JP2007079925A - Network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that when a user of a computer is going to use a peripheral device, the power supply is suddenly cut by pressing of a power supply control button without asking or transmission of a power-off command to the peripheral device by other users. <P>SOLUTION: In the network system to which a plurality of computers or peripheral devices are connected, each peripheral device registers and manages identification information of a computer which has accessed the peripheral device. When the computer receives an off-request detection status before the peripheral device executes a power-off function to be executed by the power-off command from the power supply control button or other computers, the computer transmits a power-off temporary lock command if a device driver or the like for the peripheral device is in execution, and the peripheral device which received the command operates a power-off temporary lock function. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to one network, and more particularly to power-off control of a peripheral device connected to the network.

  Conventionally, peripheral devices connected to a network are used by an unspecified number of users because they are shared by a plurality of users. Therefore, the power control button of the peripheral device may be operated by an unspecified number of users.

  The peripheral device is controlled by a computer on a network operated by the user. Therefore, when the peripheral device is located in a place where the computer and the peripheral device are separated or are not directly visible to the user near the computer, the user operating the computer The power control button on the device cannot be monitored.

  For this reason, while a certain user is using the peripheral device, another user may turn off the power (turn off the power) without permission. If the power is turned off, the user who is using the peripheral device needs to perform error processing for an error caused by powering off the peripheral device on the operating computer. Then, the power supply of the peripheral device is turned on (powered on), waits until the peripheral device becomes usable, and then an operation for using the peripheral device again is performed from the application program of the operating computer. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In other words, useless waiting time (long time) and re-operation occur, which cannot be said to be efficient.

  Also, in a system that can remotely control the power supply of a peripheral device connected to the network from a computer connected to the network, the usage status of other users of the peripheral device cannot be confirmed by the operator of the computer. Therefore, as a result of a power-off command or an instruction corresponding thereto being issued to the peripheral device regardless of the usage status of other users, the user may be suddenly turned off while the peripheral device is being used.

  Therefore, as in the above example, useless waiting time and re-operation have occurred.

  In addition, when a user sends a power-off command and another user sends a power-on command, a complicated electric control function or complicated program control is required to arbitrate the instructions of those commands. Needed.

  Many inventions have been made to solve such problems (see, for example, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).

  The conventional example described above is shown as an example in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of printers are connected to one network as shown in FIG. 5 (and all the embodiments of the present invention and the like hereinafter). In the description, an example in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of printers are similarly connected to one network is shown).

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 1 denotes a network to which a plurality of computers and a plurality of printers are connected. 2 is a computer A connected to the network 1, 3 is a similar computer B, 4 is a similar computer C, and 5 is a similar computer D. Reference numeral 6 denotes a network printer A connected to the network 1, and reference numeral 7 denotes a similar network printer B. Reference numeral 10 denotes an application program running on the computer A, 11 denotes a status monitor A running on the computer A and managing status information of the printer A, and 12 denotes a printer driver A. The printer driver A12 operates on the computer A and controls the operation of the printer A when printing with the printer A.

  If the computer A performs printing processing with another printer (for example, printer B), the printer driver B (13 in FIG. 5) and the status monitor B (14 in FIG. 5) for the other printer are also installed. Is done. A system controller 20 controls the entire system of the printer A, receives a print job transmitted from the computer, converts it into bitmap data for printing that can be handled by the engine controller, and passes it to the engine controller. Reference numeral 21 denotes a network function implemented in the system controller. Reference numeral 22 denotes an engine controller for controlling the mechanical mechanism of the engine unit, the printer head, and the like on the basis of information such as sensors of the engine unit of the printer A. An engine unit 23 mainly includes a mechanical mechanism for sequentially ejecting ink of a specified color to a specified location on the printing paper by moving or driving the printing paper or the printer head. .

  In the above configuration, when the application program 10 of the computer A requests printing, the printer driver 12 is activated, and the operator of the computer sets the type and size of printing paper, the printing mode, etc. according to various parameter settings of the printer driver. Is specified. At this time, the printer driver refers to information periodically collected by the status monitor in order to know the state of the printer on the network.

  The status monitor itself also displays the printer status on the computer display in a manner that is easy for the operator to understand based on the collected information. For example, the remaining amount of ink, the remaining amount of paper, and the like that change every moment during printing are displayed in graphs and numerical values. Even when printing is not being performed, whether the printer is turned on or off, whether the printer is online or offline, whether it is normal or faulty, whether the cover is open, and the like are displayed.

  For this purpose, the status monitor 11 periodically issues a status transmission request command to the printer A. The system controller 20 that has received the status transmission request command via the network function 21 receives the status information of the system controller itself and the engine controller 22 (sensors and mechanisms of the engine section controlled by the engine controller). Together with the received information (status information collected from the mechanism or the like), the status information of the printer A is transmitted to the computer A via the network function.

  If the computer A causes the printer B to perform printing processing, the computer A must have the printer driver 13 for the printer B and the status monitor 14 installed. That is, as many printer drivers and status monitors as the number of printers used by the computer need to be installed in the computer.

  In the above configuration, when an operator of the computer A (hereinafter referred to as a user A) is working using an application program and prints data created by the application program with the printer A, the following is performed. Follow these steps.

  (1) User A executes a print processing function using a print menu or the like of the application program.

  (2) The print processing function of the application program opens a printer selection screen and requests the user A to select a printer. User A selects printer A from the printer list on the printer selection screen. When the printer selection screen is opened, the computer A checks the status of each printer on the network by using a status monitor function in order to check how many printers the computer A can currently use. When there are a large number of printers, or when a power-off or sleep mode printer is suitable (for waiting for an acknowledge from the printer for a while), it may take time.

  (3) The user A executes the printer driver for the selected printer A and makes various settings related to print control. In recent years, printer functions have become more sophisticated. For example, the above-mentioned color tone can be set by providing a plurality of pages per side on both sides of a printing paper, a binding margin range according to the color tone, and the like. If you make a complicated print request such as making a print decision and sending after adjusting the layout of the page per page on the print preview screen, etc., many setting items are also adjusted and checked. In addition, it often takes a lot of time.

  (4) A print job is transmitted from the computer A to the printer A.

  (5) Printer A analyzes the print job.

  (6) Print processing of print data of the analyzed print job is executed.

  (7) After the printing process is completed, if there is no other print job, the printer A is turned off.

