JP2008305209A - Information processor, information processing method, program, and computer readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the frequency of restoration from a power saving state of a control part to enhance power saving effect when receiving information to be managed, from a network and processing it in an information processor which saves power by shifting the control part to the power saving state. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor transfers data with a network device connected to the network, and when receiving information of the network device to be managed from the network with a CPU 21 in the power saving state, the information processor determines whether the information is latest or not. When the information is determined to be latest, the information processor restores the CPU 21 from the power saving state to a normal operation state and updates the information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a recording medium including an image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a printer connected to a network, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copier, and their multifunction peripherals (MFPs).

As an energy saving technique in the IPv4 environment, there has been an information processing apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1) that processes a packet unnecessary for printing while the CPU as a control unit is in the energy saving mode without returning the CPU.
Unlike the IPv4 environment, in the IPv6 environment, a packet for notifying information to be managed by an information processing device such as neighbor discovery is transmitted on the network.

Information to be managed by the information processing apparatus as described above includes, for example, a router advertisement, a neighbor advertisement, and the like. In the router advertisement, parameters such as a network prefix and its lifetime are included. include.
Conventionally, in an information processing apparatus having an energy saving mode for reducing power consumption by putting a CPU as a control means into a low power consumption state or cutting off power supply to the CPU to save power, the information processing as described above is performed. It is difficult to process information to be managed by the apparatus without using the CPU. When the CPU receives the above information when in the energy saving mode, the CPU is returned from the energy saving mode each time.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-180083

Since the information managed by the information processing apparatus is transmitted relatively frequently on the network, the information processing apparatus may receive the same information many times, and there is no need to update the information each time. .
However, in the conventional information processing apparatus, even if the CPU shifts to the power saving state, the control unit must be returned from the power saving state each time information to be managed is received, so that the normal operation frequently occurs in a short time. If the information reception interval is shorter than the transition time to the power saving state after returning to the normal state or transitioning to the power saving state after a certain period of time has elapsed from the normal operation state, the power saving state is entered. There is a problem in that power consumption cannot be suppressed because it cannot be transferred.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in an information processing apparatus that shifts the control unit to a power saving state to save power, when receiving and managing information managed from the network, the control unit An object of the present invention is to increase the power saving effect by reducing the frequency of return from the power saving state.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and computer-readable recording medium.
(1) A communication unit that performs data communication with a network device connected to a network, a control unit that performs various processes on the data received by the communication unit according to the contents of the data, and the device itself should manage Storage means for storing network information related to the own apparatus, and data received by the communication means based on network information relating to the own apparatus stored in the storage means when the control means is in a dormant state. Determining means for determining whether or not the data needs to be processed, and when the determining means determines that the data received by the communication means is data that needs to be processed by the own apparatus, An information processing apparatus comprising means for returning to an operable state from the computer.

(2) In the information processing apparatus as described above, when the determination means determines that the data received by the communication means is data that needs to be processed by the own apparatus, the internal processing of the data received by the communication means is performed. An information processing apparatus provided with means for storing only necessary data.
(3) In the information processing apparatus as described above, means for storing data received by the communication means when the data received by the communication means is determined by the determination means as data that needs to be processed by the own apparatus. Information processing apparatus provided with
(4) In the information processing apparatus as described above, an information processing apparatus provided with means for setting the network information in the storage means before shifting the control means to a dormant state.

(5) In the information processing apparatus as described above, the resting state of the control means is an information processing apparatus in which power supply to the control means is interrupted.
(6) In the information processing apparatus as described above, the pause state of the control means is an information processing apparatus in which the control means stops the clock.
(7) In the information processing apparatus as described above, the sleep state of the control means is an information processing apparatus in which the control means is in a sleep state.
(8) In the information processing apparatus as described above, the state in which the control unit is operable means that the control unit operates and at least data received by the communication unit can process data that needs to be processed by the own device. Information processing device in a state.

