Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, and power control method

Abstract

An image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a power control method are disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes a first controller comprising a first control unit that controls an image forming unit to form an image and stops power supply in a power-saving mode, a first power control unit that controls power supply to the first control unit, and a second controller comprising an external interface unit that controls external operations and stops power supply in the power-saving mode, and a second power control unit that controls power supply to the second control unit. When a cause for reverting from power-saving mode is detected, the second power control unit turns on its power using a general-purpose input / output port and notifies the first power control unit of the reverting from power-saving mode using the general-purpose input / output port. When the second power control unit receives the notification of reverting from power-saving mode, the first power control unit turns on its power using the general-purpose input / output port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a power control method. Background Technology

[0002] Image processing apparatuses comprising multiple modules with defined functions sometimes have a communication interface for communicating data and control signals between modules in order to fulfill their functions as image processing apparatuses. For example, in addition to the aforementioned communication interface, such image processing apparatuses also have an integrated circuit (I) that connects the modules to each other. 2 C:Inter Integrated Circuit (ICB) bus (registered trademark). Furthermore, via the integrated circuit bus (IB) 2 (C-bus) is used to transmit management information of the image processing device, such as exception information, between the master module and the slave module (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, when using I 2 In C-bus communication, before data communication can begin, the master needs to send a start condition bit and an address assigned to the slave to establish a connection. Therefore, for example, when a device recovers from power-saving mode, the connection establishment timing using the address is required whenever management information is transmitted between modules, leading to a longer recovery time from power-saving mode.

[0004] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to shorten at least one of the recovery time from power saving mode and the transition time to power saving mode.

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-197677 Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: a first controller including a first control unit that controls an image forming unit to form an image and stops power supply in a power-saving mode, and a first power control unit that controls the power supply to the first control unit; and a second controller including a second control unit that controls an external interface unit that accepts operations from the outside and stops power supply in the power-saving mode, and a second power control unit that controls the power supply to the second control unit. The first power control unit and the first control unit, the first power control unit and the second power control unit, and the second power control unit and the second control unit are respectively connected via a general purpose input / output port. The first control unit and the second control unit stop power supply in the power-saving mode. When a cause for recovery from the power-saving mode is detected, the second power control unit uses the general purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the second control unit and notifies the first power control unit of the recovery from the power-saving mode using the general purpose input / output port. When the second power control unit receives the notification of recovery from the power-saving mode, the first power control unit uses the general purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the first control unit.

[0007] The present invention can shorten at least one of the recovery time from power saving mode and the transition time to power saving mode. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 The diagram shown is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 What is shown is Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the hardware configuration of the main parts of the image forming apparatus.

[0010] Figure 3 What is shown is Figure 1 A state transition diagram illustrating an example of the change in the operating mode of an image forming device.

[0011] Figure 4 What is shown is Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the image processing unit when the image forming apparatus is started.

[0012] Figure 5 The diagram shown is an example of the change in the power supply status of the image processing device in the first energy-saving mode.

[0013] Figure 6 The diagram shown is an example of the change in the power supply status of the image processing device in the second energy-saving mode.

[0014] Figure 7 The diagram shows an example of the change in the power supply status of the image processing device when it reverts from the second energy-saving mode to standby mode, etc.

[0015] Figure 8 The diagram shown is an example of the operation timing of the operation unit when restoring from the second energy-saving mode.

[0016] Figure 9 The diagram shows an example of the recovery factors notified from the microcomputer to the energy-saving subsystem.

[0017] Figure 10 The diagram shown is an example of the timing sequence of actions when the main controller is activated during the recovery from the second energy-saving mode. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following description uses the accompanying drawings to illustrate the embodiments. Hereinafter, the symbols representing ports are also used to represent signal lines connected to ports.

[0019] Figure 1 The diagram shown is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 1 shown is, for example, a digital multi-function printer (MFP) with copying, printing, scanning, and faxing functions. The image forming apparatus 1 can switch between operating modes that respectively implement copying, printing, scanning, and faxing functions via application switching keys on an operation unit (not shown). When the copying function is selected, the image forming apparatus 1 enters copying mode; when the printing function is selected, it enters printing mode; when the scanning function is selected, it enters scanning mode; and when the faxing function is selected, it enters faxing mode. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 can also be a copier with only copying function, a printer with only printing function, or a fax machine with only faxing function.

