Image processing device and method for controlling the image processing device

Abstract

To provide an image processing device and a method for controlling the image processing device capable of appropriately returning from a power saving state into a normal state.SOLUTION: The image processing device comprises: a print unit for perform printing on a recording medium; a first detection unit capable of detecting a moving object in a first detection range; a second detection unit capable of detecting a moving object in a second detection range; and a control unit for controlling the device to come into a normal state where printing by the print unit is enabled or into a power saving state where printing by the print unit is disabled. The control unit controls the device to come into the normal state when a moving object is detected for a first prescribed time or more by the first or second detection unit and the moving object is detected for a second prescribed time or more by the first and second detection units after the moving object is detected by the first or second detection unit since the device came into the power saving state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and a control method for the image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a device is known that detects a person using two motion sensors with different detection distances and cancels power saving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-114499 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned devices could not reliably guess whether a person approaching the device was going to use the device or was simply passing by, and therefore could not properly return the device from a power-saving state to a normal state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image processing device comprises a printing unit that prints on a recording medium, a first detection unit that can detect a moving body in a first detection range, a second detection unit that can detect the moving body in a second detection range, and a control unit that controls the device to enter a normal state in which the printing unit can print, and a power saving state in which the printing unit cannot print, and the control unit switches to the normal state after entering the power saving state if the first detection unit or the second detection unit has detected the moving body for a first predetermined time or longer after the first detection unit or the second detection unit has detected the moving body, and if the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected the moving body for a second predetermined time or longer.

[0006] A control method for an image processing device having a printing unit that prints on a recording medium, a first detection unit that can detect a moving body in a first detection range, and a second detection unit that can detect the moving body in a second detection range, wherein after entering a power saving state in which the printing unit is unable to print, if the first detection unit or the second detection unit has detected the moving body for a first predetermined time or longer after the first detection unit or the second detection unit has detected the moving body, and if the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected the moving body for a second predetermined time or longer, the control method enters a normal state in which the printing unit is able to print. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing a first detection unit and a detection range of the first detection unit. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart showing control for returning from a power saving state to a normal state. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart showing control for returning from a first power saving state through a second power saving state to a normal state. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing control for returning from a first power saving state through a second power saving state and a third power saving state to a normal state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An image processing device 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Directions in the drawings will be described using a three-dimensional coordinate system. For convenience of explanation, the positive direction of the Z axis will be referred to as the upward direction or simply the upward direction, the negative direction will be referred to as the downward direction or simply the downward direction, the positive direction of the X axis will be referred to as the rightward direction or simply the right direction, the negative direction will be referred to as the leftward direction or simply the left direction, and the positive direction of the Y axis will be referred to as the backward direction or simply the backward direction, and the negative direction will be referred to as the forward direction or simply the forward direction.

[0009] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Image processing device configuration 1, an image processing device 1 according to one embodiment has a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a UI unit) 16 disposed near the center of a case 20 located in front of the image processing device 1, where a user, who is a mobile object, approaches to view and operate. A first detection unit 12 and a second detection unit 13 are disposed on the left and right sides of the UI unit 16, respectively, so as to be able to detect a user approaching the image processing device 1. A printing unit 14 is disposed below the UI unit 16, and a reading unit 15 is disposed above the UI unit 16.

[0010] 2, the image processing device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a first detection unit 12, a second detection unit 13, a printing unit 14, a reading unit 15, a UI unit 16, a communication unit 17, and a power supply unit 18. Each of these units will be described in detail.

[0011] The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each unit of the image processing device 1, a timer that measures time, a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) that manages input and output, and a predetermined logic circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The CPU is also called a processor. The storage unit 11 includes a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a rewritable non-volatile memory, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a volatile memory. The CPU of the control unit 10 reads out programs such as firmware stored in the flash ROM of the storage unit 11, and executes them using the RAM of the storage unit 11 as a working area. The timer of the control unit 10 is preset with a target count value by the CPU, starts counting when an input signal that is an enable signal is input to the input terminal, continues counting while the enable signal is being input, and outputs an output signal from the output terminal when the set count value is reached. The timer then clears the count. In this example, the enable signal input to the input terminal of the timer is positive logic (High Active), and is at the high level in logic voltage.

[0012] The first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 are sensors capable of detecting a moving object. For example, sensors such as those in the following examples can be used. Note that detection is also called detection. One example is a human sensor that detects infrared rays of 10 μm emitted from a human body, which is a moving object. The detection distance of the human sensor can be adjusted by the lens attached, and is, for example, within 3 m.

[0013] Another example is a far-infrared sensor that includes a light-emitting unit that emits far-infrared rays and a light-receiving unit that receives far-infrared rays. When there is no moving object, the far-infrared rays emitted by the light-emitting unit are not received by the light-receiving unit, but when there is a moving object, the far-infrared rays are reflected by the moving object and received by the light-receiving unit, and this is utilized to detect the moving object. The detection distance of the far-infrared sensor can be adjusted by the lens attached to the light-emitting unit or the light-receiving unit, and is, for example, within 50 cm.

[0014] Another example is an ultrasonic sensor including a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves of 30 KHz to 10 MHz and a receiver that receives the ultrasonic waves. When there is no moving object, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitter are reflected by the walls of the room, and when there is a moving object, they are reflected by the moving object and received by the receiver. The ultrasonic sensor detects a moving object by utilizing the fact that the time from transmission to reception differs depending on whether or not there is a moving object. The detection distance of the ultrasonic sensor can be adjusted by the volume of the transmitted ultrasonic waves, and is, for example, within 5 m.

