JP4324084B2 - Image processing apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

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

  In image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimile machines, digital copiers, and digital multi-function machines, power supply to a part of the image forming apparatus is shut down in order to meet energy-saving standards that have become more stringent in recent years. By doing so, power consumption during standby is greatly reduced.

  For example, in an image recording apparatus of a type in which print data given from an external device such as a personal computer is developed into bit data and given to the laser printer, energization of the fixing device in the laser printer is performed when the power saving mode is executed. Stopping, driving of the cooling fan is stopped, power supply to the CPU is interrupted, and the like.

  On the other hand, an image forming apparatus compatible with a network is required to have a performance capable of quickly returning from a power saving mode to a normal operation mode as necessary.

In recent digital multifunction peripherals and the like, the scale of a program for controlling the operation of the device has increased, and if all the programs are stored in the ROM, there is a concern about an increase in cost. Therefore, a program is stored in a partial area of a hard disk for storing images (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-067770

  However, in a device that stores a program in a partial area of the conventional hard disk, the CPU reads the program from the hard disk once after the device is started up and then executes the program. The need for fast return to mode cannot be fully met.

  In order to clear such a problem, an apparatus that realizes a high-speed return using a sub CPU for energy saving standby has been proposed. However, with the recent cost competition intensifying, such a sub CPU is provided in low-priced equipment. That is not realistic.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and control data for controlling the image processing apparatus when a transition is made from the second power supply state with low power consumption to the first power supply state is nonvolatile. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus that can read from a volatile second storage means different from the first storage means and can return from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode at high speed, and a control method therefor. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 is a control means for controlling the image processing apparatus in an image processing apparatus that performs image processing based on input image data. Control means for determining whether or not to shift the processing device from the first power supply state to a second power supply state that consumes less power than the first power supply state; and Holds information indicating that the image processing apparatus has transitioned to the second power supply state in response to determining that the apparatus is to transition from the first power supply state to the second power supply state. A holding unit; a nonvolatile first storage unit that stores control data for the control unit to control the image processing apparatus; and a volatile unit that stores the control data read from the first storage unit. The storage means in response to the input of a signal for causing the image processing apparatus to shift from the second power supply state to the first power supply state. If the information is information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, the control data is read from the second storage means, and the information is the image. When the information is not information indicating that the processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, the control apparatus reads out the control data from the first storage unit and controls the image processing apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a control method for an image processing device according to claim 13 is the control method for an image processing device that performs image processing based on input image data. A determination step for determining whether or not to shift from the power supply state to a second power supply state that consumes less power than the first power supply state; A holding step for holding information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state in response to determining that the power supply state has shifted to the second power supply state; and The information held in the holding step is read in response to the input of a return signal for shifting the processing device from the second power supply state to the first power supply state. When the information read in the reading step and the reading step is not information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, control data for controlling the image processing apparatus is provided. When the information is read from the nonvolatile first storage means and the information indicates that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, the control data is read from the volatile second storage means. And a control step of reading and controlling the image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the image processing apparatus shifts to the second power supply state in response to the input of the signal for shifting the image processing apparatus from the second power supply state to the first power supply state. If the information indicates that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, the control data is read from the volatile second storage unit, If the information is not information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, control is performed so that the control data is read from the nonvolatile first storage means, and therefore the second power consumption is low. The control data for controlling the image processing apparatus when the power supply state (power saving mode) shifts to the first power supply state (normal operation mode) is a volatile second that is different from the nonvolatile first storage means. Storage means Read al, with the return from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode can be performed at high speed, it can be realized by low-cost device the return.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network for connecting the components of the printing system. In this embodiment, Ethernet (registered trademark) using the TCP / IP protocol is assumed.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a network scanner that optically reads a document printed on paper, and includes a network interface. This is a color scanner that outputs read image data of three colors of RGB.

  Reference numerals 108, 107, and 106 denote network printers, each having a network interface, receiving print data and image data sent via the network interface, and using a known print technology such as electrophotographic technology as a medium such as paper. It actually prints. Here, the network printer 108 is a monochrome digital multifunction peripheral, the network printer 107 is a color laser printer, and 106 is a monochrome laser beam printer.

  A facsimile apparatus 104 includes a network interface and transmits / receives image data via the public line 105. Specifically, image data read by the scanner 102 on the network 101 is transmitted to the public line 105, image data received from the public line 105 is output from the printers 108, 107, 106, or via the public line 105. Then, file image data is input / output to / from a PC (Personal Computer) 103.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the control unit of the printer 108 of FIG. The hardware configurations of the control units of the printers 107 and 106 are basically the same as those shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a controller unit (information processing apparatus) 2000 is connected to a scanner 2070 as an image input device and a printer 2095 as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 to Controls device information input and output.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM (volatile storage device) 2002 is a system work memory for the CPU 2001 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM (non-volatile storage device) 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a boot program of the system. An HDD (nonvolatile mass storage device) 2004 includes a hard disk drive and an IDE controller, and stores system software, image data, and management information thereof.

  An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 2012. The operation unit I / F 2006 outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. The input information is sent to the CPU 2001. A network unit 2010 is connected to the LAN 2011 and inputs / outputs information. The MODEM 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information.

  The above components (devices) are arranged on the system bus 2007.

  An image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. On the image bus 2008, constituent elements (devices) 2020, 2030, 2040, 2060, 2080, and 2090 described later are arranged.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 connects an image input / output device such as a scanner 2070 and a printer 2095 to the controller unit 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. A printer image processing unit 2090 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like according to the printer 2095 for print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs JPEG compression / decompression processing on multi-valued image data, and JBIG, MMR, and MH compression / decompression processing on binary image data.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 shown in FIG.

  A scanner 2070 as an image input device illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown), and passes an optical signal through raster image data (line 2071 in FIG. 2). ) As an electrical signal. The original paper is set on the tray 2073 of the original feeder 2072, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 2012, the CPU 2001 (FIG. 2) gives an instruction to the scanner 2070 (passes the line 2071 in FIG. 2). As a result, the document feeder 2072 feeds document sheets one by one, and a document image reading operation is performed.

  The printer 2095, which is an image output device, is a part that converts raster image data (passed through the line 2096 in FIG. 2) into an image and transfers the image onto a sheet. As a transfer method, a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt is used. There are an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method in which ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array and an image is printed directly on a sheet, and any method may be used. The operation of the printer 2095 is started by an instruction from the CPU 2001 (passing through the line 2096 in FIG. 2). The printer 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, and 2104 corresponding to these are provided. The paper discharge tray 2111 receives paper that has been printed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the operation unit 2012 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the LCD display unit 2013 has a configuration in which a touch panel sheet is pasted on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), displays a system operation screen, and when a displayed key is pressed, its position is displayed. Information is sent to the CPU 2001. A start key 2014 is a key operated when starting a document image reading operation. A green and red two-color LED 2018 is arranged at the center of the start key 2014, and indicates whether or not the start key 2014 can be used depending on the emission color. The stop key 2015 is a key that is operated when stopping an operation in progress. The ID key 2016 is a key operated when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2017 is a key that is operated when a setting operation performed on the operation unit 2012 is initialized.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, an image bus I / F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, control each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080, and generate a timing signal. The filter processing unit 2082 is composed of a spatial filter and performs a convolution operation. The editing unit 2083 performs image processing. For example, the editing unit 2083 recognizes a closed region surrounded by a marker pen from input image data, and shades, shades, and inverts negative / positive for the image data in the closed region. Image processing such as the above is performed. The scaling processing unit 2084 performs enlargement / reduction on the read image. In scaling in the main scanning direction, the enlargement / reduction is performed by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image, and the sub-scanning direction. In zooming, the enlargement / reduction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). The table conversion unit 2085 converts image data, which is read luminance data, into density data using a table. The binarization unit 2086 binarizes the multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing.

  The image data for which image processing has been completed is transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus I / F controller 2081 again.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, an image bus I / F controller 2091 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, controls each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090, and generates a timing signal. A resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion on the image data sent from the LAN 2011 or the public line 2051 in accordance with the resolution of the printer 2095. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs processing to smooth out jaggies of the image data after resolution conversion (roughness of an image appearing at a black and white border such as an oblique line).

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image compression unit 2040 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, an image bus I / F controller 2041 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, and performs timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and the output buffer 2045. In addition, control such as mode setting for the image compression processing unit 2043 is performed.

  The procedure of image compression processing performed by the image compression unit 2040 will be described below.

  First, the CPU 2001 (FIG. 2) performs settings for image compression control in the image bus I / F controller 2041 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image compression (for example, settings such as MMR compression and JBIG expansion) for the image compression processing unit 2043. After the necessary settings are made, the CPU 2001 permits the image bus I / F controller 2041 to transfer image data again. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 (FIG. 2) or the image bus 2008.