[0020] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 switches its internal state to various modes, such as operating mode, standby mode, or energy-saving mode, depending on the state of its internal circuitry. In the following text, the energy-saving mode is also referred to as the power-saving mode. As described later, the image forming apparatus 1 has multiple power-saving modes.

[0021] For example, the operating modes include a copying mode or a printing mode that prints images or text data onto paper media. A printing mode includes the action of printing received data onto paper media in a fax mode. Additionally, the operating modes include the sending and receiving actions during scanning modes (such as scanning originals) or fax modes. The state of the internal circuitry is switched by the user's operation of the operating unit or by control within the image forming apparatus 1.

[0022] For example, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF), an image reader 3, a writing unit 4, a printer unit 5, a power supply unit 20, and a control unit 21. The printer unit 5 includes a photosensitive drum 6, a developing unit 7, a conveyor belt 8, a fixing unit 9, and a storage space for housing a paper tray 10. The printer unit 5 creates a toner image that is transferred to a paper medium or the like based on image information. The printer unit 5 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image. Hereinafter, as an example of the image forming process in the image forming apparatus 1, a simple explanation will be given when the operating mode is set to copy mode.

[0023] In copying mode, multiple originals to be copied are placed on the automatic document transport device 2. When the start button (not shown) is pressed, the automatic document transport device 2 transports the originals one by one to the image reading device 3. The image reading device 3 reads the image information of each original sequentially transported from the automatic document transport device 2. The image information read by the image reading device 3 is processed, for example, by the image processing unit mounted in the control device 21.

[0024] The writing unit 4 converts the image information processed by the image processing unit into light information. The photosensitive drum 6 is uniformly charged via a charger (not shown) and then exposed to light information converted by the writing unit 4 using a laser. Through exposure, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 6. The developing unit 7 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 6, forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 6. The conveyor belt 8 transfers the toner image onto a paper medium or the like. The fixing unit 9 fixes the toner image onto the paper medium or the like. Then, the transfer paper containing the original image is discharged from the ejection unit.

[0025] For example, the standby mode described above is the state from the start button being pressed during copying, while the operating mode is the state from the start button being pressed until the paper media is ejected, during which the motor and other components are under load. After the operating mode ends, the image forming apparatus 1 returns to the standby mode, which continues for a predetermined time before changing to the energy-saving mode. Then, in the energy-saving mode, when the operation unit is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 returns to the standby mode.

[0026] The power supply unit 20 converts the AC voltage supplied by the commercial power supply or other AC power source 30 into various DC voltages (e.g., a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage). The power supply unit 20 provides the converted first DC voltage to various loads such as the printer unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, loads include various motors, chargers that power the photosensitive drum 6, and the developing roller of the developing apparatus 7. The power supply unit 20 supplies the converted second DC voltage to the control unit 21.

[0027] The second DC voltage supplied to the control device 21 is used as the operating power for the central processing unit (CPU) and memory installed in the control device 21. The control device 21 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing a control program in a built-in controller such as the CPU. Then, the control device 21 performs image processing or data processing by executing an image processing program or a data processing program, and forms an image that is transferred onto a paper medium or the like.

[0028] Figure 2 What is shown is Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the hardware configuration of the main parts of the image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, for convenience, [the following will be described as follows]. Figure 2 The configuration shown is called an image processing apparatus 500. The image processing apparatus 500 also functions as an information processing device for performing data processing in order to generate image data.

[0029] The image processing apparatus 500 includes a main controller 100, an operation unit 200, and a wired communication interface 300. For example, the wired communication interface 300 is a local area network (LAN) interface 300. The main controller 100 is, for example, mounted on... Figure 1 The control device 21. The operation unit 200 is provided, for example, together with an operation panel, which is equivalent to an external interface unit. Figure 1 The operation panel is controlled near the image reading device 3.

[0030] Figure 2 The diagram shows that both SoC110 and SoC210 are powered, and the printer unit 5 is in standby mode with its operation pending. The energy-saving subsystem 120 and the microcomputer 220 are continuously powered and continue to operate while supplying power to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0031] The main controller 100 has a system-on-chip (SoC) 110 and an energy-saving subsystem 120. The SoC 110 and the energy-saving subsystem 120 are connected via a general purpose input / output port (GIO) (1). For example, the energy-saving subsystem 120 includes a CPU (not shown). The main controller 100 is an example of a first controller. The SoC 110 is an example of a first control unit. The energy-saving subsystem 120 is an example of a first power control unit.