[0015] The range of angles and other features that these sensors can detect can be adjusted by shielding the periphery of each sensor element with resin or the like to partially block infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, and the like. The first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 may use the same sensor among the sensors in the above examples, or may use any combination of sensors. Furthermore, far-infrared sensors and ultrasonic sensors can detect moving objects other than human bodies, such as robots.

[0016] The UI unit 16 is, for example, a touch panel display, and includes a display panel that is a display unit that displays various information, and a detection panel that is an input unit. The detection panel is configured to be overlaid on the display panel, and detects the operation of the user's finger by a method such as a capacitive type, a resistive film type, or an optical type. The display section of the UI section 16 displays buttons "Print", "Copy", and "Scan" for selecting a print function, copy function, and scan function, respectively, which will be described later. The control section 10 can detect the button touched by the user using a detection panel of the UI section 16 and execute the selected function.

[0017] The printing unit 14 has a printing mechanism, such as a transport mechanism that transports paper from a paper feed tray, an inkjet head that prints by depositing ink on the transported paper, and cartridges that store ink. The transport mechanism also includes a mechanism for reversing the paper. After printing one side of the paper with the head, the printing unit 14 reverses the paper with the transport mechanism and prints the other side of the paper with the head, thereby enabling printing on both sides of the paper.

[0018] The printing unit 14 prints using paper and ink. Paper includes plain paper, recycled paper, photo paper, synthetic paper containing resin, and the like. The inks are, for example, four colors (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan). The control unit 10 controls the head of the printing unit 14, and is capable of performing full-color printing using the four colors of ink.

[0019] The reading unit 15 has a reading mechanism such as a document transport mechanism that transports a document placed on a document table, and a color image sensor that emits light onto the transported document, receives the reflected light, and reads the document as scan data separated into RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colors. The document transport mechanism also includes a mechanism for inverting the document, and the color image sensor can also read both sides of the document.

[0020] The control unit 10 has a scanning function of reading an original document using the reading unit 15 to obtain scan data. When the control unit 10 detects input of the "scan" button on the detection panel of the UI unit 16, the control unit 10 reads the document with the reading unit 15 to obtain scan data, and transmits the data to the external device 2 with the communication unit 17 described below.

[0021] The control unit 10 also has a copy function of converting the scan data read by the reading unit 15 into ink colors and printing the ink colors using the printing unit 14 . When the control unit 10 detects input of the “Copy” button on the detection panel of the UI unit 16, the document is read by the reading unit 15 to obtain the scan data, which is converted into ink colors and printed by the printing unit 14.

[0022] The communication unit 17 includes a circuit capable of communicating with an external device 2 such as a computer wirelessly or via a wired connection. The communication unit 17 receives a print job from the external device 2. In addition, the communication unit 17 transmits to the external device 2 information such as error information when an error occurs and scan data. The control unit 10 has a printing function of printing a print job received via the communication unit 17 by the printing unit 14 . When the control unit 10 detects input of the “Print” button on the detection panel of the UI unit 16, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 14 to print the print job received from the external device 2 via the communication unit 17.

[0023] The power supply unit 18 includes a power supply circuit that outputs each voltage of, for example, 3.3 V, 5 V, or 24 V from a commercial power source. The power supply unit 18 is configured to supply power to each unit of the image processing device 1 under the control of the control unit 10. Specifically, under the control of the control unit 10, the power supply unit 18 supplies 24 V to components including actuators such as the printing unit 14 and the reading unit 15 to operate them. Also, under the control of the control unit 10, the power supply unit 18 supplies 3.3 V and 5 V to logic circuits such as the control unit 10, the memory unit 11, the first detection unit 12, the second detection unit 13, the UI unit 16, and the communication unit 17 to operate them.

[0024] 1-2. Normal state and power saving state Examples of the normal state and power saving state of the image processing device 1 will be described. When the image processing device 1 is powered on, the CPU of the control unit 10 can control the image processing device 1 to enter a mode such as a run mode, a sleep mode, a stop mode, or a standby mode in descending order of power consumption. The control unit 10 can control the image processing device 1 to transition between these modes as desired. Each mode will be described in detail below.

[0025] In the RUN mode, the CPU operates, the UART operates, and the RAM of the storage unit 11 operates. The RUN mode is a normal state in which the CPU can perform normally. In the sleep mode, the CPU is stopped, the UART operates, and the RAM of the storage unit 11 operates. In the stop mode, the CPU is stopped, the UART is stopped, and the RAM of the storage unit 11 only holds data. In the standby mode, the CPU, the UART, and the RAM of the storage unit 11 are stopped.

[0026] Sleep mode, Stop mode, and Standby mode are power saving states that reduce power consumption compared to Run mode by at least stopping the CPU and limiting performance. In addition, the CPU can reduce power consumption even further by stopping UART and RAM.

[0027] In the normal state of the run mode, the CPU is operable, and the control unit 10 controls the printing unit 14 to enable printing, and controls the reading unit 15 to enable scanning. At this time, the control unit 10 also controls the power supply unit 18 to supply 24 V to components including the actuators, and 3.3 V and 5 V to the logic circuit, thereby enabling the printing function, scanning function, and copying function to be executed, respectively.