  However, while the user A is executing the printing process according to the above procedure, the user of the computer D (hereinafter, user D) cannot know the situation. Therefore, before the user A turns off the power in (7), the user D sometimes turns off the power by pressing the power control button of the printer A. As described above, inventions for improving such problems have been announced, but they are effective during the above (6) (or including (5)), but from (1) to ( It is invalid during 5).

In recent years, the time of (2) and (3) has become longer, and therefore, after the data created by the user A by the application program is completed, the printing process is started by the printer ((1) to (5)). In the meantime, the probability of other users turning off has increased.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-84736 JP 07-195803 A JP 2000-20179 A

  As described above, both of the conventional examples and the inventions for improving the conventional examples are those in which a user sends a print job from a computer and performs a printing process via the operation of a power button of another user or via a network. It can protect against sudden power-off caused by all power-off requests. However, in order for a certain user to send a print job from the computer to perform printing processing, the printer driver is activated and settings relating to various printing are being performed, or for a printer for printing processing. Protects other users from turning off the power by pressing the power control button (off button) while executing an application program (hereinafter referred to as a print application program) mainly for various instructions and settings could not.

  In recent years, the setting contents of a printer driver have become complicated as the functions of a printer become higher, so that setting time has become longer. For this reason, the frequency of useless waiting time due to sudden power-off as described above increases, and moreover, the number of operations that the user must perform when the sudden power-off occurs increases. It has come to take. For example, it is assumed that the power of the printer A is turned off by the operation of the power control button at (1) described in the background art. In that case, an error message indicating that the printer does not respond is displayed on the computer A after the operations and operations of the procedures (2) to (5) are performed thereafter (the computer does not respond to the printer for a while). It takes a lot of time to wait.) User A then goes to the location where printer A is installed, powers on printer A again, waits for the printer to start up (initialization processing completed), and computer A can use printer A by obtaining information such as a status monitor. Confirm that it is in a state. After that, after the user A has operated or waited for the time during which the operations (2) (or (3)) to (5) of the procedure are performed and the operation is performed, the printing process is finally performed. Become. In some cases, it takes about 30 minutes or more, which is very inefficient, and user A's mental fatigue is also severe.

  In recent years, with the increase in functions of printers, the number of print application programs has increased and the functions have increased.

  For example, in many cases, data created by a plurality of application programs is rearranged in an arbitrary order and sent together in one print job so that it can be continuously printed at a time. In addition, it takes a certain amount of processing time to send a print job such as data that is created by a plurality of application programs so that the data can be laid out and printed on an arbitrary place on one sheet of paper. The number of things has also increased.

  Therefore, the frequency of useless waiting time due to sudden power-off as described above has increased. Or, in order to avoid such a wasteful waiting time, all the printers are always turned on without turning off the power, which increases the power consumption of the system. There are many.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and prevents the printer from being turned off until the user has completely set and operated the device driver and a specific application program. The purpose is to provide a network system.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

  In the network system in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to one network, the peripheral device registers and manages identification information of a computer that has accessed the peripheral device, and The computer detects that a request to turn off the peripheral device is detected immediately before the peripheral device executes a power-off function executed by a power control button operation of the peripheral device or a power-off command from another computer. When the peripheral device receives a power-off temporary lock command, it transmits an off request detection status to notify the computer having the identification information registered in the identification information registration means. A power-off function executed by a power-off command from a computer Can time locked defined, and having a power-off temporary lock function.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a network system in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to a single network, when the computer receives the off request detection status, When a specific application program or the like for controlling the device driver or the peripheral device is being executed, the peripheral device is executed by operating a power control button of the peripheral device or a power-off command from another computer. And a means for transmitting a power-off temporary lock command for locking the power-off function for a predetermined time.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the peripheral device of the first aspect, the peripheral device receives the power-off temporary lock command and before the elapse of a predetermined time defined by the power-off temporary lock command. When a job (for example, a print job in a printer) is received, the peripheral device is automatically powered off after receiving the job, the power-off temporary lock command is received, and the job If a job is not received before a predetermined time specified by the power-off temporary lock command elapses, the peripheral device is automatically activated after a predetermined time specified by the power-off temporary lock command elapses. It can be turned off.

  The fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh aspects relate to the control means and control method for the computer and the peripheral device according to the first, second, and third aspects.

  According to the present invention, in a network system in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to one network, the peripheral device registers and manages identification information of a computer that has accessed the peripheral device, and Immediately before executing a power off function executed by a power control button operation or a power off command from another computer, an off request detection status for notifying the computer that an off request has been detected, A specific application that is transmitted to a computer having identification information registered in the identification information registration means, and controls the device driver for the peripheral device and the peripheral device when the computer receives the off request detection status Power off temporarily when a program is running The peripheral device that has transmitted the power command and receives the power-off temporary lock command operates the power-off temporary lock function, so that when a computer user is about to use the peripheral device, other users can You are freed from the problem of suddenly turning off the power by pressing the power control button on the peripheral device. In particular, when using a specific application program for controlling the peripheral device, since the operation time of the specific application program is long, there is a high probability that the power is suddenly turned off conventionally. Since it takes a lot of time to redo, it is very effective.

  Further, in the peripheral device that has received the power-off temporary lock command, to a computer that has transmitted the power-off temporary lock command shortly before a predetermined time specified by the power-off temporary lock command has elapsed, A power off temporary lock end warning notification is transmitted to notify that the lock operation of the power off temporary lock function executed by the power off temporary lock command is immediately before the end, and the computer notifies the power off temporary lock end warning. By allowing the user of the computer to re-send the power-off temporary lock command when the notification is received, the user completes the configuration and operation of the device driver or a specific application program. Until you Can supply the printer A is prevented cut.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below based on examples.

(First embodiment)
Also in the first embodiment of the present invention, the system configuration is the same as the configuration described in the conventional embodiment (FIG. 5). In describing the first embodiment, a similar example is shown and described so that it can be compared with the contents described in the conventional example. That is, it is assumed that data created by the application program is printed by the printer A while the user A is working using the application program of the computer A. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining in detail the exchange between the computer A and the printer A in this case.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is a network to which a plurality of computers and a plurality of printers are connected (same as 1 in FIG. 5), 2 is a computer A connected to the network 1 (same as 2 in FIG. 5), 3 is the above Printer A connected to the network 1 (same as 6 in FIG. 5).

