Image processor

An image processor keeps itself capable of executing a communication process with an external apparatus even in an energy-saving state, and offers a job reservation function while reducing power consumption as much as possible. The image processor has an energization switching circuit that makes switchover separately in energizing/deenergizing each of a plurality of function blocks, which execute a job, independent of energization of a Network Interface Card (NIC). The NIC has functions of counting the present time, obtaining a scheduled time and reserved job information on a reserved job to be executed at the scheduled time, identifying the reserved job to be started for execution on the basis of a counted time and the scheduled time included in the reserved job information, and starting up a function block needed for execution of the identified reserved job through control over the energization switching circuit.

This Non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (a) on Patent Application No. 2006-107115 filed in JAPAN on Apr. 10, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image processor having a communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, an image processor, such as a printer, scanner, fax machine, copier, and multifunctional peripheral (MFP) combining functions of those equipments, has a communication unit (NIC (Network Interface Card), modem (Modulator-Demodulator), etc.) that communicates with an external apparatus (computer, another image processor, etc.) via a communication medium such as a network and telephone circuit. Such an image processor may have a function of changing its operation state to a power-saving state (generally called sleep mode), where the processor consumes less power than power consumed in a regular operation state, when a given sleep condition is satisfied in the regular operation state.

The sleep condition, for example, includes a condition that an operation input unit incorporated into the image processor has received no operation input and the processor has received no data from an external apparatus through the communication unit for a given time or longer. The sleep condition may also include a condition that the present time is in a time zone that is set in a predetermined time schedule (e.g., weekly schedule).

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-172869 discloses a digital MFP that has a weekly timer function of turning on and off the power supply for the MFP according to a predetermined weekly schedule. This function allows the image processor to automatically change its operation state into an energy-saving state in a time zone where a possibility of use of the image processor is extremely low, such as nighttime and holiday, and to automatically return to a regular operation state in other time zones. As a result, the image processor becomes capable of saving more power.

In another example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-092254 discloses a fax machine that appoints a time and that transmits predesignated image data by fax when the appointed time has come. Hereinafter, such a function of appointing a scheduled time for executing a job (such as data transmission process) and executing the job at the scheduled time is called a job reservation function. An image processor having this job reservation function executes a job not particularly urgent in avoidance of a time of load concentration or executes such a job at a time of lower power cost, thus offers great convenience.

An image processor has a controlling unit that controls various devices of the processor. This controlling unit (usually a main controlling unit that assumes overall control over the entire part of the processor) controls energization of each device, thus controlling transfer to the energy-saving state and return to a regular state from the energy-saving state. The job reservation function is also realized by the controlling unit of the image processor.

The image processor so structured as to cause the controlling unit to realize the job reservation function, however, must keep the multifunctional controlling unit energized even in the energy-saving state, which poses a problem of difficulty in achieving a sufficient energy-saving effect.

Meanwhile, even when the image processor is in the energy-saving state, the communication unit (NIC, etc.) should desirably be kept energized so that the image processor at least sends back any form of reply in response to a given request, such as printing request, from an external apparatus. This is because of a necessity for preventing a user from having a wrong idea that the image processor is developing trouble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide an image processor that keeps the processor capable of executing a communication process with an external apparatus even in an energy-saving state while reducing power consumption as much as possible and realizing the job reservation function.

The present invention is an image processor having such a communication unit as NIC that communicates with external apparatuses. The image processor includes the following constituents (1) to (5), among which the constituents (2) to (5) are combined by the communication unit.

(1) An energization switching unit that makes switchover separately in energizing/deenergizing each of a plurality of function blocks, which is a component or an assembly of components executing a given job, independent of energization of the communication unit.
(2) A time counting unit that counts the present time.
(3) A reservation information obtaining unit that obtains a given scheduled time and reserved job information on a reserved job to be executed at the scheduled time from a given memory unit.
(4) An execution start job identifying unit that identifies the reserved job to be started for execution on the basis of a counted time given by the time counting unit and the scheduled time obtained by the reserved information obtaining unit.
(5) An automatic startup controlling unit that when a function block needed for execution of the reserved job identified by the execution start job identifying unit is in a deenergized state, changes the state of the function block into an energized state through control over the energization switching unit.

The image processor having the above configuration is capable of energization control over a function block needed for execution of a job, independent of energization of the communication unit. As a result, the image processor can keep the processor capable of executing a communication process with an external apparatus even in the energy-saving state, where the function block is not energized. In addition, according to the image processor the communication unit, which is kept energized even when the image processor is in the energy-saving state, offers a function of time management for the job reservation function, and of controlling the startup of a function block needed for execution of a reserved job. Because of this, the image processor can realize the job reservation function while reducing power consumption as much as possible in the energy-saving state.

The reservation information obtaining unit may be provided as a unit that obtains information from a memory unit of an external apparatus, which can communicate with the communication unit, or as a unit that obtains information from a memory unit of the image processor.

For example, the image processor according to the present invention further includes a job reservation information memory unit that stores job reservation information linking the scheduled time to the reserved job information, and allows the reserved information obtaining unit to obtain the scheduled time and reserved job information from the job reservation information memory unit.

In this case, the communication unit is further provided with a job reservation information external access unit that executes one or a plurality of processes on the job reservation information stored in the job reservation information memory unit, the processes being executed out of processes of transmission to an external apparatus, contents updating, and information deletion, in response to a request from the external apparatus.

This eliminates a need for the image processor to bother to start up a function block for reference to or updating of the job reservation information when the processor is in the energy-saving state, thus suppresses an increase in power consumption.

The execution start job identifying unit identifies a plurality of the reserved jobs corresponding to a plurality of the scheduled times as scheduled jobs to be started for execution when the plurality of the scheduled times included in a given time range are present for a counted time given by the time counting unit.

