Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and control program

Abstract

To provide an information processor, an information processing method, and a control program capable of appropriately controlling a nonvolatile memory.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory that operates by being initialized, has a sleep function, and stores a program, a processing unit that executes processing, and a supply unit that supplies power supplied from an external power supply to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit. The processing unit initializes the nonvolatile memory in a case where the apparatus state is the operating state when the supply unit starts supplying power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, causes the nonvolatile memory to sleep after initializing the nonvolatile memory in a case where the apparatus state is not the operating state when the supply unit starts supplying power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, and cancels the sleep of the nonvolatile memory without initializing the nonvolatile memory when the apparatus state changes to the operating state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, non-volatile memories such as eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card), which operate by being initialized and have a sleep function, have been used to store programs.

[0003] A power-saving control device has been disclosed that downloads a program stored in a low-speed memory to a volatile high-speed memory and executes it (see Patent Document 1). In power-saving mode, this power-saving control device turns off the power supply to the CPU and backs up the power supply to the high-speed memory to hold the downloaded program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-078197 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In information processing devices, it is required to appropriately control nonvolatile memories.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a control program that are capable of appropriately controlling a nonvolatile memory. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention operates by initialization, has a sleep function, and includes a non-volatile memory in which a program is stored, a processing unit that executes processing, and a supply unit that supplies power supplied from an external power source to the non-volatile memory and processing unit. If the device state is in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying power to the non-volatile memory and processing unit, the processing unit initializes the non-volatile memory, and if the device state is not in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying power to the non-volatile memory and processing unit, the processing unit initializes the non-volatile memory and then puts it to sleep, and when the device state changes to the operating state, wakes up the non-volatile memory from sleep without initializing it.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention operates by being initialized by a supply unit, supplies power from an external power source to a non-volatile memory having a sleep function and storing a program, and to a processing unit that executes processing, and initializes the non-volatile memory if the device state is in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying power to the non-volatile memory and processing unit, and puts the non-volatile memory to sleep after initializing it if the device state is not in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying power to the non-volatile memory and processing unit, and when the device state changes to an operating state, wakes up the non-volatile memory from sleep without initializing it.

[0009] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program for an information processing device that operates by initialization, has a sleep function, and has a non-volatile memory in which a program is stored, a processing unit that executes processing, and a supply unit that supplies power supplied from an external power source to the non-volatile memory and processing unit.If the device state is in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying power to the non-volatile memory and processing unit, the control program initializes the non-volatile memory, and if the device state is not in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying power to the non-volatile memory and processing unit, the control program causes the information processing device to initialize the non-volatile memory and then put it to sleep, and when the device state changes to the operating state, wake up the non-volatile memory from sleep without initializing the non-volatile memory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the information processing device, the information processing method, and the control program are capable of appropriately controlling the nonvolatile memory. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a power supply mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second storage device, a third storage device, and a processing circuit. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the overall processing. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a pause process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another power supply mechanism. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the pause process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An information processing device, an information processing method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an information processing device configured as an image scanner.

[0014] The information processing device 100 is a medium conveying device or image reading device that conveys, images, and discharges a medium that is an original. The medium is paper, cardboard, a card, a booklet, a passport, or the like. The information processing device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like. The information processing device 100 may be a flatbed type device that captures an image without conveying a medium. The information processing device 100 may be any device, such as a server, a personal computer, a tablet personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a printer.

[0015] 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium transport path. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and "downstream" refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1. The width direction A2 is an example of a direction that intersects with the medium transport direction.

[0016] The information processing device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, an ejection table 104, a display operation device 105, and the like.

[0017] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the information processing device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium is jammed or when the inside of the information processing device 100 is cleaned.

[0018] The mounting table 103 engages with the lower housing 101 and is rotatably provided by a hinge. When the information processing device 100 is not in use, the mounting table 103 is positioned to cover the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102, and functions as an exterior cover. On the other hand, when the information processing device 100 is in use, the mounting table 103 is positioned to allow media to be placed thereon, and media to be fed and transported is placed on the mounting table 103. The ejection table 104 engages with the lower housing 101 and places ejected media on it. The ejection table 104 may also engage with the upper housing 102 by a hinge or the like.

