Image processing device, method for controlling image processing device, and control program for image processing device

Abstract

To effectively suppress power supply noise of a commercial power supply while suppressing deterioration in performance of an image processing device that operates by receiving power from the commercial power supply.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes: an image processing unit that operates according to a DC voltage generated from a commercial power supply; a port connected to a signal line in which data to be processed by the image processing unit or data having been processed by the image processing unit is transmitted; and a filter circuit that filters power supply noise that appears on the signal line. The image processing device starts, at a preset operation timing, noise level detection of power supply noise of the commercial power supply by a noise level detection unit according to a signal transmitted to the signal line (S104), and sets the filter circuit to be valid (S120) or invalid (S118) by a filter setting unit according to a noise level detected by the noise level detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a control program for an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A power supply device having a filter circuit for removing power supply noise superimposed on an input voltage from a commercial power supply is known. In this type of power supply device, by switching the filter circuit according to the power supply noise, high-frequency components superimposed on the input power, or the magnitude of the output load of the output power, power loss in the filter circuit is reduced (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Normally, power supply noise constantly changes, and the noise level of power supply noise also changes due to fluctuations in the load of the destination device to which power is supplied. For example, it is conceivable to constantly detect the noise level of power supply noise by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the destination device that is the power supply destination and switch the capacity of the filter circuit. However, in this case, due to an increase in the load of the CPU caused by the detection of the noise level and the switching of the capacity of the filter circuit, the performance of the power supply destination device may deteriorate.

[0004] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to effectively suppress power supply noise of a commercial power supply while suppressing a decrease in the performance of an image processing apparatus that operates by receiving power from the commercial power supply.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, an image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image processing unit that operates in response to a DC voltage generated from a commercial power supply, a port connected to a signal line through which data processed by the image processing unit or data processed by the image processing unit is transmitted, a filter circuit that filters power supply noise appearing on the signal line, a noise level detection unit that detects a noise level of the power supply noise of the commercial power supply according to a signal transmitted on the signal line at a preset operation timing, and a filter setting unit that sets the filter circuit to be effective or ineffective according to the noise level detected by the noise level detection unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] It is possible to effectively suppress the power supply noise of the commercial power supply while suppressing a decrease in the performance of the image processing apparatus that operates receiving power from the commercial power supply.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. One line or one arrow indicating a signal line may indicate a plurality of signal lines, and a power line may be included in one line or one arrow.

[0009] (Overview of the Image Processing Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that operates by receiving power supply from an alternating current commercial power supply AC, and is, for example, a digital multi-functional device having a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like. The digital multi-functional device is also referred to as an MFP (MultiFunction Printer).

[0010] The image processing apparatus 100 includes an AC / DC converter 10, an engine control board 20, a scanner 30, a printer 40, a controller control board 50, an operation unit 60, and a FAX control board 70. The AC / DC converter 10 converts an alternating voltage supplied from the commercial power supply AC into a plurality of types of direct current voltages. The AC / DC converter 10 supplies the converted plurality of types of direct current voltages to the scanner 30, the printer 40, the controller control board 50, the operation unit 60, and the FAX control board 70 via the engine control board 20. For example, the printer 40 is a tandem type laser printer. Note that the printer 40 may be an inkjet type printer.

[0011] For example, each of the engine control board 20, the controller control board 50, the FAX control board 70, and the operation unit 60 has a processor such as a CPU (not shown). The engine control board 20 controls the supply of power to the scanner 30 and the printer 40, etc., based on a control program executed by the built-in processor. The processor of the engine control board 20 has an image processing unit 22. For example, the image processing unit 22 performs image processing on the image data generated by the scanning operation of the scanner 30 by executing an image processing program or a data processing program, and forms image data to be output to the printer. The image processing unit 22 is an example of an image printing unit.

[0012] The controller control board 50 manages the overall operation of the image processing apparatus 100, such as the operation of the scanner 30, the operation of the printer 40, and the operation of the facsimile, based on a control program executed by the built-in processor.

