessary is shown.

The voltage monitoring means 115 shown in the configuration of the memory control system 120 in FIG. 1 is used for monitoring the supply voltage to the memory operating circuit. The voltage monitoring means 115 can be implemented in a form using a voltage detection IC or a form in which the voltage is monitored using a current detection AMP, an AD converter, or the like.
Voltage information acquired as a monitoring result by the voltage monitoring unit 115 is transmitted to the set value suitability determination unit 112. In step S106 in the control flow of FIG. 2, the set value suitability determination unit 112 determines whether or not the memory parameter can be reset based on the voltage information.

As a method for determining whether or not the memory parameter can be reset from the voltage information, for example, the following methods (i) and (ii) can be employed.
(i) When the supply voltage to the memory or the memory controller becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined set voltage Vr, the memory parameter is reset.
(ii) When the time change of the supply voltage to the memory or the memory controller is equal to or larger than a predetermined set value ΔVr, the memory parameter is reset.
Further, in the above method, depending on the characteristics of the device, the operation can be optimized by adopting the following method (iii).
(iii) The values of Vr and ΔVr can be changed by register setting or the like to adapt to changes in characteristics.
As described above, according to this embodiment, even when a situation occurs in which the memory parameters set so far cannot be applied due to sudden voltage fluctuations, it is always determined whether or not the voltage fluctuations need to be reset. By resetting the set memory parameter according to the determination result, the optimum operation state can be maintained even for a sudden voltage fluctuation.

“Embodiment 4”
This embodiment relates to the embodiment according to the second method using a setting value that can be adapted at the time of return prepared in advance as a memory parameter with respect to a change in the state of the multifunction device 100 at the time of return from energy saving. Here, parameters suitable for the environment after a predetermined time in the energy saving mode are stored in the set value storage means 113 in advance, and when returning from the energy saving mode, a state change affecting the operation of the memory occurs. By using the stored memory parameter value based on the above estimation, it adapts to the state change. Accordingly, it is desirable to always perform at the time of return from energy saving, and the memory parameter resetting operation (corresponding to the state change such as the ambient temperature of the memory or the like or the supply voltage to the memory or the like of the first to third embodiments). According to the result of the read / write / verify test, the procedure is different from the operation of automatically setting memory parameters.
Therefore, in the following embodiments, the memory parameters stored in advance in conjunction with the energy saving operation are separated from the resetting operation performed according to the state change such as the ambient temperature of the memory or the supply voltage to the memory or the like. An embodiment in which is used as a set value is illustrated. However, in this embodiment, the example of embodiment combined with the method of performing a reset with the information showing elapsed time is shown.

The operation of the memory control unit 110 (memory control system 120) capable of setting memory parameters in this embodiment will be described with reference to the control flowchart shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, control is performed in accordance with the control flow shown in FIG. 3 from when the MFP 100 is turned on and the memory control system 120 is also started up until it is shut down or transitions to an energy saving state. Operation continues.
According to the control flow of FIG. 3, when the MFP 100 is turned on and the memory control system 120 is activated (step S201), the parameter automatic setting unit 111 first performs initial setting of memory parameters (step S202). ). In the initial setting of the memory parameters performed here, the automatic parameter setting unit 111 that automatically sets the memory parameters automatically executes a procedure that is normally performed when the power is turned on, according to the result of the read / write / verify test.

Thereafter, a standby state is waited for the input of the job to be processed (step S203), and it is confirmed whether or not the job to be processed has been received (step S204). If the job to be processed is the MFP 100, a print request, a copy request, a scan request, a facsimile transmission request, a facsimile reception request, and the like can be given. The confirmation of whether or not the job in step S204 has been accepted is performed in a short cycle because the requested job must be processed immediately.
If a job is accepted in step S204 (step S204-YES), the job processing is executed in response to the request (step S205). After the processing is completed, the process returns to the standby state in step S203.