[0019] The display operation device 105 has a display configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. The display operation device 105 also has a touch panel type input device and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, accepts input operations by the user, and outputs operation signals in response to the input operations by the user. The display device and the operation device may be provided separately.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the information processing device.

[0021] The transport path inside the information processing device 100 includes a medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, an imaging device 116, a first discharge roller 117, a second discharge roller 118, and the like.

[0022] The number of each of the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 112, separation rollers 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0023] The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 102a of the medium transport path. As shown in Fig. 2, the medium transport path has a so-called straight path mechanism in which the vertical positional relationship between the front and back surfaces of the medium does not change between the state before transport when the medium is placed on the loading tray 103 and the state after ejection when the medium is placed on the ejection tray 104. Because the medium transport path has a straight path mechanism, the information processing device 100 can be formed compactly.

[0024] The media sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The media sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as an optical detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 111.

[0025] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103, starting from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is disposed in the upper housing 102 opposite the feed roller 112, and separates the media placed on the mounting table 103. The separation roller 113 is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction. Note that a separation pad may be used instead of the separation roller 113.

[0026] The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are disposed facing each other downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveying direction A1. The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 convey the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 116.

[0027] The imaging device 116 captures an image of the medium transported by the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b that are arranged opposite each other across the medium transport path.

[0028] The first imaging device 116a has an imaging sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 116a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 116a captures images of the surface of the medium being transported, sequentially generating and outputting input images.

[0029] Similarly, the second imaging device 116b has an imaging sensor using a CIS of a 1x1 optical system with CMOS imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 116b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 116b captures the back side of the medium being conveyed, sequentially generating and outputting line images.

[0030] The information processing device 100 may have only one of the first and second imaging devices 116a and 116b and may read only one side of the medium. Alternatively, a CIS line sensor with a life-size optical system equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used as the imaging sensor. Alternatively, a reduction optical system line sensor with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used as the imaging sensor.

[0031] The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are disposed facing each other downstream of the imaging device 116 in the medium conveying direction A1. The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 discharge the medium that has been conveyed by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 and processed (imaged) by the imaging device 116 onto the discharge tray 104.

[0032] 2, i.e., the medium feeding direction, the media placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium transport direction A1. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 work to separate only those media that are in contact with the feed roller 112 from the media placed on the mounting table 103. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0033] The medium is guided by lower guide 101a and upper guide 102a and fed between first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115. The medium is fed between first imaging device 116a and second imaging device 116b as first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of arrows A6 and A7, respectively. The medium read by imaging device 116 is discharged onto discharge tray 104 as first discharge roller 117 and second discharge roller 118 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, respectively.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device.

[0035] In addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing device 100 further includes a power switch 121, an open / close sensor 122, a drive device 123, a first communication device 124, a second communication device 125, a monitoring circuit 126, a first storage device 127, a second storage device 130, a third storage device 140, and a processing circuit 150. The display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, the drive device 123, the first communication device 124, the second communication device 125, the monitoring circuit 126, the first storage device 127, the second storage device 130, the third storage device 140, and the processing circuit 150 are connected to each other via a CPU bus or the like.

[0036] The power switch 121 includes a switch or button arranged on the surface of the lower housing 101 or the upper housing 102, and an interface circuit that acquires a signal from the switch or button. The power switch 121 outputs a status signal that indicates whether the power switch 121 is set to on or off.

[0037] The open / close sensor 122 is a contact detection sensor that detects the open / close state of the mounting table 103. The open / close sensor 122 detects whether the mounting table 103 is open or closed relative to the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102, for example, by detecting whether a protrusion provided on the mounting table 103 is engaged with a recess provided in the lower housing 101 or the upper housing 102. The open / close sensor 122 outputs an open / close signal indicating whether the mounting table 103 is open or closed to the processing circuit 150.

[0038] The drive device 123 has one or more motors. The drive device 123 generates a drive force for rotating the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. The drive device 123 is, for example, a DC (Direct Current) motor. The drive device 123 may be a motor other than a DC motor, such as a stepping motor. One of the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 may be a driven roller that follows the other roller. One of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 may be a driven roller that follows the other roller.