[0032] Hereinafter, the general purpose input / output (GIO) ports and the signal lines connecting them are also referred to as GIOs, or General Purpose Input / Output (GPIO). Each GIO signal line has at least one bit. The data sending source then sends data to the receiving source by setting each bit of the GIO to a high level (logic 1) or a low level (logic 0). Here, sending data from the sending source to the receiving source via GIO is equivalent to writing data to the receiving source. Receiving data from the receiving source via GIO is equivalent to reading data from the receiving source.

[0033] For example, each GIO is assigned for unidirectional communication from the transmitting source to the receiving source. Therefore, for example, in the case of sending 1 bit of data between SoC110 and power-saving subsystem 120 and receiving 1 bit of data, a 2-bit GIO is used. Furthermore, one of the various factors to be transmitted is defined in each pin of the GIO. When using GIO for communication, such as using I... 2 Like C-bus communication, it does not require master-slave switching or sending the slave address before data communication. Therefore, it can quickly perform handshakes of various states of elements interconnected via GIO.

[0034] During startup of the image forming apparatus 1, SoC 110 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1, including the control of the image forming section described above. SoC 110 is connected to SoC 210 via USB bus and GIO (4) to transmit and receive data between SoC 210. In addition, SoC 110 is also connected to the power saving subsystem 120 via GIO (1).

[0035] In power-saving mode, the energy-saving subsystem 120 controls the power supply of the SoC 110 via GIO (1). The energy-saving subsystem 120 is connected to the microcomputer 220 via GIO (5) and transmits and receives data with the microcomputer 220. Furthermore, the SoC 110 is connected to the microcomputer 220 via GIO (6). Additionally, the energy-saving subsystem 120 is connected to the wired communication interface 300, enabling network communication with the image forming apparatus 1.

[0036] The operation unit 200 includes a wireless communication unit 230 that communicates with the SoC 210 and the microcomputer 220, for example, via a wireless LAN such as WiFi. The operation unit 200 is an example of a second controller. The SoC 210 is an example of a second control unit. The microcomputer 220 is an example of a second power control unit.

[0037] SoC 210 and microcomputer 220 are connected via GIO (2). SoC 210 and wireless communication unit 230 are connected via Secure Digital Input / Output (SDIO). Microcomputer 220 and wireless communication unit 230 are connected via GIO (3).

[0038] The SoC 210 performs overall control of the operation unit 200 and the wireless communication unit 230. The microcomputer 220, for example, implements control of the operation panel by detecting the coordinates of the touched position on the operation panel and managing the power. For example, the microcomputer 220 uses GIO (3) to notify the wireless communication unit 230 of a recovery event.

[0039] The image processing apparatus 500 has the function of switching the image forming apparatus 1 to any one of a plurality of operating modes, such as a standby mode, a first power-saving mode, or a second power-saving mode. Then, the image processing apparatus 500 changes the power supply state of SoC 110 and SoC 210 according to the operating mode.

[0040] Figure 3 What is shown is Figure 1 This is a state transition diagram illustrating an example of the change in the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, the change in the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is caused by... Figure 2 The image forming apparatus 1 is controlled by the image processing device 500. When the image forming apparatus 1 is started by turning on the power switch, it is set to standby mode.

[0041] When the image forming apparatus 1 receives a copying or scanning instruction from the user via the operation panel in standby mode, it switches to active mode and performs a copying operation (i.e., a printing operation) or a scanning operation. Figure 3 (a)). After the copying or scanning operation is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 returns to the standby mode. Figure 3 (b)

[0042] On the other hand, in standby mode, if the inactivity continues for a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus 1 switches from standby mode to the first energy-saving mode. Figure 3 (c)). In the first energy-saving mode, if the inactivity continues for a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus 1 switches from the first energy-saving mode to the second energy-saving mode. Figure 3 (d)). In the first energy-saving mode or the second energy-saving mode, when the operation panel is operated, when the automatic document transport device 2 is turned on, or when a document for scanning is placed in the automatic document transport device 2, the image forming apparatus 1 returns to the standby mode. Figure 3 (e) and (f)).

[0043] Figure 4 What is shown is Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the image processing unit 500 when the image forming apparatus is started. That is, Figure 4 The image shown is an example of a power control method for an image processing apparatus 500. Figure 4 The process shown begins by turning on the power switch of the image forming apparatus 1, which activates the image forming apparatus 1.