[0013] The operation unit 60 has an operation panel 62 that receives various inputs according to the user's operations and displays various information. The operation unit 60 receives operations on the operation panel 62 based on a control program executed by the built-in processor, and causes the controller control board 50 to realize the scanner function by the scanner, the printer function by the printer, or the FAX function by the FAX control board.

[0014] The processor of the operation unit 60 may have a function of controlling the operation mode of the image processing apparatus 100. For example, in the energy-saving mode, the processor of the operation unit 60 may cut off the power supply to the processors of the engine control board 20 and the controller control board 50.

[0015] When shifting from the energy-saving mode to the normal mode, the processor of the operation unit 60 may supply power to the processor of the controller control board 50 and activate the processor. Also, based on receiving a scan instruction or a print instruction from the user, the processor of the operation unit 60 may supply power to the processor of the engine control board 20 and activate the processor.

[0016] The FAX control board 70 controls the transmission and reception of faxes using a communication line (not shown) based on a control program executed by a built-in processor. An example of the configuration of the FAX control board 70 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] (An example of a FAX control board) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the FAX control board 70 of FIG. 1. With the FAX control board 70, the image processing apparatus 100 can operate as a facsimile apparatus. The FAX control board 70 can transmit and receive image data between the image processing apparatus 100 and other facsimile apparatuses or the like by communicating with other facsimile apparatuses or the like connected to a public line via a LINE port. The LINE port is connected to the public line via a signal line.

[0018] The FAX control board 70 includes a CPU 701 that functions as a modem, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 702, a FROM (Flash Read Only Memory) 703, and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 704. The FAX control board 70 also includes a SiDAA (SSD) 705, a SiDAA (LSD) 706, a primary-side communication circuit 707, a speaker drive circuit 709, a filter circuit 710, an off-hook detection circuit 711, a ringing circuit 712, and a relay 713. SiDAA is an abbreviation for Silicon Data Access Arrangement. SSD is an abbreviation for System Side Device. LSD is an abbreviation for Line Side Device.

[0019] The CPU 701 controls the operations of each element within the FAX control board 70. The CPU 701 modulates / demodulates image data and voice data, and performs operations such as tone detection or transmission. For example, the image data is data that is acquired by the scanner 30 in FIG. 1, generated by the image processing unit 22, and transmitted to other facsimile devices via the LINE port. Also, the image data is data that is received from other facsimile devices via the LINE port, printed by the printer 40, or displayed on the operation panel 62 in FIG. 1.

[0020] Voice data is input and output via the LINE port. The CPU 701 has a function of acquiring voice data input via the LINE port and detecting the noise level of power supply noise caused by the commercial power supply (for example, 50 Hz) from the acquired voice data. That is, the CPU 701 can operate as a noise level detection unit. Hereinafter, the noise level of the power supply noise is also referred to as the power supply noise level or simply the noise level.

[0021] When the power supply noise level of the commercial power supply mixed in from the public line via the LINE port exceeds a threshold value (for example, -50 dB), the CPU 701 enables the filter function of the filter circuit 710. Thereby, the power supply noise mixed in from the public line can be filtered, and the CNG (calling tone) signal, which is an identification signal for facsimile transmission from other facsimile devices connected to the LINE port via the public line, can be correctly detected.

[0022] When the power noise level of the commercial power supply mixed in from the public line via the LINE port is below the threshold value, the CPU 701 disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710. By stopping the operation of the filter circuit 710 when the power noise level is low, the possibility that the noise mixed in the voice or the like is misdetected as a CNG signal can be reduced, and the decrease in the reliability of the image processing apparatus 100 can be suppressed. On the other hand, when the filter function is turned on when the power noise level is low, the possibility that the noise mixed in the voice or the like input to the LINE port is misdetected as a CNG signal increases due to the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio. The CPU 701 is an example of a filter setting unit that sets the filter function of the filter circuit 710 to be effective or ineffective according to the power noise level.