[0039] The first communication device 124 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN). The first communication device 124 communicates with other communication devices (e.g., personal computers, personal digital assistants, etc.) via a network such as a wireless LAN or directly to transmit and receive input images and various information. The first communication device 124 connects to the processing circuit 150 via an interface circuit conforming to an interface standard such as SDIO (Secure Digital Input / Output). The first communication device 124 may also have an interface circuit conforming to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0040] The second communication device 125 has a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals via a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN. The second communication device 125 is connected to and communicates with other communication devices (e.g., a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.) via a network such as a LAN or directly to transmit and receive input images and various information. The second communication device 125 may have an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The second communication device 125 also detects whether a communication cable is inserted into a communication connector and outputs an insertion signal indicating whether a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector to the processing circuit 150.

[0041] The monitoring circuit 126 is a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or the like. The monitoring circuit 126 receives an operation signal from the display operation device 105, a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, a status signal from the power switch 121, an open / close signal from the open / close sensor 122, and an insertion signal from the second communication device 125. The monitoring circuit 126 controls a switch (described later) in accordance with the received signals. The monitoring circuit 126 is provided so as to be able to operate with lower power consumption than the processing circuit 150.

[0042] The first storage device 127 is a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The first storage device 127 stores computer programs stored in the third storage device 140, and also stores data used in various processes of the information processing device 100.

[0043] The second storage device 130 is a non-volatile memory such as a Flash ROM (Read Only Memory). The second storage device 130 stores computer programs and the like used for various processes of the information processing device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the second storage device 130 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory). The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed into the second storage device 130.

[0044] The third storage device 140 is a nonvolatile memory such as an eMMC. The eMMC includes a NAND flash memory and a control circuit. Since eMMC is less expensive than Flash ROM, the information processing device 100 can reduce device costs by using an eMMC as the third storage device 140. The third storage device 140 operates after initialization and has a sleep function. Initialization is a process required to make the third storage device 140 operational. Sleep is a function that allows the third storage device 140 to continue operating with low power consumption after initialization is complete. Once the third storage device 140 is released from sleep, it can operate without being initialized again. The third storage device 140 executes initialization when it receives an initialization signal from the processing circuit 150, executes sleep when it receives a sleep signal while in operation, and releases sleep when it receives an awake signal from the processing circuit 150 while in sleep mode. The third storage device 140 may be an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like.

[0045] The third storage device 140 stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the information processing device 100. The computer programs may be installed in the first storage device 127 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or the like. The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the third storage device 140. The third storage device 140 is connected to the processing circuit 150 via an interface circuit conforming to an interface standard such as SDIO.

[0046] The processing circuit 150 is an example of a processing unit that executes processing. The processing circuit 150 operates based on programs previously stored in the second storage device 130 and the third storage device 140. The processing circuit 150 is, for example, a CPU. A DSP, an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like may be used as the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 150 is connected to and controls the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, the driving device 123, the first communication device 124, the second communication device 125, the monitoring circuit 126, the first storage device 127, the second storage device 130, the third storage device 140, and the like. The processing circuit 150 performs drive control of the driving device 123, image capture control of the imaging device 116, and the like based on a medium signal acquired from the medium sensor 111.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a power supply mechanism of the information processing device.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 100 further includes a supplier 161 and a switch 162.

[0049] The supplier 161 is an example of a supply unit. Power supplied from an external power source P is input to the supplier 161. The supplier 161 supplies the power supplied from the external power source P to the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, the drive device 123, the first communication device 124, the second communication device 125, the first storage device 127, the second storage device 130, and the processing circuit 150 via a switch 162. The supplier 161 also supplies the power supplied from the external power source P directly to the monitoring circuit 126 and the third storage device 140 without going through the switch 162.

[0050] The supplier 161 may also supply power directly to the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, the drive device 123, the first communication device 124, the second communication device 125, the first storage device 127, the second storage device 130, and / or the processing circuit 150 without going through the switch 162. The supplier 161 may also supply power to the monitoring circuit 126 and / or the third storage device 140 via the switch 162.