(9) In the information processing apparatus as described above, after the control unit is returned from the hibernation state to the operable state, the control unit processes data that needs to be processed by the own device received by the communication unit, An information processing apparatus provided with means for returning the control means to the resting state again.
(10) In the information processing apparatus as described above, after the control unit is returned from the sleep state to the operable state, the control unit processes the data that needs to be processed by the own device received by the communication unit. An information processing apparatus provided with means for determining whether there is other data to be processed and determining that there is no other data to be processed, and returning the control means to a sleep state again.

(11) In the information processing apparatus as described above, a communication process for performing data communication with a network apparatus connected to the network, and a control for performing various processes on the data received in the communication process according to the contents of the data A process, a storage process for storing network information related to the own apparatus to be managed by the own apparatus, and a network process related to the own apparatus stored in the storing process when the control by the control process is in a power saving state. A determination step for determining whether or not the data received by the communication step is data that needs to be processed by the own device, and data that is received by the communication step by the determination step is data that needs to be processed by the own device. Information processing comprising the step of returning the control by the control step to the operable state when it is determined Law.

(12) In the information processing apparatus as described above, the communication procedure for performing data communication with the network device connected to the network in the computer, and various processes according to the contents of the data received by the communication procedure. A storage procedure for storing network information relating to the own device to be managed by the own device, and network information relating to the own device stored by the storage procedure when control by the control procedure is in a power saving state. The data received by the communication procedure based on the determination procedure for determining whether the data to be processed by the own device and the data received by the communication procedure by the determination procedure need to be processed by the own device. If it is determined that the data is, the procedure for returning the control by the above control procedure to the operable state Program for causing a row.
(13) A computer-readable recording medium on which the above program is recorded.

In the information processing apparatus and the information processing method according to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus that shifts the control unit to the power saving state to save power, when the control unit receives and processes information managed from the network, The frequency of returning from the state can be reduced and the power saving effect can be enhanced.
In addition, the program according to the present invention allows the computer to shift the control unit to the power saving state to save power, and when the control unit returns from the power saving state when receiving and processing information managed from the network. It is possible to realize a function for reducing the power consumption and enhancing the power saving effect.
Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium of the present invention can easily introduce the program into a computer.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
〔Example〕
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a printer which is an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
The printer 1 includes a controller board 2 that is a control unit that controls the printer 1 and a plotter 3 that performs a printing process including a print request requested from a network device.

  The controller board 2 includes an operation unit 4 for performing various operations by a user, a hard disk device (HDD) 5 for storing various types of information, an ASIC clock generation unit 6 for generating a clock to the ASIC 20, and a clock for the PHY 10. A PHY clock generation unit 7 to be generated, an SDRAM 8 as a work memory, a ROM 9 as a program storage memory, a PHY 10 in a network physical layer, a board power control unit 11, an external power control unit 12, and an ASIC 20 are provided. .

  The ASIC 20 includes a CPU 21 that controls the entire controller board 2, a power management controller (PMC) 22 that controls the power supply of each part of the printer, and a network that performs control for communicating with network devices on the network. Whether the controller (NC) 23 reads / writes data to / from the SDRAM 8, shifts the SDRAM 8 to the self-refresh mode, and returns the SDRAM 8 to the normal mode from the self-refresh mode. Whether the SDRAM 8 is in the normal mode An SDRAM controller (SDRAMC) 24 that outputs a signal indicating the above to the NC 23, a clock generator (CG) 25, a PCI I / F 26 that controls data input / output with the plotter 3, and an input from the operation unit 4 The OPE / I / F 27 for controlling, the HDD / I / F 28 for controlling reading / writing to the HDD 5, the I / O / I / F 29 for controlling external I / O, and the parts in the ASIC 20 An internal bus 30 is provided for communication.

  The PMC 22 performs internal and external power control of the ASIC 20 based on the input signals D and H and control from the CPU 21 via the internal bus 30. Input signals D to the PMC 22 are a plurality of signals output from the NC 23. For example, it is output when a specific packet is received. The input signal H to the PMC 22 is a plurality of signals input from the outside of the ASIC 20. For example, it is output when an energy saving return / transition key is pressed. With this signal, the printer 1 in the energy saving state is restored.