[0044] When the power switch is turned on, the energy-saving subsystem 120 and the microcomputer 220 are started and begin operation. The started energy-saving subsystem 120 connects the power supply to SoC 110. The started microcomputer 220 connects the power supply to SoC 210. Furthermore, the power supply connection of the energy-saving subsystem 120 to SoC 110 can also be implemented in step S10. The power supply connection of the microcomputer 220 to SoC 210 can also be implemented in step S20.

[0045] Then, in step S10, Figure 2 The main controller 100 uses GIO to send a connection request to the operation unit 200. For example, in step S10, the energy-saving subsystem 120 uses GIO (5) to send a connection request to the microcomputer 220.

[0046] Next, in step S20, the operation unit 200 (microcomputer 220 and SoC 210) that received the connection request from the main controller 100 performs the initialization process of the operation unit 200. When the initialization process of the operation unit 200 is completed, communication can be established between the main controller 100 and the operation unit 200 using a USB interface.

[0047] Then, in step S30, the main controller 100 confirms the connection with the operation unit 200 and the completion of the operation unit 200's initialization process based on the successful communication with the operation unit 200 via the USB bus. Thus, Figure 3 The startup process shown has ended.

[0048] Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the change in the power supply status of the image processing device 500 in the first energy-saving mode. That is, Figure 5 The following is an example of a power control method for an image processing device 500. In standby mode, when SoC 110 detects a transition trigger to a first power saving mode, it uses GIO (4) to send a transition request (power saving request) to SoC 210 of the operation unit 200 to the first power saving mode.

[0049] Based on the request received by the SoC 210 to switch to the first power-saving mode, the operation unit 200 stops supplying power to the SoC 210. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 switches from standby mode to the first power-saving mode. As a result, the image processing apparatus 500, for example using I... 2 Compared to stopping power supply via the C-bus, the transition time to the first power-saving mode can be shortened. During the first power-saving mode, the main controller 100 (SoC 110 and power-saving subsystem 120) and the microcomputer 220 of the operation unit 200 maintain power supply and continue to operate.

[0050] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the change in the power supply status of the image processing device 500 in the second energy-saving mode. That is, Figure 6 The following is an example of a power control method for an image processing device 500. During a first power-saving mode, when the SoC 110 detects a trigger to switch to a second power-saving mode, it uses GIO(1) to send a notification to the power-saving subsystem 120 to switch to the second power-saving mode.

[0051] Based on the notification to switch to the second energy-saving mode, the energy-saving subsystem 120 stops supplying power to the SoC 110. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 switches from the first energy-saving mode to the second energy-saving mode. Thus, the image processing apparatus 500, for example using I... 2 Compared to stopping power supply via the C-bus, the transition time to the second energy-saving mode can be shortened. During the second energy-saving mode, the energy-saving subsystem 120 of the main controller 100 and the microcomputer 220 of the operation unit 200 maintain power supply and continue to operate. Based on the notification of transition to the second energy-saving mode, the energy-saving subsystem 120 begins to monitor the recovery event for returning to standby mode.

[0052] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the change in power supply status of the image processing device 500 when reverting from the second energy-saving mode to standby mode, etc. That is, Figure 7 The diagram shows an example of a power control method for the image processing apparatus 500. The reason for reverting to standby mode, etc., is caused by the operation unit 200 or the main controller 100.

[0053] When the operation unit 200 experiences a reason to revert to standby mode, the microcomputer 220 uses GIO (2) to turn on the power of the SoC 210. Additionally, the microcomputer 220 uses GIO (5) to notify the power-saving subsystem 120 of the reverting event to standby mode. Furthermore, in either the first or second power-saving mode, power to the SoC 210 is cut off except through GIO. Therefore, the SoC 210 can receive data indicating a power-on command via the powered GIO, and thus turn on the power.

[0054] Upon receiving a notification of a recovery event, the energy-saving subsystem 120 uses GIO(1) to power on the SoC 110. Additionally, in the second energy-saving mode, the SoC 110 stops power supply except through the GIO port. Therefore, the SoC 110 can receive data indicating a power-on command via the powered GIO through the GIO port, thus enabling it to power on.

