Image processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program that easily achieve an appropriate connection relationship between a power supply unit and a load.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 10 comprises a variation generation unit 31 and a connection specification unit 32. The variation generation unit 31 varies output power from a power supply unit (main body power supply unit 18) that supplies power to a load (extension device 2). The connection specification unit 32 specifies the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on the correlation relationship between the variation in output power and a variation in power supplied to the load.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] As a related technology, an image processing device (image forming device) equipped with an expansion device (option unit) that can be attached to and detached from a main body is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the image processing device according to the related technology, power is supplied from a power supply unit to multiple loads such as each part of the main body and the expansion device. Here, the image processing device according to the related technology calculates the total power of the system based on the power consumption information transmitted from each expansion device to the main body, and detects whether the total power exceeds a specified value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-80804 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration of the related technology described above, for example, depending on the number or type of loads connected to the power supply unit, the total power may exceed a specified value, and in such a case, some of the loads (extension devices, etc.) require power supply from an additional power supply unit separate from the power supply unit of the main unit. However, since the configuration of the related technology only detects whether the total power exceeds a specified value, there is a possibility that the device may continue to be used even if, for example, the power supply unit of the main unit is mistakenly connected to the extension device instead of the additional power supply unit.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, an image processing method, and a program that can easily realize an appropriate connection relationship between a power supply unit and a load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing device including a fluctuation generating unit and a connection identifying unit, the fluctuation generating unit fluctuates an output power of a power supply unit that supplies power to a load, and the connection identifying unit identifies a connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on a correlation between the fluctuation of the output power and a fluctuation of a supply power supplied to the load.

[0007] An image processing method according to another aspect of the present invention includes varying an output power of a power supply unit that supplies power to a load, and determining a connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on a correlation between the variation in the output power and the variation in the supply power supplied to the load.

[0008] A program relating to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the following operations: fluctuating the output power of a power supply unit that supplies power to a load; and determining a connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on a correlation between the fluctuation in the output power and the fluctuation in the supply power supplied to the load. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing device, an image processing method, and a program that can easily realize an appropriate connection relationship between a power supply unit and a load. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for comparing the operations of the image processing device according to the first embodiment and a comparative example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of an operation example of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation example of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall configuration of image processing device First, the overall configuration of an image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0013] The image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a scanning function for acquiring image data from an original, a printing function for forming an image based on image data, a facsimile function, and a copy function. The image processing device 10 only needs to have an image processing function including at least one of a function for forming an image and a function for acquiring image data, and may be a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copy machine, or the like.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 10 is roughly divided into a main body 1 (main unit) and an extension device 2 (enhancement unit). The main body 1 has an image processing function (at least one of a function of forming an image and a function of acquiring image data). The "extension device" in this disclosure is a device that is removably connected to the main body 1, and is an enhancement that adds various extension functions to the image processing device. The main body 1 and the extension device 2 are used in a state of being electrically and mechanically connected. That is, the image processing device 10 can realize various extension functions desired by the user by combining the main body 1 with the desired extension device 2 while based on the functions of the main body 1. Specific examples of the extension device 2 include devices such as a stapler, a folding machine, an inserter, a booklet folder, and a mail folder. These extension devices 2 perform post-processing such as stapling on sheets on which an image is formed by the main body 1, for example.

[0015] In this embodiment, as an example, the image processing device 10 includes a finisher having a function as a stapler as the extension device 2, and further includes any extension device 2 selected from a folder, an inserter, a booklet folder, a mail folder, etc. In other words, the image processing device 10 is capable of connecting one or more extension devices 2 to one main body 1, and in this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that three extension devices 2 are connected. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between multiple extension devices 2, the extension device 2 consisting of a finisher may be referred to as an "extension device 201," and the other extension devices 2 may be referred to as an "extension device 202," "extension device 203," etc.

[0016] 1, the main body 1 includes an automatic document feeder 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feed unit 14, an operation display unit 15, a main body control unit 16, a power conversion circuit 17, and a main body power supply unit 18. The automatic document feeder 11 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and is therefore written as "ADF" in FIG. 1 and will also be referred to as "ADF 11" in the following description. In this embodiment, the main body 1 includes a housing 101, as shown in FIG. 2. The ADF 11, the image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 13, the paper feed unit 14, the operation display unit 15, the main body control unit 16, the power conversion circuit 17, and the main body power supply unit 18 are provided in the housing 101.

[0017] The ADF 11 transports an original document whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 12. The ADF 11 includes an original document setting unit, a plurality of transport rollers, an original document pressing unit, and a paper ejection unit.

[0018] The image reading unit 12 reads an image from a document and outputs image data corresponding to the read image. The image reading unit 12 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like.

[0019] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method based on image data output from the image reading unit 12. The image forming unit 13 also forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from an information processing device external to the image processing device 10, such as a personal computer. The image forming unit 13 has four image forming units corresponding to four colors, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and the like. The image forming unit 13 may be configured to form an image on a sheet by an image forming method other than the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method, for example.

[0020] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet using toner as a developer. When the image forming unit 13 forms an image by an inkjet method, ink (another example of a developer) is supplied instead of toner. Examples of toner supplied to the image forming unit 13 include toner of multiple colors, such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). After the image is formed in the image forming unit 13, the sheet is discharged (supplied) to the expansion device 2 for post-processing.