[0023] Further, the CPU 701 does not continuously repeat the detection of the power noise level, but detects it at a preset operation timing such as the time when the power noise level is assumed to be the largest, the time when the CNG signal is received, or the time when the image data is printed. Thereby, the frequency of stopping the operation of the image processing unit 22 or the like for detecting the power noise level can be minimized. Further, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level at a timing when the image processing unit 22 is not operating, without degrading the performance of the image processing apparatus 100. Thereby, the power noise of the commercial power supply can be effectively suppressed while suppressing the degradation of the performance of the image processing apparatus 100.

[0024] Note that the filter capacity of the filter circuit 710 can be switched in multiple stages, and the CPU 701 may switch the filter capacity of the filter circuit 710 or turn off the filter function according to the detected power noise level.

[0025] The SRAM 702 is used as a work memory of the CPU 701, and the detection result of the power noise level is also stored. The FROM 703 holds the FAX control program and the OS (Operating System) executed by the CPU 701. The DRAM 704 is used as a work memory of the CPU 701, and image data and the like input and output via the LINE port are stored.

[0026] SiDAA (SSD) 705, SiDAA (LSD) 706, and the primary-side communication circuit 707 implement a network control unit (NCU) 708. Communication via a public line becomes possible with the modem function by the CPU701 and the network control unit 708.

[0027] The speaker drive circuit 709 causes the speaker SP to sound under the control of SiDAA (SSD) 705. The filter circuit 710 enables or disables the filter function under the control of the CPU701. When the filter function is enabled, it removes or reduces power noise and its harmonics mixed in from the public line.

[0028] The off-hook detection circuit 711 detects an off-hook, which is an operation of removing the handset of an external telephone when the external telephone connected to the TEL port can be connected to the public line. When the off-hook detection circuit 711 detects an off-hook, it notifies the CPU701 of the detection of the off-hook. The ringing circuit 712 causes the external telephone to ring based on the control of the CPU701 when the external telephone connected to the TEL port can be connected to the public line via the LINE port.

[0029] The relay 713 connects the external telephone to the public line when the external telephone can be connected to the public line. The relay 713 switches whether to directly connect the external telephone to the public line or to connect it to the public line via the FAX control board 70 based on the control by the CPU701. For example, when the relay 713 is on, the external telephone is connected to the public line via the FAX control board 70. When the relay 713 is off, the external telephone is directly connected to the public line. Figure 2 shows the case where the relay 713 is off.

[0030] (Operation Example 1 of the Image Processing Apparatus) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the operation shown in FIG. 3 is realized by various CPUs mounted on the image processing apparatus 100 executing a control program, and shows an example of a control method of the image processing apparatus 100. Among the operations shown in FIG. 3, the operation of the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 is realized by, for example, a control program executed by the CPU 701.

[0031] First, in step S102, the image processing apparatus 100 is activated by turning on the main power supply. Next, in step S104, the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 starts detecting the power noise level mixed in from the public line (FAX communication line) via the LINE port. The CPU 701 detects the power noise level every time T1. Although not particularly limited, for example, the time T1 is 1 minute. In order to accurately detect the power noise level, operations such as image processing are stopped when detecting the power noise level.

[0032] Next, in step S106, the CPU 701 stores the noise data including the detected power noise level and the detection time in a memory such as the SRAM 702. Next, in step S108, the CPU 701 determines whether or not a preset period P1 has elapsed, and repeatedly performs the detection of the power noise level in step S106 until the period P1 elapses. Although not particularly limited, for example, the period P1 is 1 week. In this way, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level a plurality of times within a preset period.

[0033] When the time T2 has elapsed, the CPU 701 reads out a plurality of pieces of noise data stored in the memory in step S110. Next, in step S112, the CPU 701 searches the read-out plurality of pieces of noise data to obtain the largest power noise level and its detection time.

[0034] Next, in step S114, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level at the same time as the detection time obtained in step S112. Next, in step S116, the CPU 701 determines whether the intensity of the detected power noise level is less than a preset intensity. Although not particularly limited, for example, the preset intensity is -50 dBm. If the intensity of the detected power noise level is less than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S118. If the intensity of the detected power noise level is equal to or greater than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S120.