On the other hand, if the job is not accepted in step S204 (step S204-NO), it is confirmed whether or not the memory parameter needs to be reset (step S106). In this embodiment, whether or not re-setting is necessary is managed by time. Therefore, memory parameters are set by the previous parameter automatic setting unit 111 (memory parameters are set according to the result of the read / write / verify test). Whether or not a predetermined time (reset time Tr) determined in advance has elapsed has been confirmed (step S206). This resetting time management is performed by the setting value suitability determining means 112 checking the time from the time measuring means 117.
Here, if the predetermined time Tr has elapsed since the previous memory parameter was set (step S206-YES), this determination result is transmitted from the set value suitability determination means 112 to the parameter automatic setting means 111. The parameter automatic setting unit 111 receives this determination result and automatically sets the memory parameter according to the result of the read / write / verify test (step S207). After completing the resetting, the measurement of the predetermined time Tr is newly started and the process returns to the standby state in step S203.

On the other hand, if the predetermined time Tr has not elapsed since the previous memory parameter was set (step S206—NO), the energy saving transition condition is confirmed (step S208). Here, since the transition condition is that the predetermined time (energy saving transition time Te) elapses while the MFP 100 remains in the standby state, the energy saving transition determination unit 116 executes the job after it enters the standby state. It is determined whether there is no input of an operation or the like performed when requesting and the energy saving transition time Te has passed in that state.
If the energy saving transition time Te has not elapsed in step S208 (step S208-NO), the process returns to the standby state in step S203. If there is no job while the energy saving transition time Te has not elapsed, the processing is repeated in the loop of steps S208 to S203, and if the job is executed halfway, the elapsed time of the energy saving transition time Te is reset.

When it is confirmed in step S208 that the energy saving transition time Te has elapsed (step S208-YES), the energy saving transition determination unit 116 issues an energy saving request signal to the set value suitability determination unit 112 (step S209).
The set value suitability determining unit 112 that receives the energy saving request signal issues a set value change request signal to the parameter automatic setting unit 111 in order to instruct an operation for setting a memory parameter that is suitable for the environment after the energy saving is restored (step S100). S210).
Further, the parameter automatic setting means 111 that receives the set value change request signal adapts the current set value (at the time of energy saving transition) to the environment at the time of energy saving recovery, that is, after a predetermined time in the energy saving mode, according to the set value change request. Memory parameters stored in advance in the set value storage means 113 as values are set in the memory controller 130 or the memory 150 (step S211).
Note that memory parameters suitable for the environment after a predetermined time in the energy saving mode are obtained by experimentally obtaining a setting value that can optimize the memory operation under the conditions assumed in the environment for the same type of device, for example. A method of preliminarily storing the data representing the device characteristics of the machine 100 is adopted.

After the memory parameter setting change is completed, the parameter automatic setting unit 111 issues an energy saving transition signal to the energy saving unit 118 (step S212).
The energy saving means 118 that receives the energy saving transition signal receives this signal and causes the device to transition to the energy saving state (step S213).
After the transition to the energy saving mode, the process of this control flow is terminated. Note that the controller (not shown) of the multifunction device 100 returns to the normal mode in accordance with a return condition such as generation of a new job to be processed in the energy saving state, and processes the requested job. The memory operation is performed using the memory parameters that are suitable at the time of return.
As described above, according to this embodiment, there is no situation in which the memory parameters that have been set so far cannot be adapted due to environmental fluctuations before and after the energy saving transition, and it is always optimal by using the memory parameters that match at the time of return. Can maintain a stable operating state.

“Embodiment 5”
This embodiment relates to an embodiment according to the second method using a set value that can be adapted at the time of return prepared in advance as a memory parameter with respect to a state change of the multifunction device 100 at the time of return from energy saving. Then, it is not different from the said Embodiment 4.
The difference between this embodiment and the fourth embodiment is that in this embodiment, the memory parameter set by the parameter automatic setting means 111 in the initial setting performed when the power is turned on is also used as the memory parameter applied at the time of return. In the fourth embodiment, the setting parameter is obtained by a method of experimentally obtaining a setting value capable of optimizing the memory operation under the conditions assumed in the environment in the same type of device (multifunction device 100 in this example). I am thinking about that. However, according to this method, since the operation state of the device, the environment of the device installation location, and the like are not necessarily uniform, memory parameters that are not necessarily compatible with the device may be set.
Therefore, in this embodiment, as a memory parameter suitable for the environment at the time of energy saving recovery after a predetermined time in the energy saving mode, the memory set by the initial setting performed at the time of power-on that is close to the environment at the time of energy saving recovery By using parameters, memory operation is optimized.