[0021] The paper feed unit 14 supplies a sheet to the image forming unit 13. The paper feed unit 14 has a paper feed cassette, a manual feed tray, a sheet transport path, a plurality of transport rollers, etc. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the paper feed unit 14. The sheet supplied to the image forming unit 13 is paper as an example, but is not limited to paper and may be, for example, a resin film, etc.

[0022] The operation display unit 15 is a user interface in the image processing device 10. The operation display unit 15 has a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information in response to control instructions from the main body control unit 16, and an operation unit such as a switch or a touch panel that inputs various information to the main body control unit 16 in response to user operations. Furthermore, the image processing device 10 may include, for example, an audio output unit and an audio input unit, in addition to or instead of the operation display unit 15, as a user interface.

[0023] The main body control unit 16 controls the image processing device 10 in an integrated manner. The main body control unit 16 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In the image processing device 10, the functions of the main body control unit 16 are realized by the one or more processors executing a program. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer system such as a memory card or an optical disk. The one or more processors are composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit. Furthermore, the computer system referred to in this disclosure includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. The main body control unit 16 may be a control unit provided separately from a main control unit that controls the image processing device 10 in an integrated manner.

[0024] The power conversion circuit 17 converts the voltage output from the main body power supply unit 18 into a voltage suitable for each unit of the main body 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the power conversion circuit 17 includes a DC / DC converter that converts the 24V DC voltage output from the main body power supply unit 18 into a desired voltage such as 3.3V DC or 5V DC. For example, the power conversion circuit 17 outputs a 3.3V DC voltage required for the operation of the main body control unit 16 to the main body control unit 16. The power conversion circuit 17 has a capacitive element such as an electrolytic capacitor at least on the primary side (input side).

[0025] The main body power supply unit 18 is a power supply circuit that generates (outputs) power for the operation of the image processing device 10. Each part of the main body 1 and each of the multiple extension devices 2 become "loads" for the main body power supply unit 18, and the main body power supply unit 18 supplies power to these loads.

[0026] In the present embodiment, as an example, the main power supply unit 18 is electrically connected to an AC plug 181 (see FIG. 3) and includes an AC / DC converter that converts an AC voltage of 100V (or 200V) applied to the AC plug 181 into a DC voltage of 24V. In other words, when the AC plug 181 is connected to an outlet (outlet), AC power is applied to the main power supply unit 18 from an AC power source such as a system power source, and the main power supply unit 18 generates DC power from this AC power. In the present embodiment, the main power supply unit 18 is, for example, a switching type power supply circuit, and its operation can be controlled from outside by a remote signal described later. The main power supply unit 18 generates and outputs DC power by performing a switching operation while the remote signal is an "on signal", and stops the generation (output) of DC power by stopping the switching operation while the remote signal is an "off signal".

[0027] The image processing device 10 further includes a storage unit and a communication unit, etc. The storage unit includes one or more non-volatile memories, and stores information such as control programs for causing the main body control unit 16 to execute various processes in advance. The communication unit is an interface that executes data communication between the image processing device 10 and an external device connected via a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0028] In this embodiment, among the multiple (three in this embodiment) extension devices 201 to 203, the extension device 201 as a finisher is directly connected to the main body 1, and the other extension devices 202 and 203 are indirectly connected to the main body 1 by being connected to the extension device 201. In other words, when the main body 1 is regarded as a "parent", the extension device 201 can be regarded as a "child", and the extension devices 202 and 203 can be regarded as "grandchild". As a result, by combining the extension device 201 (child enhancement) with any device such as a folder or an inserter as the extension devices 202 and 203 (grandchild enhancement), any function can be added to the finisher. However, these multiple extension devices 2 basically adopt a common configuration as far as the following description is concerned. Therefore, in the following, the configuration of the extension device 2 will be described using the extension device 201 as an example, but unless otherwise specified, the other extension devices 202 and 203 also have the same configuration.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the extension device 2 includes an extended function section 21, an extended control section 22, and a power conversion circuit 23. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the extension device 2 includes a housing 102. The extended function section 21, the extended control section 22, and the power conversion circuit 23 are provided in the housing 102. Here, the housing 102 may be configured so that a plurality of extension devices 2 are integrated in one housing 102, or may be configured so that each extension device 2 can be divided (separated).

[0030] The expansion function unit 21 realizes a function added to the main body 1 as the expansion device 2. That is, if the expansion device 2 is a stapler, the expansion function unit 21 executes a staple process, and if the expansion device 2 is a folder, the expansion function unit 21 executes a sheet folding process.

[0031] The extension control unit 22 performs overall control of the extension device 2. The extension control unit 22 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In the image processing device 10, the one or more processors execute a program to realize the function of the extension control unit 22. The extension control unit 22 may be a control unit provided separately from a main control unit that performs overall control of the extension device 2. The extension control unit 22 can exchange data (signals) with the main body control unit 16 of the main body 1, for example, by communication such as serial communication. Furthermore, data (signals) can be exchanged between multiple extension devices 201 to 203 by communication between the extension control units 22.