[0055] Then, the conversion process from the second power-saving mode to standby mode, etc., is completed. Thus, the image processing device 500, for example using I... 2 Compared to stopping power supply via the C bus, this shortens the transition time from the second power-saving mode to standby mode, etc. Additionally, the bit of the GIO(1) used to power on the SoC110 is... Figure 6 The bits of GIO(1) used in the notification of the transition from SoC110 to the second power saving mode of the power saving subsystem 120 shown are different.

[0056] Figure 8 The diagram shown is an example of the operation timing of the operation unit 200 when the second energy-saving mode is restored. That is, Figure 8 The image processing device 500 is shown as an example of a power control method. When a reason for reverting to standby mode or the like is detected, the microcomputer 220 of the operation unit 200 determines whether to revert SoC 210 and SoC 110 (i.e., whether to turn on the power).

[0057] For example, the restoration of the operation unit 200 may be caused by operation of the operation panel or by receiving action of the wireless communication unit 230. The determination performed by the microcomputer 220 is to restore the operation unit if the restoration is caused by operation of the operation panel, and not to restore the operation unit if the restoration is caused by receiving action of the wireless communication unit 230.

[0058] When the microcomputer 220 restores SoC 210 and SoC 110, it uses GIO (2) to turn on the power of SoC 210. In addition, the microcomputer 220 uses two GIOs (5) to notify the power-saving subsystem 120 of the restoration events (wakeup1, wakeup2) such as standby mode. Thus, it is possible to notify the power-saving subsystem 120 of any of the multiple factors that will restore the power-saving mode.

[0059] Upon receiving a notification of a recovery event, the energy-saving subsystem 120 uses a different GIO (5) than the GIO (5) received from wakeup1 and wakeup2 to return an ACK to the microcomputer 220 as a response to the recovery event. This suppresses conflicts between the notification of the recovery event and the response to the notification in the GIO (5), and also suppresses malfunctions of the image processing device 500.

[0060] Additionally, the energy-saving subsystem 120, upon receiving a notification of the recovery event, uses GIO(1) to power on the SoC 110. Then, power is supplied to the SoC 210 and SoC 110, and the image forming apparatus 1 recovers from the second energy-saving mode to the standby mode, etc.

[0061] Figure 9 The diagram shows an example of a recovery cause notified from the microcomputer 220 to the energy-saving subsystem 120. The recovery cause from the microcomputer 220 to the energy-saving subsystem 120 is notified via wakeup1 and wakeup2 of a 2-bit GIO(5).

[0062] exist Figure 9 The example shown represents an instance with three restoration factors. In this embodiment, the state of the main controller 100 restored from the second energy-saving mode includes multiple states such as active mode, standby mode, or first energy-saving mode. Therefore, when the restoration factor is the operation unit 200, the microcomputer 220 notifies the main controller 100 which state to restore from the second energy-saving mode to. That is, the microcomputer 220 can detect multiple factors for restoring from the energy-saving mode.

[0063] Additionally, if there is only one recovery factor, the GIO(5) used in the notification can be 1 bit. If there are 4 or more recovery factors, the GIO(5) used in the notification needs to be 3 or more bits.

[0064] For example, in the default state where no recovery factor has occurred, the microcomputer 220 sets wakeup1 and wakeup2 to logical value 1. If recovery factor 1 is detected, the microcomputer 220 sets wakeup1 to logical value 1 and wakeup2 to logical value 0.

[0065] If recovery factor 2 is detected, the microcomputer 220 sets wakeup1 to a logic value of 0 and wakeup2 to a logic value of 1. If recovery factor 3 is detected, the microcomputer 220 sets both wakeup1 and wakeup2 to a logic value of 0.

[0066] When wakeup1 and wakeup2 change from "1" and "1" to "1" and "0", the energy-saving subsystem 120 detects recovery factor 1. When wakeup1 and wakeup2 change from "1" and "1" to "0" and "1", the energy-saving subsystem 120 detects recovery factor 2. When wakeup1 and wakeup2 change from "1" and "1" to "0" and "0", the energy-saving subsystem 120 detects recovery factor 3. Additionally, Figure 9 The relationship between the recovery factors shown and the logical values ​​of wakeup1 and wakeup2 is one example, but other combinations are also possible.

[0067] Furthermore, since wakeup1 and wakeup2 use different signal lines for notification, their logic values ​​do not necessarily change simultaneously. Therefore, the power-saving subsystem 12 can, for example, only detect the recovery cause and turn on the power to the SoC 110 if the logic values ​​of wakeup1 and wakeup2 change in the same way multiple times (e.g., 3 times). This allows for the reliable implementation of recovery cause detection processing using GIO.