  Reference numeral 20 denotes an application program (same as 10 in FIG. 5) that operates on the computer A, and reference numeral 21 denotes a printing application program. The print application program 21 can integrate data created in different formats by a plurality of application programs such as the application program 20 into one print job and continuously print it with a single print request. Reference numeral 22 denotes a printer driver A (same as 12 in FIG. 5) that operates on the second computer A and controls the operation of the printer A when printing is performed by the printer A.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a main power source of the printer A, 31 denotes a main power switch, and 32 denotes a control circuit for controlling the operation of the printer A. Reference numeral 33 denotes an operation panel of the printer A, a power control button 34 for performing power ON / OFF control of the printer A, an operation button 35 for performing various settings and function selection of the printer A, and various information regarding the printer A. And so on.

  In the above configuration, the printer A supplies or cuts off the power of the built-in power supply 30 by opening and closing the main power switch 31. The main power switch 31 is constituted by a mechanical mechanical switch or the like. For example, even when the system is in an abnormal state, the main power switch 31 can be forcibly powered off by shutting off the switch. In addition, when the switch is opened, all the power is completely cut off. Therefore, in order to power on the printer A, it is necessary to turn on the main power switch 31 first. In a state in which the main power switch 31 is turned on, power is supplied to at least a part of the control circuit 32, and the state of the power control button disposed on the operation panel 33 is monitored. Then, control related to power supply control such as power on / off is performed by opening and closing a switching mechanism of an electric circuit composed of a transistor, an FET, and the like according to the change in the state (hereinafter related to the power supply control). Some circuits are hereinafter referred to as power supply control circuits). In some cases, power is also supplied to a part of the network function in order to be able to receive a packet for remote control related to power control from the network.

  Printer A, which is a network printer, controls power-on / off control with firmware in order to enable remote control from the network and to avoid system failures (such as data loss) due to sudden power interruption. It can be done. In general power on / off control of the printer A, the CPU included in the control circuit 32 monitors and analyzes the state of the power control button 34 on the operation panel 33 and the remote control command from other devices. This is performed by controlling the / O port and the like and operating the power control circuit (hereinafter referred to as firmware power control). In order to supply power to the power control circuit and the like, the main power switch 31 is normally used while being turned on. The main power switch is used only when the printer A is not used for a long period of time, or when the printer A falls into a system abnormality and the power control button becomes ineffective, for example, when the system is stopped urgently.

  As described above, general power on / off of the printer A is executed by firmware power control. Further, since the firmware power control is controlled by firmware, various power control functions can be realized by adding / changing the firmware.

  The printer of this embodiment has the following functions.

  For example, if the power is suddenly turned off while the contents of the F-ROM (flash ROM) are being rewritten in order to upgrade the system firmware, there is a possibility that writing will not be possible thereafter.

  Therefore, during the firmware rewriting period, the power is controlled to be kept on by firmware power control. Even if the power control button is pressed during this period, the operation of the power control button is ignored, and the firmware power control instruction is given priority. That is, it can be said that the power control button can be locked for an arbitrary time by firmware power control.

  As described above, the printer of this embodiment has a power operation lock function that can ignore the power control factors such as the power control button and the power off command and maintain the current power state. Hereinafter, a function for locking an operation for turning off the power is referred to as a power-off lock function. In addition, since the power-off lock function is controlled by firmware, the lock time can be controlled at an arbitrary time. Furthermore, the power-off lock function can be executed by an instruction such as a command from another device via a network.

  In the printer of this embodiment, a command is sent via a network, and the power-off function due to a factor such as a power control button or a power-off command can be locked only for a predetermined time by the command instruction. Power off temporary lock function. A command for executing the power-off temporary lock function is referred to as a power-off temporary lock command.

  The process when the printer A receives this power-off temporary lock command (power-off temporary lock process) is shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing how the print job is controlled (print job control). The flow chart of FIG. 4 shows how the power control button and the power on / off control are controlled (power control).

  These programs and means operate in parallel with other programs. Each of the programs has a controllable flag, and is used to control the operation of other programs in the state of the controlled flag.

  In the status monitor described in the conventional example, the computer periodically transmits a status transmission request command to the peripheral device. The peripheral device that has received the status transmission request command is configured to return status information collected from within the peripheral device to the computer as a response to the status transmission request command.

  In recent years, each computer that has accessed the peripheral device in order to be able to cope with the low power consumption mode of the peripheral device or to reduce the amount of traffic on the network for the operation of the status monitor. The peripheral device transmits the status information of the peripheral device to each computer having the registered and managed identification information, and the status monitor installed in the computer is transmitted from the peripheral device. A status monitor that receives status information transmitted and collects status information of the peripheral device has been proposed.

  This type of status monitor (rather than responding to a request from a computer) can send status information from the peripheral device when needed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that this type of status monitor is employed.

  Therefore, the printer A has an identification information management table for registering and managing the identification information of each computer that has accessed the printer A, and the IP address of the computer that uses the printer A is registered. When the status of the printer A changes, the latest status information is transmitted to the computer having the identification information registered in the identification information management table (that is, using the printer A). On the other hand, on the computer side, the new type of status monitor is operating, the latest status information transmitted by the printer A can be received, and how the status of the printer A has changed can be known. ing.

  The printer A operates as shown in FIG. 2 in response to a power-off temporary lock command transmitted from a computer on the network.

  First, when the printer A is powered on and communication with a computer or the like becomes possible, the power-off temporary lock processing program as shown in FIG. 2 is started and a power-off temporary lock command from the computer or the like is received. Whether or not monitoring is started (1 in FIG. 2).

  When the power-off temporary lock command is received (Yes in 1 of FIG. 2), a power-off temporary lock timer that is a timer for measuring the time during which the power-off process should be locked by the power-off temporary lock command Is set to start (2 in FIG. 2).

  Then, a power-off temporary lock flag indicating that the power-off temporary lock function is in effect is set (3 in FIG. 2). Thereafter, each flag is valid at 1 and invalid at 0. Further, “setting a flag” means setting flag = 1, that is, enabling it. When the power-off temporary lock flag is set, the power-off temporary lock function is valid, and as described above, it is prohibited to turn off the power due to power control factors such as the power control button and power off command. To do.

  After setting the power-off temporary lock flag, return to the head of the power-off temporary lock processing program and continue monitoring whether the power-off temporary lock command is received until the printer is turned off. Will do. (1 in FIG. 2).