[0028] On the other hand, in the case of a power saving state, which is any of the sleep mode, stop mode, and standby mode, the CPU stops operating, and the control unit 10 cannot control the printing unit 14 and therefore cannot print, and cannot control the reading unit 15 and therefore cannot scan. The control unit 10 can suppress power consumption including that of the CPU. At this time, the control unit 10 may also control the power supply unit 18 to stop the supply of 24 V to the components including the actuator, thereby enabling the control unit 10 to further reduce power consumption. When the control unit 10 stops the UART or RAM, it may stop the 3.3V and 5V power supplied to them. The control unit 10 can further reduce power consumption. Even in the power saving state, the control unit 10 supplies 3.3V and 5V to the timer of the control unit 10 from the power supply unit 18, so that the timer can continue counting.

[0029] The control unit 10 can transition from the normal state to the power saving state when it does not detect that the user has touched any of the "Print", "Copy", or "Scan" buttons for a predetermined time through the detection panel of the UI unit 16. The control unit 10 can also transition from the normal state to the power saving state when it does not receive a print job through the communication unit 17 for a predetermined time. In this way, when it is determined that the operation of the printing unit 14 and the reading unit 15 will not be necessary for a while, the control unit 10 switches to a power saving state to reduce power consumption.

[0030] The interrupt processing of the CPU of the control unit 10 will now be described. The output terminal of the timer of the control unit 10 is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU of the control unit 10. In the power-saving state, the CPU is stopped. When the CPU is in the power-saving state, the timer counts a set count value and outputs an output signal from the output terminal to the interrupt terminal of the CPU as an interrupt signal, causing the CPU to leave the power-saving state and start interrupt processing. In the interrupt processing, the CPU can control the return from the power-saving state to the normal state. In this example, the interrupt signal to the interrupt terminal of the CPU that starts the interrupt processing is positive logic, and is at a high level in logic voltage. However, the control unit 10 tends to take longer to return to the normal state from the power-saving state, the lower the power consumption of the power-saving state. This is because it takes more time to initialize the CPU, UART, RAM, and other components.

[0031] Next, an example of the control that the control unit 10 executes on the power supply unit 18 in the normal state and the power saving state will be specifically described. Under normal conditions, the control unit 10 controls the power supply unit 18 to supply power to both the printing unit 14 and the reading unit 15, enabling the printing unit 14 to print and the reading unit 15 to scan. In the power saving state, the control unit 10 can control the power supply unit 18 to supply power to the reading unit 15 while stopping the supply of power to the printing unit 14, or to stop the supply of power to both the reading unit 15 and the printing unit 14. In the power saving state, the control unit 10 can at least not supply power to the printing unit 14, disabling printing.

[0032] In addition, the control unit 10 may control the power supply unit 18 to stop the supply of power to one of the printing unit 14 and the reading unit 15 which has a high standby power or is unlikely to operate, or to stop the supply of power to both the printing unit 14 and the reading unit 15, in the power saving state. The control unit 10 can enter a power saving state in which standby power consumption is smaller when the power supply to both the printing unit 14 and the reading unit 15 is stopped than when the power supply to only one of them is stopped. However, since the control unit 10 needs to supply power to both units when returning to the normal state, it may take some time.

[0033] 1-3.Detection range 3 is a diagram of the image processing device 1 as viewed from above, with the UI unit 16 disposed near the center of a case 20 covering the front of the image processing device 1, and the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 disposed on the left and right sides of the UI unit 16. The first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 are disposed in positions that make it easy to detect a moving object, that is, a user who approaches the UI unit 16 of the image processing device 1 to view and operate it. 3, the detection ranges in which the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 can detect moving objects are indicated by dotted lines, and the movement trajectories of moving object A and moving object B are indicated by thick arrows.

[0034] The first detection unit 12 is located to the left of the UI unit 16. A first detection distance at which the first detection unit 12 can detect a moving object is a distance indicated by r1. A first detection range D1 at which the first detection unit 12 can detect a moving object is a range surrounded by a sector having a radius of r1 with the first detection unit 12 as its center. On the other hand, the second detection unit 13 is located to the right of the UI unit 16. A second detection distance at which the second detection unit 13 can detect a moving object is a distance indicated by r2. A second detection range D2 at which the second detection unit 13 can detect a moving object is a range surrounded by a sector having a radius of r2 with the second detection unit 13 as its center. The overlapping range of the first detection range D1 of the first detection unit 12 and the second detection range D2 of the second detection unit 13 is indicated as an overlapping detection range D3. The overlapping detection range D3 is a range in which both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 can detect a moving object.

[0035] An example will be described in which the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect the moving object A as the moving object A moves as shown in Fig. 3. It is assumed that the moving object A is located outside the first detection range D1 and the second detection range D2 before starting to move. A moving object A moves from left to right in front of the image processing device 1. When the moving object A enters the first detection range D1 of the first detection unit 12 from outside the first detection range D1, the moving object A is first detected by the first detection unit 12. When the first detection unit 12 detects the moving object A for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 10 can determine that there is a possibility that the moving object A will approach the image processing device 1 and use it.