Generally, electric or electronic components composing the function block consume a great amount of power at the start of energization. To reduce power consumption, therefore, a shorter energization time and a fewer frequency of startup is desirable for the function block. According to the image processor having the above configuration, when scheduled times corresponding to a plurality of the reserved jobs are set in a relatively short time range, the plurality of the reserved jobs are executed at once as the function block is started up only once. As a result, the frequency of startup of the function block is reduced to enable further energy-saving.

When the state of a plurality of function blocks is changed into the energized state, the automatic start controlling unit should preferably change the state of the function blocks into the energized state in sequence from a function block requiring a longer startup time according to a predetermined procedure.

In this case, further preferably, the automatic start controlling unit should change the state of each of the plurality of the function blocks into the energized state according to the predetermined procedure so that the function blocks become completely ready for operation exactly or almost at the same time.

This reduces wasted power in a waiting time from a point that a function block requiring a shorter startup time becomes completely ready for operation to a point that other function blocks become completely ready for operation.

The controlling unit (main controlling unit) carrying out overall control over the image processor usually has a clock IC with a battery-fed power backup. In contrast, the communication unit, typically an NIC, does not usually have such a high-performance IC, but has a clock oscillator that generates clock signals at a constant cycle.

For preferable application, therefore, when the function block is provided with a reference time counting unit (equivalent to the clock IC) that counts a reference time for the image processor with backup power from a battery, the time counting unit combined by the communication unit should have the following constituents (1) to (3).

(1) A clock signal generating unit (equivalent to the clock oscillator) that generates clock signals at a constant cycle.

(2) A clock summation time counting unit that counts the present time on the basis of a result of summation of the clock signals.

(3) A time correcting unit that obtains a counted time given by the reference time counting unit to correct a counted time given by the clock summation time counting unit when the function block having the reference time counting unit is in the energized state.

These constituents enable realization of a schedule startup controlling unit without providing the communication unit anew with such a high-performance component as clock IC.

However, the clock signal generating unit (clock oscillator) incorporated into the communication unit shows a signal cycle of lower precision in many cases. Because of this, a long period of no correction of a counted time based on the clock signal generating unit could lead to the imprecision of the schedule startup controlling unit.

For preferable application, therefore, when the function block having the reference time counting unit is in the deenergized state, the time correcting unit should change the state of the function block into the energized state through control over the energization switching unit and obtain a counted time given by the reference time counting unit of the function block to correct a counted time given by the clock summation time counting unit.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for better understanding of the present invention. The following embodiments present specific examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of the outline structure of an image processor X according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processor X according to the embodiment of the present invention will first be described referring to the block diagram shown inFIG. 1.

The image processor X has an NIC5that communicates with an external apparatus through a network composed of a LAN, WAN, etc. Through this NIC5, the image processor X communicates with an external apparatus, such as a terminal32that sends such a given job as print process to the image processor X, and an e-mail server (not shown) to which the image processor X makes access upon sending or receiving an e-mail.

The image processor X has a job reservation function of executing a reserved job of fax/e-mail transmission, etc., at a scheduled time or a time close to the scheduled time for executing the reserved job when the reserved job and the scheduled time are set.

The image processor X is capable of communicating with an external apparatus (terminal32, e-mail server not shown, etc.), for example, via a network30composed of a LAN, Internet, etc., and has the network interface card5(hereinafter “NIC”), which is an instance of a communication unit carrying out the communication with the external apparatus. The terminal32is a computer, such as personal computer.

In addition to the NIC5, as shown inFIG. 1, the image processor X includes an operation/display unit2, a hard disc drive3(hereinafter “HDD”), an image process calculating unit4, a scanner unit6, a printer unit7, a fax unit8, a main controlling unit9, an energization switching circuit10, a main power supply21, and a subpower supply22.

In the example shown inFIG. 1, the main controlling unit9, the image process calculating unit4, the NIC5, the scanner unit6, the printer unit7, the fax unit8, and the energization switching circuit10are interconnected through a bus11.

Each of the operation/display unit2, scanner unit6, printer unit7, fax unit8, and main controlling unit9is a function block structured as a component or an assembly of components that is divided according to each function.

The operation/display unit2has an operation input unit for inputting information, and a display unit for displaying the information. The operation input unit is composed of, for example, sheet keys, a touch panel formed on the surface of a liquid crystal display device, etc. The display unit is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an LED lamp, etc. The operation/display unit2constitutes a man-machine interface for a user.

The HDD3is a large-capacity nonvolatile memory that stores processed data according to a need when image data read from a document is processed or when image data is printed out. The HDD3is also used to save e-mail data obtained from an e-mail server, which is not shown.

The image process calculating unit4is composed of a dedicated signal process circuit or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and executes various image processes on image data, including generation of print data used for image formation (image data, print job, etc.), generation of image data to be sent to the terminal32(e.g., image data encoded in such a prescribed format as JPEG format), encrypting of image data, decrypting of encoded image data, compression/encoding of image data, and decompression (restoration) of compressed/coded image data.

The scanner unit6is an assembly of components including a device that reads an image formed on a document that is placed on a glass document platen, which is not shown, or is transferred from an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), which is not shown, and a MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) that controls the device.

In addition to the ADF, the scanner unit6is also provided with, for example, a light source that emits light onto the image surface of a document, and with a mirror that reflects reflected light from the document in a given direction. The scanner unit6further includes a movable optical unit that is structured to be movable along the document, a motor that drives the movable optical unit, a stationary mirror that guides light emitted out of the movable optical unit along a given path, a lens that condenses guided light, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that converts light having passed through the lens into electricity to put out an electric signal as strong as the quantity of light (i.e., light reflected at the image surface of the document). The electric signal put out of the CCD is transferred as image data to the image process calculating unit4.

The printer unit7is an assembly of components including a unit that sequentially sends out recording paper sheets stored in a paper feeding cassette, which is not shown, one by one to transfer the recording paper sheets to a paper ejecting tray via a given image formation position, a unit that forms (puts out) an image on the recording paper sheet at the image formation position on the basis of document image data read by the scanner unit6from a document or of printing image data generated by the image process calculating unit4, and an MPU that controls the units.