  If the power-off temporary lock command is not received (No in 1 of FIG. 2), a print job flag, which is a flag that is effective during execution of a print job, which will be described later, is checked (4 in FIG. 2). .

  When it is valid (Yes in 4 in FIG. 2: that is, while the print job is being printed), nothing is done and the process returns to the head of the power-off temporary lock processing program and monitoring is continued.

  If the print job flag is invalid when the print job flag is checked (No in 4 of FIG. 2, that is, when the print job is not printed), the power-off temporary lock timer overflows. Is checked (5 in FIG. 2).

  If it has not overflowed (No in 5 of FIG. 2), it returns to the head of the power-off temporary lock processing program again and continues monitoring.

  If the power-off temporary lock timer has overflowed (Yes in 5 of FIG. 2), the power-off temporary lock flag is defeated (invalidated) (6 in FIG. 2). That is, the power-off temporary lock function is released.

  As described above, the power-off temporary lock processing program is the power transmitted from the computer or the like after the printer A is powered on and can communicate with other computers or the like via the network after the initialization processing. Monitors whether an off-temporary lock command is received.

  When the command is received, the power-off temporary lock flag is valid only for a predetermined time and during the printing process. Then, with this power-off temporary lock flag, a control flow of a power control means described later is operated, and as a result, a lock function such as a power control button is realized.

  The print job control of the printer A is performed as shown in FIG.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 6, when the printer A is powered on and can communicate with a computer or the like, it is started and monitoring of whether a print job from the computer or the like is received is started (FIG. 6). 1).

  When the print job is received (“1” in FIG. 6), a print process is performed based on the print data and print conditions instructed by the print job (3 in FIG. 6).

  When the printing process ends, the process returns to the beginning of the program, and the above-described process is repeated until the printer A is powered off.

  The print job control program of this embodiment includes a process (2 in FIG. 3) for setting a print job flag before and after the print processing routine (3 in FIG. 6 = 3 in FIG. 3) of the print job control program of the conventional example. A process for defeating the print job flag (4 in FIG. 3) is added.

  3 in FIG. 3 are the same as the processes with the same numbers in FIG. Then, as described above, the print job flag is set before the print process is started (2 in FIG. 3), and the print job flag is turned down after the print process is completed (4 in FIG. 3).

  By controlling in this way, it is possible to indicate that the print process is being performed when the print job flag is set, and that the print process is not being performed when the print job flag is collapsed.

  This print job flag affects the power-off temporary lock process so that the power-off temporary lock is not released during printing.

  The power control button of the printer A is controlled as shown in FIG.

  The printer A controls a power-on flag indicating that the power of the printer A is on, a power-control button push flag indicating that the power-control button has been pressed, etc. Operate and manage the power on / off control of printer A.

  When the main power switch of the printer A is turned on, power control as shown in FIG. 4 is started.

  That is, this control means operates with a power supply of a power supply system different from the main circuit of the printer A, and continues to operate as long as the main power switch is turned on regardless of whether the printer A is turned on or off. In addition, this control means may be realized by program control such as a sub CPU, or may be realized only by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC. It is possible to communicate with the main CPU in which the power-off temporary lock processing program and the print job control program are executed, and the various flags can be referred to each other.

  In the power control means (FIG. 4) operating as described above, when power control is started, first, it is monitored whether or not the power control button is pressed (1 in FIG. 4).

  Immediately after the main power switch is turned on, the power of the printer A is in an off state. Therefore, one of the users presses the power control button to turn on the printer A. When it is detected that the power control button has been pressed (1 in FIG. 4), a power control button push flag (initial value is 0) is set (2 in FIG. 4).

  This power control button is a push button switch, and operates to repeat power-on and power-off each time it is pressed. Therefore, it cannot be determined from the switch state whether the current printer state is on or off. For this purpose, a power-on flag (initial value is 0), which is a flag for indicating whether the current printer state is on or off, is checked (9 in FIG. 4).

  Since it is in the off state immediately after the main power switch is turned on (power on flag = 0: 9 in FIG. 4), it returns to the head of this control means as it is and whether or not the power control button has been pressed again. Monitoring is continued (1 in FIG. 4).

  At this time, since the power control button is not pushed (No in FIG. 4), the power control button push flag is checked to see whether the power control button has been pushed in the past (3 in FIG. 4).

  Since the button has been pressed and the power control button push flag is raised (Yes in 3 of FIG. 4), the power off temporary lock flag (initial value is 0) is checked (4 in FIG. 4).

  Since the printer A is not operating yet, the power-off temporary lock flag has fallen (No in 4 in FIG. 4).

  Thereafter, in order to confirm the current power supply state (on or off), the power-on flag is checked (5 in FIG. 4).

  Naturally, since the main power switch is turned on immediately after being turned on (No in 5 of FIG. 4), the I / O port connected to the power control circuit is operated to perform the process of turning on the power. become. Thereafter, when the power is turned on, a power on flag is set (7 in FIG. 4).

  Next, since the operation due to the current operation of the power button is completed, the power control button push flag is also turned down (8 in FIG. 4).

  And it returns to the head of this control means, and it continues monitoring whether the power control button was pushed again (1 of FIG. 4).

  Thereafter, when another user or the like presses the power control button to turn off the printer A (Yes in FIG. 4), a power control button push flag is set (2 in FIG. 4).

  Here, in order to confirm the current power supply state (on or off), the power-on flag is checked (9 in FIG. 4).

  At this time, the power-on flag = 1, and it can be seen that the current operation of the power control button is going to turn off the power (Yes in 9 in FIG. 4). That is, there has been a power-off request.

  Therefore, the printer A transmits the off request detection status to the computer having the identification information registered in the identification information management table, that is, all the computers using the printer A, by the function of the status monitor described above. Then, all computers receive the off request detection status, determine whether or not these computers send a power off temporary lock command, and send the power off temporary lock command (if any), However, it waits for a predetermined time (usually about several seconds) which is sufficient time to reach the printer A (10 in FIG. 4).

  After that, the process returns to the head of the control means and continues to monitor whether the power control button is pressed again (1 in FIG. 4).

  If the power control button is not pressed (No in FIG. 4), the power control button push flag is checked to see whether the power control button has been pressed in the past (3 in FIG. 4).

  If the power control button has not been pressed in the past (No in 3 of FIG. 4), the process returns to the top of this control means and continues to monitor whether the power control button has been pressed again (1 in FIG. 4).