[0035] In step S118, the CPU 701 disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and returns to step S114. In step S120, the CPU 701 enables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and returns to step S114. Then, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level at the time obtained in step S112 every day, and enables or disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 according to the detection result.

[0036] The CPU 701 may perform the detection of the power noise level and the switching of the filter function of the filter circuit 710 once a day at the time when the power noise level statistically increases. For this reason, the frequency of stopping operations such as image processing for the detection of the power noise level and the switching of the filter function of the filter circuit 710 can be suppressed, and the influence on the image processing performance can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the power noise of the commercial power supply while suppressing the degradation of the performance of the image processing apparatus 100 that operates receiving power from the commercial power supply.

[0037] When it is determined that the power supply noise level is high, by enabling the filter function of the filter circuit 710, it becomes possible to filter out the noise mixed in from the FAX communication line and detect, for example, the CNG signal. On the other hand, when it is determined that the power supply noise level is low, by disabling the filter function of the filter circuit 710, it is possible to suppress the noise mixed in the voice signal or the like from being erroneously detected as the CNG signal. In contrast, when the filter function of the filter circuit 710 is enabled when the power supply noise level is low, for example, there is a risk that the noise mixed in the voice signal or the like may be erroneously detected as the CNG signal.

[0038] (Operation Example 2 of Image Processing Apparatus) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. For example, the operation shown in FIG. 4 is realized by various CPUs mounted on the image processing apparatus 100 executing a control program, and shows an example of a control method of the image processing apparatus 100. Among the operations shown in FIG. 4, the operation of the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 is realized by, for example, a control program executed by the CPU 701.

[0039] First, in step S202, the image processing apparatus 100 is activated by turning on the main power supply. The activated image processing apparatus 100 enters the standby state in step S204.

[0040] Next, in step S206, the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 waits until the FAX transmission operation is started. When the FAX transmission operation is started, step S208 is executed. In step S208, the CPU 701 detects the power supply noise level due to the load fluctuation generated by the start of the FAX transmission operation. Since the detection of the power supply noise level is performed before the call is made, it does not affect the performance of the FAX transmission operation.

[0041] Next, in step S210, the CPU 701 stores the noise data including the detected power noise level in a memory such as the SRAM 702. Next, in step S212, the CPU 701 makes a call to the fax machine of the destination of the FAX transmission. Then, in step S214, the CPU 701 performs a FAX transmission operation on the destination fax machine and ends the transmission process.

[0042] Next, in step S216, the CPU 701 reads out the noise data stored in the memory. Next, in step S218, the CPU 701 determines whether the intensity of the power noise level detected in step S208 is less than a preset intensity. Although not particularly limited, for example, the preset intensity is -50 dBm. If the intensity of the detected power noise level is less than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S220. If the intensity of the detected power noise level is equal to or greater than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S222.

[0043] In step S220, the CPU 701 disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and returns to step S206. In step S222, the CPU 701 enables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and returns to step S206. Thereafter, every time the FAX transmission operation starts, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level and enables or disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 according to the detection result.

[0044] In the operation of FIG. 4, by detecting the power noise level before making a call in the fax transmission operation, the power noise level can be detected without interrupting the FAX transmission. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the power noise of the commercial power supply while suppressing the degradation of the performance of the image processing apparatus 100 that operates receiving power from the commercial power supply. Note that, when detecting the power noise level during FAX reception, there is a possibility that the transmission request of the destination fax machine cannot be met in time. For this reason, it is not preferable to detect the power noise level during FAX reception.

[0045] (Operation Example 3 of Image Processing Apparatus) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the operation shown in FIG. 5 is realized by various CPUs mounted on the image processing apparatus 100 executing a control program, and shows an example of a control method of the image processing apparatus 100. Among the operations shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 is realized by, for example, a control program executed by the CPU 701.

[0046] First, in step S302, the image processing apparatus 100 is activated by turning on the main power. The activated image processing apparatus 100 enters the standby state in step S304.