The image processor X functions as a copier as the processor X carries out an image forming process based on a document image data, and functions as a printer as the processor X carries out an image forming process based on a print request (print job) receiving from the terminal32.

The printer unit7, for example, includes a photosensitive drum that carries an image, an electrifier that electrifies the photosensitive drum, an exposure device that writes a static latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum, the latent image being based on given image data or print job, a developer that develops the static latent image into a toner image, a transferor that transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum to a recording paper sheet, and a motor that drives the photosensitive drum and paper transfer rollers.

The fax unit8is composed of an NCU (Network Control Unit), modem, etc. The fax unit8carries out dial-up connection or a negotiation process for determining a method of communication with a communicating party (communicating station), transmitting/receiving fax data to/from another fax machine through the telephone circuit.

The NIC5is a communication interface (instance of a communication unit) that transmits or receives data to or from an external apparatus, such as an e-mail server (not shown), through the network30, which is composed of, for example, a LAN conforming to the IEEE standard 802.3, the Internet, etc.

The main power supply21and the subpower supply22are power circuits, supplying power to each of the constituents of the image processor X.

The energization switching circuit10is the switching circuit (instance of an energization switching unit) that makes switchover in connecting/disconnecting the subpower supply22to/from a commercial power supply according to a control signal received from the NIC5, thus making switchover in separately energizing/deenergizing each function block of the main controlling unit9, the scanner unit6, the printer unit7, the fax unit8, etc. The energization switching circuit10is capable of making switchover in separately energizing/deenergizing each of the main controlling unit9, scanner unit6, printer unit7, and fax unit8, independent of energization of the NIC5.

The main controlling unit9controls the operation/display unit2, the HDD3, and the image process calculating unit4. The main controlling unit9sends/receives information needed for data processing executed by the MPU built in the scanner unit6, printer unit7, and fax unit8, and information obtained by the data processing.

For example, the main controlling unit9delivers information of the size of a recording paper sheet on which an image is to be formed, of a magnification/demagnification rate and a thickness correction value for an output image, and of selective execution of a color image forming process or a monochromic image forming process, to the MPU built in the printer unit7, and obtains information of the number of recording paper sheets finished with image formation and of an error occurring on the printer unit7, from the MPU of the printer unit7. The main controlling unit9delivers information of image data to be sent out and of the telephone number of a destination, to the MPU built in the fax unit8, and obtains information of an error occurring during fax transmission, from the MPU of the fax unit8.

The main controlling unit9delivers information of an image reading range on a document, to the MPU built in the scanner unit6, and obtains information of the number of sheets of the document finished with image reading under operation by the ADF, of image data read by the scanner unit6, and of an error occurring on the ADF, from the MPU of the scanner unit6.

In addition, the main controlling unit9has an e-mail sending/receiving function of executing a process of requesting an e-mail server (not shown), which is capable of communicating via the network30, to send out e-mail data addressed to the image processor, the e-mail data being stored in the memory unit of the server, to obtain the e-mail data, and a process of sending e-mail data with the e-mail address of a destination to the e-mail server, both processes being executed through the NIC5.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of the outline structure of the NIC incorporated in the image processor X. The NIC5incorporated in the image processor X will be described referring to the block diagram shown inFIG. 2.

The NIC includes a bus connector51, a bus controlling unit52, an MPU53, a memory controlling unit54, a ROM55, a flash memory56, a network controlling unit57, and a network connector58.

The bus connector51is the connector connected to the bus11, and the bus controlling unit52carries out signal transmission to other devices through the bus11.

The network connector58is the connector physically connected to the network30, and the network controlling unit57carries out communication control conforming to a given network protocol of, for example, IEEE standard 802.3, TCP/IP, etc.

The MPU53is the calculating unit that executes a program stored beforehand in the ROM55to carry out various processes including relaying signal transmission between the bus11and the network30and responding to a request for a given process from the terminal32via the network30. The program to be executed is deployed in a RAM (not shown) built in the MPU53and is executed. The MPU53makes access to the ROM55or to the flash memory56via the memory controlling unit54.

The ROM55of the NIC5stores programs to be executed by the MPU53and data to be referred by the MPU53.

The flash memory56of the NIC5stores data which is stored and referred by the MPU53in the course of execution of a process.

The MPU53of the NIC5has a clock oscillator53athat generates oscillation signals at a given cycle. The MPU53of the NIC5obtains the present time from the main controlling unit9at given timing. Hereinafter, this obtained time is called time counting start time. The MPU53of the NIC5sums up oscillation signals from the clock oscillator53ato count a passed time from the point of obtainment of the time counting start time from the main controlling unit9, and counts the present date and time (present time) on the basis of the passed time and the time counting start time.

The present time counted by the MPU53of the NIC5is reset when the NIC5becomes the deenergized state. When the main controlling unit9is in “energized state”, therefore, the MPU53of the NIC5obtains the time at the present point (including year/month/day, day of the week, and time) from a calendar administrating unit99of the main controlling unit9shown inFIG. 5, and carries out a time correcting process based on the obtained time.

According to the time correcting process, for example, when the main controlling unit9is in “energized state”, the MPU53of the NIC5obtains the time at the present point from the calendar administrating unit99of the main controlling unit9on a regular basis, and takes the obtained time to be the time counting start time to resume time counting based on clock signals from the clock oscillator53a. Through this process, a time counted by the NIC5is corrected by a counted time given by the calendar administrating unit99. Following the time correction, the MPU53of the NIC5keeps counting the time after correction.

The MPU53of the NIC5also has a reserved job time administrating function in the job reservation function described above.

FIG. 3depicts an example of the data structure of job reservation information D11stored beforehand in the flash memory56of the NIC5.

As shown inFIG. 3, the job reservation information D11is the information that links together a scheduled time d3, a reserved job ID (d1) identifying a reserved job to be executed at the scheduled time d3, and the type d2of the reserved job (each of the time d3, job ID d1, and type d2is an instance of reserved job information). The MPU53of the NIC5recognizes the type and scheduled execution time of a reserved job reserved for execution on the basis of the job reservation information D11stored in the flash memory56(instance of a job reservation information memory unit) of the NIC5.