[0051] The switch 162 is an example of a switching unit. The switch 162 is, for example, a semiconductor switch. The switch 162 may be a mechanical switch. The switch 162 switches whether or not the power supplied from the external power source P to the supply device 161 is to be supplied to the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, the drive device 123, the first communication device 124, the second communication device 125, the first storage device 127, the second storage device 130, and / or the processing circuit 150. The switch 162 is provided so as to be able to switch whether or not to supply power to each of the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, the drive device 123, the first communication device 124, the second communication device 125, the first storage device 127, the second storage device 130, and the processing circuit 150. The switch 162 switches between supplying and not supplying power according to control from the monitoring circuit 126 or the processing circuit 150 .

[0052] Immediately after startup of the information processing device 100, i.e., in the initial state, the switch 162 supplies power to at least the first storage device 127 and the processing circuit 150. Immediately after startup of the information processing device 100, the switch 162 also supplies power to at least some of the display / operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, and the second communication device 125. Immediately after startup of the information processing device 100, the switch 162 may also supply power to the imaging device 116, the drive device 123, the first communication device 124, and / or the first storage device 127.

[0053] As a result, the information processing device 100 can switch whether or not to supply power to the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, the drive device 123, the first communication device 124, the second communication device 125, the first storage device 127, the second storage device 130, or the processing circuit 150, depending on the situation. On the other hand, the information processing device 100 constantly supplies power to the third storage device 140. Generally, initializing the third storage device 140 requires a significant amount of time. By constantly supplying power to the third storage device 140, the information processing device 100 eliminates the need to initialize the third storage device 140 except when the device is started up, thereby preventing an increase in processing time and processing load.

[0054] The information processing device 100 also constantly supplies power to the monitoring circuit 126. The information processing device 100 has the monitoring circuit 126, which consumes low power, monitor whether the conditions for resuming the operation of the processing circuit 150 are met, thereby enabling the information processing device 100 to stop the processing circuit 150, which consumes high power, and thereby reducing the power consumption of the entire device.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the second storage device, the third storage device, and the processing circuit.

[0056] 5, the second storage device 130 stores a startup program 131 and the like, and the third storage device 140 stores a control program 141 and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the second storage device 130 and the third storage device 140 and operates in accordance with the read program. As a result, the processing circuit 150 functions as a startup unit 151 and a control unit 152.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing operation of the information processing device.

[0058] An example of the operation of the monitoring process of the information processing device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the information processing device 100 based on programs previously stored in the second storage device 130 and the third storage device 140. The overall process is executed immediately after the information processing device 100 is started up. In other words, the overall process is executed when the supplier 161 starts supplying power to the third storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

[0059] First, the startup unit 151 determines whether the device state of the information processing device 100 is in an operating state (step S101).

[0060] For example, the operating state is a state in which the mounting table 103, which is a cover of the information processing device 100, is open. The control unit 152 receives an open / close signal from the open / close sensor 122, and determines whether the mounting table 103 is open or closed based on the received open / close signal.

[0061] The operating state may be a state in which a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The activation unit 151 receives a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103 based on the received medium signal.

[0062] The operating state may be a state in which a communication cable is inserted into a communication connector of the second communication device 125. The activation unit 151 receives an insertion signal from the second communication device 125, and determines whether or not a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector of the second communication device 125 based on the received insertion signal.

[0063] The operating state may be a state in which the information processing device 100 is powered on. The startup unit 151 receives a state signal from the power switch 121 and determines whether the information processing device 100 is powered on based on the received state signal. Furthermore, the startup unit 151 may determine that the information processing device 100 is powered on if an input operation is performed on the display operation device 105 within a predetermined period after the information processing device 100 is started up and the startup unit 151 receives an operation signal from the display operation device 105. Furthermore, the startup unit 151 may determine that the information processing device 100 is powered off if an input operation is not performed on the display operation device 105 within a predetermined period after the information processing device 100 is started up and the startup unit 151 does not receive an operation signal from the display operation device 105.