The printer 1 has the following four power modes.
1. Normal mode A mode in which normal operation is possible in which power is supplied to the entire printer 1.
2. Controller mode A power-saving mode in which power is supplied to the entire controller board 2 but the power is supplied to the plotter 3 by cutting off the power supply to the plotter 3.

3. Network mode Plotter 3, operation unit 4 and HDD 5 in wavy frame 13 of controller board 2, PCI / I / F 26, OPE / I / F 27, HDD / I / F 28, I / O Power supply to the I / F 29 is cut off, power is supplied to the other parts of the controller board 2 and the other parts of the ASIC 20, and power is supplied to the CPU 21 and SDRAM 8 so that they can be normally operated to save power. mode.
4). Standby mode Plotter 3, operation unit 4 and HDD 5 in wavy frame 13 of controller board 2, PCI • I / F 26, OPE • I / F 27, HDD • I / F 28 and I / O • in wavy frame 31 inside ASIC 20 The power supply to the I / F 29 is cut off, the other parts of the controller board 2 and the other parts inside the ASIC 20 are supplied with power, the CPU 21 enters the sleep mode in which the clock is stopped, and the SDRAM 8 enters the self-refresh mode and enters the power saving state. To save power.

The transition from the normal mode to any one of the power saving modes and the return from any one of the power saving modes to the normal mode are performed by the CPU 21 setting the mode to the PMC 22 via the internal bus 30 or to the PMC 22. Performed by input signals D and H.
The PMC 22 outputs a signal to each unit when shifting or returning to each power saving mode. The output signal A is a signal for causing the CPU 21 to generate an interrupt and causing the CPU 21 to transition to a movable state or a sleep state.
The output signal B is a signal for causing the SDRAM 8 to transition to the self-refresh mode or the normal mode, which is a power saving mode, via the SDRAM controller 24.

Further, the output signal C is used to cut off or restore the power supply to the PCI / I / F 26, OPE / I / F 27, HDD / I / F 28, and I / O / I / F 29 in the broken line frame 31 inside the ASIC 20. Signal.
The output signal E output from the board power control unit 11 is a signal for cutting off or restoring the power supply to the operation unit 4 and the HDD 5 in the broken line frame 13 in the controller board 2, and the output signal F is the controller This is a signal for controlling other power in the board 2. For example, it is used to cut off or restore a pull-up power supply.
Furthermore, the output signal G output from the external power control unit 12 is a signal for controlling the power outside the controller board 2. For example, it is used to control power supply to the plotter 3.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the NC 23 shown in FIG.
The NC 23 includes a media access controller (MAC) 40, an address filter 41, a pattern filter 42, a management information comparator 43, a buffer 44, a packet engine 45, and a selector 46.
The MAC 40 performs data communication with an external network device via the PHY 10.

The address filter 41 has a destination MAC address and a destination IP address (corresponding to the network information of the own device) set in advance in a register (not shown). The destination MAC address and destination IP address included are compared with each address of the register, and if they match, this packet is determined to be a packet for its own station, and the packet is output to the pattern filter 42. If they do not match, it is determined that the packet is a broadcast packet to another device (other station) or a multicast packet (a packet that does not need to be processed by the own station), and the packet is discarded.
The pattern filter 42 scans a specific pattern included in a packet addressed to the own station that has passed through the address filter 41, discards a packet that does not need to be processed, and selects a packet that needs to be processed.

Packets that need to be processed include MIB (SNMP), stored image read request, print request, neighbor search (including router advertisement), ARP request, PING request, and other protocol packets. The print request packet may be print data.
When the packet addressed to the local station is an ARP request packet or a PING request packet, the pattern filter 42 forwards the packet to the packet engine 45, and selects the packet from the packet engine 45 to the selector 46. Activate the signal. Normally, a transmission packet via the internal bus 30 is selected.

If the packet addressed to the local station is a neighbor search packet, the packet is transferred to the management information comparator 43. In this embodiment, the management information comparator 43 uses neighbor search (including router advertisement) as a comparison reference, but other packets may be used.
Further, when the packet addressed to the own station is an ARP request packet, a PING request packet, or a packet to be processed other than the neighbor search packet, the packet is transferred to the buffer 44.