  That is, the image bus I / F controller 2041 receives image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 and temporarily stores it in the input buffer 2042. In response to an image data transfer request from the image compression processing unit 2043, the image data is transferred from the input buffer 2042 to the image compression processing unit 2043 at a constant speed. At this time, the input buffer 2042 determines whether or not image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression processing unit 2043, and reads image data from the image bus 2008 and performs image compression processing. When it is impossible to write an image to the unit 2043, control is performed so as not to transfer image data (this control is referred to as “handshake control”).

  The image compression processing unit 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This may require several lines of data depending on the type of image compression processing, and image compression cannot be performed without preparing several lines of image data in order to perform the first one line of compression. Because there are things.

  The image compression processing unit 2043 performs image compression, and the image data obtained as a result is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045. The output buffer 2045 also performs handshake control between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression processing unit 2043, and transfers image data to the image bus I / F controller 2041. The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred compressed (or expanded) image data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008.

  Such a series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (until processing is completed for all pages that require image compression processing) or a stop request from the image compression processing unit 2043 (an error occurs during compression or decompression). Repeated until it occurs).

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image rotation unit 2030 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the image bus I / F controller 2031 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus sequence, controls to set the mode in the image rotation processing unit 2032, and the image data to the image rotation processing unit 2032. The timing control for transferring is performed.

  The procedure of the image rotation process performed by the image rotation unit 2030 will be described below.

  First, the CPU 2001 (FIG. 2) performs setting for image rotation control in the image bus I / F controller 2031 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2031 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, settings such as an image size, a rotation direction, and an angle) for the image rotation processing unit 2032. After the necessary settings are made, the CPU 2001 again permits the image bus I / F controller 2031 to transfer image data. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031 starts transfer of image data from each device on the RAM 2002 (FIG. 2) or the image bus 2008. Here, the transfer unit size is 32 bits, the image size to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bits), and image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits when transferring image data onto the image bus 2008. It is assumed that the image to be handled is binary.

  As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to perform the unit data transfer described above 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer image data using discontinuous transfer source address values. is there. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a 32 × 32 (bit) image and discontinuous transfer source address values.

  The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the RAM 2033 so as to be rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the 32-bit image data transferred first is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. At the time of reading, the image is rotated by reading in the X direction. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating writing of image data for every 32 bits into the RAM 2033.

  After the 32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (writing to the RAM 2033) is completed, the image rotation processing unit 2032 reads the image data from the RAM 2033 in the X direction, and transfers the image data to the image bus I / F controller 2031. .

  The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the rotated image data transfers the image data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 by continuous addressing.

  Such a series of image rotation processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (until the processing is completed for all pages that require image rotation processing).

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the device I / F unit 2020 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, an image bus I / F controller 2021 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, controls each device in the device I / F unit 2020, and generates a timing signal. It also generates control signals for the external scanner 2070 and printer 2095. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores image data sent from the scanner 2070 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. The serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023 arranges the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order or decomposes and converts the image data into image data having a data width that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. The parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion unit 2024 decomposes the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 or arranges the image data in order, and converts the image data into image data having a data width that can be stored in the print buffer 2025. A print buffer 2025 temporarily stores image data sent from the image bus 2008 and outputs the image data to the printer 2095 in synchronization with the printer 2095.

  An operation procedure in the device I / F unit 2020 at the time of image scanning by the scanner 2070 is shown below.

  The image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when 32 or more bits of image data are stored in the scan buffer 2022, the image data is transferred from the scan buffer 2022 to the serial parallel / parallel serial conversion unit for 32 bits in a first-in first-out method. The image data is sent to 2023, converted into 32-bit image data, and transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus I / F controller 2021. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the image data in the scan buffer 2022 is sent from the scan buffer 2022 to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023 by the first-in first-out method, and is converted into serial image data. The image data is transferred onto the image bus 2008 via the F controller 2021.

  Next, an operation procedure in the device I / F unit 2020 when an image is printed by the printer 2095 will be described below.

  When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus 2008 is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021, sent to the parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion unit 2024, and input to the printer 2095. The image data is divided into image data suitable for the number of data bits and stored in the print buffer 2025. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE 1394, serial image data sent from the image bus 2008 is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021, sent to the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion unit 2024, and input data of the printer 2095. The image data is converted into image data suitable for the number of bits and stored in the print buffer 2025. Then, in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data is sent from the print buffer 2025 to the printer 2095 by the first-in first-out method.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the control unit of the printer 108 of FIG. The hardware configurations of the control units of the printers 107 and 106 are basically the same as those shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI (User Interface) module, which is a module that mediates with the printer 108 when the user performs various operations and settings of the printer 108. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, in accordance with user operations, and requests processing or sets data.

  Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address book, that is, a database for managing data transmission destinations, communication destinations, and the like. In the address book 1502, data is added, deleted, and acquired according to instructions from the UI module 1501, and used to give data transmission / communication destination information to each module described later by a user operation.

  Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web server module for notifying management information of the printer 108 to the Web client in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). The management information is read from the printer 108 via a control API 1518 described later, and notified to the Web client via the HTTP module 1512, the TCP / IP module 1516, and the network driver 1517 described later.

  A universal send 1504 is a module that manages data distribution. Data instructed by the user via the UI module 1501 is distributed to the similarly designated communication (output) destination. When the user uses the scanner function of the printer 108 to instruct distribution data generation, the scanner 2070 is operated via a control API 1518 described later to generate data.

  Reference numeral 1505 denotes a P550 module that is executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the universal send 1504.

  Reference numeral 1506 denotes an E-mail module that is executed when an e-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the universal send 1504.

  A DB module 1507 is executed when a database is designated as an output destination in the universal send 1504.

  A DP module 1508 is executed when a multifunction device similar to the printer 108 is designated as an output destination in the universal send 1504.

  Reference numeral 1509 denotes an RCP (Remote-Copy-Scan) module, which uses the scanner function of the printer 108 and uses another multifunction device connected via a network as an output destination. This module performs processing equivalent to the function.

  Reference numeral 1510 denotes an RCP (Remote-Copy-Print) module, which uses the printer function of the printer 108 and is a printer realized by the printer 108 alone with another multifunction device connected via a network or the like as an input destination. This module performs processing equivalent to the function.

  Reference numeral 1511 denotes a WPP (Web-Pull-Print) module that reads and prints information on various Web pages on the Internet or an intranet.

  Reference numeral 1512 denotes an HTTP module used when the printer 108 communicates using HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), and provides a communication function to the Web server module 1503 and the WPP module 1511 described above together with the TCP / IP module 1516 described later. Is.

  Reference numeral 1513 denotes an LPR module that provides a communication function to the P550 module 1505 in the universal send 1504 together with the TCP / IP module 1516 described later.

  Reference numeral 1514 denotes an SMTP module which provides a communication function to the E-mail module 1506 in the universal send 1504 described above together with a TCP / IP module 1516 described later.

  Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM (Salutation-Manager) module that provides a communication function to the DB module 1507, DP module 1508, RCS module 1509, and RCP module 1510 in the above-mentioned universal send 1504 together with the TCP / IP module 1516 described later. It is.

  A TCP / IP module 1516 provides network communication to the above-described various modules together with a network driver 1517 described later.

  Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver that controls a portion physically connected to the network.

  A control API 1518 provides an interface with a downstream module such as a job manager 1519 described later for an upstream module such as the universal send 1504, and reduces dependency between upstream and downstream modules. To improve the applicability of

  A job manager 1519 interprets processing instructed from the various modules described above via the control API 1518, and gives instructions to each module described later. Further, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the printer 108.

  A CODEC manager 1520 manages and controls various compression / decompression of data in the process instructed by the job manager 1519.

  Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE encoder, which compresses data read by the scan processing executed by the job manager 1519 and the scan manager 1524 in the FBE format.

  Reference numeral 1522 denotes a JPEG-CODEC, which performs JPEG compression of read data and JPEG expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by the job manager 1519 and scan manager 1524 and print processing executed by the print manager 1526. Is.

  Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR-CODEC that performs MMR compression of read data and MMR expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by the job manager 1519 and the scan manager 1524 and print processing executed by the print manager 1526. Is.

  Reference numeral 1524 denotes a scan manager that manages and controls scan processing instructed by the job manager 1519.

  A SCSI driver 1525 performs communication between the scan manager 1524 and the scanner 2070 to which the printer 108 is internally connected.

  Reference numeral 1526 denotes a print manager that manages and controls print processing instructed by the job manager 1519.