The set contents of the job type d2shown inFIG. 3includes “FX” representing a fax transmission job, “PR” representing a print job, “FT” representing a job of transmitting a data file to the terminal32in a LAN, etc. (hereinafter “file transmission job”), and “ML” representing an e-mail data transmission job.

The scheduled time d3has set contents of, for example, information representing time itself (hour/minute), and information representing the sum (count) of oscillation signals from the clock oscillator53acounted according to the start point of the time counting start time.

The main controlling unit9, which will be explained later, has a job reservation setting function of allowing a user to set the contents of the job reservation information D11through control over the operation/display unit2. The job reservation information D11set through the job reservation setting function is stored in the HDD3, and is transmitted from the main controlling unit9to the NIC5, where the MPU53stores the job reservation information D11in the flash memory56. The actual contents of a reserved job (data itself of the reserved job) is linked to the job reservation information D11and stored in the HDD3by the main controlling unit9, but is not transmitted to the NIC5.

How a reserved job is processed in the image processor X will be explained later.

FIG. 4depicts an example of the data structure of a job type/subpower supply link table referred by the NIC of the image processor X. The job type/subpower supply link table D12referred by the NIC5of the image processor X will be described referring to the data structure diagram shown inFIG. 4.

The job type/subpower supply link table D12is the information that indicates for each type of job subpower supplies needed to be turned on to execute the job.

The job type/subpower supply link table D12shown inFIG. 4thus informs that a first subpower supply221and a second subpower supply224shown inFIG. 6need to be turned on to execute the fax transmission job (denoted by “FX” inFIG. 4), that the first subpower supply221and a third subpower supply223need to be turned on to execute the print job (denoted by “PR” inFIG. 4), and that the first subpower supply221needs to be turned on to execute the file transmission job (denoted by “FT” inFIG. 4) or e-mail data transmission job (denoted by “ML” inFIG. 4).

The job type/subpower supply link table D12, therefore, informs that the main controlling unit9, HDD3, image process calculating unit4, and fax unit8are necessary but the scanner unit6, printer unit7, and operation/display unit2are unnecessary for execution of the fax transmission job, that the main controlling unit9, HDD3, image process calculating unit4, and print unit7are necessary but the scanner unit6, fax unit8, and operation/display unit2are unnecessary for execution of the print job, and that the main controlling unit9, HDD3, and image process calculating unit4are necessary but the scanner unit6, printer unit7, fax unit8, and operation/display unit2are unnecessary for execution of the file transmission job and e-mail data transmission job.

The job type/subpower supply link table D12is, for example, stored beforehand in the flash memory56of the NIC5, or may be stored in a memory unit of an external apparatus to which the image processor X is accessible through the NIC5.

FIG. 5is a block diagram of the outline structure of the main controlling unit incorporated in the image processor X. The structure of the main controlling unit9incorporated in the image processor X will be described referring to the block diagram shown inFIG. 5.

The main controlling unit9includes a bus connector91, a bus controlling unit92, an MPU93, a memory controlling unit94, a ROM95, a flash memory96, an I/O port98, and a calendar administrating unit99.

Each of the bus connector91, bus controlling unit92, memory controlling unit94, ROM95, and flash memory96has the same function as each of the bus connector51, bus controlling unit52, memory controlling unit54, ROM55, and flash memory56, which are incorporated into the NIC5. Naturally, the contents of programs and data stored in the ROM95and flash memory96are different from those stored in the ROM55and flash memory56of the NIC5.

The main controlling unit9controls devices involved in various image processes by causing the MPU93to execute programs stored in the ROM95and flash memory96.

The I/O port98of the main controlling unit9is connected to a signal line that transmits an output control signal to a device, which is to be a controlled object of the main controlling unit9, and to a signal line that transmits various input detected signals from various sensors to the main controlling unit9. The I/O port98thus serves as an interface relaying between the signal lines and the MPU93.

For example, the I/O port98of the main controlling unit9is connected to devices composing the operation/display unit2and the HDD3, and to signal lines leading to various sensors.

The main controlling unit9is provided with the calendar administrating unit99, which has a time counting circuit that counts time. The calendar administrating unit99detects the present year, month, day, day of the week, and time on the basis of a time counted by the time counting circuit. The calendar administrating unit99is supplied with power from a battery charged with power supplied from the first subpower supply221. The calendar administrating unit99continues its operation with power supplied from the battery even when power supply from the first subpower supply221is cut off.

InFIGS. 2 and 5, the flash memories56,96are depicted as nonvolatile memory unit to which the MPUs53,93can write data and from which the MPUs53,93can read out data. These flash memories56,96may be replaced with other nonvolatile memory units, such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

FIG. 6is a power system diagram of a power connection relation in the image processor X. An example of a power connection relation to each function block in the image processor X will be described referring to the power system diagram shown inFIG. 6.

InFIG. 6, power supply lines are represented by continuous lines, and signal transmission lines other than the power supply lines are represented by broken lines.

According to the example shown inFIG. 6, the image processor X has five subpower supplies22, which are hereinafter called the first subpower supply221to fifth subpower supply225.

The main power supply21is the power supply that supplies power to the NIC5and to the energization switching circuit10.

The main power supply21is connected to a commercial power supply100, which is the primary power source to the whole of the image processor X, via a manual changeover switch40, with which changeover is made in connection/disconnection to/from the power supply lines by manual operation. A user carries out changeover operation on the changeover switch40to make changeover in energizing/deenergizing the NIC5and the energization switching circuit10. The NIC5and energization switching circuit10are, therefore, kept in the energized state when the image processor X is connected to the commercial power supply100unless the user operates the manual changeover switch40to bring it into a disconnected state from a connected state. Once the manual changeover switch40is brought into the disconnected state, the whole of the image processor X is brought into the deenergized state (suspended state).