[0047] Next, in step S306, the CPU 701 rings the handset based on a ringing reception. Next, in step S308, the CPU 701 detects the off-hook of the handset by the user. In step S310, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level based on the fact that the handset has been off-hooked. Next, in step S312, the CPU 701 stores the noise data including the detected power noise level in a memory such as the SRAM 702.

[0048] Next, in step S314, the CPU 701 reads out the noise data stored in the memory. Next, in step S316, the CPU 701 determines whether the intensity of the power noise level detected in step S310 is less than a preset intensity. Although not particularly limited, for example, the preset intensity is -50 dBm. If the intensity of the detected power noise level is less than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S318, and if the intensity of the detected power noise level is equal to or greater than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S320.

[0049] In step S318, the CPU 701 disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and performs step S322. In step S320, the CPU 701 enables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and performs step S322.

[0050] In step S322, when receiving a FAX, after the handset goes off-hook, the CPU 701 receives a CNG signal from the facsimile apparatus of the other party. The CNG signal is transmitted from the facsimile apparatus of the other party for one minute. For this reason, after the handset goes off-hook in step S308, until the detection of the power noise level and the setting of the filter circuit 710 in steps S318 and S320, the CNG signal continues to be transmitted from the facsimile apparatus of the other party. Therefore, the CPU 701 can surely receive the CNG signal.

[0051] After receiving the CNG signal, in step S324, the CPU 701 switches the operation state to the FAX reception operation. Then, after receiving FAX data from the facsimile apparatus of the other party, in step S236, the CPU 701 completes the FAX reception operation and returns to step S306. Thereafter, every time the handset goes off-hook in response to a ringing reception, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level and enables or disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 according to the detection result.

[0052] In the operation of FIG. 5, by detecting the power noise level when the handset goes off-hook and setting the filter function of the filter circuit 710 according to the detected power noise level, the CNG signal can be surely received after the detection of off-hook. Further, since the power noise level is detected after the detection of off-hook and before the start of FAX reception, the performance of FAX reception by the CPU 701 is not degraded. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the power noise of the commercial power supply while suppressing the degradation of the performance of the image processing apparatus 100 that operates receiving power from the commercial power supply.

[0053] (Operation Example 4 of Image Processing Apparatus) FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. For example, the operation shown in FIG. 6 is realized by various CPUs mounted on the image processing apparatus 100 executing a control program, and shows an example of a control method of the image processing apparatus 100. Among the operations shown in FIG. 6, the operation of the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 is realized by, for example, a control program executed by the CPU 701.

[0054] First, in step S402, the image processing apparatus 100 is activated by turning on the main power supply. The activated image processing apparatus 100 enters the standby state in step S404.

[0055] Next, in step S406, the CPU 701 waits until the printing operation by the printer 40 in FIG. 1 starts. When the printing operation starts, step S408 is executed. In step S408, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level due to the load fluctuation generated by the printing operation. The printing operation is controlled by, for example, the CPU in the engine control board 20 in FIG. 1, and the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 is not related to the printing operation. Therefore, even if the CPU 701 performs the power noise level detection operation, it does not affect the performance of the printing operation.

[0056] Next, in step S410, the CPU 701 stores the noise data including the detected power noise level in a memory such as the SRAM 702. Next, in step S412, the CPU 701 waits for the completion of the printing operation. After the completion of the printing operation, in step S414, the CPU 701 reads out the noise data stored in the memory.

[0057] Next, in step S416, the CPU 701 determines whether the intensity of the power noise level detected in step S408 is less than a preset intensity. Although not particularly limited, for example, the preset intensity is -50 dBm. When the intensity of the detected power noise level is less than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S418, and when the intensity of the detected power noise level is equal to or greater than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S420.

[0058] In step S418, the CPU 701 disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and returns to step S406. In step S420, the CPU 701 enables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and returns to step S406. Thereafter, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level during the printing operation and enables or disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 according to the detection result.