[0036] When the moving object A further moves to the right and enters the overlapping detection range D3, it is detected by both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13. The position of the moving object A at this time is near the UI unit 16, near the center in front of the image processing device 1. As both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect the moving object A for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 10 can determine that there is a high possibility that the moving object A will approach the UI unit 16 of the image processing device 1 to view and operate it, and that there is a high possibility that the image processing device 1 will be used.

[0037] Next, an example will be described in which the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect the moving object B as the moving object B moves. It is assumed that the moving object B is located outside the first detection range D1 and the second detection range D2 before starting to move. The moving object B moves from right to left once, while maintaining a predetermined distance from the image processing device 1. During this time, the moving object B is outside the second detection range D2 of the second detection unit 13, and therefore is not detected by the second detection unit 13. Next, the moving object B changes direction and moves toward the image processing device 1. When the moving object B enters the second detection range D2 of the second detection unit 13 from outside the second detection range D2, it is first detected by the second detection unit 13. When the second detection unit 13 detects the moving object B for a predetermined time, the control unit 10 can determine that there is a possibility that the moving object B will approach the image processing device 1 and use it.

[0038] Furthermore, when the moving object B moves toward the image processing device 1 and enters the overlapping detection range D3, it is detected by both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13. The position of the moving object B at this time is near the UI unit 16, near the center in front of the image processing device 1. As both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect the moving object B for a predetermined time, the control unit 10 can determine that there is a high possibility that the moving object B will approach the UI unit 16 of the image processing device 1 to view and operate it, and that there is a high possibility that the image processing device 1 will be used. As described above, the image processing device 1 can, by using the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13, more reliably estimate whether a moving object approaching the image processing device 1 will use the image processing device 1 or will simply pass by.

[0039] 1-4. Recovery mode 1 from power saving state to normal state After the power is turned on, the control unit 10 goes into a normal state and executes an initialization operation for the printing unit 14 and the reading unit 15. Note that an example will be described in which two timers, a first timer and a second timer, are used for the control unit 10. Also, each timer may be used in combination with a predetermined logic circuit of the control unit 10. When the first timer and the second timer are used, a count value th1 which is a first predetermined time and a count value th2 which is a second predetermined time are preset by the control unit 10.

[0040] In the example of Fig. 4, the explanation begins after the control unit 10 has entered the normal state. As shown in Fig. 4, when the control unit 10 does not detect any operation of the buttons on the detection panel of the UI unit 16 for a predetermined time, or when the control unit 10 does not receive a print job through the communication unit 17 for a predetermined time, the control unit 10 transitions from the normal state to the power saving state (S101). During this time, the control unit 10 is not detecting a moving object by the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13. If the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object, the control unit 10 may maintain the normal state.

[0041] Here, the CPU of the control unit 10 is set to one of the sleep mode, stop mode, and standby mode as a power saving state. The control unit 10 also controls the power supply unit 18 to stop the supply of power to both the reading unit 15 and the printing unit 14. In this way, the control unit 10 disables the operation of the printing unit 14 and the reading unit 15. As a result, the control unit 10 can suppress the power consumption of the image processing device 1.

[0042] The control unit 10 determines whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object (S102). When the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object (S102: YES), the control unit 10 counts a count value t1 using a first timer (S103). The count value t1 indicates a time during which the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects the moving object. In addition, if the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 does not detect a moving object (S102: NO), the first timer clears the count values ​​t1 and t2 (S109) if the count value t1 and the count value t2 described below have already been counted, and returns to control (S102) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object.

[0043] As an example of a configuration that realizes this, the control unit 10 can use a first logic circuit included in a predetermined logic circuit to OR the detection signals from the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 to generate an enable signal and input it to the input terminal of the first timer of the control unit 10. Note that the detection signal when the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect a moving object is set to a high level in the logic voltage. Specifically, when the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object, the first logic circuit can determine this by taking the OR of the detection signals and turning it to a high level, and can input the high-level output result to the first timer as an enable signal. When an enable signal is input to the input terminal, the first timer starts counting a count value t1, and continues counting while the enable signal is being input, thereby measuring time.

[0044] The first timer compares the count value t1 with the count value th1 that is set in advance as described above (S104). When the first timer determines that the count value t1 has reached the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is greater than or equal to the count value th1 (S104: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether or not both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have detected a moving object (S105).

[0045] The first timer of the control unit 10 can determine that the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has continuously detected a moving object for a period of time equal to or greater than the count value th1. The control unit 10 can determine that a moving object is present near the image processing device 1 for a period of time equal to or greater than the count value th1, and can more reliably determine that the moving object may use the image processing device 1. In addition, if the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 is able to detect a moving object less than the count value th1, the first timer of the control unit 10 can more reliably determine that there is no possibility that the moving object will use the image processing device 1, for example, that the moving object simply passed in front of the image processing device 1.

[0046] When the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect a moving object (S105: YES), the control unit 10 counts a count value t2 using a second timer (S106). The count value t2 indicates a time during which the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect the moving object.

[0047] As an example of a configuration that realizes this, the control unit 10 can use a second logic circuit included in a predetermined logic circuit to AND three signals, namely, the output signal of the first timer, the detection signal of the first detection unit 12, and the detection signal of the second detection unit 13, to generate an enable signal and input it to the input terminal of the second timer of the control unit 10. Note that when count value t1≧count value th1, the output signal of the first timer is at a high level in logic voltage. Specifically, when the first timer determines that count value t1 is greater than or equal to count value th1 and the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect a moving object, the second logic circuit determines this by ANDing the output signal of the first timer and each detection signal to become high level, and can input the high level output result to the second timer as an enable signal. When an enable signal is input to the input terminal, the second timer starts counting count value t2, and continues counting and measuring time while the enable signal is being input.