[0032] The power conversion circuit 23 converts the voltage output from the main power supply unit 18 or the expansion power supply unit 19 described below into a voltage suitable for each unit of the expansion device 2. In this embodiment, as an example, the power conversion circuit 23 includes a DC / DC converter that converts a voltage of 24 VDC output from the main power supply unit 18 or the expansion power supply unit 19 into a desired voltage such as 3.3 VDC or 5 VDC. For example, the power conversion circuit 23 outputs a voltage of 3.3 VDC required for the operation of the expansion control unit 22 to the expansion control unit 22. The power conversion circuit 23 has a capacitive element such as an electrolytic capacitor at least on the primary side (input side).

[0033] Moreover, in this embodiment, the extension device 2 includes an additional power supply unit 19. However, among the multiple extension devices 201 to 203, only the extension device 201 includes the additional power supply unit 19, and the other extension devices 202 and 203 do not include the additional power supply unit 19.

[0034] The additional power supply unit 19 is a power supply circuit that generates (outputs) power for the operation of the image processing device 10. The additional power supply unit 19 is a power supply unit that is added to the image processing device 10 when the power for the entire operation of the image processing device 10 in a state where the main body 1 is combined with the extension device 2 cannot be provided by the main body power supply unit 18 of the main body 1 alone. Therefore, the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment has two power supply units, the main body power supply unit 18 provided in the main body 1 and the additional power supply unit 19 provided in the extension device 201, as a "power supply unit" that supplies power to the load. However, since the power for the operation of each unit of the main body 1 can be provided by the main body power supply unit 18, unlike the main body power supply unit 18, each of the multiple extension devices 2 mainly becomes a "load" for the additional power supply unit 19, and the additional power supply unit 19 supplies power to these loads.

[0035] In this embodiment, as an example, the additional power supply unit 19 is electrically connected to an AC plug 191 (see FIG. 3), and includes an AC / DC converter that converts an AC voltage of 100V (or 200V) applied to the AC plug 191 into a DC voltage of 24V. In other words, when the AC plug 191 is connected to an outlet, AC power is applied to the additional power supply unit 19 from an AC power source such as a system power source, and the additional power supply unit 19 generates DC power from this AC power. In this embodiment, the additional power supply unit 19 is, for example, a switching type power supply circuit, similar to the main power supply unit 18, and its operation can be controlled from outside by a remote signal described later.

[0036] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the connections between the main body 1 and the multiple extension devices 201-203, particularly the connections of the power supply paths that form a high-voltage system. In FIG. 3, the ADF 11, image reading unit 12, image forming unit 13, paper feed unit 14, operation display unit 15, and each functional unit (such as fluctuation generating unit 31) included in the main body control unit 16, and each functional unit (such as detection unit 36) included in the extension control unit 22 are not shown.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 1 includes a power output terminal 41 electrically connected to the main body power supply unit 18. The power output terminal 41 receives the power (24V DC) generated by the main body power supply unit 18. The extension device 2 includes a power input terminal 42 electrically connected to the power conversion circuit 23. The power input to the power input terminal 42 is applied to the power conversion circuit 23. The extension device 201 also includes a power output terminal 44 electrically connected to the additional power supply unit 19. The power output terminal 44 receives the power (24V DC) generated by the additional power supply unit 19. The extension device 201 also includes a power sending terminal 43 electrically connected to the power input terminal 42. The power sending terminal 43 receives the power (24V DC) input to the power input terminal 42.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the power input terminal 42 of the extension device 201 is connected to the power output terminal 41 of the main body 1, and is thereby connected to the main body power supply unit 18 of the main body 1. The power input terminal 42 of the extension device 202 is connected to the power sending terminal 43 of the extension device 201, and is thereby connected to the main body power supply unit 18 of the main body 1 via the extension device 201. The power input terminal 42 of the extension device 203 is connected to the power output terminal 44 of the extension device 201, and is thereby connected to the additional power supply unit 19 of the extension device 201. Each terminal is electrically connected, for example, by a cable (harness). Here, the connection work between each terminal is performed by a user (including a construction worker such as a serviceman) while looking at the instruction manual. That is, for example, the user connects the power input terminal 42 of the extension device 202 to the power sending terminal 43, and the power input terminal 42 of the extension device 203 to the power output terminal 44. In this way, the user performs the connection work so that the power supply unit and the load (including the extension device 2) are in an appropriate connection relationship according to the configuration (combination) of the extension device 2 connected to the main body 1.

[0039] Incidentally, as a related technique to this type of image processing device 10, an image processing device (image forming device) equipped with an expansion device (option unit) that is detachable from the main body is known. In the image processing device according to the related technique, power is supplied from a power supply unit to a plurality of loads, such as each part of the main body and the expansion device. Here, the image processing device according to the related technique calculates the total power of the system based on the power consumption information transmitted from each expansion device to the main body, and detects whether the total power exceeds a specified value.

[0040] In the configuration of the related technology described above, for example, depending on the number or type of loads connected to the power supply unit, the total power may exceed a specified value, and in such a case, some of the loads (extension devices, etc.) require power supply from an additional power supply unit separate from the power supply unit of the main unit. However, since the configuration of the related technology only detects whether the total power exceeds a specified value, there is a possibility that the device may continue to be used even if, for example, the power supply unit of the main unit is mistakenly connected to the extension device instead of the additional power supply unit.