  If the power control button has been pressed in the past (Yes in 3 in FIG. 4), the power-off temporary lock flag is checked (4 in FIG. 4).

  If the power-off temporary lock flag is set (valid) in this check (4 Yes in FIG. 4), the power-off must be locked. Monitoring is continued as to whether the control button has been pressed (1 in FIG. 4).

  If the power off temporary lock flag is collapsed (invalid) in this check (No in 4 in FIG. 4), the power control button is pressed (to turn it off), and it is necessary to lock the power off one. Therefore, the power-off process is performed. Therefore, the power-on flag is checked to check whether the current state is on or off (5 in FIG. 4).

  Since it is currently on (5 Yes in FIG. 4), a process of turning off the power by operating the I / O port connected to the power control circuit is performed.

  Thereafter, when the power is turned off, the power-on flag is turned off (6 in FIG. 4).

  This completes the power control operation by operating the power button this time, so the power control button push flag is also turned down (8 in FIG. 4).

  And it returns to the head of this control means, and it continues monitoring whether the power control button was pushed again (1 of FIG. 4). Thereafter, the above operation is repeated until the main power switch is turned off.

  On the other hand, when the computer receives the off request detection status, the computer operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (off request detection status processing).

  As described above, when the computer A uses the printer A, a new type of status monitor A is executed on the computer A. In the off request detection status process, first, the status monitor is inquired to confirm whether or not the off request detection status from the printer A has been received (1 in FIG. 10).

  If the off request detection status has not been received (No in 1 of FIG. 10), the process returns to the beginning of the off request detection status process to check again whether the off request detection status has been received.

  If the off-request detection status has been received (Yes in FIG. 10), it is checked whether the printer driver for A and the printing application program are being executed on the computer A (FIG. 10). 2).

  If the printer driver or the print application program is not being executed (No in 2 of FIG. 10), it means that the printer A is not used for a while. Returning to FIG.

  If the printer driver or the printing application program is being executed, the printer A is about to print (slightly later). Therefore, a power-off temporary lock command is transmitted to the printer A so that the printer A is not turned off for a while. Thereafter, the process returns to the head of the off request detection status process, and the process described above is continued.

  As described above, it is assumed that the user A of the computer A is creating and editing data with the application program 20 when the printer A is operating and the printer A is in a power-on state and usable. It is assumed that the other computers B, C, and D (3, 4, and 5 in FIG. 5) are similarly creating and editing data.

  In this state, when another user presses the power control button of the printer A, the power control means (FIG. 4) detects that the power control button has been pressed (Yes in 1 in FIG. 4).

  Since the power control button push flag is raised (2 in FIG. 4) and the power on flag is checked and standing (9 in FIG. 4), the off request detection status is registered in the computer (registered in the identification information management table). It transmits to A, B, C, and D (10 in FIG. 4).

  Here, a predetermined time is waited, but since no computer is executing the printer driver or the print application program (No in 2 in FIG. 10), the off request detection status process does not transmit the power off temporary lock command. Thereafter, the head returns to the head of the power control means (1 in FIG. 4).

  At this time, since the power control button is not pressed (No in FIG. 4), the power control button push flag is checked next (3 in FIG. 4).

  Since the power control button is pushed by another user and the flag is raised (Yes in 3 in FIG. 4), the power off temporary lock flag is confirmed next (4 in FIG. 4).

  Since the computers A, B, C, and D have not transmitted the power-off temporary lock command, the power-off temporary lock flag is not set (No in 4 in FIG. 4).

  Therefore, next, the current power state is checked (5 in FIG. 4). Since the power is currently on (Yes in 5 in FIG. 4), the power-off process is performed (6 in FIG. 4). That is, the printer A is turned off.

  This time, since the data being created by user A is completed, the data is printed.

  (When the printing application is not used) User A executes a printing function by menu selection of the application program 20 or the like. The printing function displays a printer list on the printer selection screen to allow the user A to select which printer on the network to perform printing. User A selects a printer (in this case, printer A) from which the data is to be printed from the list. Then, the printer driver 22 for the printer A on the computer A is executed. In this state, when another user presses the power control button of the printer A, the power control means detects that the power control button has been pressed (Yes in 1 of FIG. 4).

  Next, the power control button push flag is raised (2 in FIG. 4), and the power on flag is checked. Since the flag is on (Yes in 9 in FIG. 4), the off request detection status is registered in the identification information management table. Are transmitted to computers A, B, C, and D (10 in FIG. 4).

  Here, when waiting for a predetermined time, since the computer A is executing the printer driver (Yes in 2 in FIG. 10), the off request detection status process transmits a power-off temporary lock command (3 in FIG. 10).

  When the printer A receives this command, the power-off temporary lock flag is set (3 in FIG. 2), and a power-off function executed by a power control button operation, a power-off command from another computer, or the like is set for a predetermined time. Operates to lock.

  During this predetermined time, the printer A will not be turned off even if another user or the like presses the power control button. At this time, another user who has pressed the power control button may be confused as to why he / she does not power off when the power button is pressed. As a countermeasure in such a case, the printer A at this time sounds an alarm and is executing a power-off temporary lock command from the computer A on the display (36 in FIG. 1) on the operation panel. Message is displayed.

  User A completes the setting of the printer driver during the predetermined time and sends a print job for printing the data of the application, so that another user presses the power control button without permission, You are freed from the problem of suddenly turning off the printer A.

  As described above, when the user A transmits a print job within the predetermined time, when the print processing of the print job is completed (No in 4 in FIG. 2, 5 in FIG. 2). Yes, 6 in FIG. 2, 4 in FIG. 4, Yes in 5 in FIG. 4, 6 in FIG. 4) The printer A is automatically turned off.

  Further, if the print job cannot be transmitted during the predetermined time, the power-off temporary lock timer will overflow. At that time (Yes in FIG. 2, No. 6 in FIG. 2, No in 4 in FIG. 4, Yes in FIG. 4, 6 in FIG. 4), the printer A is automatically turned off.

  The user A of the computer A creates data using the application program 20 and uses the print application program (a type of application program, but a specific application program that performs image settings, printer settings, etc., particularly for printing). When printing is performed after this, for example, the print application program is started in order to integrate the data with another format created by other application programs into a desired arrangement.

  In this state, when another user presses the power control button of the printer A, the power control means detects that the power control button has been pressed (Yes in 1 of FIG. 4).