[0064] The user can set the information processing device 100 to an operating state by opening the mounting stand 103, placing a medium on the mounting stand 103, inserting a communication cable into the communication connector, or operating the power switch 121 or the display operation device 105. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0065] If the device state is the operating state, the startup unit 151 initializes the third storage device 140 by outputting an initialization signal to the third storage device 140 (step S102). The startup unit 151 also reads a program from the third storage device 140 and loads it into the first storage device 127. Thereafter, the processing circuit 150 operates in accordance with the program loaded into the first storage device 127. Next, the control unit 152 proceeds to step S105.

[0066] On the other hand, if the device state is not in the operating state, the startup unit 151 initializes the third storage device 140 in the same manner as in step S102 (step S103). The startup unit 151 also reads the program from the third storage device 140 and loads it into the first storage device 127. Thereafter, the processing circuit 150 operates in accordance with the program loaded into the first storage device 127.

[0067] Next, the control unit 152 and the monitoring circuit 126 execute a pause process (step S104).

[0068] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the pause process.

[0069] First, the control unit 152 outputs a sleep signal to the third storage device 140 to put the third storage device 140 to sleep (step S201).

[0070] Next, the control unit 152 controls the switch 162 to stop the supply of power to the specific device (step S202). The specific device is a device that has been preset as a device to which power supply is to be stopped when the device state is not in an operating state. For example, the specific device includes the imaging device 116, the driving device 123, the first communication device 124, the first storage device 127, the second storage device 130, and the processing circuit 150. The specific device may further include at least some of the display / operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the power switch 121, the open / close sensor 122, and the second communication device 125. By stopping the supply of power to the specific device, the control unit 152 can reduce the power consumption of the information processing device 100.

[0071] The first communication device 124 and / or the second communication device 125 do not need to be included in the specified device. The information processing device 100 can be started up in response to a request from an external device using a WoWLAN (Wake on Wireless LAN) function by continuing the supply of power to the first communication device 124. The information processing device 100 can be started up in response to a request from an external device using a WoL (Wake on LAN) function by continuing the supply of power to the second communication device 125.

[0072] Furthermore, the processing circuit 150 does not have to be included in the specified device. By continuously supplying power to the processing circuit 150, the information processing device 100 can omit the monitoring circuit 126, and can reduce the power consumption of the information processing device 100 while suppressing increases in device cost and device weight. Furthermore, by continuously supplying power to the processing circuit 150, the information processing device 100 can reduce the time it takes to transition from a stopped state to an operating state.

[0073] Next, the monitoring circuit 126 waits until it receives an operation instruction from the user requesting that the information processing device 100 be operated (step S203).

[0074] The operation instruction is, for example, to open the mounting table 103, which is a cover of the information processing device 100. The monitoring circuit 126 receives an open / close signal from the open / close sensor 122, and determines whether the mounting table 103 is open or closed based on the received open / close signal.

[0075] The operation instruction may be to place a medium on the mounting table 103. The monitoring circuit 126 receives a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, and determines whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the received medium signal.

[0076] The operation instruction may be to insert a communication cable into the communication connector of the second communication device 125. The monitoring circuit 126 receives an insertion signal from the second communication device 125, and determines whether or not a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector of the second communication device 125 based on the received insertion signal.

[0077] The operation instruction may be to turn on the power state of the information processing device 100. The monitoring circuit 126 receives a status signal from the power switch 121 and determines whether the power state is on or not based on the received status signal. The monitoring circuit 126 may determine that the power state is on when an input operation is performed on the display operation device 105 and an operation signal is received.

[0078] When an operation instruction is received from the user, the monitoring circuit 126 controls the switch 162 so as to resume the supply of power to the specific device to which the power supply was stopped in step S105 (step S204).

[0079] Next, the control unit 152 outputs an awake signal to the first storage device 127 to wake up the third storage device 140 (step S205), and ends the hibernation process. The control unit 152 wakes up the third storage device 140 without initializing the third storage device 140.

[0080] In this way, when the device state is not in the operating state, the control unit 152 initializes the third storage device 140 and then puts it to sleep, and when the device state changes to the operating state, it wakes up the third storage device 140 from sleep mode without initializing it. For example, when the third storage device 140 is an eMMC, power consumption during sleep mode is significantly lower than power consumption during operation, and the time required to wake up the third storage device 140 from sleep mode is significantly shorter than the time required for initialization. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can reduce power consumption when the device state is not in the operating state, and can quickly make the third storage device 140 available when the device state changes to the operating state. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can transition from the stopped state to the operating state in a short time while reducing power consumption.