[0041] In contrast, in this embodiment, an image processing device 10 is realized that can easily achieve an appropriate connection relationship between a power supply unit and a load, by using the configuration described below.

[0042] That is, the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes a fluctuation generating unit 31 and a connection identifying unit 32, as shown in Fig. 1. The fluctuation generating unit 31 fluctuates the output power of a power supply unit that supplies power to a load. The connection identifying unit 32 identifies the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on the correlation between the fluctuation in the output power and the fluctuation in the power supplied to the load. In this embodiment, as an example, the fluctuation generating unit 31 and the connection identifying unit 32 are provided in the main body control unit 16 as one function of the main body control unit 16.

[0043] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment can specify the connection relationship between the power supply unit (which may include the main body power supply unit 18 and the additional power supply unit 19, etc.) and the load (which may include each part of the main body 1 and each expansion device 2, etc.). In other words, when a certain power supply unit is connected to a certain load, the fluctuation occurring in the output power of the power supply unit and the fluctuation occurring in the power supplied to the load are correlated, so that the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load can be specified based on the correlation between the two. Moreover, since the connection specification unit 32 uses the fluctuation in the output power from the power supply unit to the load to specify the connection relationship, it is not necessary to add a terminal for connection detection to specify the connection relationship, and the connection relationship can be specified with a simple configuration. Then, from the specified connection relationship, it is possible to judge, for example, whether the connection work between the power supply unit and the load (including the expansion device 2) performed by the user is appropriate. Thus, according to the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment, there is an advantage that it is easy to realize an appropriate connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load.

[0044] [2] Configuration for identifying connection relationships Next, with reference to FIG. 1, a configuration for specifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load will be described in more detail.

[0045] The image processing device 10 according to this embodiment has a variation generating unit 31, a connection identifying unit 32, a device identifying unit 33, a determination unit 34, and an output unit 35 in the main body control unit 16. That is, the image processing device 10 has the device identifying unit 33, the determination unit 34, and the output unit 35 as functions of the main body control unit 16, in addition to the variation generating unit 31 and the connection identifying unit 32. Furthermore, the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment has a detection unit 36 ​​in the extension control unit 22. That is, the image processing device 10 has the detection unit 36 ​​as a function of the extension control unit 22 of the extension device 2.

[0046] The detection unit 36 ​​detects the power supplied to the extension device 2, that is, at least one of the voltage and current supplied to the extension device 2. In this embodiment, the detection unit 36 ​​detects the voltage of the power input terminal 42 in each extension device 2. Specifically, the extension device 2 divides the voltage of the power input terminal 42, for example, by 1 / 8, and inputs the divided voltage to an analog input of the extension control unit 22 (microcontroller). This enables the detection unit 36, which is one function of the extension control unit 22, to monitor the voltage of the power input terminal 42.

[0047] The fluctuation generating unit 31 fluctuates the output power of the power supply unit (the main power supply unit 18 and the additional power supply unit 19), that is, at least one of the voltage and current output by the power supply unit. In this embodiment, the fluctuation generating unit 31 fluctuates the DC 24V voltage output by the power supply unit (the main power supply unit 18 or the additional power supply unit 19), thereby fluctuating the output power. Specifically, the fluctuation generating unit 31 transmits a remote signal to the main power supply unit 18 or the additional power supply unit 19, and fluctuates the output voltage by controlling the main power supply unit 18 or the additional power supply unit 19 with the remote signal.

[0048] In addition, in this embodiment, the fluctuation generating unit 31 fluctuates the output power by stopping the output of the power supply unit. Specifically, the fluctuation generating unit 31 stops the output of the power supply unit by making the remote signal sent to the power supply unit (main power supply unit 18 or additional power supply unit 19) an "off signal" and stopping the switching operation of the power supply unit. Here, the fluctuation generating unit 31 stops the output of the power supply unit temporarily, and the fluctuation generating unit 31 stops the output of the power supply unit for at least a short period of time that allows the expansion control unit 22 of the expansion device 2 to continue operating. However, the fluctuation of the output power by the fluctuation generating unit 31 is not limited to a method of stopping the output of the power supply unit, and can be realized by various methods of fluctuating the magnitude of at least one of the voltage and current output by the power supply unit. For example, the fluctuation generating unit 31 may fluctuate the output power of the power supply unit by temporarily decreasing (or increasing) the voltage output by the power supply unit, or may fluctuate the output power of the power supply unit by temporarily decreasing (or increasing) the current output by the power supply unit.

[0049] In this embodiment, the image processing device 10 includes at least two power supply units, a main power supply unit 18 provided in the main body 1 and an additional power supply unit 19 provided in the extension device 201, as "power supply units" that supply power to the load. That is, a plurality of power supply units are provided. In this case where there are a plurality of power supply units, it is preferable that the fluctuation generating unit 31 generates fluctuations in the output power only for some of the plurality of power supply units. That is, if the same fluctuation occurs in the output power simultaneously for all of the plurality of power supply units, the load (extension device 2) cannot distinguish which power supply unit is causing the fluctuation, so it is preferable to generate fluctuations in the output power for the plurality of power supply units individually. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the fluctuation generating unit 31 generates fluctuations in the output power only for the main power supply unit 18 out of the main power supply unit 18 and the additional power supply unit 19.