  An engine I / F driver 1527 provides an interface between the print manager 1526 and the printer 2095.

  Reference numeral 1528 denotes a parallel port driver (Parallel), which provides an interface when the WPP module 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

  Next, an application installed in the printer 108 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an application installed in the printer 108 and a communication partner side device corresponding to the application. An application incorporated in the printer 108 is shown on the left side of FIG. 13, and a communication partner side device is shown on the right side.

  In FIG. 13, reference numeral 4050 denotes a UI application, which includes an address book 4051.

  Reference numeral 4100 denotes a remote copy application (transmission side).

  Reference numeral 4150 denotes a broadcast distribution application (transmission side).

  Reference numeral 4200 denotes a WPP (Web Pull Print) application.

  Reference numeral 4250 denotes a Web server application.

  Reference numeral 4300 denotes a printer device which is a receiving side of the remote copy application 4100 and performs printing.

  A general-purpose printer device 4350 receives an image transmitted from the broadcast distribution application 4150 and performs printing.

  Reference numeral 4400 denotes a printer device that receives an image transmitted from the broadcast distribution application 4150 and performs printing. The remote print receiving side (printing side).

  Reference numeral 4450 denotes a server device, which is a Notes server that receives and stores an image transmitted from the broadcast distribution application 4150.

  Reference numeral 4500 denotes a server device, which receives an image transmitted from the broadcast distribution application 4150 and stores it as binary data.

  A mail server 4550 receives and stores an image transmitted from the broadcast distribution application 4150.

  The 4600 DB server receives an image transmitted from the broadcast distribution application 4150 and stores it as multi-valued data.

  Reference numeral 4650 denotes a Web server that receives and stores information content transmitted from the WPP application 4200.

  A web browser 4700 accesses the web server application 4250.

  The UI application 4050 corresponds to the UI module 1501 described above, and the address book 4051 corresponds to the address book 1502.

  The address book 4051 is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk, or the like) in the printer 108, which describes the characteristics of a plurality of communication counterpart devices connected to the network. Yes. For example, information listed below is described.

Official name or alias name of device Network address of device Network protocol that can be processed by device Document format that can be processed by device Compression type that can be processed by device Image resolution that can be processed by device Paper can be fed when device is a printer device Paper size, paper feed stage information Folder name in which documents can be stored when the device is a server (computer) device. Each application described below is based on the information described in the address book 4051. Device) characteristics. The address book 4051 can be edited, and the description information collected and stored in a server computer or the like in the network can be downloaded and used. Device) may be accessed and collected.

  The remote copy application 4100 acquires resolution information that can be processed by the device designated as the distribution destination from the address book 4051, and compresses the binary image data read by the scanner 2070 using MMR compression in accordance with the information. It is converted to TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), passed through the SLM, and transmitted to the printer device 4300 on the network. Although not described in detail, the SLM is a type of network protocol including device control information called a Salutation Manager (or Smart Link Manager).

  Unlike the remote copy application 4100, the broadcast distribution application 4150 transmits image data to a plurality of distribution destinations in one image scan. Further, the distribution destination is not limited to the printer device, but can be directly distributed to a so-called server computer. Hereinafter, description will be made in order for each distribution destination.

  When the broadcast distribution application 4150 refers to the address book 4051 and determines that the distribution destination device can process LPD (Line Printer Daemon) as a network printer protocol and LIPS as a printer control command, similarly. Image reading is performed according to the image resolution obtained with reference to the address book 4051, the image data is compressed using FBE (First Binary Encoding), further LIPS-coded, and the other side printer device using the network printer protocol LPR To 4350.

  The broadcast distribution application 4150 refers to the address book 4051. When the distribution destination device is a server device that can communicate with the SLM, the broadcast distribution application 4150 further refers to the server book 4051 to specify the server address and the folder in the server. Similar to the remote copy application 4100, the binary image data read by the scanner 2070 is compressed using MMR compression, converted into TIFF, and sent to the server devices 4450 and 4500 on the network via the SLM. And store it in a specific folder.

  When the broadcast distribution application 4150 refers to the address book 4051 and determines that the distribution destination device can process a multi-valued image that has been JPEG-compressed, the multi-valued image is read in the same manner as the binary image. The data is compressed using JPEG compression, converted into JFIF, transmitted to the server device 4600 on the network via the SLM, and stored in a specific folder.

  If the broadcast distribution application 4150 refers to the address book 4051 and determines that the distribution destination device is a mail server, the broadcast distribution application 4150 further refers to the address book 4051 to acquire a mail address and reads it by the scanner 2070. The value image data is compressed using MMR compression, converted into TIFF, and transmitted to the mail server 4550 using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). Subsequent distribution is executed by the mail server 4550.

  Since the WPP application 4200 and the Web server application 4250 are not directly related to the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  By the way, in the controller unit 2000 (FIG. 2), a database that holds setting values for jobs, functions of devices (scanner 2070, printer 2095, etc.), status, billing information, etc. in a data format conforming to the control API 1518, and the database Are defined as Device Information Service (hereinafter referred to as “DIS”).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the exchange of information performed among the DIS 7102, the job manager 1519, the scan manager 1524, and the print manager 1526.

  Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is instructed directly from the job manager 1519 to the scan manager 1524 and the print manager 1526, while static information such as device functions and job contents are transmitted via the DIS 7102. Are sent from the job manager 1519 to the scan manager 1524 and the print manager 1526. Static and dynamic information and events from the scan manager 1524 and the print manager 1526 are transmitted to the job manager 1519 via the DIS 7102.

  When data is set in the DIS7102 database from the scan manager 1524 and the print manager 1526 and information is obtained from the database, the data format of the DIS7102 database conforms to the control API 1518. A mutual conversion process with a data format understood by the scan manager 1524 and the print manager 1526 is performed. For example, when setting status data from each of the scan manager 1524 and the print manager 1526, device-specific data is interpreted, converted into corresponding data defined by the control API 1518, and written to the database of the DIS 7102.

  When data is set in the database of the DIS 7102 from the job manager 1519 or data is acquired from the database, no data conversion occurs between the job manager 1519 and the DIS 7102.

  In the DIS 7102, event data is updated based on various event information notified from the scan manager 1524 and the print manager 1526.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing various databases held in the DIS 7102. The rounded rectangular blocks in the figure represent individual databases (DB). Hereinafter, each database will be described.

  Reference numeral 7201 denotes a supervisor DB, which is a database holding status and user information about the entire counterpart device. Information that needs to be backed up, such as a user ID and password, is held in a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device or a backup memory.

  Reference numeral 7202 denotes a scan component DB and 7203 denotes a print component DB. These component DBs are provided corresponding to the counterpart device. For example, when the counterpart device is composed only of a printer, only the print component DB 7203 is provided. For example, when the counterpart device is a facsimile machine, a FAX component DB is provided although not shown. In each component DB, the corresponding scan manager 1524 and print manager 1526 set the function and status of the device at the time of initialization.

  7204 is a scan job service DB, and 7205 is a print job service DB. Like the component DB, these job service DBs also have functions that can be used by the scan manager 1524 and print manager 1526 corresponding to each at initialization, and their functions. Set support status.

  Next, the job DB and document DB will be described.

  Reference numeral 7206 denotes a scan job DB, 7207 denotes a print job DB, 7208 denotes a scan document DB, and 7209 denotes a print document DB.

  The job DB and document DB are dynamically secured and initialized by the job manager 1519 each time a job and a document accompanying it are generated, and necessary items are set. The scan manager 1524 and the print manager 1526 read items necessary for processing from the job DB and document DB before starting job processing, and start the job. Thereafter, when the jobs are completed, the DB of these jobs and the document attached thereto is released. Since a job has one or more documents, a plurality of document DBs may be secured for a certain job.

  Reference numeral 7211 denotes an event table DB that holds event information notified from the scan manager 1524 or the print manager 1526, and 7210 denotes a soft counter DB for recording the number of scans of the apparatus and the number of prints.

  Events notified from the scan manager 1524 include component state transition, scan processing operation completion, and various errors, and events notified from the print manager 1526 include component state transition, print processing operation completion, There are a paper jam, a paper feed cassette open, and the like, and an event ID for identifying each event is predetermined.

  When an event is issued from the scan manager 1524 or the print manager 1526, the DIS 7102 registers the issued event ID and, if necessary, detailed data associated with the event in the event table DB 7211. In addition, when event cancellation is notified from the scan manager 1524 or the print manager 1526, event data designated to be deleted is deleted from the event table DB 7211.