For example, when receiving a print request, the pattern filter 42 activates the plotter return request signal D and notifies the PMC 22 of it.
The PMC 22 outputs a signal corresponding to the type of the current power saving mode in response to the signal D for the plotter return request. For example, when the power saving mode is the controller mode, a signal is output to the external power control unit 12, and the external power control unit 12 activates the signal G to change the plotter 3 from the power saving state to a normal operable state. Return.

Further, for example, in the case of a stored image read request, the pattern filter 42 activates the controller return request signal D and notifies the PMC 22 of it.
For example, when in the network mode, the PMC 22 activates the signal E via the signal C and the board power control unit 11 according to the controller return request signal D, and the plotter 3 remains in the power saving state. Each part in the wavy lines 13 and 31 is returned to a normal operable state. Therefore, the HDD I / F 28 and the HDD 5 also return from the power saving state to the normal operable state.
In addition, for example, when the packet is an MIB request, the pattern filter 42 activates the CPU return request signal D and notifies the PMC 22 of it.
For example, when the PMC 22 is in the standby mode, the signal A and the signal B are activated, and the plotter 3 and a part of the controller board 2 and a part of the ASIC 20 are left in the power saving state, and the CPU 21 and the SDRAM 8 are saved in power saving. Return from normal to normal operation.

The management information comparator 43 compares the information that needs to be managed included in the received packet with the management information set in the register, and the received information is the latest content (content is updated). If it is determined, the CPU return request signal D is made active, notified to the PMC 22, and the packet is transferred to the buffer 44.
The buffer 44 is a memory for temporarily storing received packets. While the SDRAM 8 is informed that the SDRAM 8 is in the normal mode, the stored packets are immediately sent to the SDRAM 8 via the SDRAM controller 24. Send and accumulate.
Further, when the SDRAM controller 24 notifies that the SDRAM 8 is in the self-refresh mode, the stored packet is kept accumulated until notified that the SDRAM 8 is in the normal mode.

The packet engine 45 generates an ARP response packet when the received packet is an ARP request, and generates a PING response packet when the received packet is a PING request packet, and sends the generated packet to the selector 46, the MAC 40, and the PHY 10. Send it over the network.
As a result, it is possible to automatically respond to the ARP request and the PING request, which are high-frequency packets frequently received from the network, without going through the CPU 21, and even when the CPU 21 is in the low power consumption state, the CPU 21 Response is possible without returning.

The selector 46 performs processing for selecting an automatic response packet generated by the packet engine 45 and a transmission packet via the internal bus 30, and normally selects a transmission packet via the internal bus 30 by the pattern filter 42. When an ARP request packet and a PING request packet are received, the packet engine 45 operates to select a packet.
Although not shown, the MAC 40, address filter 41, pattern filter 42, management information comparator (NDP) 43, and packet engine 45 can set setting values from the CPU 21.

Next, the management information comparator 43 will be described in more detail.
The management information comparator 43 compares the information to be managed included in the received packet (router advertisement or the like) transferred from the pattern filter 42 with the set information.
For example, when the received packet is a router advertisement, the router advertisement includes a prefix necessary for generating the IP address of the device itself.
Also, the prefix included in the packet and the comparison prefix can be set in the register, and the current prefix is set in the register.
Then, the prefix included in the received packet is compared with the set current prefix, and if they are the same, the content of the received packet has already been stored, and the packet is discarded.

If the prefix is different from the set prefix, the CPU return request signal D is activated, notified to the PMC 22, and the packet is stored in the buffer 44.
In response to the CPU return request signal D, for example, in the standby mode, the PMC 22 activates the signals A and B, and leaves the plotter 3 and part of the controller board 2 and part of the ASIC 20 in the power saving state. Thus, the CPU 21 and the SDRAM 8 are returned from the power saving state to the normal operable state.
The packet stored in the buffer 44 is transferred to the SDRAM 8 via the SDRAM controller 24 when the SDRAM 8 shifts from the self-refresh mode to the normal mode.

  In the above description, the target packet is a router advertisement and the prefix of the router advertisement is information to be managed, but other packets can be processed in the same manner as described above.