[0050] When a fluctuation that is correlated with a fluctuation in the output power of the power supply unit (main power supply unit 18) appears in the supply power on the load (extension device 2) side, the connection identification unit 32 identifies that the load is connected to the main power supply unit 18. In other words, when a certain power supply unit and a certain load are connected, there is a correlation between the fluctuation that occurs in the output power of the power supply unit and the fluctuation that occurs in the supply power of the load, and the connection identification unit 32 identifies the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on the correlation between the two. Specifically, the connection identification unit 32 checks the correlation between the way in which the output power and the supply power fluctuate, that is, the timing of the fluctuation, the number of times the fluctuation occurs, the fluctuation width (including the amount of change and the amplitude), the length of time during which the fluctuation occurs, or the fluctuation waveform, or a combination of these.

[0051] Here, in this embodiment, the power supply unit includes a main body power supply unit 18 provided in the main body 1 having an image processing function. The load includes an extension device 2 detachably and electrically connected to the main body 1. That is, the main body power supply unit 18 as a power supply unit supplies power to the extension device 2 as a load. Therefore, the connection identification unit 32 can identify at least the connection relationship between the main body power supply unit 18 and the extension device 2. However, when there are at least a plurality of power supply units and loads, the connection identification unit 32 is not limited to a configuration in which it identifies the connection relationship for all of these multiple power supply units or loads. For example, as in this embodiment, when the power supply unit includes two power supply units, the main body power supply unit 18 and the additional power supply unit 19, the connection identification unit 32 may identify only the connection relationship between the main body power supply unit 18, which is one of the power supply units, and the load. Also, as in this embodiment, when the load includes multiple loads, each unit of the main body 1 and each extension device 2, the connection identification unit 32 may identify only the connection relationship between each extension device 2, which is a part of the load, and the power supply unit.

[0052] More specifically, in this embodiment, during a test period in which the output of the main power supply unit 18 is stopped by the fluctuation generating unit 31, the detection unit 36 ​​compares the voltage of the power supply input terminal 42 of each extension device 2 with the judgment threshold. Then, when the voltage of the power supply input terminal 42 becomes equal to or lower than the judgment threshold during the test period, the connection identification unit 32 determines that a fluctuation correlated with the fluctuation of the output power of the main power supply unit 18 has appeared in the power supply of the extension device 2, and identifies the connection destination of the extension device 2 as the main power supply unit 18. As an example, the judgment threshold is 1 / 3 of the normal state (24V), that is, 8V. Here, in this embodiment, the voltage of the power supply input terminal 42 is divided into 1 / 8 and input to the extension control unit 22 (microcontroller) as described above, so that the detection unit 36 ​​compares the divided voltage with the threshold value of 1V to compare with the judgment threshold.

[0053] Here, as shown in Fig. 4, the fluctuation generating unit 31 stops the output of the power supply unit (main body power supply unit 18) only for a short period of time that allows at least the extension control unit 22 of the extension device 2 to continue operating. In Fig. 4, the upper part shows the operation of this embodiment, and the lower part shows the operation of the comparative example. In the comparative example, the time (t1 to t3) during which the fluctuation generating unit 31 stops the output of the power supply unit is longer than the time (t1 to t2) during which the fluctuation generating unit 31 stops the output of the power supply unit in this embodiment.

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the voltage V1 of the power input terminal 42 becomes equal to or lower than the judgment threshold (8V), the voltage V2 after voltage division becomes equal to or lower than the threshold (1V) during the test period (t1 to t2), so that the connection identification unit 32 identifies the connection destination of the extension device 2 as the main power supply unit 18. At this time, the voltage V1 of the power input terminal 42 gradually decreases due to the influence of the capacitive element on the primary side of the power conversion circuit 23, and starts to rise before it falls below 3.3V. Therefore, the power conversion circuit 23 can maintain the output of a voltage of 3.3V DC required for the operation of the extension control unit 22, and as a result, the operation of the extension control unit 22 can be maintained. On the other hand, in the comparative example, after the voltage V1 of the power input terminal 42 becomes equal to or lower than the judgment threshold (8V), it further falls below 3.3V during the test period (t1 to t3). Therefore, the power conversion circuit 23 cannot maintain the output of a voltage of 3.3V DC required for the operation of the extension control unit 22, and as a result, the operation of the extension control unit 22 cannot be maintained.