  When an event is polled by the job manager 1519, the DIS 7102 refers to the event table DB 7211 and returns the event ID of the currently occurring event and detailed data accompanying the event to the job manager 1519 if necessary. If there is no current event, reply to that effect.

  When the operation completion event of the scan process or the operation completion event of the print process is notified, the counter value of the user who performed the scan or print is updated by software. The counter value updated by this software is updated to the backed-up memory device or the non-volatile storage device of the hardware device so that the value is not lost due to an unexpected power shutdown or the like. Written every time.

  Next, the scanning operation will be described in detail.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit that is provided in the scanner 2070 shown in FIG. 2 and controls the operation of the scanner 2070.

  In the figure, a CPU 8101, a memory 8102, an SISC controller 8103, an image compression / decompression board (CODEC) 8104, and an IDE controller 8108 are connected to a PCI bus 8105. A scanner unit 8107 is connected to the SISC controller 8103 via a SCSI interface cable 8106, and the SISC controller 8103 provides an interface for connecting the scanner unit 8107 to the PCI bus 8105. An IDE hard disk 8110 is connected to the IDE controller 8108 via an IDE cable 8109.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a software configuration for controlling the operation of the scanner 2070 stored in the memory 8102 and executed by the CPU 8101.

  The job manager 8201 has a function of classifying and storing application level requests. The DIS 8202 stores parameters necessary for the scanning operation from the application level. The request from the application is stored in the memory 8102 shown in FIG.

  The scan operation management unit 8203 acquires information necessary for scanning from the job manager 8201 and the DIS 8202. In other words, the scan operation management unit 8203 receives table data including job numbers and document numbers from the job manager 8201. A scan parameter corresponding to the table data is received from the DIS8202. A scan is performed based on a scan parameter that is a scan condition requested by the application. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating table data received from the job manager 8201 by the scan operation management unit 8203, and the table data includes a job number 8303 and a document number 8304. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing scan parameters stored in the DIS 8202. The scan parameters include a job number 8305, a document number 8306, an image file type 8307, a scan image attribute 8308, and a scan image compression format 8309.

  Returning to FIG. 17, the scan operation management unit 8203 sends the scan parameters acquired from the DIS 8202 to the scan sequence control unit 8204 in the order of document numbers. Upon receiving the scan parameter, the scan sequence control unit 8204 controls the SCSI control unit 8207 according to the content of the scan image attribute 8308. As a result, the SCSI controller 8103 shown in FIG. 16 is operated, a SCSI control command is sent to the scanner unit 8107 via the SCSI interface cable 8106, and scanning is executed.

  Image data obtained by scanning is sent from the scanner unit 8107 of FIG. 16 to the SCSI controller 8103 via the SCSI interface cable 6 and further stored in the memory 8102 via the PCI bus 8105.

  The scan sequence control unit 8204 compresses the scan image stored in the memory 8102 according to the content of the scan image compression format 8309 of the scan parameter when the scan is completed and the image data is stored in the memory 8102. Then, a request is sent to the compression / decompression control unit 8205. Upon receiving the request, the compression / decompression control unit 8205 performs compression according to the designation of the scan image compression format 8309 using the CODEC 8104 shown in FIG. The compression / decompression control unit 8205 stores the compressed image data in the memory 8102 via the PCI bus 8105.

  When the compression / decompression control unit 8205 compresses the scan image in the format specified by the scan image compression format 8309 and stores it in the memory 8102, the scan sequence control unit 8204 reads the memory 8102 according to the image file type 8307 of the scan parameter. The compressed scan image data stored in the file is converted into a file. That is, the scan sequence control unit 8204 requests the file system 8206 to create a file in the file format specified by the scan parameter image file type 8307. The file system 8206 converts the compressed image data stored in the memory 8102 into a file according to the image file type 8307, and transfers the file to the IDE controller 8108 via the PCI bus 8105 shown in FIG. The filed image data is further transferred to the IDE hard disk 8110 via the IDE cable 8109 and stored in the IDE hard disk 8110. When the file system 8206 stores the filed image data in the IDE hard disk 8110, the scan sequence control unit 8204 determines that the processing of one page of the document on the scanner unit 8107 has been completed, and the scan operation management unit 8203 finishes scanning. Send notification back.

  At this time, if there is a document that has not been scanned on the scanner unit 8107 and a scan request is sent from the job manager 8201, the scan operation management unit 8203 is stored again in the DIS 8202. The scan sequence control unit 8204 is requested to perform a scan operation using the scan parameters that are present.

  On the other hand, if there is no unscanned document on the scanner unit 8107, or if a scan request is not sent from the job manager 8201, the scan operation management unit 8203 determines that the scan operation has ended, and the job manager 8201. Issue a scan end notification.

  Next, the printing operation will be described in detail.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit that is provided in the printer 2095 illustrated in FIG. 2 and that controls the operation of the printer 2095.

  In the figure, a CPU 9001, a memory 9002, an image compression / decompression board (CODEC) 9004, and an engine I / F board 9003 are connected to a PCI bus 9005. A printer unit 9007 is connected to the engine I / F board 9003 via an engine interface cable 9006.

  The engine I / F board 9003 has a DPRAM inside, and performs parameter setting to the printer unit 9007 and status reading from the printer unit 90007 and exchanges print control commands via the DPRAM. The engine I / F board 9003 has a video controller and is developed on the PCI bus 9005 in accordance with a signal VCLK (Video Clock) and a signal HSYNC given from the printer unit 9007 via the engine interface cable 9006. Data is transmitted to the printer unit 9007 via the engine interface cable 9006.

  FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the signal VCLK and the signal HSYNC and the image data (video signal).

  In FIG. 21, the signal VCLK is always generated, and the signal HSYNC is given in synchronism with the start of printing image data for one line in the printer unit 9007. The video controller reads image data for the set image width (WIDTH) from the memory 9002 and outputs it as a video signal to the printer unit 9007 via the engine interface cable 9006. After this is repeated for the specified number of lines (LINES), a command IMAGE_END described later is generated.

  As described above, when an instruction for a print job is output from the application program on the CPU 2001 shown in FIG. 2 to the control API 1518 in FIG. 12, the control API 1518 passes this as a job to the job manager 1519 in FIG. The job manager 1519 stores the job settings in the DIS 7102 in FIG. 14 and instructs the print manager 1526 to start the job. When the print manager 1526 receives a job, it reads information necessary for job execution from the DIS 7102 and causes the engine I / F board 9003 and the printer unit 9007 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, this will be described along a specific example. In this description, FIG. 22 shows print parameters set in the engine I / F board 9003, and FIG. 23 shows control commands sent and received between the printer unit 9007 and the engine I / F board 9003. Indicates a status command. Both are stored in the DPRAM in the engine I / F board 9003.

  Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, the print job executed here is non-compressed, letter size (11 inches × 8.5 inches), binary image, two pages, one copy, and the resolution of the printer unit 9007. Is 600 dpi.

  First, the print manager 1526 that has received this print job calculates the number of image bytes WIDTH in the width direction of the print image (in this case, the 8.5 inch side).

WIDTH = 8.5 × 600 ÷ 8≈630 (bytes)
Next, the number of lines LINES in the length direction is calculated.

LINES = 11 × 600 = 6600 (line)
These calculated values and the address SOURCE in the memory 9002 storing the given image of the first page are stored in the corresponding portion of the print parameter shown in FIG. 22 in the DPRAM. At this point, the engine I / F board 9003 is ready for image output, but since the signal HSYNC has not arrived from the printer unit 9007 (the signal VCLK has arrived), the image data is output to the printer unit 9007. do not do.

  Next, the print manager 1526 writes 1 as the number of output copies in a portion corresponding to the command BookNo (FIG. 23) in the DPRAM. Thereafter, an output paper feed request (command FEED_REQ) for the first page is issued, and a command IMAGE_REQ transmitted from the printer unit 9007 is awaited. When the command IMAGE_REQ is received from the printer unit 9007, the command IMAGE_START is issued to the printer unit 9007. In response to this, when the printer unit 9007 outputs the signal HSYNC, the engine I / F board 9003 waiting for the signal HSYNC outputs image data to the printer unit 9007, and printing is started.

  Thereafter, when the printer unit 9007 detects the trailing edge of the output sheet, the command IMAGE_END is output, and when the output sheet is discharged, the command SHETET_OUT is output. In response to the command IMAGE_END for the first page, the print manager 1526 sets the setting values WIDTH, LINE, and SOURCE for the second page to the engine I / F board 9003, outputs the command FEED_REQ to the printer unit 9007, and outputs the command IMAGE_REQ. Wait for. The operation of the print manager 1526 that has received the command IMAGE_REQ for the second page from the printer unit 9007 is the same as that for the first page.