The operation for setting the memory parameter used at the time of energy saving return using the memory parameter set at the initial setting performed when the power is turned on will be described with reference to the control flowchart shown in FIG.
The control flow of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is basically the same as that of the fourth embodiment except for performing an operation specific to the present embodiment in which the memory parameters set in the initial setting are used for energy saving return. The control flow shown is performed. That is, the operation unique to this embodiment is that the step S303 is added in the control flow of FIG. 4 and the memory parameters set in step S313 are different, and other steps S301 and S302 are the steps of FIG. Corresponding to S201 and S202, Steps S304 to S310 correspond to Steps S203 to S209 in FIG. 3, and Steps S312 to S314 correspond to Steps S211 to S213 in FIG. Therefore, for the description of the steps for performing the same control operation, refer to the description of the corresponding embodiment 4, and the description is omitted here except for the portion related to the operation unique to the present embodiment.

According to the control flow of FIG. 4, the parameter automatic setting unit 111 performs initial setting of the memory parameter (step S302) when the power to the multifunction peripheral 100 is turned on. Is stored in the set value storage means 113 so that it can be used in the control step at the time of energy saving transition (step S303).
After that, when the standby state is entered and it is confirmed in step S309 that the energy saving transition time Te has elapsed, the energy saving transition determination means 116 issues an energy saving transition signal (step S310).
The set value suitability determining means 112 receives the energy saving transition signal and issues a set value change request signal to the parameter automatic setting means 111 (step S311).
Next, the parameter automatic setting unit 111 that receives the set value change request signal adapts the current set value (at the time of energy saving transition) to the environment after a predetermined time in the energy saving mode, that is, at the time of energy saving return, according to the set value change request. The memory parameter at the time of initial setting stored in the set value storage means 113 as the value in the previous step S303 is set in the memory controller 130 or the memory 150 (step S312).

Thereafter, the energy saving means 118 receives the energy saving transition signal issued by the parameter automatic setting means 111 in step S313, changes the device to the energy saving state (step S314), changes to the energy saving mode, and then performs the processing of this control flow. Exit. Note that the controller (not shown) of the multifunction device 100 returns to the normal mode in accordance with a return condition such as generation of a new job to be processed in the energy saving state, and processes the requested job. The memory operation is performed using the memory parameters that are suitable at the time of return (memory parameters obtained by the initial setting when the power is turned on).
As described above, according to this embodiment, there is no situation in which the memory parameters that have been set so far cannot be applied due to environmental fluctuations before and after the energy-saving transition, and the memory parameters obtained by the initial setting at the time of power-on at the time of recovery By using a highly adaptable setting value, it is possible to always maintain an optimum operating state.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Multifunction machine (image processing apparatus) 110 ... Memory control part, 120 ... Memory control system, 130 ... Memory controller, 150 ... Memory, 111 ... Parameter automatic setting means, 112: Setting value suitability determining means, 113: Setting value storing means, 114 ... Temperature monitoring means, 115 ... Voltage monitoring means, 116 ... Energy saving transition determining means, 117 ... Time measurement Means 118 ... Energy saving means.

JP 2003-99321 A Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-003384

Claims (12)