[0048] In addition, when the first timer determines that the count value t1 has not reached the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is less than the count value th1 (S104: NO), the control returns to the control (S102) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object. Furthermore, even if it is determined that the count value t1 counted by the first timer has reached the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is greater than or equal to the count value th1 (S104: YES), if the control unit 10 determines that the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have not detected a moving object (S105: NO), the control unit 10 returns to control (S102) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object.

[0049] The second timer compares the count value t2 with the count value th2 that is set in advance as described above (S107). When the second timer determines that the count value t2 reaches the set count value th2 and that the count value t2 is equal to or greater than the count value th2 (S107: YES), the CPU of the control unit 10 returns from the power saving state to the normal state, which is the run mode (S108). Then, the control unit 10 ends the control. When the control unit 10 returns from the power saving state to the normal state, either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 that first detected the moving object will be continuously detecting the moving object from the first detection range D1 or the second detection range D2 to the overlapping detection range D3.

[0050] As an example of a configuration that realizes this, the second timer can input an output signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU of the control unit 10 as an interrupt signal. Specifically, when the second timer determines that the count value t2 is equal to or greater than the count value th2, it outputs an output signal as an interrupt signal to the interrupt terminal of the CPU, causing the CPU to perform interrupt processing. By executing the interrupt processing, the CPU can control the CPU to exit from any of the power-saving modes, sleep mode, stop mode, and standby mode, and return to the normal mode, run mode.

[0051] In addition, when the second timer determines that the count value t2 has not reached the set count value th2 and that the count value t2 is less than the count value th2 (S107: NO), the control returns to the control (S105) of determining whether or not both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have detected a moving object.

[0052] The second timer of the control unit 10 can determine that the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have continuously detected a moving object for a time period equal to or greater than the count value th2. The control unit 10 can determine that a moving object is present near the UI unit 16 of the image processing device 1 for a time period equal to or greater than the count value th2, and can more reliably determine that the moving object is highly likely to use the image processing device 1. The count value th2, which is the second predetermined time, is often used by the control unit 10 when determining a moving object, including an object that has been stationary for a relatively long time in front of the image processing device 1. On the other hand, the count value th1, which is the first predetermined time, is often used by the control unit 10 when determining a moving object that is approaching and moving toward the image processing device 1. Therefore, it is desirable to set the count value th2 to a value larger than the count value th1.

[0053] As described above, after entering the power saving state, the control unit 10 can enter the normal state when the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving body for a first predetermined time period, which is equal to or greater than count value th1, since the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detected a moving body, and when the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have detected a moving body for a second predetermined time period, which is equal to or greater than count value th2. In this way, the image processing device 1 can more reliably guess whether a moving object approaching the image processing device 1 will use the image processing device 1 or will simply pass by, and can appropriately return to the normal state from the power saving state. In addition, if the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 are able to detect a moving object for less than the count value th2, the second timer of the control unit 10 can more reliably determine that the moving object is unlikely to use the image processing device 1, for example, if the moving object simply passed in front of the image processing device 1.

[0054] 1-5. Recovery mode 2 from power saving state to normal state The example of Fig. 5 differs from the example of Fig. 4 in that the control unit 10 returns to the normal state through two power saving states. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 10 sets the first power saving state and the second power saving state to one of sleep mode, stop mode, and standby mode in descending order of power consumption, and the second power saving state is a mode with a higher power consumption than the first power saving state. For example, when the second power saving state is the sleep mode, the first power saving state is the stop mode or standby mode. Note that in the following explanation of Fig. 5, the contents that overlap with the case of Fig. 4 are omitted.

[0055] 5, when the control unit 10 does not detect any operation of the buttons on the detection panel of the UI unit 16 for a predetermined time, or when the control unit 10 does not receive a print job via the communication unit 17 for a predetermined time, the control unit 10 transitions to a first power saving state (S201). In this case, the control unit 10 can transition to the first power saving state, which consumes less power than the second power saving state.

[0056] The control unit 10 determines whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object (S202). When the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object (S202: YES), the control unit 10 counts a count value t1 using a first timer (S203). The count value t1 indicates a time during which the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects the moving object. In addition, if the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 does not detect a moving object (S202: NO), the first timer clears the count values ​​t1 and t2 (S210) if they have already been counted, and returns to control (S202) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object.

[0057] The first timer compares the count value t1 with the count value th1 that is set in advance as described above (S204). When the first timer determines that the count value t1 reaches the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is greater than or equal to the count value th1 (S204: YES), the control unit 10 transitions from the first power saving state to the second power saving state (S205).

[0058] As an example of a configuration in which the control unit 10 realizes the transition from the first power saving state to the second power saving state, the first timer can input an output signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU of the control unit 10 as an interrupt signal. Specifically, when the first timer determines that the count value t1 is equal to or greater than the count value th1, it outputs an output signal as an interrupt signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU, causing the CPU to perform interrupt processing to transition from the first power-saving state to the second power-saving state. By executing the interrupt processing, the CPU temporarily exits the first power-saving state, and then performs control to transition to the second power-saving state, thereby transitioning from the first power-saving state to the second power-saving state.