  Next, the quick return from the power saving mode according to the present invention will be described.

  24 to 26 are diagrams showing a main part and a circuit part necessary for the power saving mode operation in the controller unit 2000 shown in FIG. A solid line portion and a broken line portion shown in each figure indicate divisions of portions driven by the first power source (night power source) system and the second power source (emergency night power source) system, respectively. The first power supply system refers to a power supply system that is supplied with power even when the printer 108 shifts to the power saving mode. The second power supply system refers to the printer 108 that has shifted to the power saving mode. In this case, the power supply system is disconnected from the first power supply system and is not supplied with power (OFF).

  In FIGS. 24 to 26, the FET 11001 plays a role of separating the first power supply system and the second power supply system. When the printer 108 shifts to the power saving mode, the second power supply system is disconnected from the first power supply system, and no power is supplied to any part other than the main part of the controller unit 2000 (the part that requires the minimum power supply). Therefore, useless standby power is suppressed. Although not shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the ROM 2003 shown in FIG. 2 is supplied with power from the first power supply system, and the HDD 2004 is supplied with power from the second power supply system.

  A characteristic point of the present invention is that the controller unit 2000 supplies the CPU 2001, which generally has a large power consumption weight, with the second power supply system, and the CPU 2001 waits in a state where no power is supplied in the power saving mode. In addition, the controller unit 2000 can restore the power by itself when it is necessary to restore the power due to an external factor.

  That is, the printer 108 has a large number of functions as described above, and software for controlling them is extremely large. In order to avoid an increase in the total cost of the controller unit 2000 due to the increase in scale, only the information (boot program) necessary for booting is stored in the ROM 2003 shown in FIG. Software for executing main operations is stored in the HDD 2004 that is mainly used for storing image information. Therefore, when the main power supply is activated, the main program is executed after downloading the large-capacity main program stored in the HDD 2004 to the RAM 2002 (SDRAM 2002 in the examples shown in FIGS. 24 to 26). Since it takes time until the execution is started, in the print processing based on data transmission from network communication, facsimile communication or the like, communication may be interrupted due to timeout. In recent digital multi-function peripherals and the like, the time required for starting up is often a selling point of the specifications, and from this aspect, it is necessary to devise a method for shortening the time required for starting as much as possible. In order to solve these problems, the present invention provides an inexpensive logic circuit as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a main part and a power saving mode operation circuit portion in the controller unit 2000, clearly showing the flow of control in the controller unit 2000 when shifting to the power saving mode.

  In FIG. 24, the clock input terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005 is connected to the general-purpose output port GPO <1> of the CPU 2001, and the flip-flop circuit (FF) is connected to the general-purpose output port GPO <0> via the buffer 11007. 11005 PR terminal is connected. A 3.3V voltage of the first power supply system is supplied to the PR terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005, the output terminal of the logic OR gate 11004 is connected to the clock input terminal, and the output of the reset IC 11003 is connected to the CLR terminal. Terminal is connected. Further, the D terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005 is grounded, and the Q terminal is connected to the gate terminal of the FET 11001. The FET 11001 is turned off when a high level signal is input to the gate terminal, and shuts off the second power supply system.

  The output terminal of the reset IC 11003 is also connected to the CLR terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005. The reset IC 11003 monitors the first power supply system and turns off the first power supply system (the main power supply of the printer 108). The reset signal (reset) is sent to the respective CLR terminals of the flip-flop circuits (FF) 11002 and 11005 at the time of ON activation from (OFF) of the flip-flop, and the Q terminal output of each flip-flop circuit is set to the low level.

  The D terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005 is supplied with the 3.3V voltage of the first power supply system, and the Q terminal is connected to the general-purpose input port GPI <0> of the CPU 2001 via the buffer 11008.

  The input terminal of the logic OR gate 11004 has a power ON signal from the operation unit 2012 (UI) in FIG. 2, a power ON signal in response to a print request from the network unit 2010 in FIG. 2, and a print request from the MODEM 2050 in FIG. The power ON signal associated with (facsimile communication) is connected, and the output terminal of the logic OR gate 11004 is connected to the clock input terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11002 and also connected to the interrupt terminal INTERRUPT of the CPU 2001 via the buffer 11006. Is done.

  Note that the buffers 11006 to 11008 are driven by the second power supply system, and play a role of preventing current flow from the first power supply system when shifting to the power saving mode.

  Hereinafter, a control flow in the controller unit 2000 when shifting to the power saving mode will be described.

  (1) First, when the user instructs the operation unit 2012 in FIG. 2 to shift to the power saving mode, or when the printer 108 has not been used for a certain time, the CPU 2001 enters the power saving mode. It is determined that the conditions for shifting are satisfied, a self-refresh command is issued to the SDRAM 2002, and the main program is held in the SDRAM 2002.

  (2) Next, the CPU 2001 changes the general-purpose output port GPO <1> from the low level (L) to the high level (H) in order to memorize that it has shifted to the power saving mode (although it has not actually shifted). To change. As a result, the Q terminal output of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005 becomes “1” (high level), and the flag is set. Since the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005 is driven by the first power supply system, this flag value is retained even when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode.

  (3) Next, the CPU 2001 changes the output of the general-purpose output port GPO <0> to preset the Q terminal output of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11002 to a high level (H). As a result, the FET 10001 is turned off, the second power supply system is shut off, and the power saving mode is entered. The power supply to the CPU 2001 is cut off.

  The above is the flow of control until shifting to the power saving mode.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the main part and the power saving mode operation circuit portion in the controller unit 2000, clearly showing the flow of control in the controller unit 2000 when returning from the power saving mode. Hereinafter, a control flow in the controller unit 2000 when returning from the power saving mode will be described.

  (1) When a factor for returning from the power saving mode occurs when the printer 108 is in the power saving mode and is on standby, the CPU 2001 interrupts when the power ON signal is input to the logic OR gate 11004. A high level (H) power ON signal is input to the terminal INTERRUPT.

  (2) On the other hand, the power ON signal is also sent to the clock input terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11002, and the Q terminal output of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11002 becomes low level (L). As a result, the FET 10001 is turned on, the second power supply system is activated, and the recovery starts from the power saving mode.

  (3) The CPU 2001 supplied with power from the second power supply system boots and executes the boot program on the ROM 2003. By executing the boot program, the CPU 2001 takes in the output of the Q terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005 via the general-purpose input port GPI <0>. That is, the value of the flag set in the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005 is referred to.

  (4) Since the value of the flag is “1”, the CPU 2001 interprets that the state has been restored from the power saving mode, and the main program is retained in the SDRAM 2002 at the time of restoration (retained when shifting to the power saving mode). Already), the main program stored in the SDRAM 2002 starts to be executed. As described above, since the high-level (H) power ON signal is input to the interrupt terminal INTERRUPT of the CPU 2001, the CPU 2001 causes the printer 108 to recover from the power saving mode by executing the main program. Recognize that a factor has occurred, and grasp which of the power ON from the operation unit 2012 (UI), the print request from the network unit 2010, and the print request (facsimile communication) from the MODEM 2050 is the factor. , Execute control after startup.

  FIG. 26 shows the main control flow in the controller unit 2000, which clearly shows the flow of control in the controller unit 2000 when the user starts the printer 108 by turning on the main power supply from the state in which the main power supply of the printer 108 is OFF. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a power saving mode operation circuit portion. Hereinafter, the flow of control at the time of startup after the normal main power supply is turned on will be described.

  (1) When the main power supply of the printer 108 is turned on, the reset IC 1103 outputs a reset signal reset to the CLR terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005, and the flag held by the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005 is “ Cleared to "0".

  (2) Further, the reset IC 1103 outputs the reset signal reset to the CLR terminal of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11002, and the Q terminal output of the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11002 is cleared to a low level (L). As a result, the FET 10001 is turned on, the second power supply system is activated, the CPU 2001 boots, and the boot program on the ROM 2003 is executed.

  (3) By executing the boot program, the CPU 2001 refers to the flag held in the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11005. Since the value of the flag is “0”, the CPU 2001 interprets that the main power source is turned from OFF to ON. In this case, the main program is downloaded to the SDRAM 2002 from the HDD 2004 in FIG. After that, the main program is executed.

  Here, operations performed by the CPU 2001 of the controller unit 2000 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 30, in step S3001, the CPU 2001 changes the power supply state of the printer 108, which is an image processing apparatus, from a normal power supply state (normal operation mode) to a power supply state (power saving mode) that consumes less power than normal. It is determined whether or not to migrate. Specifically, the CPU 2001 indicates that the user instructs the operation unit 2012 to shift to the power saving mode, or the printer 108 has not been used for a certain period of time (the network unit 2010 does not receive print data). If the MODEM 2050 does not receive facsimile data, it is determined to shift to the power saving mode, and the process advances to step S3002.