  Since the power control button push flag is raised (2 in FIG. 4) and the power on flag is checked and standing (9 in FIG. 4), the off request detection status is registered in the computer (registered in the identification information management table). It transmits to A, B, C, and D (10 in FIG. 4).

  Here, when waiting for a predetermined time, since the computer A is executing the print application program (2 in FIG. 10), the off request detection status process is scheduled to be performed by the application program in the same manner as in the above embodiment. A power-off temporary lock command is transmitted to the printer (in this case, printer A).

  After this, the off request detection status process in the above-described embodiment is the same as the operation after the power off temporary lock command is transmitted. However, the lock-off time of the power-off by the power-off temporary lock command when the print application program transmits is (the operation of the print application program generally takes some time, and the printer driver is executed after that). ), A longer time is set than the power-off lock time by the power-off temporary lock command transmitted by the printer driver.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are the same as those described in FIG. Reference numeral 4 denotes another computer D (same as 5 in FIG. 5). That is, this is a configuration in which another computer D is added to the configuration of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a program added to extend the function of the power control means from the first embodiment (FIG. 4). The control shown in FIG. 8 is the power supply control 2, and the function as the power supply control is expanded by operating in parallel with the control shown in FIG.

  In the above configuration, the power supply control 2 shown in FIG. 8 is activated when the printer A is powered on and can communicate with a computer or the like, and starts monitoring whether a power-off command from the computer or the like has been received. (1 in FIG. 8).

  When the power-off command is received (Yes in 1 of FIG. 8), a power-off command flag (initial value is 0) indicating that a power-off command has been received in the past is set. (2 in FIG. 8).

  Since the off request has occurred, the off request detection status is transmitted to the computers A, B, C and D (registered in the identification information management table) (7 in FIG. 8).

  After that, the process returns to the head of this control means and continues to monitor whether or not a power-off command is received again (1 in FIG. 8).

  Normally, since the power-off command is not received (No in FIG. 8), the power-off command flag is checked to confirm whether the power-off command has been received in the past (3 in FIG. 8).

  If the power-off command flag is not set (No in 3 of FIG. 8), the power-off command has not been received so far, so the process returns to the top of this control means, and whether or not the power-off command has been received again. Monitoring is continued (1 in FIG. 8).

  If the power-off command flag is set (Yes in 3 in FIG. 8), the power-off command has been received, and then the power-off temporary lock flag is checked (4 in FIG. 8).

  If the power-off temporary lock flag is set (valid) in this check (4 Yes in FIG. 8), the power-off must be locked. Monitoring continues as to whether or not an off command has been received (1 in FIG. 8).

  If the power-off temporary lock flag is collapsed (invalid) in this check (No in 4 in FIG. 8), the power-off command is received and it is not necessary to lock the power-off. Do. Similarly to the power control shown in FIG. 4, a process of turning off the power by operating the I / O port connected to the power control circuit is performed. Thereafter, when the power is turned off, the power-on flag is turned off (5 in FIG. 8).

  This completes the power control operation by the power-off command received this time, so the power-off command flag is also turned off (6 in FIG. 8).

  And it returns to the head of this control means, and it continues monitoring whether the power-off command was received again (1 of FIG. 8). Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated until the printer A is turned off.

  Assume that the user A of the computer A creates and edits data with the application program 20 when the printer A operates as described above and the printer A is in a power-on state and usable.

  It is assumed that the other computers B, C, and D (3, 4, and 5 in FIG. 5) are similarly creating and editing data. In this state, when another user D sends a power-off command for remote control from the computer D to the printer A, the printer A receives it and the power control 2 (FIG. 8) turns off the power. It is detected that a command has been received (Yes in FIG. 8).

  Therefore, a power-off command flag is set to indicate that the power-off command has been received (2 in FIG. 8).

  Since the off request has occurred, the off request detection status is transmitted to the computers A, B, C and D (registered in the identification information management table) (7 in FIG. 8).

  Here, a predetermined time is waited, but since no computer is executing the printer driver or the print application program (No in 2 in FIG. 10), the off request detection status process does not transmit the power off temporary lock command.

  Thereafter, the head returns to the head of the power control means (1 in FIG. 8).

  Normally, since the power-off command is not received (No in FIG. 8), the power-off command flag is checked to confirm whether the power-off command has been received in the past (3 in FIG. 8).

  Since the power-off command is received from the user D and the power-off command flag is set (Yes in 3 in FIG. 8), the power-off temporary lock flag is checked next.

  Since the computers A, B, C, and D have not transmitted the power-off temporary lock command, the power-off temporary lock flag is not set (No in 4 in FIG. 8).

  Therefore, next, power-off processing is performed (5 in FIG. 8). That is, the printer A is turned off.

  This time, since the data being created by user A is completed, the data is printed.

  (When the printing application is not used) User A executes a printing function by menu selection of the application program 20 or the like. The printing function displays a printer list on the printer selection screen to allow the user A to select which printer on the network to perform printing. User A selects a printer (in this case, printer A) from which the data is to be printed from the list. Then, the printer driver 22 for the printer A on the computer A is executed.

  In this state, when another user D sends a power-off command for remote control from the computer D to the printer A, the printer A receives it and the power control 2 (FIG. 8) turns off the power. It is detected that a command has been received (Yes in FIG. 8).

  Therefore, the power off command flag is set (2 in FIG. 8), and the off request detection status is transmitted to the computers A, B, C, and D (registered in the identification information management table) (7 in FIG. 8).

  Here, when waiting for a predetermined time, since the computer A is executing the printer driver (Yes in 2 in FIG. 10), the off request detection status process transmits a power-off temporary lock command (3 in FIG. 10).

  When the printer A receives this command, the power-off temporary lock flag is set (3 in FIG. 2), and a power-off function executed by a power control button operation, a power-off command from another computer, or the like is set for a predetermined time. Operates to lock. During this predetermined time, even if a power-off command for remote control is transmitted from another computer (computer D in this embodiment), the printer A is not turned off. At this time, the user D of the computer D may be confused by wondering why the user D does not power off after transmitting the power off command. As a countermeasure in such a case, the printer A at this time, as a response to the power-off command from the computer D, displays a power-off lock state status indicating that the power-off of the printer A is locked. The alarm is sent to the computer D, and a message indicating that the power off temporary lock command from the computer A is being executed is displayed on the display.