[0055] In short, in this embodiment, the load (extension device 2) is provided with a detection unit 36 ​​that detects the supply power. The fluctuation generating unit 31 fluctuates the output power at least within a range in which the detection unit 36 ​​can continue to operate. Therefore, it is possible to generate fluctuations for identifying the connection relationship while ensuring the operation of detecting the supply power in the detection unit 36. In this embodiment, the "continuable range" refers to a time range, that is, a range of the length of time for which the output of the power supply unit is stopped, but is not limited to this example and may be, for example, a range of the fluctuation range of the output power of the power supply unit, or a combination of a time range and a fluctuation range.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of power supply units are provided. Therefore, the connection identification unit 32 identifies at least which of the plurality of power supply units is connected to the load. That is, in a case where a fluctuation correlated with the fluctuation of the output power of the main power supply unit 18 appears in the supply power of a certain load (for example, the extension device 201), the connection identification unit 32 identifies that the load is connected to the main power supply unit 18. On the other hand, in a case where a fluctuation correlated with the fluctuation of the output power of the main power supply unit 18 does not appear in the supply power of another load (for example, the extension device 203), the connection identification unit 32 identifies that the load is not connected to the main power supply unit 18 but is connected to the additional power supply unit 19. In this way, the connection identification unit 32 can distinguish between a plurality of power supply units (the main power supply unit 18 and the additional power supply unit 19) and identify the connection relationship with the load.

[0057] The device identification unit 33 identifies the extension device 2 electrically connected to the main body 1. Specifically, the device identification unit 33 identifies the extension device 2 using communication between the main body control unit 16 and the extension control unit 22. As an example, the main body control unit 16 acquires identification information such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address from the extension device 2 through communication with the extension control unit 22, thereby making it possible to identify which extension device 2 is connected. This makes it possible to identify the extension device 2 actually connected to the main body 1 from among various extension devices 2. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine whether the extension device 2 is correctly connected.

[0058] Particularly, in this embodiment, a plurality of extension devices 2 can be connected to the main body 1. Therefore, the device identifying unit 33 identifies a combination of a plurality of extension devices 2. As an example, when a plurality of extension devices 201 to 203 are connected to the main body 1, the device identifying unit 33 can identify the combination of these plurality of extension devices 201 to 203. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine whether the plurality of extension devices 2 are correctly connected.

[0059] The determination unit 34 determines whether the connection relationship of the extension device 2 to the power supply unit is correct or not based on the connection relationship specified by the connection determination unit 32 and the extension device 2 specified by the device determination unit 33. In other words, some of the extension devices 2 should be connected to the additional power supply unit 19 rather than the main power supply unit 18 due to power consumption or the like depending on the type of the extension device 2. Therefore, the determination unit 34 determines that the connection relationship is correct when each extension device 2 is connected to the power supply unit (main power supply unit 18 or additional power supply unit 19) to which it should be connected. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the extension device 202 should be connected to the main power supply unit 18, and the extension device 203 should be connected to the additional power supply unit 19. By identifying the extension device 2, the connection relationship with the power supply unit appropriate for the extension device 2 is identified, and if the connection relationship specified by the connection determination unit 32 matches the appropriate connection relationship, the determination unit 34 determines that the connection relationship is correct.

[0060] Particularly, in this embodiment, the device identification unit 33 also identifies the combination of a plurality of extension devices 2. Therefore, it is possible to estimate (calculate) the total power consumption (total current) of the entire image processing device 10 including the plurality of extension devices 2. Then, in light of the estimated total power consumption, the determination unit 34 can determine whether the main power supply unit 18 alone can cover the power consumption or whether the additional power supply unit 19 is necessary. Then, the determination unit 34 can determine whether the connection relationship between the power supply unit (the main power supply unit 18 and the additional power supply unit 19) and the load (the extension device 2) is correct or not. In this way, by determining whether the connection relationship is correct or not, if the user has made an incorrect connection, it can be determined.

[0061] The output unit 35 outputs the judgment result of the judgment unit 34. In the present embodiment, as an example, the output unit 35 outputs the judgment result of the correctness of the connection relationship by displaying it on the operation display unit 15. As a result, the judgment result of the correctness of the connection relationship is notified to the user, and if the connection relationship is incorrect, the user can be prompted to re-install it. The manner in which the judgment result is output by the output unit 35 is not limited to the display on the operation display unit 15, but may be, for example, control of each part of the main body 1 (emergency stop, etc.), transmission to an external device, writing to a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer system, display by the lighting state of an indicator light, printing of a report, etc., output of a notification sound (including voice), or a combination of these.

[0062] [3] Image processing method An example of a procedure for identifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load, among the image processing methods executed by the image processing device 10, will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Here, steps S1, S2,... in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5 and steps S101, S102,... in the flowchart shown in Figure 6 all indicate the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the image processing device 10. The operation for identifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load described below is performed, as an example, for a certain period of time immediately after the user completes setup including connection work and turns on the power, that is, immediately after the first current is applied to the power supply unit.

[0063] In this embodiment, signal transmission and reception between the main body 1 and the extension device 2 is realized by communication between the main body control unit 16 and the extension control unit 22, and signal transmission and reception between a plurality of extension devices 2 is realized by communication between the extension control units 22. In this embodiment, the extension devices 202 and 203 (grandchild enhancement) are connected to the main body 1 via the extension device 201 (child enhancement). Therefore, for the plurality of extension devices 201 to 203, information for identifying the extension device 2 and information for identifying the connection relationship with the power supply unit are collected by the extension device 201 and sent to the main body 1. In other words, the extension device 201 functions as a coordinator for the plurality of extension devices 201 to 203.