The first subpower supply221is the power supply circuit that supplies power to the main controlling unit9, to the HDD3, and to the image process calculating unit4.

The second subpower supply222, the third subpower supply223, the fourth subpower supply224, and a fifth subpower supply225are power supply circuits that supply power to the scanner unit6, to the printer unit7, to the fax unit8, and to the operation/display unit2, respectively.

Each first subpower supply221to fifth subpower supply225is connected to the commercial power supply100via the manual changeover switch40and each automatic changeover switch41to45, which makes changeover in connection/disconnection to/from the power supply line on the basis of a given control signal. As shown clearly inFIG. 6, a corresponding relation is established between the automatic changeover switch41and the first subpower supply221, the automatic changeover switch42and the second subpower supply222, the automatic changeover switch43and the third subpower supply223, the automatic changeover switch44and the fourth subpower supply224, and the automatic changeover switch45and the fifth subpower supply225.

As a result, when the manual changeover switch40has been in the connected state and each automatic changeover switch41to45is brought into the connected state, each subpower supply221to225is brought into the energized state.

Hereinafter, connection and disconnection of a power supply line is called turning on and turning off of the power supply line. Likewise, a connected state and disconnected state of a power supply line is called a turned-on state and turned-off state of the power supply line.

The automatic changeover switches41to45function as the energization switching unit that make switchover in separately energizing/deenergizing each function block9,6,7,8,2as each changeover switch41to45is turned on or off.

Hereinafter, when the NIC5is in the energized state (manual changeover switch40is in the connected state) and one or more of the function blocks2,6to9are in the deenergized state (one or more of the automatic changeover switches41to45are in the turned-off state), an operation mode of the image processor X is called a sleep mode. When the NIC5and function blocks2,6to9are in the energized state, an operation mode of the image processor X is called an operating mode.

As shown inFIG. 6, the NIC5controls turning on and off of every automatic changeover switch41to45through the energization switching circuit10, thus separately controls energization of each function block. Namely, the NIC, serves also as a device for executing energization control over each function block.

The image processor X has an operation detecting switch1that is switched between the turned-on state and turned-off state by operation of the user. The turned-on state and turned-off state of the operation detecting switch1is detected by the energization switching circuit10.

The operation detecting switch1functions as an energization switch that makes switchover in bringing the image processor X into either operating mode or sleep mode.

Specifically, when the operation detecting switch1is switched to the turned-on sate in the sleep mode, the energization switching circuit10turns on every automatic changeover switch41to45to bring the image processor X into the operating mode.

When the operation detecting switch1is switched to the turned-off state in the operating mode, the energization switching circuit10turns off every automatic changeover switch41to45to bring the image processor X into the sleep mode unless any kind of job is being processed.

According to the image processor X, when each function block is energized, the MPU53of the NIC5determines on whether the following two conditions (hereinafter “first sleep condition”, “second sleep condition”) are met. When either of the sleep conditions is met, the NIC5controls the energization switching circuit10, changing the mode of the image processor X into the sleep mode, where power supply to one or more of the function blocks is cut off. In the sleep mode, one or more of five automatic changeover switches41to45are brought into “turned-off state” in changeover, which puts one or more of the function blocks into “deenergized state.” When every automatic changeover switch41to45is brought into “turned-off state”, therefore, a very few devices including the NIC5(NIC5and the energization switching circuit10) remain in “energized state” in the image processor X.

The MPU53of the NIC5records sleep mode transfer reason information in the flash memory56of the NIC5when operation mode transfer to the sleep mode is carried out. The transfer reason information states which one of the first sleep condition and second sleep condition has been met.

The first sleep condition is the condition that the present date and time fall onto a time zone set to the sleep mode in a preset weekly time schedule (hereinafter “weekly schedule”). Hereinafter, control of a state of energization of each function block through control over the automatic changeover switches41to45according to the preset weekly schedule (instance of a time schedule) is called weekly timer control. The MPU53of the NIC5executing the weekly timer control is an instance of a schedule controlling unit.

FIG. 7is a diagrammatic view of the contents of a weekly schedule WS for weekly timer control in the image processor X. InFIG. 7, each square represents a time zone that is fixed by the day of the week (Monday to Sunday) and time (00to23). A blank square represents a time zone set to the sleep mode, and a square marked with “*” represents a time zone set to the operating mode, where each function block is energized. The weekly schedule WS is the information that is preset for each of the first subpower supply221to fifth subpower supply225.

The MPU53of the NIC5obtains information of the weekly schedule WS for each of the first subpower supply221to fifth subpower supply225in advance from the main controlling unit9, and puts the weekly schedule WS information into the flash memory56in advance for storage.

The MPU53of the NIC5determines on which one of the sleep mode time zone and the operating mode time zone that the present time counted by the clock oscillator53afalls onto in the weekly schedule WS stored in the flash memory56. According to a result of the determination, the MPU53of the NIC5controls the automatic changeover switches41to45through the energization switching circuit10to separately change the state of each function block2,6to9from “energized state” to “deenergized state” (transfer to the sleep mode), or from “deenergized state” to “energized state” (transfer to the operating mode).

The main controlling unit9has a weekly schedule setting function of allowing a user to set the contents of the weekly schedule WS through control over the operation/display unit2. The weekly schedule WS set through the weekly schedule setting function is transmitted from the main controlling unit9to the NIC5, where the MPU53stores the weekly schedule WS in the flash memory56.

The MPU53of the NIC5may also be provided with a function of transmitting the weekly schedule WS stored in the flash memory56to the external terminal32in response to a request from the terminal32through the network30, or with a function of updating the contents of the weekly schedule WS.

The second sleep condition is the condition that when the first condition is not met, any operation input through the operation/display unit2and any data process request (print job, etc.) from an external apparatus through the network30have not been received for a given time or longer.

For example, when the NIC5determines on whether the second sleep condition is met, the MPU53of the NIC5detects the presence/absence of operation input to the operation/display unit2via the main controlling unit9and the bus11, and also detects the presence/absence of data reception from the terminal32via the network controlling unit57.