[0059] In the operation of FIG. 6, by detecting the power noise level at the start of the printing operation, which is the maximum load operation, the detection accuracy of the power noise level can be improved. Since the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 has nothing to do with the printing operation, even if the CPU 701 performs the detection operation of the power noise level, it does not affect the performance of the printing operation. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the power noise of the commercial power while suppressing the deterioration of the performance of the image processing apparatus 100 that operates receiving power from the commercial power.

[0060] (Operation Example 5 of Image Processing Apparatus) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1. For example, the operation shown in FIG. 7 is realized by various CPUs mounted on the image processing apparatus 100 executing a control program, and shows an example of a control method of the image processing apparatus 100. Among the operations shown in FIG. 7, the operation of the CPU 701 of the FAX control board 70 is realized by, for example, a control program executed by the CPU 701.

[0061] First, in step S502, the image processing apparatus 100 is activated by turning on the main power supply. The activated image processing apparatus 100 enters the standby state in step S504.

[0062] Next, in step S506, the CPU 701 determines whether the image processing unit 22 in FIG. 1 is operating. If the image processing unit 22 is operating, the CPU 701 repeatedly performs the determination in step S506 until the image processing unit 22 stops operating. If the image processing unit 22 is not operating, the CPU 701 performs step S508. In step S508, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level. That is, since the power noise level is detected at a timing when the image processing unit 22 is not operating, it does not affect the operation of the image processing unit 22.

[0063] Next, in step S510, the CPU 701 stores the noise data including the detected power noise level in a memory such as the SRAM 702. Next, in step S512, the CPU 701 reads out the noise data stored in the memory. Next, in step S514, the CPU 701 determines whether the intensity of the power noise level detected in step S508 is less than a preset intensity. Although not particularly limited, for example, the preset intensity is -50 dBm. If the intensity of the detected power noise level is less than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S516. If the intensity of the detected power noise level is equal to or greater than the preset intensity, the CPU 701 performs step S518.

[0064] In step S516, the CPU 701 disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and returns to step S506. In step S518, the CPU 701 enables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 and returns to step S506. Thereafter, the CPU 701 detects the power noise level when the image processing unit 22 is not operating and enables or disables the filter function of the filter circuit 710 according to the detection result.

[0065] In the operation of FIG. 7, the detection of the power supply noise level is performed at a timing when the image processing unit 22 is not operating. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the power supply noise of the commercial power supply while suppressing a decrease in the performance of the image processing apparatus 100 that operates receiving power from the commercial power supply.

[0066] <Example of the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus> FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The image processing apparatus 100 includes a control board 151, a network I / F (interface) 173, a short-range communication circuit 175, an engine control unit 179, and an operation unit 177. For example, the control board 151 corresponds to the controller control board 50 of FIG. 1, and the engine control unit 179 corresponds to the engine control board 20 of FIG. 1. The operation unit 177 corresponds to the operation unit 60 of FIG. 1. Note that the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 8.

[0067] For example, the control board 151 includes a CPU 153 which is a main part of a computer, a storage unit MEM-P 169, a north bridge (NB) 155, and a south bridge (SB) 157. The control board 151 also includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 181, a local memory (MEC-C) 183, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 185, and a hard disk (HD) 187. The north bridge 155 and the ASIC 181 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 159.

[0068] The CPU 153 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 100. For example, it controls rendering processing, communication processing, or inputs from the operation unit 177. The north bridge 155 connects the CPU 153 to the storage unit (MEM-P) 169, the south bridge 157, and the AGP bus 159. For example, the north bridge 155 has a memory controller that controls read / write operations to the storage unit MEM-P 169, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target. Hereinafter, the storage unit MEM-P 169 is also simply referred to as the storage unit 169.

[0069] The storage unit 169 has, for example, a ROM 169a and a RAM 169b. The ROM 169a stores various programs and data for realizing the respective functions of the image processing apparatus 100. The RAM 169b stores programs and data expanded from the ROM 169a, and stores drawing data for printing, such as image data.

[0070] Note that the program stored in the RAM 169b may be transferred from a recording medium (not shown). The recording medium is a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD that is detachably mounted on an input / output interface (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 100. Programs and data are recorded on the recording medium as installable or executable files.