[0059] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have detected a moving object (S206). When the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect a moving object (S206: YES), the control unit 10 counts a count value t2 using a second timer (S207). The count value t2 indicates a time during which the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect the moving object.

[0060] In addition, when the first timer determines that the count value t1 has not reached the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is less than the count value th1 (S204: NO), the control returns to the control (S202) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object. Furthermore, even if it is determined that the count value t1 counted by the first timer has reached the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is greater than or equal to the count value th1 (S204: YES), if the control unit 10 determines that the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have not detected a moving object (S206: NO), the control unit 10 returns to control (S202) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object.

[0061] The second timer compares the count value t2 with the count value th2 that is set in advance as described above (S208). When the second timer determines that the count value t2 reaches the set count value th2 and that the count value t2 is equal to or greater than the count value th2 (S208: YES), the CPU of the control unit 10 returns from the second power saving state to the normal state, which is the run mode (S209).Then, the control unit 10 ends the control.

[0062] As an example of a configuration that realizes this, the second timer can input an output signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU of the control unit 10 as an interrupt signal. Specifically, when the second timer determines that the count value t2 is equal to or greater than the count value th2, it outputs an output signal as an interrupt signal to the interrupt terminal of the CPU, causing the CPU to execute interrupt processing. By executing the interrupt processing, the CPU can perform control to exit the second power saving state and return to the normal state, which is the run mode.

[0063] In addition, when the second timer determines that the count value t2 has not reached the set count value th2 and that the count value t2 is less than the count value th2 (S208: NO), the control returns to the control of determining whether or not both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have detected a moving object (S206).

[0064] As described above, the image processing device 1 can more reliably estimate whether a moving object approaching the image processing device 1 will use the image processing device 1 or will simply pass by, and can appropriately return to the normal state from the power saving state. Furthermore, by controlling the control unit 10 to return to the normal state via two power-saving states depending on the detection status of the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13, it is possible to appropriately suppress power consumption and shorten the time required to return from the power-saving state to the normal state. As described above, the control unit 10 tends to take longer to return from a power-saving state with lower power consumption to the normal state.

[0065] When control starts, the control unit 10 prioritizes reducing power consumption and can temporarily set the device to a first power saving state in which power consumption is low. Next, when the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object equal to or greater than the count value th1, it is possible that the moving object may be using the image processing device 1, and the image processing device 1 can be switched to a second power saving state, which consumes more power than the first power saving state but takes a shorter time to return to the normal state. When the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect a moving object a count value equal to or greater than th2, the control unit 10 determines that there is a high possibility that the moving object will use the image processing device 1, and returns to the normal state. At this time, by keeping the control unit 10 in the second power saving state, the time required to return to the normal state can be made shorter than that in the first power saving state.

[0066] 1-6. Recovery mode 3 from power saving state to normal state The example in Fig. 6 differs from the example in Fig. 4 in that the control unit 10 returns to the normal state through three power saving states. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 10 assigns the first power saving state, the second power saving state, and the third power saving state to the standby mode, the stop mode, and the sleep mode, in order of decreasing power consumption, respectively. Note that in the following explanation of Fig. 6, the contents that overlap with the case of Fig. 4 will be omitted.

[0067] 6, when the control unit 10 does not detect any operation of the buttons on the detection panel of the UI unit 16 for a predetermined time, or when the control unit 10 does not receive a print job via the communication unit 17 for a predetermined time, the control unit 10 transitions to the first power saving state (S301). In such a case, the control unit 10 can enter the first power saving state, which consumes the least amount of power.

[0068] The control unit 10 determines whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object (S302). When the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object (S302: YES), the control unit 10 counts a count value t1 using a first timer, and if the state is the first power saving state, transitions to the second power saving state (S303). The count value t1 indicates the time during which the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects the moving object.

[0069] As an example of a configuration in which the control unit 10 realizes a transition from the first power saving state to the second power saving state, a third logic circuit included in a predetermined logic circuit of the control unit 10 can OR the detection signal from the first detection unit 12 and the detection signal from the second detection unit 13, outputting the high-level output result as an interrupt signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU, and causing the CPU to perform interrupt processing for transitioning from the first power saving state to the second power saving state. The CPU can transition from the first power saving state to the second power saving state by executing the interrupt processing to temporarily exit the first power saving state and then control the state to enter the second power saving state.

[0070] When control starts, the control unit 10 prioritizes reducing power consumption and can temporarily set the device to the first power saving state in which power consumption is the lowest. Next, when the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object, the control unit 10 determines that there is a possibility that the moving object will use the image processing device 1, and can switch the image processing device 1 to a second power saving state in which power consumption is greater than in the first power saving state but the time required to return to the normal state is shorter. During the time when the control unit 10 transitions from the first power saving state to the second power saving state, the first timer is supplied with power and therefore can continue counting.

[0071] If the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 does not detect a moving object (S302: NO), the control unit 10 clears the count values ​​t1 and t2 if the first timer has already counted the count value t1 and the second timer has already counted the count value t2, and transitions to the first power saving state if the state was the second power saving state (S310). After that, the control unit 10 returns to the control (S302) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object.