  In step S3002, the CPU 2001 changes the general-purpose output port GPO <1> from the low level (L) to the high level (H) so that the flip-flop circuit 11005 holds a signal indicating that the mode has shifted to the power saving mode. As a result, the Q terminal circuit of the flip-flop circuit 11005 is set to “1” (high level), and the power saving mode flag is set.

  In step S3003, the CPU 2001 outputs a high level (H) signal from the general-purpose output port GPO <0> to the Q terminal of the flip-flop circuit 11002 as a power saving mode transition signal. As a result, the FET 10001 is turned off, the second power supply system is shut off, and the power saving mode is entered. Note that the power supply to the CPU 2001 is cut off when the second power supply system is cut off.

  In step S3004, the CPU 2001 reads the flag of the flip-flop circuit 11005 via the general-purpose input port GPI <0>. Note that the power supply of the CPU 2001 is interrupted in step S3003, but the power supply is resumed when the process of step S3004 is executed. This is because a return factor signal from a power saving mode (a signal (power on (UI) indicating a user input to the operation unit 2012) input from the logic OR gate 11004, which will be described later, is received by the network unit 2010. The signal (power on (network)) indicating that the MODEM 2050 has received facsimile data (power on (FAX)) is input to the flip-flop circuit 11002, whereby the FET 11001 turns on the second power supply. This is because the power supply to the CPU 2001 is resumed thereafter.

  In step S3005, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not the power saving mode flag is set in the flip-flop circuit 11005 from the flag read from the general-purpose input port GPI <0>. If the power saving mode flag is set, the process proceeds to step S3006, and if not set, the process proceeds to step S3007.

  In step S3006, since the power saving mode flag is set, the CPU 2001 reads from the SDRAM 2002 a main program for the CPU 2001 to control the printer 108.

  On the other hand, in step S3007, since the power saving mode flag is not set, the CPU 2001 reads the main program for the CPU 2001 to control the printer 108 from the HDD 2004, downloads it to the SDRAM 2002, and then downloads the main program from the SDRAM 2002. read out.

  In step S3008, the CPU 2001 controls the printer 108 by executing the main program read from the SDRAM 2002 or the HDD 2004 in step S3006 or step S3007.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the main program to be executed in the CPU 2001 is stored in the RAM 2002 when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, and then the power supplied from the FET 11001 to the CPU 2001 is shut off. When returning from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode, the flip-flop circuit (FF) 11002 turns off the FET 11001 with a signal from the logic OR gate 11004, whereby the FET 11001 supplies power to the CPU 2001 and supplies power. After starting, the CPU 2001 reads and executes the main program stored in the RAM 2002.

  Since power consumed by the CPU 2001 is relatively large, power consumption in the controller unit 2000 is suppressed when the power saving mode is executed.

  Further, when returning from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode, the CPU 2001 reads and executes the main program from the RAM 2002 that is supplied with power when the power saving mode is executed and holds the main program. Compared with the case of downloading from the device 2004, a high-speed return to the normal operation mode can be realized. In addition, since a sub CPU is not used as in the prior art, high-speed recovery can be realized by a low-cost information processing apparatus.

  In the first embodiment, the operation in the power saving mode in the controller unit 2000 mounted on the printer 108 has been described. However, the controller unit operating in the power saving mode according to the present invention is not necessarily an image of a printer or the like. It is not necessary to be mounted on the forming apparatus, and the present invention is applicable to a controller unit (information processing apparatus) in general and is not limited by the control target of the controller unit.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 50 denotes an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, which mainly has an image output function. In this image forming apparatus 50, 140 is an operation unit for a user to input various operations to the image forming apparatus 50, 10 is a scanner for reading image information in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 140, and 20 is image information. Is a printer for printing on a paper.

  A controller unit 30 performs input / output control of image information with respect to the scanner 10 and the printer 20 based on instructions from an operation unit 140 and PCs (Personal Computers) 212 and 213. For example, when print data as image information is given from the PCs 212 and 213 via the LAN 211, the controller unit 30 controls the printer 20 to print it out (image output).

  FIG. 28 is a schematic sectional view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 50 shown in FIG. The operation of the image forming apparatus 50 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, in the scanner 10, reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass, and the originals fed from the automatic document feeder 142 are sequentially placed at predetermined positions. Reference numeral 102 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on the document table glass 101. Scanning mirrors 103, 104, and 105 are housed in an optical scanning unit (not shown) together with the original illumination lamp 102, and guide reflected light from the original to the CCD unit 106 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 106 includes, for example, an image sensor 108 composed of a CCD, an imaging lens 107 that forms an image of reflected light from a document on the image sensor 108, a CCD driver 109 that drives the image sensor 108, and the like. An image signal output from the image sensor 108 is input to the controller unit 30.

  Next, in the printer 20, reference numeral 110 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is neutralized by the pre-exposure lamp 112 in preparation for image formation. A primary charger 113 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 110. Reference numeral 117 denotes an exposure unit, which is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser or the like, and exposes the photosensitive drum 110 based on image data processed by the controller unit 30 as will be described later, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. Reference numeral 118 denotes a developing device that contains a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 119 applies a high voltage to the photosensitive drum 110 before the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 is transferred to a sheet.

  Reference numerals 120, 122, 124, 142, and 144 denote paper feeding units (120 is a manual paper feeding unit), and the transfer paper is fed into the apparatus by driving the paper feeding rollers 121, 123, 125, 143, and 145. The The transfer sheet is temporarily stopped at the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed, and is fed again from the registration roller 126 after being synchronized with the writing start timing of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 110. Reference numeral 127 denotes a transfer charger, which transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto the fed transfer paper. Reference numeral 128 denotes a separation charger that separates the transfer sheet on which the transfer operation has been completed from the photosensitive drum 110. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 110 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 111. A conveyance belt 129 conveys the transfer sheet after the transfer process to the fixing device 130 and fixes the transfer sheet by heat, for example.

  Reference numeral 131 denotes a flapper that controls the transfer path of the transfer sheet after the fixing process to one of the arrangement directions of the sorter 132 and the intermediate tray 137. Reference numerals 133 to 136 denote feeding rollers which feed the transfer sheet once the fixing process is completed to the intermediate tray 137 by being reversed (multiple printing) or non-reversing (double-side printing). Reference numeral 138 denotes a re-feed roller that transports the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 137 to the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed again.

  The controller unit 30 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and performs image forming processing in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 140.

  FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the controller unit 30.

  The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner 10 as an image input device and the printer 20 as an image output device. On the other hand, the controller unit 30 is connected to a LAN 211 or a public line (WAN) 251 to input / output image information and device information. It is a controller for. A CPU 201 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 202 is a system work memory for the CPU 201 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 203 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 204 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, image data, software counter values, and the like.

  The operation unit I / F 270 is an interface unit with the operation unit 140, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140. Also, it serves to transmit information input by the user to the operation unit 140 to the CPU 201. The network unit 210 is connected to the LAN 211 and inputs / outputs information. The MODEM 250 is connected to the public line 251 and inputs / outputs information. The scanner / printer communication I / F 206 is an interface unit for communicating with each CPU included in the scanner 10 and the printer 20. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 207.

  An image bus I / F 205 is a bus bridge that connects an image bus 208 that transfers image data at high speed and a system bus 207 and converts a data structure. The image bus 208 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 208.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 260 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 220 connects the scanner 10 and the printer 20 that are image input / output devices to the controller unit 30 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 280 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 290 corrects the performance of the printer 20 and converts the resolution of the print output image data. The image rotation unit 230 rotates image data. The image compression unit 240 performs JPEG compression / decompression processing on multi-valued image data, and JBIG, MMR, and MH compression / decompression processing on binary image data.

  In addition, power supply to the controller unit 30 is performed from the power supply device 40 to the power supply ON / OFF unit 41, and the power supply ON / OFF unit 41 provides power supply lines to the circuit elements of the controller unit 30 with a plurality of systems 43, 44, each system is selectively turned ON / OFF. The power supply device 40 is a device that generates DC power from AC commercial power. The power supply line 43 is connected to the devices 201, 203, 204, 205, 206, 220, 230, 240, 260, 280, 290, and the power supply line 44 is connected to the devices 202, 210, 250, 270.

  Next, a series of operations such as activation in the image forming apparatus 50, print output, transition to the power saving mode, and return from the power saving mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the main SW, which is an unillustrated main power switch, of the image forming apparatus 50 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply device 40 to the controller unit 30, and both of the power supply lines 43 and 44 are turned on at the power ON / OFF unit 41 ( (Power supply execution). As a result, the controller unit 30 starts a startup sequence according to the boot program stored in the ROM 203.