[0071] The south bridge 157 connects the north bridge 155 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 181 has hardware for image processing and serves as a bridge that interconnects the AGP bus 159, the PCI bus 71, the local memory 183, and the HDD controller 185.

[0072] For example, the ASIC 181 may include a PCI target, an AGP master, an arbiter that forms the core of the ASIC 181, and a memory controller that controls the local memory 183. Further, the ASIC 181 may include a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform operations such as rotation of image data by means of hardware logic or the like, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via the PCI bus 71 between the scanner 30 and the printer 40. Note that a bus for USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) may be connected to the ASIC 181.

[0073] The local memory 183 functions as a local memory used as an image buffer and a code buffer for copying. The hard disk 187 stores image data, font data used at the time of printing, and forms. The HDD controller 185 controls reading and writing of data to and from the hard disk 187 under the control of the CPU 153. The AGP bus 159 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphic processing. The AGP bus 159 can operate the graphics accelerator card at high speed by directly accessing the storage unit 169 with high throughput.

[0074] An antenna 175a is connected to the short-range communication circuit 175. The short-range communication circuit 175 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Note that the short-range communication circuit 175 may be mounted on a substrate on which the operation unit 177 is mounted. The network I / F 173 performs data communication using a communication network. The network I / F 173 is an example of a communication interface that transmits and receives information to and from the outside.

[0075] The short - range communication circuit 175 and the network I / F 173 are electrically connected to the ASIC 181 via the PCI bus 71. The engine control unit 179 includes a printer control unit 179a that controls the printer 40 in FIG. 1 and a scanner control unit 179b that controls the scanner 30 in FIG. 1, etc. At least one of the printer control unit 179a and the scanner control unit 179b may include image - processing functions such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0076] The operation unit 177 has a panel display unit 177a using a liquid - crystal display device, an organic EL device, etc., and an input panel 177b using hardware keys, etc. The panel display unit 177a has a display function of displaying the current set values of the image - processing apparatus 100, a selection screen, a replacement procedure for consumables, etc. as still images or moving images. The selection screen displayed on the panel display unit 177a functions as a touch panel that receives inputs from the user.

[0077] The input panel 177b has a numeric keypad that receives set values of conditions related to image formation such as density - setting conditions, a start key that receives a copy - start instruction, etc. Note that the operation unit 177 is connected to the ASIC 181, but may also be connected to the south bridge 157.

[0078] <Hardware Configuration of the Control Board> FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control board 200 mounted on the image - processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. For example, the control board 200 is any one of the engine control board 20, the controller control board 50, the FAX control board 70 in FIG. 1, or the control board 151 in FIG. 8. Hereinafter, the control board 200 is described as being the control board 151 in FIG. 8.

[0079] The control board 200 is equipped with a CPU 210, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 220, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 230. Also, the control board 200 is equipped with an input interface unit 240, an output interface unit 250, an input - output interface unit 260, and a communication interface unit 270.

[0080] For example, the CPU 210, ROM 220, RAM 230, input interface unit 240, output interface unit 250, input / output interface unit 260, and communication interface unit 270 are interconnected via a bus BUS. Note that a plurality of the CPU 210, ROM 220, RAM 230, input interface unit 240, output interface unit 250, input / output interface unit 260, and communication interface unit 270 may be integrated on one chip.

[0081] The CPU 210 executes various programs such as an OS and applications. The ROM 220 stores basic programs and various parameters for making the various programs executable by the CPU 210. The RAM 230 stores various programs executed by the CPU 210 and data used in the programs.

[0082] An input device 410 such as the operation unit 60 in FIG. 1 is connected to the input interface unit 240. An output device 420 such as the display unit of the operation unit 60 is connected to the output interface unit 250. An input / output device 430 such as an auxiliary storage device and a recording medium is connected to the input / output interface unit 260.