[0072] As an example of a configuration in which the control unit 10 realizes a transition from the second power saving state to the first power saving state, a fourth logic circuit included in a predetermined logic circuit of the control unit 10 can take the NOR of the detection signal from the first detection unit 12 and the detection signal from the second detection unit 13, output the high-level output result as an interrupt signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU, and cause the CPU to perform interrupt processing for transitioning from the first power saving state to the second power saving state. After temporarily exiting the second power saving state by executing the interrupt processing, the CPU can perform control to enter the first power saving state, and transition from the second power saving state to the first power saving state.

[0073] The first timer compares the count value t1 with the count value th1 that is set in advance as described above (S304). When the first timer determines that the count value t1 reaches the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is greater than or equal to the count value th1 (S304: YES), the control unit 10 transitions from the second power saving state to the third power saving state (S305).

[0074] As an example of a configuration in which the control unit 10 realizes the transition from the second power saving state to the third power saving state, the first timer can input an output signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU of the control unit 10 as an interrupt signal. Specifically, when the first timer determines that the count value t1 is equal to or greater than the count value th1, it outputs an output signal as an interrupt signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU, causing the CPU to perform interrupt processing to transition from the second power-saving state to the third power-saving state. By executing the interrupt processing, the CPU temporarily exits the second power-saving state, and then performs control to transition to the third power-saving state, thereby transitioning from the second power-saving state to the third power-saving state.

[0075] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have detected a moving object (S306). When the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect a moving object (S306: YES), the control unit 10 counts a count value t2 using a second timer (S307). The count value t2 indicates a time during which the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect the moving object.

[0076] In addition, when the first timer determines that the count value t1 has not reached the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is less than the count value th1 (S304: NO), the control returns to the control (S302) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object. Even if the control unit 10 determines that the count value t1 counted by the first timer has reached the set count value th1 and that the count value t1 is equal to or greater than the count value th1 (S304: YES), if the control unit 10 determines that the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have not detected a moving object (S306: NO), the control unit 10 clears the count values ​​t1 and t2 if the first timer has already counted the count value t1 and the second timer has already counted the count value t2, and transitions to the first power saving state (S311) if the state was the second power saving state. After that, the control unit 10 returns to the control (S302) of determining whether or not either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 has detected a moving object.

[0077] The second timer compares the count value t2 with the count value th2 that is set in advance as described above (S308). When the second timer determines that the count value t2 reaches the set count value th2 and that the count value t2 is equal to or greater than the count value th2 (S308: YES), the CPU of the control unit 10 returns from the third power saving state to the normal state, which is the run mode (S309).Then, the control unit 10 ends the control.

[0078] As an example of a configuration that realizes this, the second timer can input an output signal to an interrupt terminal of the CPU of the control unit 10 as an interrupt signal. Specifically, when the second timer determines that the count value t2 is equal to or greater than the count value th2, it outputs an output signal as an interrupt signal to the interrupt terminal of the CPU, causing the CPU to execute interrupt processing. By executing the interrupt processing, the CPU can control the CPU to exit the third power saving state and return to the normal state, which is the run mode.

[0079] In addition, when the second timer determines that the count value t2 has not reached the set count value th2 and that the count value t2 is less than the count value th2 (S308: NO), the control returns to the control of determining whether or not both the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 have detected a moving object (S306).

[0080] As described above, the image processing device 1 can more reliably estimate whether a moving object approaching the image processing device 1 will use the image processing device 1 or will simply pass by, and can appropriately return to the normal state from the power saving state. Furthermore, by controlling the control unit 10 to return to the normal state via three power-saving states depending on the detection status of the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13, it is possible to appropriately suppress power consumption and shorten the time required to return from the power-saving state to the normal state.

[0081] As described above, the control unit 10 tends to take longer to return from a power-saving state with lower power consumption to the normal state. When control starts, the control unit 10 prioritizes reducing power consumption and can temporarily set the device to a first power saving state in which power consumption is low. Next, when the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object, it is possible that the moving object may be using the image processing device 1, and the image processing device 1 can be switched to a second power saving state, which consumes more power than the first power saving state but takes a shorter time to return to the normal state. When the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object equal to or greater than the count value th1, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the moving object will use the image processing device 1, and the image processing device 1 can be switched to a third power saving state, which consumes more power than the second power saving state but takes a shorter time to return to the normal state. When the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13 detect a moving object a count value equal to or greater than th2, the control unit 10 determines that there is an extremely high possibility that the moving object will use the image processing device 1, and returns to the normal state. At this time, the control unit 10 can minimize the time required to return to the normal state by keeping the third power saving state.

[0082] When control starts and the first power saving state is entered (S301), control unit 10 prioritizes reducing power consumption and controls power supply unit 18 to stop the supply of power to both reading unit 15 and printing unit 14. In the first power saving state, control unit 10 disables the operation of printing unit 14 and reading unit 15. In the first power saving state, control unit 10 can disable printing by printing unit 14 and reading of documents by reading unit 15.

[0083] When the control unit 10 detects a moving object by either the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 (S302: YES), the control unit 10 transitions from the first power saving state to the second power saving state (S303) during CPU interrupt processing, and controls the power supply unit 18 to start supplying power to the reading unit 15. In the second power saving state, the control unit 10 can keep the reading unit 15 operable. In other words, after the first power saving state, the control unit 10 can enable the reading unit 15 to read an original when the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object and the control unit 10 switches to the second power saving state.