  User A completes the printer driver settings during the predetermined time and sends a print job for printing the application data so that another user can send a power-off command without permission. Thus, it is freed from the problem that the printer A is suddenly turned off.

  As described above, when the user A transmits a print job within the predetermined time, when the print processing of the print job is completed (No in 4 in FIG. 2, 5 in FIG. 2). Yes, No. 6 in FIG. 2, No. 4 in FIG. 8, No. 5 in FIG. 8) The printer A is automatically turned off.

  If the print job cannot be transmitted during the predetermined time, the power-off temporary lock timer overflows, and at that time (Yes in FIG. 2, 6 in FIG. 2, FIG. 8). 4 and No. 5 in FIG. 8), the printer A is automatically turned off.

  The user A of the computer A creates data using the application program 20 and uses the print application program (a type of application program, but a specific application program that performs image settings, printer settings, etc., particularly for printing). When printing is performed after this, for example, the print application program is started in order to integrate the data with another format created by other application programs into a desired arrangement.

  In this state, when another user D transmits a power-off command for remote control from the computer D to the printer A, the printer A receives it and the power control 2 (FIG. 8) receives the power-off command. Is received (Yes in 1 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the power off command flag is set (2 in FIG. 8), and the off request detection status is transmitted to the computers A, B, C, and D (registered in the identification information management table) (7 in FIG. 8).

  Here, when waiting for a predetermined time, since the computer A is executing the print application (Yes in 2 of FIG. 10), the off request detection status process is performed by the application program that is scheduled to be printed by the application program in the same manner as in the above embodiment. A power-off temporary lock command is transmitted to (here, printer A) (3 in FIG. 10).

  After this, the off request detection status process in the above-described embodiment is the same as the operation after the power off temporary lock command is transmitted. However, the lock-off time of the power-off by the power-off temporary lock command when the print application program transmits is (the operation of the print application program generally takes some time, and the printer driver is executed after that). ), A longer time is set than the power-off lock time by the power-off temporary lock command transmitted by the printer driver.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, the off request detection status is sent to the computer immediately before executing the power off function executed by the power control button operation of the peripheral device or the power off command from another computer. Send to. When the computer receives the off request detection status and the device driver for the peripheral device or a specific application program for controlling the peripheral device is being executed, the power off temporary lock is applied to the peripheral device. A command is transmitted, and the power-off function of the peripheral device is locked for a predetermined time.

  However, the computer user often takes time to set up and operate the device driver and a specific application program, which often takes longer than expected. In such a case, since the print job cannot be sent during a predetermined time, the power-off temporary lock timer overflows, and as a result, the peripheral device is turned off.

  In this embodiment, in order to solve such a problem, the power off temporary lock function is locked to the computer that has transmitted the power off temporary lock command shortly before the power off temporary lock timer overflows. Informing the user that the operation is about to end and providing means for re-sending the power-off temporary lock command to the user of the computer.

  In order to realize the above functions by the computer A and the printer A of the first and second embodiments, the printer A sets a timer warning value for indicating a time just before the power-off temporary lock timer overflows. It is possible to determine whether or not the value of the power-off temporary lock timer exceeds the warning value.

  Also, a notification (power-off temporary lock end warning notification) for notifying that the value of the power-off temporary lock timer has exceeded the warning value (that is, the lock operation of the power-off temporary lock function will be finished soon) And a warning transmission flag, which is a flag for indicating that the power-off temporary lock end warning notification has been transmitted.

  On the other hand, on the computer side, the print application program and the device driver for printer A receive means for receiving the power-off temporary lock end warning notification from printer A, and when received, an alarm is sounded and the power is displayed on the display. A means for displaying that an off-temporary lock end warning notification has been received, selecting whether or not to send a power-off temporary lock command to the user A again, and transmitting the power-off temporary lock command. In the case of selection, it has means capable of transmitting a power-off temporary lock command.

  When the printer A is in the power-on state, a power-off temporary lock end warning program as shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

  First, the warning transmission flag is cleared (warning transmission flag = 0) when the power-off temporary lock timer of the power-off temporary lock processing program is set (2 in FIG. 2).

  When the power off temporary lock end warning program is executed, the warning transmission flag is checked first. As described above, since it is cleared when the power-off temporary lock timer is set, it is initially 0 (invalid) (No in FIG. 9). Next, whether the power-off temporary lock timer has exceeded the warning value Check if.

  Since it does not exceed the initial value (No in FIG. 9), the process returns to the beginning of the program and returns to the check of the warning transmission flag (1 in FIG. 9).

  At this point in time, the warning transmission flag is not set yet (No in FIG. 9), so it is checked again whether the power-off temporary lock timer has exceeded the warning value (No in 2 in FIG. 9).

  If such a program loop is operating, the value of the timer exceeds the warning value shortly before the power-off temporary lock timer overflows (Yes in 2 of FIG. 9).

  When the warning value is exceeded, a power off temporary lock end warning notice is transmitted to the computer A (3 in FIG. 9).

  Thereafter, a warning transmission flag is set to indicate that the power-off temporary lock end warning notification has been transmitted (warning transmission flag = 1) (4 in FIG. 9).

  After this, the program returns to the beginning and returns to the check of the warning flag (1 in FIG. 9). However, since the warning transmission flag has been set earlier (Yes in 1 in FIG. 9), the program is continued as it is. Return to the top of the program. This state continues until the next power off temporary lock command is transmitted from the computer and the warning transmission flag is cleared (2 in FIG. 2).

  Assume that the user A of the computer A is creating data with the application program 20 when the printer A operates as described above and the printer A is in a power-on state and usable. Since the data being created is completed, the data will be printed.

  (When the print application program is not used) The user A executes a print function by selecting a menu of the application program 20 or the like. The printing function displays a printer list on the printer selection screen to allow the user A to select which printer on the network to perform printing. User A selects a printer (in this case, printer A) from which the data is to be printed from the list. Then, the printer driver 22 for the printer A on the computer A is executed. In this state, when another user presses the power control button of the printer A or transmits a power off command from the other computer to the printer A, the printer A displays the off request detection status (in the identification information management table). It is transmitted to the registered computer (10 in FIG. 4, 7 in FIG. 8).

  Here, when waiting for a predetermined time, since the computer is executing the printer driver and the printing application program (Yes in 2 in FIG. 10), the off request detection status process transmits a power off temporary lock command (in FIG. 10). 3).