By counting time based on oscillation signals from the clock oscillator53a, the MPU53of the NIC5detects a fact that any operation input through the operation/display unit2and any data from the terminal32through the network30have not been received for a given time or longer. According to the detected fact, the MPU53of the NIC5controls the automatic changeover switches41to45through the energization switching circuit10to change the state of each function block2,6to9from “energized state” to “deenergized state” (from operating mode to the sleep mode).

FIG. 8is a flowchart of a procedure for job execution control in the image processor X. The procedure for job execution control in the image processor X will be described referring to the flowchart shown inFIG. 8. The process shown inFIG. 8is executed after energization of every function block of the image processor X has been started. S1, S2, - - - in the flowchart are identification symbols that represent process procedures (steps).

The MPU53of the NIC5obtains a reference time from the calendar administrating unit99of the main controlling unit9to take the obtained reference time to be a time counting start time, and starts counting the present time used for energization control (weekly timer control) on each function block on the basis of clock signals from the clock oscillator53a(S1). The detail of the time counting process is the same as described before. Hereinafter, a counted time based on clock signals from the clock oscillator53ais called NIC counted time. Following step S1, the MPU53of the NIC5continuously counts the NIC counted time. The MPU53of the NIC5, which counts the NIC counted time, and the clock oscillator53a, which generates clock signals, are an instance of a time counting unit combined by the communication unit.

The MPU53of the NIC5also sets (store) the next correction time that is determined by adding a given time (e.g., 24 hours) to the time counting start time (S2). This next correction time represents the timing at which the NIC counted time is corrected based on the reference time.

The MPU53of the NIC5then determines on whether a job, such as print process and data filing process, from the external terminal32has been received through the network30(S3), and on whether the present time (NIC counted time) has passed the correction time (S5).

The data filing process is the process of saving a data file transmitted from the terminal32in the HDD3, changing a place to save the data file in (data folder) or file name, rewriting/deleting data, etc.

When reception of the job is confirmed at step S3, the MPU53of the NIC5sends the job to the main controlling unit9, which then controls a needed function block to execute the process corresponding to the job (S4). Afterward, the procedure returns to step S3.

When making a determination at step S5that the present time (NIC counted time) has been passed the correction time, the MPU53of the NIC5executes a correction process on the NIC counted time (S6, instance of a time correcting unit). The correction process goes as the process at step S1. According to the process, the MPU53of the NIC5obtains a reference time (including year/month/day, day of the week, and time) from the calendar administrating unit99of the main controlling unit9, which is in “energized state”, to take the obtained reference time to be a time counting start time, and resumes counting of the NIC counted time on the basis of clock signals from the clock oscillator53a. As a result, the NIC counted time is corrected based on the reference time. Subsequently, MPU53of the NIC5continuously counts the corrected NIC counted time.

The MPU53of the NIC5then resets (newly stores) the next correction time that is determined by adding a given time (e.g., 24 hours) to the time counting start time newly set at step S6(S7). Afterward, the procedure returns to step S3.

When no job reception and time passage over the correction time have been confirmed at steps S3, S5, the image processor X executes a power-saving control process (S8), which will be described later, and then the procedure returns to step s3.

FIG. 9is a flowchart of a procedure for the energy-saving control process in the image processor X. The procedure for the energy-saving control process (steps S11to S25) executed by the image processor X at step S8(seeFIG. 8) will be described referring to the flowchart shown inFIG. 9.

In the energy-saving control process, the MPU53of the NIC5determines first on whether a given suspension condition is met at each function block2,6to9(S11).

For each function block2,6to9, the MPU53of the NIC5compares the present time (NIC counted time) with the weekly schedule WS, and determines that the suspension condition is met when a condition of bringing each function block into “deenergized state” (the first sleep condition) is met. Specifically, the MPU53determines on whether the present time falls onto a blank square time zone in the weekly schedule WS shown inFIG. 7. The MPU53of the NIC5also gives a determination that the suspension condition is met when the second sleep condition is met.

When determining that the suspension condition based on the weekly schedule WS is not met at any function block, the MPU53of the NIC5puts the procedure forward to step S26, which will be described later, and to the next step S12when determining otherwise.

At step S12, the MPU53of the NIC5controls the energization switching circuit10to suspend energization to a function block at which the suspension condition is met at step S8(change from “energized state” to “deenergized state”).

The MPU53of the NIC5then determines on whether a job, such as print job (job requesting a print process) and data filing job (job requesting for a data filing process), from an external terminal32has been received through the network30(S13).

Upon determining that the job has been received, the MPU53of the NIC5puts the procedure forward to the next step S14, and to step S15, which will be described later, when determining otherwise.

At step S14, the MPU53of the NIC5causes a function block to execute the process corresponding to the job received at step S13, and then puts the procedure back to aforementioned step S11.

At step S14, the MPU53of the NIC5determines first on whether the received job can be executed by a function block that is in “energized state” at this point. When determining that the job can be executed by the function block, the MPU53of the NIC5sends the job to the main controlling unit9, which then controls a needed function block to execute the job.

When determining that the received job cannot be executed by the function block that is in “energized state” at this point, the MPU53of the NIC5informs the terminal32, which requests the process, in reply that the requested process cannot be executed due to suspension of function blocks.

This prevents a user of the terminal32from having a wrong idea that the image processor X is developing a trouble.

At this point, however, when the image processor X is in the sleep mode that has resulted from meeting of the second sleep condition, the MPU53of the NIC5starts up a function block on suspension (function block needed for execution of the job) to cause the function block to execute the received job.

Upon starting the function block, the MPU53of the NIC5identifies a subpower supply22that must be turned on for execution of the received job on the basis of the job type/subpower link table D12(seeFIG. 4), which is stored beforehand in the flash memory56, etc.