  A system program for executing a series of operations of the image processing apparatus 50 is stored in the HDD 204, and the system program is read from the HDD 204 and stored in the RAM 202 by the startup sequence. When the CPU 201 executes the system program downloaded on the RAM 202, a series of operations of the image processing apparatus 50 is executed.

  Here, an operation in which the image processing apparatus 50 prints out image information transmitted from the PC 212 or PC 213 connected to the LAN 211 will be described as an example.

  Print data as image information transmitted from the PC 212 or PC 213 connected to the LAN 211 is stored in the RAM 202 via the network unit 210 in the controller unit 30 under the control of the CPU 201. The print data is read from the RAM 202 and sent to the RIP 260 via the image bus I / F 205. This print data is in the form of PDL (Page Description Language) data. In the RIP 260, the PDL data is expanded into bitmap data, and thereafter, compression processing is appropriately performed in the image compression unit 240, so that the image bus I / The data is stored in the HDD 204 via F2005.

  When printing out to the printer 20, the bitmap data stored in the HDD 204 is sent to the image compression unit 240 via the image bus I / F 2005 and then decompressed, and then the printer image processing unit 290 performs the printer 20. After the image data is appropriately rotated by the image rotation unit 230, the image data is sent to the printer 20 via the device I / F unit 220 to be printed out.

  Next, the power saving mode transition in the controller unit 30 will be described.

  At the time of shifting to the power saving mode, the CPU 201 controls the power ON / OFF unit 41 via the line 46, so that the power ON / OFF unit 41 turns off the power supply line 43 (power supply stop) and turns the power supply line 44 on. Set to ON (power supply execution).

  Thus, during execution of the power saving mode, the power supply ON / OFF unit 41 turns off the power supply line 43, so that power consumption in the main circuit elements including the CPU 201 of the controller unit 30 is suppressed. In addition, since the power supply line 44 to the network unit 210 of the controller unit 30 is ON, even if the network unit 210 receives an incoming call from the LAN 211 even during execution of the power saving mode, the network unit 210 turns on the power ON / OFF unit 41. Can be instructed via line 45. Upon receiving this instruction from the network unit 210, the power ON / OFF unit 41 also turns on the power supply line 43 and switches to the normal operation mode. This will be described in detail below.

  During the power saving mode, power is also supplied to the RAM 202, so that the system program stored in the RAM 202 is retained without being erased by the self-refresh operation.

  Further, while the power saving mode is being executed, power is also supplied to the MODEM 250. This enables facsimile communication using the public line 251 even during the execution of the power saving mode.

  Furthermore, power is also supplied to the operation unit I / F 270 during execution of the power saving mode. This allows the user to switch the operation unit 140 to the normal operation mode during execution of the power saving mode. Even if an instruction is issued, the instruction can be handled.

  Next, the return of the controller unit 30 from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode will be described.

  When a print command is transmitted from the PC 212 to the network unit 210 via the LAN 211, for example, the network unit 210 that has received the command interprets the command and sends a control signal to the power ON / OFF unit 41 via the line 45. . Upon receiving the control signal, the power ON / OFF unit 41 turns on the power supply line 43.

  When the power supply line 43 is turned on, the CPU 201 is activated. At this time, the CPU 201 is activated due to the return from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode, or the main SW of the image forming apparatus 50 is turned on. Is determined from the operating state of the power supply ON / OFF unit 41. As a result, when returning from the power saving mode, the sequence for downloading the system program from the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 in the above-described startup sequence is omitted, and the CPU 201 stores the system program stored in the RAM 202 at the time of shifting to the power saving mode. Use it to execute system programs.

  As a result, the CPU 201 causes the printer 20 to perform print output in response to the print command sent from the PC 212.

  After the print output is finished, the CPU 201 starts timing, and when the state in which there is no external input continues for a preset time, the CPU 201 can switch the power ON / OFF unit 41 to the power saving mode. The power ON / OFF unit 41 that receives the instruction turns off the power supply line 43. As a result, the control unit 30 switches to the operation state of the power saving mode with low power consumption.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, when the power saving mode is executed, the power consumption in the controller unit 30 can be greatly reduced, and the high-speed return to the normal operation mode can be realized.

  In the second embodiment, the operation in the power saving mode in the controller unit 30 mounted on the image forming apparatus 50 has been described. However, the controller unit that operates in the power saving mode according to the present invention is not necessarily an image. It is not necessary to be mounted on the forming apparatus, and the present invention is applicable to a controller unit (information processing apparatus) in general and is not limited by the control target of the controller unit.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIGS. 31 to 33 in the third embodiment correspond to FIGS. 24 to 26 in the first embodiment. In FIGS. 31 to 33, a logic OR gate 11009 is provided. Is different.

  In the third embodiment, at what timing the logic OR gate 11004 receives a return factor signal (a signal (power on (UI) indicating a user input to the operation unit 2012)), and the network unit 2010 receives print data. The controller unit 2000 that operates properly even when a signal (power on (network)) indicating that the MODEM 2050 has received facsimile data is input. .

  In the controller unit 2000 shown in FIG. 24 in the first embodiment, when the CPU 2001 determines to shift from the normal operation mode to the power saving operation mode, the PR of the flip-flop circuit 11002 is set via GPO <0>. By changing the output to the terminal, the output of the Q terminal of the flip-flop circuit 11002 is preset to a high level. In this case, even if the return factor signal is input to the logic OR gate 11004 before the CPU 2001 changes the output to the PR terminal of the flip-flop circuit 11002 via GPO <0>, the output of the Q terminal is set to the high level. Since the presetting is performed, the second power supply is turned off by the switching of the FET 11001 even though the printer 108 should be in the normal operation mode. When the second power supply is turned off, the power supply of the CPU 2001 is interrupted. That is, in this case, since the printer 108 turns off the second power supply, the printer 108 shifts to the power saving mode. As described above, in the controller unit 2000 according to the first embodiment, the second power supply is once turned off even when the return factor signal to be set to the normal operation mode is input, so that the printer 108 is in the operating state. In order to return to the normal state, it takes time to turn on the second power source and perform the recovery process of the CPU 2001.

  On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the above problem can be solved by the following method.

  First, as shown in FIG. 31, when a return factor signal is input to the controller unit 2000, the signal is input to the logic OR gate 11009. Further, the logic OR gate 11009 supplies the Q terminal to the CLR terminal of the flip-flop circuit 11002. A signal to clear the output of is input.

  When the CPU 2001 determines to shift from the normal operation mode to the power saving operation mode, the output to the PR terminal of the flip-flop circuit 11002 is changed via GPO <0>. Since the signal for clearing the output of the Q terminal is input to the CLR terminal of the terminal, even if the output to the PR terminal changes (even if the CPU 2001 generates a power saving mode transition signal), the output of the Q terminal is high. Not preset to level. That is, since the FET 11001 does not turn off the second power supply, the power supply to the CPU 2001 is not cut off, and the printer 108 does not turn off the second power supply, so that the power saving mode is not entered. As described above, in the controller unit 2000, when the return factor signal that should be set to the normal operation mode is input, the second power supply is never turned off. Therefore, the second power supply is temporarily turned off. No time is required for performing the return processing of the CPU 2001 or the like.

  32 and 33 are the same as those in FIGS. 25 and 26 in the first embodiment described above, except that a logic OR gate 11009 is provided. The operation of the controller unit 2000 in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 is the same as the operation of the controller unit 2000 in FIG. 25 and FIG.