[0084] When the first detection unit 12 or the second detection unit 13 detects a moving object, the control unit 10 can start supplying power to the reading unit 15 so as to shorten the time it takes to return to the normal state, assuming that there is a possibility that the moving object will use the image processing device 1. The control unit 10 may start supplying power to the printing unit 14 instead of the reading unit 15. The control unit 10 may also enable printing by the printing unit 14 when entering the second power saving state.

[0085] As described above, according to the image processing device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably predict whether a moving object approaching the image processing device 1 will use the image processing device 1 or will simply pass by, and it is possible to appropriately return from the power saving state to the normal state.

[0086] As described above, the present embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, etc. without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the image processing device 1, the printing unit 14 has been described as an example of an inkjet type head using ink, but other types may be used. For example, the printing unit 14 may be an electrophotographic type using toner. The UI unit 16 has been described as an example of a touch panel display, but the display unit may be a liquid crystal display or an organic EL, and a keyboard, mouse, or the like may be provided as a separate input unit. The power saving state may be any state of any component depending on the power consumption. The detection unit has been described as two examples, the first detection unit 12 and the second detection unit 13, but may be configured with any number of detection units. The control unit 10 can perform the above-mentioned control depending on whether one of them detects or multiple detections are detected. The timer of the control unit 10 has been described as an example using two timers, but may be one timer. Even if there is one timer, it can be cleared when the count ends and the next count can be started. In addition, when the control unit 10 sets multiple power saving states, each power saving state can be set arbitrarily in terms of whether or not power is supplied to the reading unit 15, whether or not power is supplied to the printing unit 14, and the mode in which the CPU is set to a power saving state, and these can also be set in any combination.

[0087] Also, a program for implementing the functions of any of the components in the image processing device 1 described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by a computer system. Here, the device in question is, for example, the image processing device 1, the external device 2, etc. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS (Operating System) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD (Compact Disk)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0088] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above program may be for implementing some of the above functions. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called differential file or differential program that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1...image processing device, 2...external device, 10...control unit, 11...memory unit, 12...first detection unit, 13...second detection unit, 14...printing unit, 15...reading unit, 16...user interface unit, 17...communication unit, 18...power supply unit.

Claims

1. A printing unit that prints on a recording medium; A first detection unit capable of detecting a moving object within a first detection range; a second detection unit capable of detecting the moving object within a second detection range; a normal state in which the printing unit is enabled to print, and a power saving state in which the printing unit is disabled to print and a control unit that controls the In the power saving state, a first power saving state, the power consumption of which is larger than that of the first power saving state, A second power saving state in which the time required for returning to the normal state is short, and a second power saving state in which the power consumption is greater than that of the second power saving state. The third power saving state can be controlled so that the time required for returning to the normal state is short. The control unit is After the first power saving state is entered, the first detection unit or the second detection unit detects the moving object. Then, the second power saving state is entered, After the second power saving state is set, the first detection unit or the second detection unit detects the moving body as a first When the power saving state is exceeded, the third power saving state is entered. After the third power saving state is entered, the first detection unit and the second detection unit detect the moving body at a second location. When the image processing device detects the abnormality for a certain period of time or more, the image processing device returns to the normal state.

2. The range in which the first detection unit and the second detection unit detect the moving object is the first detection range and the second detection range of the second detection unit overlap each other to form an overlapping detection range; the law of nature, When the control unit changes the power saving state to the normal state, the control unit first detects the moving object. One of the first detection unit and the second detection unit continuously detects the overlapping detection range. The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a detecting unit configured to detect the moving object.

3. A display unit is provided, One of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is located to the left or right of the position of the display unit. Prepared, The other of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is disposed on the other of the left and right sides with respect to the position of the display unit. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The moving object is a person, and the first detection unit and the second detection unit are human sensors. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A reading unit for reading a document is provided. The control unit is In the first power saving state, the reading unit is prevented from reading the document; 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the second power saving state, the reading unit is enabled to read the document. The image processing device according to claim 4 .

6. A printing unit that prints on a recording medium, a first detection unit that can detect a moving object within a first detection range, A control method for an image processing device including a second detection unit capable of detecting a moving object in a second detection range. So, After the printing unit is put into a power saving state in which printing is disabled, A first predetermined time or more has elapsed since the first detection unit or the second detection unit detected the moving object, the first detection unit or the second detection unit detects the moving object, Furthermore, the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected the moving object for a second predetermined time or longer. When the printing unit is in a normal state, the printing unit is put into a normal state in which printing is possible. In the power saving state, a first power saving state, the power consumption of which is larger than that of the first power saving state, A second power saving state in which the time required for returning to the normal state is short, and a second power saving state in which the power consumption is greater than that of the second power saving state. The third power saving state can be controlled so that the time required for returning to the normal state is short. After the first power saving state is entered, the first detection unit or the second detection unit detects the moving object. Then, the second power saving state is entered, After the second power saving state is set, the first detection unit or the second detection unit detects the moving body as a first When the power saving state is exceeded, the third power saving state is entered. After the third power saving state is entered, the first detection unit and the second detection unit detect the moving body at a second location. and returning the image processing device to the normal state when the image processing device detects that the detected state has exceeded a predetermined period of time.

Images