[0068] Figure 10 The diagram shown is an example of the timing sequence of the main controller 100 during recovery from the second energy-saving mode. That is, Figure 10 The diagram illustrates an example of a power control method for an image processing device 500. The power-saving subsystem 120 of the main controller 100 restores the SoC 210 and SoC 110 upon detecting a restoration factor such as a standby mode. For example, the restoration factor in the main controller 100 might be a network packet received via the wired communication interface 300.

[0069] First, the energy-saving subsystem 120 uses GIO (1) to turn on the power to SoC 110. After the power is turned on, SoC 110 uses GIO (6) to notify microcomputer 220 to restore. Upon receiving the restoration notification, microcomputer 220 uses GIO (2) to turn on the power to SoC 210. Then, power is supplied to SoC 210 and SoC 110, and the image forming apparatus 1 restores from the second energy-saving mode to standby mode, etc.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the microcomputer 220 detects a cause for recovery such as standby mode, it uses GIO (2) to turn on the power of the SoC 210 and uses GIO (5) to notify the energy-saving subsystem 120 of the recovery event. Upon receiving the notification of the recovery event, the energy-saving subsystem 120 uses GIO (1) to turn on the power of the SoC 110.

[0071] Similarly, when the energy-saving subsystem 120 detects factors such as the opposite standby mode, it uses GIO (1) to turn on the power of SoC 110. After the power is turned on, SoC 110 uses GIO (6) to notify microcomputer 220 of the recovery event. Upon receiving the recovery event notification, microcomputer 220 uses GIO (2) to turn on the power of SoC 210.

[0072] Therefore, the image processing device 500, for example, uses the slave address to establish a connection with the slave device. 2 Compared to using the C-bus to connect the power supply, it can shorten the recovery time from power-saving mode.

[0073] Furthermore, when SoC110 detects a trigger to switch to the first power-saving mode in standby mode, it uses GIO(4) to send a switch request to SoC210 for the first power-saving mode. Upon receiving the switch request, SoC210 stops supplying power to SoC210. ​​Further, when SoC110 detects a trigger to switch to the second power-saving mode in the first power-saving mode, it uses GIO(1) to send a notification to the power-saving subsystem 120 to switch to the second power-saving mode. Based on the notification to switch to the second power-saving mode, the power-saving subsystem 120 stops supplying power to SoC110.

[0074] Therefore, the image processing device 500 and, for example, using I 2 Compared to stopping power supply via the C-bus, this can shorten the transition time to power-saving mode.

[0075] When the microcomputer 220 detects a restoration factor such as standby mode, it notifies the energy-saving subsystem 120 of the restoration event using, for example, two GIOs (5). Thus, it is possible to notify the energy-saving subsystem 120 of any one of the multiple factors for restoring the energy-saving mode.

[0076] The energy-saving subsystem 120, upon receiving a notification of a recovery event, uses a different GIO (5) than the one used to receive the recovery event to return a response to the recovery event to the microcomputer 220. This suppresses conflicts between the notification of the recovery event and the response to the notification in the GIO (5), and also suppresses malfunctions of the image processing device 500.

[0077] Furthermore, when the recovery cause operation unit 200 is in operation, the energy-saving subsystem 120 detects the recovery cause and turns on the power of the SoC 110 only when it receives multiple consecutive recovery event notifications from the microcomputer 220. Thus, for example, even when the logic values ​​of multiple bits of GIO (5) do not change simultaneously, the detection processing of the recovery cause using GIO can be reliably implemented.