  When the printer A receives this power-off temporary lock command, the power-off temporary lock flag is set, and the power-off function executed by the power control button operation or the power-off command from another computer is locked for a predetermined time. To work. During this predetermined time, even if another user or the like presses the power control button or a power off command for remote control is transmitted from another computer, the printer A will not be turned off.

  At this time, it takes time for the user A of the computer A to set and operate the device driver and the print application program, and it takes more time than expected, and a predetermined time specified by the power-off temporary lock command. Suppose that a print job cannot be sent during this period.

  When the power-off temporary lock command is received, the printer A sets a power-off temporary lock timer and starts measuring time (2 in FIG. 2).

  Shortly before the power-off temporary lock timer overflows (when the count value of the timer exceeds a preset warning value) (Yes in 2 of FIG. 9), a power-off temporary lock end warning is issued to the computer A. A notification is transmitted (3 in FIG. 9).

  When the printer driver of the computer A (22 in FIGS. 1 and 7) receives the power off temporary lock end warning notification transmitted from the printer A, it sounds an alarm and receives the power off temporary lock end warning notification on the display. A display indicating that the operation has been performed is performed. The user A can see from this display that the lock function of the power-off temporary lock function is about to end. If the user A is ready to send a print job immediately, the user A can send it as soon as possible to prevent the printer A from being turned off until the printing process for this print job is completed.

  If the printer driver is not ready to send a print job immediately, the printer driver displays on the display unit whether or not to send a power-off temporary lock command again. Select “Send command”.

  When the printer A receives the power-off temporary lock command transmitted again, the printer A sets the power-off temporary lock timer at that time and restarts it (2 in FIG. 2). The lock operation time of the off-temporary lock function can be extended. During this time, when the user A completes the setting and operation of the device driver and the specific application program, the print job is transmitted, and the operation is performed without turning off the power until the print processing of the print job is completed. The power is automatically turned off when the printing process is completed.

  If the user A has not yet completed the setting and operation of the device driver or the specific application program, the printer A will again receive a power-off temporary lock end warning notification, and the above-described operation will be repeated. The printer A can be prevented from being turned off until the setting and operation of the device driver and the specific application program are completed.

The block diagram of the system configuration | structure of 1st Example of this invention. Power-off temporary lock processing program flowchart Flowchart of print job control according to an embodiment of the present invention Flowchart of power control according to the first embodiment of the present invention Block diagram of a system configuration example when a plurality of computers and a plurality of printers are connected to one network Flowchart of print job control according to conventional example The block diagram of the system configuration | structure of 2nd Example of this invention. Flowchart of power control according to the second embodiment of the present invention Flowchart of power off temporary lock end warning program of the present invention Flowchart of off request detection status processing program of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

[FIG. 1] [FIG. 7]
1 Network 2 Computer A
3 Printer A
4 Computer D
20 Application Program 21 Print Application Program 22 Printer Driver 30 Power Supply 31 Main Power Switch 32 Control Circuit 33 Operation Panel 34 Power Control Button 35 Operation Button 36 Display [FIG. 5]
1 Network 2 Computer A
3 Computer B
4 Computer C
5 Computer D
6 Printer A
7 Printer B
10 Application program 11 Status monitor A
12 Printer driver A
13 Printer driver B
14 Status monitor B
20 System Controller 21 Network Function 22 Engine Controller 23 Engine

Claims (7)

In a network system in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to one network,
The peripheral device is executed by an identification information registration means for registering and managing identification information of a computer that has accessed the peripheral device, and the peripheral device is operated by a power control button operation of the peripheral device, a power off command from another computer, or the like. Immediately before executing the power-off function, the computer having the identification information registered in the identification information registration means has an off request detection status for notifying the computer that the off request of the peripheral device has been detected. A request to send off request detection status, a power off temporary lock function capable of locking the power off function of the peripheral device for a predetermined time, and a power off temporary lock for executing the power off temporary lock function. A power-off temporary lock command receiving means for receiving the command. Network system according to claim. In a network system in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to one network,
The computer includes an off request detection status receiving means capable of receiving an off request detection status transmitted by the peripheral device of claim 1, and the peripheral on the computer when the computer receives the off request detection status. When a device driver for the device or a specific application program for controlling the peripheral device is executed, it is executed by operating a power control button of the peripheral device or a power off command from another computer. And a means for transmitting a power-off temporary lock command for locking the power-off function for a predetermined time.   2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein a job instructing the operation of the peripheral device is received before the power-off temporary lock command is received and a predetermined time specified by the power-off temporary lock command has elapsed. When the job processing is completed, the peripheral device is automatically powered off, receives the power off temporary lock command, and a predetermined time specified by the power off temporary lock command elapses. A network system characterized in that the peripheral device can be automatically powered off after elapse of a predetermined time defined by the power off temporary lock command when no job is received by the time.   4. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the power-off function executed by a power control button operation or a power-off command from another computer is locked by receiving the power-off temporary lock command. A network system characterized in that a message or the like indicating that a power-off temporary lock command from the computer is being executed can be displayed on the display device of the peripheral device.   4. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the power-off function executed by a power control button operation or a power-off command from another computer is locked by receiving the power-off temporary lock command. The peripheral device is executing a power-off temporary lock command from the computer that has transmitted the power-off temporary lock command to the display device of the other computer, for example, by sending a command to the other computer and instructing it. A network system characterized by being able to display a message or the like to the effect. In a network system in which a plurality of computers and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to one network,
When the computer according to claim 2 receives the off request detection status, a device driver for the peripheral device or a specific application program for controlling the peripheral device is being executed on the computer, A power-off temporary lock command is transmitted, and the peripheral device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, and 5 receives the power-off temporary lock command and is defined by the power-off temporary lock command. When a job is received before a predetermined time elapses, the peripheral device is automatically powered off after the processing of the job is completed, the power off temporary lock command is received, and the power off temporary lock command is received. If the job is not received before the predetermined time specified by Network system characterized in that it automatically the peripheral device power-off after lapse of a predetermined time defined by the power-off temporary lock command.   6. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device that has received the power-off temporary lock command slightly passes a predetermined time specified by the power-off temporary lock command. Power off temporary lock for informing the computer that has previously transmitted the power off temporary lock command that the lock operation of the power off temporary lock function executed by the power off temporary lock command is just before ending. A network system comprising: a means for transmitting an end warning notice, and the computer, when receiving the power off temporary lock end warning notice, transmits the power off temporary lock command again to a user of the computer. .

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