At step S15, the MPU53of the NIC5reads out job reservation information D11(seeFIG. 3) stored in the flash memory56to obtain the scheduled time d3, the reserved job ID (d1) identifying a reserved job to be executed at the scheduled time d3, and the type d2of the reserved job (each of the time d3, job ID d1, and type d2is an instance of reserved job information) (S15, an instance of a reserved information obtaining unit).

The job reservation information D11may be stored in a memory unit of such an external apparatus as computer with which the NIC can communicate through the network30. In this case, the MPU53of the NIC5obtains the job reservation information D11from the memory unit of the external apparatus through network30.

The MPU53of the NIC5identifies a reserved job to be started for execution (i.e., identifies the reserved job ID (d1)) on the basis of the NIC counted time based on oscillation signals from the clock oscillator53a(an instance of a counted time given by the time counting unit) and of the scheduled time d3obtained at step S15(S16, an instance of an execution start job identifying unit).

At step S16, the MPU53of the NIC5determines first on whether the NIC counted time has reached one or more scheduled times d3. The MPU53does not identify the job to be started for execution when the NIC counted time has not reached any scheduled times d3, which means that the job to be started for execution is not present.

When determining that the NIC counted time has reached one or more scheduled times d3, the MPU53of the NIC5identifies the reserved jobs (reserved job ID (d1)) corresponding to all scheduled times d3included in a preset permissible time range as reserved jobs to be started for execution for the NIC counted time. In this manner, when a plurality of scheduled times d3included in the permissible time range are present for the NIC counted time, a plurality of reserved jobs corresponding to the plurality of scheduled times d3are identified as the reserved jobs to be started for execution.

The MPU53of the NIC5then determines on whether a job to be started for execution is present (whether a reserved job to be started for execution has been identified at step S16) (S17). When the job is present, the MPU53puts the procedure forward to the next step S18, and to step S21, which will be described later, when the job is not present.

At step S18, when suspended (in “deenergized state”) function blocks are present, the MPU53of the NIC5starts up a function block needed for execution of the job to be started for execution, which is identified at step S16, out of the suspended function blocks (S18, an instance of an automatic start controlling unit). This start of the function block, that is, change from “deenergized state” to “energized state” of the function block, is carried out through control over the energization switching circuit10by the MPU53of the NIC5.

Upon starting the function block, the MPU53of the NIC5identifies a subpower supply22that must be turned on for execution of the reserved job on the basis of the job type/subpower link table D12(seeFIG. 4), which is stored beforehand in the flash memory56, etc. As described before, the job type/subpower link table D12is the information that indicates the linked relation between the type of jobs and the subpower supplies22supplying power to function blocks needed for execution of the jobs.

At step S18, when a plurality of function blocks are started up, the MPU53of the NIC5separately starts up each of the plurality of function blocks to be started (brings the function blocks into “energized state”) in sequence from a function block requiring a longer startup time according to a predetermined procedure so that the function blocks become completely ready for operation (ready state) almost simultaneously.

FIG. 10is a time chart of an example of a start procedure for a plurality of function blocks in the process at step S18.

The example shown inFIG. 10is the example of the procedure for staring up the printer unit7(including a fixing heater), the main controlling unit9, and the fax unit8.

InFIG. 10, the startup time of each function block (time taken to reach the state of being completely ready for operation from the start of energization) is: t1for the printer unit7, t2(<t1) for the main controlling unit9, and t3(<t2) for the fax unit8. The approximate values for the startup times t1to t3can be known in advance for each type of the image processor.

In the case of the example shown inFIG. 10, the MPU53of the NIC5first starts energization of the printer unit7, whose startup time t1is the longest, at a point P1at which the process at step S18starts, then starts energization of the main controlling unit9, whose startup time t2is the second longest one, at the point P2at which the time (t1-t2) has passed from the point P1. Subsequently, the MPU53starts energization of the fax unit8, whose startup time is the next in length to that of the main controlling unit9, at the point P3at which the time (t2-t3) has passed from the point P2. In this manner, the MPU53sequentially starts up needed function blocks (suspended function blocks) in the order of length of the startup time while shifting startup points by startup time differences of (t1-t2) and (t2-t3). As a result, every function block becomes completely ready for operation at the same point P0almost simultaneously. By starting up a plurality of function blocks according to such a procedure, wasted power is reduced in a waiting time from a point at which a function block with a shorter startup time becomes completely ready for operation to a point at which other function blocks becomes completely ready for operation.

To achieve the above startup process, for example, the startup time of each function block is stored in the flash memory56of the NIC5, and the MPU53of the NIC5controls the startup start points of the function blocks according to the differences between the startup times.

The MPU53of the NIC5then delivers the reserved job Id (d1) identified at step S16to the main controlling unit9to cause function blocks including the main controlling unit9to execute the reserved job corresponding to the reserved job Id (d1) (S19). At step S19, the information linked to the executed reserved job out of the job reservation information D11stored in the flash memory56of the NIC5and in the HDD3is marked with a flag indicating deletion or execution of the job, and is excluded from the subject of execution from that time onward.

The main controlling unit9obtains the reserved job Id (d1) representing the reserved job to be started for execution from the NIC5, and executes the reserved job (the reserved job stored in the HDD3) corresponding to the reserved job Id (d1) through control over the function block corresponding to the job. The detail of the linked relation between the type of jobs and function blocks is the same as the foregoing description of the job type/subpower supply link table D12.

When processing of the reserved job identified at step S16is over, the MPU53of the NIC5controls the energization switching circuit10and stops energizing the function block started at step S18to return the energization state of each function block to the original state (state before execution of the reserved job) (S20), and then puts the procedure back to aforementioned step S11.

When the MPU53of the NIC5determines that the reserved job to be started for execution has not been identified (is not present) at step S17, the MPU53determines on whether the present time (NIC counted time) has passed the correction time (S21).