[0064] <Operation sequence> First, the overall procedure of the operation for identifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load will be described with reference to FIG. 5. When the user completes the setup and turns on the power, the main unit 1 and the multiple extension devices 201 to 203 start up (S1). After that, the extension device 201 transmits a request signal to the extension devices 202 and 203 to request identification information for identifying the extension devices 202 and 203 (S2). In response to the request signal, the extension devices 202 and 203 transmit response signals including the respective identification information of the extension devices 202 and 203 to the extension device 201 (S3, S4). The extension device 201 aggregates the identification information of the multiple extension devices 201 to 203 and transmits a notification signal including information for identifying the extension device 2 connected to the main unit 1 to the main unit 1 (S5).

[0065] The main body 1 that has received the notification signal in step S5 uses the device identification unit 33 to identify the extension device 2 electrically connected to the main body 1 based on the information included in the notification signal. After that, the main body 1 transmits a start signal to the multiple extension devices 201-203 to inform them that a test period for varying the output power is about to begin (S6). After a predetermined time (about several seconds) has elapsed after transmitting the start signal, the main body 1 causes the variation generation unit 31 to temporarily stop the output of the main body power supply unit 18, generating a variation in the output voltage (S7). Meanwhile, after a predetermined time (about several seconds) has elapsed, each of the multiple extension devices 201-203 that have received the start signal monitors the supply voltage (the voltage at the power input terminal 42) using the detection unit 36 ​​(S8).

[0066] When the test period ends, the extension devices 202 and 203 each transmit a result signal including a comparison result between the supply voltage (the voltage at the power input terminal 42) and the judgment threshold during the test period to the extension device 201 (S9, S10). The extension device 201 aggregates the comparison results between the supply voltage and the judgment threshold in the multiple extension devices 201 to 203, and transmits a notification signal including information for identifying the connection relationship with the power supply unit to the main unit 1 (S11).

[0067] The main body 1 that has received the notification signal in step S11 identifies the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the loads (extension devices 201 to 203) in the connection identification unit 32 based on the information included in the notification signal. After that, the main body 1 determines in the determination unit 34 whether the connection relationship of the extension device 2 to the power supply unit is correct or not based on the connection relationship identified in the connection identification unit 32 and the extension device 2 identified in the device identification unit 33 (S12).

[0068] <Flowchart> Next, details of the processing procedure (steps) after the transmission of the start signal (S6) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0069] <Step S101> In step S101, the main body control unit 16 of the main body 1 and the extension control unit 22 of each extension device 2 each determine whether or not the test period has started. The image processing device 10 counts the elapsed time from the time of transmission / reception of the start signal, and determines that the test period has started when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time (S101: Yes), and shifts the process to step S102. On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the time of transmission / reception of the start signal has not reached the predetermined time, the image processing device 10 determines that the test period has not started (S101: No), and shifts the process to step S101.

[0070] <Steps S102 and S103> In step S102, during the test period, the image processing device 10 causes a fluctuation in the output voltage of the main body power supply unit 18 by temporarily cutting off (stopping) the output of the main body power supply unit 18 using the fluctuation generating unit 31. In step S103, during the test period, the image processing device 10 monitors the supply voltage (the voltage at the power input terminal 42) using the detection unit 36 ​​of each extension device 2, and compares the supply voltage with a judgment threshold value.

[0071] <Steps S104 to S106> In step S104, the image processing device 10 uses the connection identification unit 32 to determine whether the supply voltage of each extension device 2 falls below the judgment threshold during the test period, based on the comparison result between the supply voltage and the judgment threshold. If the supply voltage falls below the judgment threshold (S104: Yes), the connection identification unit 32 determines that a fluctuation correlated with the fluctuation in the output power of the main power supply unit 18 has appeared in the supply power of the extension device 2, and identifies the connection destination of the extension device 2 as the main power supply unit 18 (S105). On the other hand, if the supply voltage does not fall below the judgment threshold (S104: No), the connection identification unit 32 determines that a fluctuation correlated with the fluctuation in the output power of the main power supply unit 18 has not appeared in the supply power of the extension device 2, and identifies the connection destination of the extension device 2 as the additional power supply unit 19 (S106).

[0072] <Steps S107 and S108> In step S107, the image processing device 10 judges, by the judgment unit 34, whether the connection relationship of the extension device 2 to the power supply unit is correct or incorrect. At this time, the judgment unit 34 makes the judgment based on the connection relationship identified by the connection identification unit 32 and the extension device 2 identified by the device identification unit 33. In the example of Fig. 3, if the extension device 203 should be connected to the additional power supply unit 19 but is connected to the main body power supply unit 18, the judgment unit 34 judges that the connection relationship is incorrect. In step S108, the image processing device 10 outputs, by the output unit 35, the judgment result of the judgment unit 34, that is, the judgment result of whether the connection relationship is correct or incorrect, by displaying it on the operation display unit 15.

[0073] The above-described procedure of the image processing method is merely an example, and the order of the processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 may be changed as appropriate.