[0078] While the present invention has been described above with reference to various embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the necessary conditions shown in the above embodiments. Modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and may be appropriately determined depending on the application.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus, characterized in that... have: The first controller includes a first control unit that controls an image forming unit to form an image and stops power supply in a power-saving mode, and a first power control unit that controls the power supply to the first control unit. The second controller includes an external interface unit that controls the acceptance of operations from external sources and a second control unit that stops power supply in the power-saving mode, and a second power control unit that controls the power supply to the second control unit. The first power control unit and the first control unit, the first power control unit and the second power control unit, and the second power control unit and the second control unit are respectively connected via a general purpose input / output port. The first control unit and the second control unit stop supplying power in the power-saving mode. When a cause for reverting from the power-saving mode is detected, the second power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the second control unit, and uses the general-purpose input / output port to notify the first power control unit of the reverting from the power-saving mode. When the second power control unit receives a notification to resume from the power saving mode, the first power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the first control unit.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: When a cause for reverting from the power-saving mode is detected, the first power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the first control unit, and uses the general-purpose input / output port to notify the second power control unit of the reverting from the power-saving mode. When the first power control unit receives a notification to resume from the power saving mode, the second power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the first control unit.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The power-saving mode includes a first power-saving mode that stops the power supply to the second control unit and a second power-saving mode that stops the power supply to both the second control unit and the first control unit. The first control unit and the second control unit are connected via the general-purpose input / output port. When a trigger for switching to the first power-saving mode is detected, the first control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to send a switching request to the second control unit to switch to the first power-saving mode. The second control unit stops supplying power according to the conversion request.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: When a switch to the second power-saving mode is detected in the first power-saving mode, the first control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to issue a switch notification to the first power control unit to the second power-saving mode, and stops supplying power to the first control unit.

5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The plurality of general-purpose input / output ports of the first power control unit and the plurality of general-purpose input / output ports of the second power control unit are interconnected. The second power control unit is capable of detecting multiple recovery factors starting from the power saving mode, and using multiple general-purpose input / output ports to notify the first power control unit of one of the detected multiple recovery factors.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the first power control unit receives one of the plurality of recovery factors from the second power control unit, the first power control unit uses a general input / output port different from the general input / output port that received the recovery factor to notify the second power control unit of the response to the recovery factor.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The second power control unit uses multiple general purpose input / output ports to repeatedly notify the first power control unit of one of the detected recovery factors. If multiple notifications all indicate the same cause of failure, the first power control unit switches on the power supply to the first control unit.

8. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that... have: Image forming unit that forms an image; The first controller includes a first control unit that controls the image forming unit and stops power supply in power-saving mode, and a first power control unit that controls the power supply to the first control unit. The second controller includes an external interface unit that controls the acceptance of operations from external sources and a second control unit that stops power supply in the power-saving mode, and a second power control unit that controls the power supply to the second control unit. The first power control unit and the first control unit, the first power control unit and the second power control unit, and the second power control unit and the second control unit are respectively connected via a general purpose input / output port. The first control unit and the second control unit stop supplying power in the power-saving mode. When a cause for reverting from the power-saving mode is detected, the second power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the second control unit, and uses the general-purpose input / output port to notify the first power control unit of the reverting from the power-saving mode. When the second power control unit receives a notification to resume from the power saving mode, the first power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the first control unit.

9. An information processing device, characterized in that... have: The first controller includes a data processing unit that controls data processing and stops power supply in power-saving mode, and a first power control unit that controls the power supply to the first control unit. The second controller includes an external interface unit that controls the acceptance of operations from external sources and a second control unit that stops power supply in the power-saving mode, and a second power control unit that controls the power supply to the second control unit. The first power control unit and the first control unit, the first power control unit and the second power control unit, and the second power control unit and the second control unit are respectively connected via a general purpose input / output port. The first control unit and the second control unit stop supplying power in the power-saving mode. When a cause for reverting from the power-saving mode is detected, the second power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the second control unit, and uses the general-purpose input / output port to notify the first power control unit of the reverting from the power-saving mode. When the second power control unit receives a notification to resume from the power saving mode, the first power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the first control unit.

10. A power supply control method for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising: The first controller includes a first control unit that controls an image forming unit to form an image and stops power supply in a power-saving mode, and a first power control unit that controls the power supply to the first control unit. The second controller includes an external interface unit that controls the acceptance of operations from external sources and a second control unit that stops power supply in the power-saving mode, and a second power control unit that controls the power supply to the second control unit. The power control method is characterized in that... The first power control unit and the first control unit, the first power control unit and the second power control unit, and the second power control unit and the second control unit are respectively connected via a general purpose input / output port. The first control unit and the second control unit stop supplying power in the power-saving mode. When a cause for reverting from the power-saving mode is detected, the second power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the second control unit, and uses the general-purpose input / output port to notify the first power control unit of the reverting from the power-saving mode. When the second power control unit receives a notification to resume from the power saving mode, the first power control unit uses the general-purpose input / output port to turn on the power of the first control unit.

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