When the present time (NIC counted time) has passed the correction time, the MPU53of the NIC5executes the correction process on the NIC counted time as the process at step S6(S22, an instance of a time correcting unit). At step S22, when the main controlling unit9is suspended (in “deenergized state”), the MPU53of the NIC5controls the energization switching circuit10to start up the main controlling unit9, and obtains a counted time given by the calendar administrating unit99incorporated in the main controlling unit9, and then executes the correction process on the NIC counted time. When the time correction is over, the MPU53stops energization to the main controlling unit9again.

The above process prevents a long period of an uncorrected state of a counted time based on the clock oscillator53a, and also prevents inaccuracy in execution of a reserved job and/or weekly timer control.

The MPU53of the NIC5then resets (newly stores) the next correction time that is determined by adding a given time (e.g., 24 hours) to a time counting start time newly set at step22(S23). Afterward, the procedure returns to aforementioned step S11.

When the passage over the correction time by the present time is not confirmed at step S21, the MPU53of the NIC5compares the present time (NIC counted time) with the weekly schedule WS to determine for each of function blocks suspended at this point on whether the present time has passed a time for starting up a suspended function block (startup schedule time) (S24). In other words, the MPU53determines for each suspended function block on whether the startup condition for a change into “energized state” is met. Specifically, the MPU53determines on whether the present time falls onto a time zone marked with “*” in the weekly schedule WS shown inFIG. 7.

When no function block having passed the startup schedule time is included in the suspended function blocks, the MPU53of the NIC5puts the procedure back to aforementioned step S11.

When a function block having passed the startup schedule time is included in the suspended function blocks, the MPU53of the NIC5controls the energization switching circuit10to start up the function block (S25).

In this manner, when one or more function blocks are in “deenergized state”, the MPU53of the NIC5changes the state of the function blocks into “energized state” according to the weekly schedule WS (an instance of a time schedule) stored in the flash memory56.

At step S25, as at step S18, when a plurality of function blocks are started up, the MPU53of the NIC5separately starts up each of the plurality of function blocks to be started (brings the function blocks into “energized state”) in sequence from a function block requiring a longer startup time according to a predetermined procedure so that the function blocks become completely ready for operation (ready state) almost simultaneously.

After the start of the function block by the process at step S25, or when it is determined by the process at step S11that the suspension condition for switching each function block into “deenergized state” is not met, the MPU53of the NIC5determines on whether every function block is in “energized state” (S26).

At this point, when the MPU53of the NIC5determines that every function block is in “energized state” (state of the operating mode), the MPU53ends the power-saving control process. Following this, the aforementioned steps S3to S7(seeFIG. 8), which are the processes executed when every function block is in “energized state”, are repeated.

When determining that one or more function blocks are in “deenergized state”, on the other hand, the MPU53of the NIC5puts the procedure back to aforementioned step S11, which is followed by repetition of steps S11to S25, which are the processes executed when one or more of function blocks are in “deenergized state”.

As described above, the image processor X is capable of energization control over the function blocks2,6to9needed for execution of a job, independent of energization of the NIC5. The image processor X can, therefore, keep the processor X capable of executing the communication process (S14) with such an external apparatus as the terminal32even in the energy-saving state, where each function block2,6to9is not energized. In addition, according to the image processor X, the NIC5, which is kept energized even when the image processor is in the energy-saving state, offers a function of time management (S15to S17) for the job reservation function, and of controlling the startup of a function block needed for execution of a reserved job (S18). Because of this, the image processor X can realize the job reservation function while reducing power consumption as much as possible in the energy-saving state.

The above embodiments present a case where the image processor X stores reserved jobs (actual contents of the reserved jobs) beforehand in the HDD3.

However, at aforementioned step S19, the main controlling unit9may obtain a reserved job from the external terminal32or another external apparatus through the NIC5and the network30.

Besides, the MPU53of the NIC5may also carry out one or plurality of processes (hereinafter job reservation information external access process) on the job reservation information D11stored in the flash memory56(an instance of a job reservation information memory unit) of the NIC5, the processes being executed out of processes of transmission to an external apparatus, contents updating, and information deletion, in response to a request from the external apparatus through the network30.

This eliminates a need of bothering to start up the main controlling unit9of the image processor X for reference to or updating of the job reservation information D11when the main controlling unit9is in “deenergized state”, thus enables suppression of an increase in power consumption.

In this case, the MPU53of the NIC5executes the job reservation information external access process in response to a request from an external apparatus at step S14shown inFIG. 9. When information updating or deletion is carried out on the job reservation information D11in the above process, however, the MPU93of the main controlling unit9updates the job reservation information D11stored in the HDD3to make the job reservation information D11identical with that stored in the flash memory56of the NIC5before the procedure proceeds from step S18to step S19as shown inFIG. 9.

The image processor according to the present invention is capable of energization control over a function block needed for execution of a job, independent of energization of the communication unit. As a result, the image processor can keep the processor capable of executing a communication process with an external apparatus even in the energy-saving state, where function blocks are not energized. In addition, according to the image processor, the communication unit, which is kept energized even when the image processor is in the energy-saving state, offers the function of time management for the job reservation function, and of controlling the startup of a function block needed for execution of a reserved job. Because of this, the image processor can realize the job reservation function while reducing power consumption as much as possible in the energy-saving state.

The automatic startup controlling unit separately changes the energization state of each of a plurality of function blocks. This allows the startup (changing into the energized state) of the minimum number of function blocks necessary at required timing. As a result, further energy-saving becomes possible.

Particularly, the automatic startup controlling unit separately starts up each of the plurality of function blocks in sequence from a function block requiring a longer startup time (time taken to reach the state of being completely ready for operation from the start of energization) according to a predetermined procedure so that the plurality of function blocks become completely ready for operation almost simultaneously. This enables a reduction in wasted power that results when a function block requiring a shorter startup time starts first.

The time counting unit combined by the communication unit counts time based on a result of summation of clock signals generated by the clock signal generating unit, and correction of the counted time is carried out when a function block having the reference time counting unit is in the energized state. This eliminates a need of providing the communication unit anew with such a high-performance component as clock IC. As a result, an increase in power consumption by the communication unit and in costs can be avoided.