[0074] As described above, the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment can specify the connection relationship between the power supply unit (which may include the main power supply unit 18 and the additional power supply unit 19, etc.) and the load (which may include each part of the main body 1 and each extension device 2, etc.). Therefore, it is easy to realize an appropriate connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load. In addition, since the operation for specifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load is performed only immediately after the user completes the setup including the connection work and turns on the power, delays are unlikely to occur during normal startup. Furthermore, if it is only the operation for specifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load, it is not necessary to operate the extension function unit 21 of the extension device 2, so that the power consumption of the image processing device 10 can be covered by the output power of the main power supply unit 18 alone. Therefore, even if the necessary additional power supply unit 19 is not connected by mistake, the operation itself for specifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load is unlikely to be hindered.

[0075] [4] Variations A plurality of components included in the image processing device 10 may be distributed among a plurality of housings. For example, at least one of the fluctuation generating unit 31, the connection identifying unit 32, the device identifying unit 33, the determining unit 34, and the output unit 35 is not limited to being realized as one function of the main body control unit 16, and may be provided separately from the main body control unit 16 or may be provided in an extension device 2 other than the main body 1.

[0076] Furthermore, the fluctuation generating unit 31 is not limited to a configuration that controls the operation (switching operation) of the main body power supply unit 18 by a remote signal, but may be a configuration that fluctuates the output power of the main body power supply unit 18. For example, the fluctuation generating unit 31 may fluctuate the output power of the main body power supply unit 18 by opening and closing a relay provided between the output of the main body power supply unit 18 and the power output terminal 41 of the main body 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the fluctuation generating unit 31 is not limited to a configuration that fluctuates the output power of the main power supply unit 18, and may fluctuate the output power of the expansion power supply unit 19. In this case, when a fluctuation that is correlated with the fluctuation of the output power of the power supply unit (expansion power supply unit 19) appears in the supply power on the load (expansion device 2) side, the connection identifying unit 32 identifies that the connection destination of the load is the expansion power supply unit 19. Furthermore, the fluctuation generating unit 31 may, for example, cause fluctuations in the output power of the main power supply unit 18 and the output power of the expansion power supply unit 19 at different timings, or cause fluctuations with different amplitudes or time lengths. There may be three or more power supply units.

[0078] Furthermore, the operation for identifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load is not limited to being performed immediately after the user completes the setup including the connection work and turns on the power, and may be performed at another timing. For example, the operation for identifying the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load may be started by being triggered by a predetermined operation by the user or by energizing an added load.

[0079] (Embodiment 2) As shown in Fig. 7, the image processing device 10A according to this embodiment differs from the image processing device 10 according to the first embodiment in the connection relationship between the main body 1 and the extension device 2. In Fig. 7, similarly to Fig. 3, illustration of the ADF 11 and the like is omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0080] In this embodiment, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) extension devices 201 to 203 are all directly connected to the main body 1 as child enhancers. The extension power supply unit 19 is provided in the main body 1, not in the extension device 201. In other words, the main body 1 includes both the main body power supply unit 18 and the extension power supply unit 19, and includes a power output terminal 41 connected to the main body power supply unit 18, as well as a power output terminal 44 connected to the extension power supply unit 19.

[0081] 7, the power input terminals 42 of the extension devices 201 and 202 are both connected to the power output terminal 41 of the main body 1, and are thereby connected to the main body power supply unit 18. The power input terminal 42 of the extension device 203 is connected to the power output terminal 44 of the main body 1, and is thereby connected to the additional power supply unit 19.

[0082] In the image processing device 10A according to this embodiment, the main body 1 also includes a fluctuation generating unit 31 and a connection identifying unit 32. The fluctuation generating unit 31 fluctuates the output power of a power supply unit that supplies power to a load, and the connection identifying unit 32 identifies the connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on the correlation between the fluctuation in the output power and the fluctuation in the power supplied to the load. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Main unit 2. Expansion equipment (load) 10,10A Image processing device 18 Main unit power supply section (power supply section) 19 Additional power supply unit (power supply unit) 31 Fluctuation generating section 32 Connection Specific Part 33 Device identification section 34 Judgment section

Claims

1. a fluctuation generating unit that fluctuates an output power of a power supply unit that supplies power to a load; and a connection specifying unit that specifies a connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on a correlation between a fluctuation in the output power and a fluctuation in the power supplied to the load. Image processing device.

2. the power supply unit includes a main body power supply unit provided in a main body having an image processing function, The load includes an expansion device detachably electrically connected to the main body. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. a device identification unit that identifies the extension device electrically connected to the main body; a determination unit that determines whether a connection relationship of the extension device to the power supply unit is correct or incorrect based on the connection relationship identified by the connection identification unit and the extension device identified by the device identification unit. The image processing device according to claim 2 .

4. A plurality of the extension devices can be connected to the main body, The device identification unit identifies a combination of the plurality of extension devices. The image processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The power supply unit is provided in plurality, The connection specification unit specifies at least which of the plurality of power supply units is connected to the load. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The fluctuation generating unit fluctuates the output power by stopping the output of the power supply unit. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The load is provided with a detection unit that detects the supplied power, The fluctuation generating unit fluctuates the output power at least within a range in which the detection unit can continue to operate. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Fluctuating an output power of a power supply unit that supplies power to a load; Identifying a connection relationship between the power supply unit and the load based on a correlation between a fluctuation in the output power and a fluctuation in the power supplied to the load; A program for executing the above on one or more processors.

Images