[0083] When various programs such as an image processing program or a control program for controlling the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 are stored in the recording medium, the program may be transferred from the recording medium to the RAM 230 or the like via the input / output interface unit 260. The communication interface unit 270 can connect the image processing apparatus 100 to a network or the like.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the power supply noise of the commercial power supply while suppressing a decrease in the performance of the image processing apparatus 100 that operates by receiving power from the commercial power supply.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. Regarding these points, it can be changed within the range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to its application form.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 10 AC / DC converter 20 Engine control board 30 Scanner 40 Printer 50 Controller control board 60 Operation unit 62 Operation panel 70 FAX control board 100 Image processing apparatus 151 Control board 153 CPU 155 North Bridge (NB) 157 South Bridge (SB) 159 AGP bus 169 Storage unit (MEM-P) 169a ROM 169b RAM 173 Network I / F 175 Short-distance communication circuit 175a Antenna 177 Operation unit 177a Panel display unit 177b Input panel 179 Engine control unit 179a Printer control unit 179b Scanner control unit 181 ASIC 183 Local memory (MEC-C) 185 HDD controller 187 Hard disk (HD) 200 Control board 210 CPU 220 ROM 230 RAM 240 Input interface unit 250 Output Interface Section 260 Input / Output Interface Section 270 Communication Interface Section 410 Input Device 420 Output Device 430 Input / Output Device 701 CPU 702 SRAM 703 FROM 704 DRAM 705 SiDAA (SSD) 706 SiDAA (LSD) 707 Primary-Side Communication Circuit 709 Speaker Drive Circuit 710 Filter Circuit 711 Off-Hook Detection Circuit 712 Buzzer Circuit 713 Relay AC Commercial Power Supply BUS Bus

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0087]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. an image processing unit that operates in response to a DC voltage generated from a commercial power source; a port connected to a signal line through which data to be processed by the image processing unit or data processed by the image processing unit is transmitted; a filter circuit for filtering power supply noise appearing on the signal line; a noise level detection unit that detects a noise level of power supply noise from the commercial power supply in response to a signal transmitted to the signal line at a preset operation timing; a filter setting unit that sets a filter function of the filter circuit to be enabled or disabled in response to the noise level detected by the noise level detection unit; 13. An image processing device comprising:

2. the noise level detection unit detects the noise level a plurality of times within a preset period, determines the time when the noise level is the largest, and thereafter detects the noise level at each of the determined times; The filter setting unit sets the filter function of the filter circuit to be enabled or disabled in accordance with the noise level detected at each time.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1,

3. the signal line is used for a facsimile communication line, The noise level detection unit detects the noise level before a call is made in the facsimile transmission operation.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1,

4. the signal line is used for a facsimile communication line, The noise level detection unit detects the noise level when receiving a calling tone signal.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1,

5. an image printing unit that prints the image data processed by the image processing unit; The noise level detection unit detects the noise level during a printing operation by the image printing unit.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1,

6. The noise level detection unit detects the noise level at a timing when the image processing unit is not operating.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1,

7. A control method for an image processing device having an image processing unit that operates in response to a DC voltage generated from a commercial power source, a port that is connected to a signal line through which data to be processed by the image processing unit or data processed by the image processing unit is transmitted, and a filter circuit that filters power supply noise appearing on the signal line, comprising: a noise level detection unit of the image processing device detects a noise level of power supply noise of the commercial power supply in response to a signal transmitted to the signal line at a preset operation timing; A filter setting unit of the image processing device sets a filter function of the filter circuit to be enabled or disabled in accordance with the noise level detected by the noise level detection unit. A control method for an image processing device comprising the steps of:

8. A control program for an image processing device having an image processing unit that operates in response to a DC voltage generated from a commercial power source, a port that is connected to a signal line through which data to be processed by the image processing unit or data processed by the image processing unit is transmitted, and a filter circuit that filters power supply noise appearing on the signal line, a noise level detection unit of the image processing device is caused to detect a noise level of power supply noise of the commercial power supply in response to a signal transmitted to the signal line at a preset operation timing; A filter setting unit of the image processing device enables or disables a filter function of the filter circuit in accordance with the noise level detected by the noise level detection unit. A control program for an image processing device comprising:

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