  According to the third embodiment, after receiving the return signal indicating the return factor for causing the image processing apparatus to shift from the second power supply state with low power consumption to the first power supply state, An image processing device that maintains the first power supply state without shifting to the second power supply state even when a transition signal for shifting to the second power supply state is received from the current power supply state Can be provided.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit of the printer of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the scanner and printer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the operation part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a scanner image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printer image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image compression unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image rotation unit illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a 32x32 (bit) image and a discontinuous transfer source address value. It is a figure which shows writing of the image data for every 32 bits with respect to RAM. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a device I / F unit illustrated in FIG. 2. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of a control unit of the printer. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the application incorporated in the printer, and the communicating party apparatus corresponding to this application. It is a figure which shows the exchange of the information performed among DIS, a job manager, a scan manager, and a print manager. It is a figure which shows the various databases hold | maintained inside DIS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit that is provided inside the scanner illustrated in FIG. 2 and controls operation of the scanner. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of software that is stored in a memory and that is executed by a CPU and that controls operation of the scanner. It is a figure which shows the table data which a scanning operation management part receives from a job manager. It is a figure which shows the scanning parameter preserve | saved at DIS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit that is provided inside the printer illustrated in FIG. 2 and that controls operation of the printer. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between signal VCLK and signal HSYNC, and image data (video signal). It is a figure which shows the print parameter set in an engine I / F board. It is a figure which shows the control command and status command which are transmitted / received between a printer part and an engine I / F board. It is a figure which shows the main part in a controller unit, and the circuit part for power saving mode operation | movement which specified the flow of control in a controller unit when shifting to a power saving mode. It is a figure which shows the main part in a controller unit, and the circuit part for power saving mode operation | movement clearly showing the flow of control in a controller unit when returning from a power saving mode. The main part in the controller unit and the circuit for operating in the power saving mode, which clearly shows the flow of control in the controller unit at the normal start-up when the user turns on the main power supply to start the printer from the state where the main power supply of the printer is OFF It is a figure which shows a part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the network system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a controller unit. It is a flowchart which shows the process which CPU2001 of the controller unit 2000 in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure which shows the principal part in a controller unit, and the circuit part for power saving mode operation | movement which clarified the flow of control in a controller unit when shifting to power saving mode in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the main part in a controller unit, and the circuit part for power saving mode operation | movement clearly showing the flow of control in a controller unit when returning from a power saving mode in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The controller in the third embodiment of the present invention, which clearly shows the flow of control in the controller unit at the normal startup when the user starts the printer by turning on the main power from the state where the main power of the printer is OFF It is a figure which shows the principal part and power saving mode operation | movement circuit part in a unit.

Explanation of symbols

108 Printer 2000 Controller unit (Information processing device)
2001 CPU (central processing unit, storage means, execution means)
2002 RAM (volatile storage device)
2003 ROM (nonvolatile storage device)
2004 HDD (non-volatile mass storage device)
2005 Image Bus I / F
2006 Operation unit I / F
2007 System bus 2008 Image bus 2010 Network unit 2011 LAN
2012 Operation unit (UI)
2020 Device I / F unit 2030 Image rotation unit 2040 Image compression unit 2050 MODEM
2051 Public line (WAN)
2060 Raster Image Processor (RIP)
2070 scanner 2080 scanner image processing unit 2090 printer image processing unit 2095 printer 11001 FET (blocking unit, supply unit)
11002 Flip-flop circuit (FF, cutoff means, supply means)
11003 Reset IC
11004 Logic OR gate (supply means)
11005 Flip-flop circuit (FF)
11006 buffer 11007 buffer 11008 buffer

Claims (24)

In an image processing apparatus that performs image processing based on input image data,
Control means for controlling the image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus is shifted from a first power supply state to a second power supply state that consumes less power than the first power supply state. Control means for determining whether or not
In response to determining that the control means shifts the image processing apparatus from the first power supply state to the second power supply state, the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state. Holding means for holding information indicating that;
Non-volatile first storage means for storing control data for the control means to control the image processing apparatus;
Volatile second storage means for storing control data read from the first storage means,
The control means reads the information from the holding means in response to the input of a signal for causing the image processing apparatus to shift from the second power supply state to the first power supply state. Is information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, the control data is read from the second storage means, and the information is read by the image processing apparatus from the second power supply. An image processing apparatus that controls the image processing apparatus by reading the control data from the first storage means when the information is not information indicating that the supply state has been changed. In response to determining that the control means shifts the image processing apparatus to the second power supply state, the control means further comprises switching means for switching the power supply state so as to cut off the power supply to the control means,
The switching unit resumes power supply to the control unit in response to input of a signal for causing the image processing apparatus to shift from the second power supply state to the first power supply state. Switch the power supply state so that
The control unit reads the information from the holding unit in response to the restart of power supply, and the information is information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state. The control data is read from the second storage means, and the control data is read from the first storage means when the information is not information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is controlled. An input unit for inputting a shift instruction from an operator as to whether or not to shift from the first power supply state to the second power supply state;
The control unit controls the image processing apparatus to shift from the first power supply state to the second power supply state in response to an input of the shift instruction from the input unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The control means controls the image processing apparatus to shift from the first power supply state to the second power supply state when the image processing apparatus is unused for a predetermined time. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   The control data is a control program for controlling the image processing apparatus, and the control means controls the image processing apparatus by executing the control program. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   The holding unit erases information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state when the power supply state of the image processing apparatus shifts to a power cut-off state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The control means reads the information from the holding means in response to the input of a signal for causing the image processing apparatus to shift from the second power supply state to the first power supply state. Is not information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, the control data is read from the first storage means, stored in the second storage means, and then stored in the second storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is controlled by reading the control data stored in the second storage unit.   The control unit causes the second storage unit to start a self-refresh operation in response to determining that the image processing apparatus is to be shifted from the first power supply state to the second power supply state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal is transmitted.   The first power supply state is a state in which image processing can be performed, and the second power supply state is a state in which the image processing cannot be performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   Image data input means for inputting image data from an external device is further provided, and a signal for shifting the image processing device from the second power supply state to the first power supply state is input from the external device to the input device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus outputs a signal in response to input of image data to the means.   And a reception unit configured to receive an instruction from an operator for operating the image processing apparatus, and a signal for shifting the image processing apparatus from the second power supply state to the first power supply state is the reception unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus outputs a signal in response to an instruction received from an operator.   When the signal for shifting the image processing apparatus from the second power supply state to the first power supply state is input, the switching unit causes the image processing apparatus to supply the first power supply. The power supply to the control means is not cut off regardless of whether or not a signal for shifting from the state to the second power supply state is input. The image processing apparatus described. In a control method of an image processing apparatus that performs image processing based on input image data,
A determination step of determining whether or not to shift the image processing apparatus from a first power supply state to a second power supply state that consumes less power than the first power supply state;
The image processing apparatus shifts to the second power supply state in response to determining that the image processing apparatus shifts from the first power supply state to the second power supply state in the determination step. Holding step for holding information indicating that,
A reading step of reading out the information held in the holding step in response to input of a return signal for causing the image processing apparatus to shift from the second power supply state to the first power supply state;
If the information read in the reading step is not information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, control data for controlling the image processing apparatus is stored in a nonvolatile first When the information is information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state, the control data is read from the volatile second storage means, and the image And a control step for controlling the processing device. An output step of outputting a transition signal for causing the image processing apparatus to transition from the second power supply state to the first power supply state;
A first switching step for switching a power supply state so as to cut off a power supply to a control unit that executes the control step in response to outputting the transition signal in the output step;
A second switching step of switching the power supply state from the second power supply state to the first power supply state so as to resume power supply to the control unit in response to the input of the return signal; The control method according to claim 13, further comprising: An input step of inputting a transition instruction from an operator as to whether or not to transition from the first power supply state to the second power supply state;
In the control step, the image processing apparatus is controlled to shift from the first power supply state to the second power supply state in response to the shift instruction being input in the input step. The control method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that   The control step controls the image processing apparatus to shift from the first power supply state to the second power supply state when the image processing apparatus is unused for a certain period of time. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.   The control data is a control program for controlling the image processing apparatus, and the control step controls the image processing apparatus by executing the control program. The control method according to any one of the above.   In the holding step, when the power supply state of the image processing apparatus shifts to a power cut-off state, information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state is erased. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 17.   The control step reads the control data from the first storage means when the information read in the read step is not information indicating that the image processing apparatus has shifted to the second power supply state. 19. The image processing apparatus is controlled by reading the control data stored in the second storage unit after being stored in the second storage unit. The control method described in 1.   In order to cause the second storage means to start a self-refresh operation in response to determining that the image processing apparatus is to be shifted from the first power supply state to the second power supply state in the determination step. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting the signal.   21. The state according to claim 13, wherein the first power supply state is a state where image processing can be performed, and the second power supply state is a state where the image processing cannot be performed. The control method according to claim 1.   An image data input step for inputting image data from an external device is further provided, and a signal for shifting the image processing device from the second power supply state to the first power supply state is the input step. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the control method is a signal output in response to input of image data from an external device.   And a receiving step of receiving an instruction from an operator for operating the image processing apparatus, wherein a signal for shifting the image processing apparatus from the second power supply state to the first power supply state is received. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the control method is a signal output in response to receiving an instruction from an operator in a step.   In the first switching step, when a signal for shifting the image processing apparatus from the second power supply state to the first power supply state is input, the image processing apparatus is moved to the second power supply state. 24. The power supply to the control unit is not cut off regardless of whether or not a signal for shifting from the power supply state to the first power supply state is input. The control method according to claim 1.

Images