Memory for storing data relating to image processing, memory control device for setting parameters for controlling the operation of the memory, mode for performing normal power supply, and power supply to some processing units are stopped An image processing apparatus having an operation mode control means for performing mode transition when a predetermined condition is satisfied between power consumption modes,
Setting value storage means for storing parameters to be set in the memory control device;
The memory control device stores in advance parameters suitable for the environment after a predetermined time in the power saving consumption mode in the setting value storage means, and controls the operation of the memory when transitioning to the power saving consumption mode. An image processing apparatus characterized in that a parameter set for the purpose is changed to a parameter stored in advance in the set value storage means, and the changed parameter is used when returning from the power saving consumption mode. A memory for storing data relating to image processing, and a memory control device for setting parameters for controlling the operation of the memory;
The memory control device includes setting value suitability determining means for determining whether or not the set parameter is adapted to an environmental change that affects the operation of the memory based on an operation state of the image processing device, An image processing apparatus that resets the parameter on the condition that the suitability is denied by the suitability determination unit ,
An operation mode control means for performing mode transition when a predetermined condition is satisfied between a mode for performing normal power supply and a power saving consumption mode for stopping power supply to some processing units;
Setting value storage means for storing parameters to be set in the memory control device;
The memory control device stores in advance parameters suitable for the environment after a predetermined time in the power saving consumption mode in the setting value storage means, and controls the operation of the memory when transitioning to the power saving consumption mode. An image processing apparatus characterized in that a parameter set for the purpose is changed to a parameter stored in advance in the set value storage means, and the changed parameter is used when returning from the power saving consumption mode. In the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
As a parameter at the time of return from the power saving consumption mode stored in advance in the set value storage means,
An image processing apparatus using an initial setting value when starting the image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to claim 2 or the image processing device described with reference to claim 2 in claim 3 ,
A temperature monitoring means for monitoring the ambient temperature of the memory is provided as means for recognizing the operating state of the image processing apparatus,
The set value suitability determining means determines whether or not the set parameter is applicable depending on whether or not the temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring means changes beyond a predetermined range. A featured image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to claim 2 or 4, or the image processing device described with reference to claim 2 in claim 3 ,
Voltage monitoring means for monitoring the supply voltage to the operating circuit of the memory as means for recognizing the operating state of the image processing apparatus;
The set value suitability determining means determines whether or not the set parameter is adaptable depending on whether or not the voltage monitored by the voltage monitoring means changes beyond a predetermined range. A featured image processing apparatus. A memory control method for controlling the operation of a memory mounted on an image processing device by a parameter set by a memory control device,
The image processing apparatus is an apparatus that performs mode transition when a predetermined condition is satisfied between a mode in which normal power supply is performed and a power saving consumption mode in which power supply to some processing units is stopped. ,
Setting value storage for preliminarily storing, in the setting value storage means, a parameter suitable for the environment after a predetermined time in the power saving consumption mode, as a parameter to be set for controlling the operation of the memory when returning from the power saving consumption mode Process,
A setting value changing step for changing a parameter that has been set so far to control the operation of the memory to a parameter that has been stored in advance in the setting value storing step when the mode is changed to the power saving mode; A memory control method. A memory mounted on an image processing apparatus that performs mode transition when a predetermined condition is satisfied between a mode in which normal power supply is performed and a power saving consumption mode in which power supply to some processing units is stopped Is a memory control method for controlling the operation according to parameters set by the memory control device,
An operation state acquisition step of acquiring the operation state of the image processing apparatus;
Setting value suitability determination for determining whether or not a parameter set for controlling the operation of the memory is adapted to an environmental change affecting the operation of the memory based on the operation state obtained in the operation state acquisition step Process,
A resetting step for resetting the parameter on the condition that the suitability has been denied by the setpoint suitability determination step;
Setting value storage for preliminarily storing, in the setting value storage means, a parameter suitable for the environment after a predetermined time in the power saving consumption mode, as a parameter to be set for controlling the operation of the memory when returning from the power saving consumption mode Process,
A setting value changing step for changing a parameter that has been set so far to control the operation of the memory to a parameter that has been stored in advance in the setting value storing step when the mode is changed to the power saving mode; A memory control method. The memory control method according to claim 6 or 7 ,
A memory control method characterized by using an initial set value at the time of starting an image processing apparatus as a parameter at the time of return from a power saving consumption mode stored in advance in a set value storage means in the set value storage step. In the memory control method described in claim 7 or in the memory control method described in claim 8 with reference to claim 7 ,
The operation state acquisition step is a step of acquiring the monitoring result of the temperature monitoring means for monitoring the ambient temperature of the memory as the operation state of the image processing device,
The set value suitability determination step is a step of determining whether or not the set parameter is adaptable depending on whether or not the temperature acquired by the operation state acquisition step changes beyond a predetermined range. There is provided a memory control method. In the memory control method described in claim 7 or 9, or in the memory control method described in claim 8 with reference to claim 7 .
The operation state acquisition step is a step of acquiring the monitoring result of the voltage monitoring means for monitoring the voltage of the supply voltage to the operation circuit of the memory as the operation state of the image processing device,
The set value suitability determination step is a step of determining whether or not the set parameter is adaptable depending on whether or not the voltage acquired by the operation state acquisition step changes beyond a predetermined range. There is provided a memory control method. The program for making a computer perform each process of the memory control method described in any one of Claims 6 thru | or 10 . A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 11 is recorded.

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