[0081] In the pause process, the processes of steps S202 and S204 may be omitted.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 6, next, the control unit 152 determines whether or not a stop instruction requesting that the information processing device 100 be stopped has been received from the user (step S105).

[0083] The stop instruction is, for example, to close the mounting table 103, which is a cover of the information processing device 100. The control unit 152 receives an open / close signal from the open / close sensor 122, and determines whether the mounting table 103 is open or closed based on the received open / close signal.

[0084] The stop instruction may be to unplug the communication cable from the communication connector of the second communication device 125. The control unit 152 receives an insertion signal from the second communication device 125, and determines whether or not a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector of the second communication device 125 based on the received insertion signal.

[0085] The stop instruction may be to turn off the power state of the information processing device 100. The control unit 152 receives a status signal from the power switch 121, and determines whether the power state of the information processing device 100 is on or not based on the received status signal. The control unit 152 may determine that the power state of the information processing device 100 has been turned off when no input operation is performed on the display / operation device 105 and no operation signal is received from the display / operation device 105 for a predetermined consecutive time or more.

[0086] If a stop instruction is received from the user, the control unit 152 executes a pause process (step S106), similar to the process of step S104. In this case, if the mounting base 103 is already open in step S203, the monitoring circuit 126 may determine that an operation instruction has been received from the user when the mounting base 103 is closed and then reopened. If a communication cable has already been inserted into the communication connector of the second communication device 125, the monitoring circuit 126 may determine that an operation instruction has been received from the user when the communication cable is removed from the communication connector of the second communication device 125 and then reinserted. That is, the control unit 152 may determine that an operation instruction has been received from the user when the device state based on the communication connector of the mounting base 103 or the second communication device 125 changes from an inactive state to an active state and then returns to an active state. Next, the control unit 152 proceeds to step S105 and repeats the processes from step S105 onward.

[0087] In this way, if the device state is in the operating state when the supplying device 161 starts supplying power to the third storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150, and if no user operation is received within a predetermined time after initializing the third storage device 140, the control unit 152 puts the third storage device 140 into sleep mode. The control unit 152 subsequently wakes up the third storage device 140 from sleep mode without initializing it when a user operation is received, or when the device state changes from a non-operating state to an operating state and then returns to an operating state. This allows the information processing device 100 to reduce power consumption if there is no user operation for a certain period of time, and quickly return the third storage device 140 to a usable state when the device state changes to the operating state. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can transition from the stopped state to the operating state in a short time while reducing power consumption.

[0088] On the other hand, if a stop instruction has not been received from the user, the control unit 152 determines whether a medium reading instruction has been received from the user (step S107). The control unit 152 receives a medium reading instruction when the user inputs a medium reading instruction using the display operation device 105 or a communication device and receives an operation signal instructing medium reading from the display operation device 105, the first communication device 124, or the second communication device 125. If a medium reading instruction has not been received, the control unit 152 returns the process to step S105 and repeats the processes from step S105 onwards.

[0089] On the other hand, if a medium reading instruction has been received, the control unit 152 executes a medium reading process (step S108). Next, the control unit 152 returns the process to step S105, and repeats the processes from step S105 onwards.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process.

[0091] First, control unit 152 acquires a medium signal from medium sensor 111 and determines, based on the acquired medium signal, whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 (step S301). If no medium is placed on mounting table 103, control unit 152 ends the medium reading process.

[0092] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 152 controls the drive unit 123 to rotate the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 117 and / or the second discharge roller 118 to convey the medium (step S302).

[0093] Next, the control unit 152 causes the imaging device 116 to capture an image of the medium, acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to another communication device via the first communication device 124 or the second communication device 125 (step S303).

[0094] Next, control unit 152 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 111 (step S304). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 152 returns the process to step S303 and repeats the processes of steps S303 and S304.

[0095] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 152 controls the drive device 123 to stop the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 (step S305). With the above, the control unit 152 ends the medium reading process.

[0096] As described above in detail, if the information processing device 100 is not in an active state when power supply to the device starts, the information processing device 100 initializes the third storage device 140 and then puts it into sleep mode. Then, when the device state changes to an active state, the information processing device 100 wakes up the third storage device 140 from sleep mode without initializing the third storage device 140. This allows the information processing device 100 to transition from a stopped state to an active state in a short time while reducing power consumption. Therefore, the information processing device 100 is able to appropriately control the third storage device 140, which is a non-volatile memory.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a power supply mechanism of an information processing device according to another embodiment.

[0098] The information processing device 200 according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the information processing device 100. However, the information processing device 200 has a supplier 261 and a switch 262 instead of the supplier 161 and the switch 162.

[0099] The supplier 261 has the same configuration and function as the supplier 161. However, the supplier 261 also supplies the power supplied from the external power supply P to the third storage device 140 via the switch 262. In addition, the supplier 261 supplies the power supplied from the external power supply P directly only to the monitoring circuit 126 without going through the switch 162.

[0100] The switch 262 has the same configuration and function as the switch 162. However, the switch 262 switches whether or not to supply the power supplied from the external power source P to the supplier 161 to the third storage device 140. The switch 162 switches whether or not to supply power in accordance with control from the monitoring circuit 126 or the processing circuit 150. The switch 262 supplies power to the third storage device 140 immediately after the information processing device 100 is started up. The switch 262 does not have to supply power to the third storage device 140 immediately after the information processing device 100 is started up.

[0101] This allows the information processing device 100 to switch whether or not to supply power to the third storage device 140 depending on the situation.

[0102] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the pause process.

[0103] The pause process shown in Fig. 10 is executed in place of the pause process shown in Fig. 7. The processes of steps S405 to S407 in Fig. 10 are similar to the processes of steps S202 to S204 in Fig. 7, so their explanation will be omitted, and only the processes of steps S401 to S404 and S408 to S411 will be explained below. The information processing device 200 has a normal mode and a low power consumption mode as operation modes. The operation mode is set by the user using the display / operation device 105 or another communication device, and is stored in advance in the second storage device 130.

[0104] First, the control unit 152 determines whether the operation mode is set to the normal mode or the low power consumption mode (step S401).

[0105] If the operation mode is set to the normal mode, the control unit 152 puts the third storage device 140 to sleep (step S402), in the same manner as in the process of step S201 in FIG.

[0106] Next, the control unit 152 controls the switch 162 to supply power to the third storage device 140 (step S403).

[0107] On the other hand, if the operation mode is set to the low power consumption mode in step S401, the control unit 152 controls the switch 162 to stop the supply of power to the third storage device 140 (step S404).

[0108] In this way, when the device state is not in an operating state, the control unit 152 continues to supply power to the third storage device 140 when operating in the normal mode, and stops supplying power to the third storage device 140 when operating in the low power consumption mode. This allows the information processing device 100 to prioritize between reducing power consumption and reducing the transition time from the stopped state to the operating state depending on the operating mode, thereby improving user convenience.

[0109] In step S408, the control unit 152 determines whether the operation mode is set to the normal mode or the low power consumption mode (step S408).

[0110] If the operation mode is set to the normal mode, the control unit 152 causes the third storage device 140 to wake up from sleep mode (step S409), in the same manner as in the process of step S205 in FIG. 7, and ends the hibernation process.

[0111] On the other hand, if the operation mode is set to the low power consumption mode, the control unit 152 controls the switch 162 to resume the supply of power to the third storage device 140 (step S410).

[0112] Next, the control unit 152 initializes the third storage device 140 (step S411) in the same manner as in the process of step S102 in FIG. 6, and ends the pause process.

[0113] As described above in detail, the information processing device 200 is now able to appropriately control the third storage device 140, which is a nonvolatile memory, even when the information processing device 200 has a normal mode and a low power consumption mode.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit in an information processing device according to another embodiment.

[0115] The processing circuit 350 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 and executes the overall processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 350 includes a startup circuit 351, a control circuit 352, and the like. Note that these may each be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0116] The startup circuit 351 is an example of a startup unit, and has the same function as the startup unit 151. The startup circuit 351 receives an operation signal from the display operation device 105, a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, a status signal from the power switch 121, an open / close signal from the open / close sensor 122, and an insertion signal from the second communication device 125. The startup circuit 351 controls the third storage device 140 based on the received signals.

[0117] The control circuit 352 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 152. The control circuit 352 receives an operation signal from the display operation device 105, a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, a status signal from the power switch 121, an open / close signal from the open / close sensor 122, and an insertion signal from the second communication device 125. The control circuit 352 controls the third storage device 140 and the switch 162 or 262 based on the received signals. The control circuit 352 also controls the drive device 123 based on the operation signal and the medium signal, and acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 and outputs it to the first communication device 124 or the second communication device 125.

[0118] As described above in detail, even when the information processing device uses the processing circuit 350, it is possible to appropriately control the third storage device 140, which is a nonvolatile memory.

[0119] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the medium transport path of the information processing device may have a so-called U-turn path mechanism, which feeds and transports media placed on a loading tray from the top to the bottom, and then discharges the media onto a discharge tray. In this case, the separation roller is disposed below the feed roller, facing the feed roller.

[0120] Furthermore, the information processing device may have an image forming device instead of or in addition to the imaging device 116. The image forming device is a printer such as an inkjet type or a laser type, and is placed at a position corresponding to the position where the imaging device 116 is placed, and forms an image (prints predetermined information) on a medium being transported. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 100, 200 information processing device, 103 mounting table, 140 third storage device, 150 processing circuit, 161 supplier, 162, 262 switch

Claims

1. a non-volatile memory that operates upon initialization, has a sleep function, and stores a program; a processing unit that executes processing; a power supply unit that supplies power from an external power source to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, The processing unit If the device state is in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying the power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, initializing the nonvolatile memory; If the device state is not the operating state when the supply unit starts supplying the power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, the nonvolatile memory is put to sleep after being initialized, and when the device state changes to the operating state, the nonvolatile memory is released from sleep mode without being initialized.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. the information processing device is a medium conveying device, 2. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the operating state is a state in which the cover of the media transport device is open, a state in which a medium is placed on a mounting table of the media transport device, a state in which a communication cable is inserted into a communication connector of the media transport device, or a state in which the power state of the media transport device is on.

3. a switching unit that switches whether or not the power supplied to the supply unit is to be supplied to the processing unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the supply unit supplies the supplied power to the nonvolatile memory without passing through the switching unit.

4. the information processing device has a normal mode and a low power consumption mode, 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit continues to supply power to the nonvolatile memory when operating in the normal mode and stops supplying power to the nonvolatile memory when operating in the low power consumption mode when the device state is not the operating state.

5. The processing unit when the device state is the operating state when the supply unit starts supplying the power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, and after initializing the nonvolatile memory, if no operation is received from a user within a predetermined time, the nonvolatile memory is put into sleep mode; 3. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the non-volatile memory is subsequently released from sleep mode without being initialized when an operation from a user is received, or when the device state changes to a non-operating state and then returns to the operating state.

6. The power supply unit operates by initializing the power supply, has a sleep function, and supplies power supplied from an external power source to a nonvolatile memory in which a program is stored and a processing unit that executes processing; If the device state is in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying the power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, initializing the nonvolatile memory; If the device state is not the operating state when the supply unit starts supplying the power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, the nonvolatile memory is put to sleep after being initialized, and when the device state changes to the operating state, the nonvolatile memory is released from sleep mode without being initialized. An information processing method comprising:

7. A control program for an information processing device that operates by being initialized, has a sleep function, and has a nonvolatile memory that stores a program, a processing unit that executes processing, and a supply unit that supplies power supplied from an external power source to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, If the device state is in an operating state when the supply unit starts supplying the power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, initializing the nonvolatile memory; If the device state is not the operating state when the supply unit starts supplying the power to the nonvolatile memory and the processing unit, the nonvolatile memory is put to sleep after being initialized, and when the device state changes to the operating state, the nonvolatile memory is released from sleep mode without being initialized. A control program causing the information processing device to execute the above.

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