Next, the transition between the power saving modes in the printer 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing transition of the power saving mode in the printer shown in FIG.
1. Between normal mode and controller mode 1-1. Factors for shifting from the normal mode to the controller mode include when the plotter 3 is not operated for a certain period of time or when the energy saving return / transition key (not shown) of the operation unit 4 is pressed.
For example, if there is no operation of the plotter 3 for a certain time, the CPU 21 detects this and informs the PMC 22 to cut off the power supply from the power supply to the plotter 3.
As a result, the PMC 22 cuts off the power supply to the plotter 3 by the signal G via the external power control unit 12 and shifts to the controller mode.

1-2. Factors for shifting from the controller mode to the normal mode include receiving print data from an external device, receiving a print request, and pressing the energy saving return / transition key.
For example, when print data is received from an external device, the pattern filter 42 of the network controller 23 activates the plotter return request signal D and notifies the PMC 22 of it. The PMC 22 resumes the power supply to the plotter 3 via the external power control unit 12, and returns the plotter 3 from the power saving state to the normal operable state.
As a result, the printer 1 shifts to the normal mode.
Further, the print data is accumulated in the buffer 44 and transferred to the SDRAM 8.
Then, the CPU 21 processes the print data, transfers it to the plotter 3, and the plotter 3 prints information on paper based on the print data, and outputs the printed paper.

2. Between controller mode and standby mode 2-1. The reason for the transition from the controller mode to the standby mode is that no network data to be processed by the CPU 21 is received for a certain period of time, the energy saving return / transition key is not pressed for a certain period of time, and there is no operation on the operation unit 4 for a certain period of time. A case where an event does not occur for a certain period of time is mentioned.
As described above, when the CPU 21 confirms that there is no event for a certain period of time, the CPU 21 is set in the sleep state, the SDRAM 8 is set in the self-refresh mode, a part of the controller board 2 and a part of the ASI 20 are shifted to the power saving state. Tell each.

  As a result, the PMC 22 outputs the signal A, the signal B, and the signal C, outputs the signal E and the signal F through the board power control unit 11, and shifts the CPU 21 to the sleep mode and the SDRAM 8 to the self-refresh mode. The printer 1 is shifted to the standby mode by shifting a part of the controller board 2 and a part of the ASI 20 to the power saving state.

2-2. As a factor for shifting from the standby mode to the controller mode, for example, an external device acquires image data stored in the HDD 5 and a received stored image read request packet is given.
As a result, the controller D request signal D is activated from the pattern filter 42 of the network controller 23 and is notified to the PMC 22. The PMC 22 outputs a signal A, a signal B, and a signal C, and outputs a signal E and a signal F via the board power control unit 11, thereby changing the CPU 21 from the sleep mode to the normal state and the SDRAM 8 from the self-refresh mode to the normal state. Then, the controller board 2 and a part of the ASIC 20 are shifted from the power saving state to the normal state.

As a result, the printer 1 shifts to the controller mode.
The stored image read request is stored in the buffer 44 and transferred to the SDRAM 8.
Then, the CPU 21 transfers the image data designated from the HDD 5 to the requesting external device on the network, so that the external device can acquire a desired stored image in the HDD 5.

3. Between standby mode and network mode 3-1. The transition factor from the standby mode to the network mode is when the MIB request data is received, or when the router advertisement is received and the prefix information in the received packet is newer than the prefix set by the management information comparator 43. Is mentioned.
For example, when a router advertisement is received, the management information comparator 43 of the network controller 23 activates the CPU return request signal D and notifies the PMC 22 of it.
The PMC 22 outputs a signal A and a signal B, and shifts the CPU 21 from the sleep mode to the normal operable state, and shifts the SDRAM 8 from the self-refresh mode to the normal operable state.

As a result, the printer 1 shifts to the network mode.
The received router advertisement is accumulated in the buffer 44 and transferred to the SDRAM 8.
And CPU21 can update the network data which is the information which should be memorize | stored in HDD5 and managed by processing the router advertisement transferred to SDRAM8 similarly to normal network data.

3-2. As a factor for shifting from the network mode to the standby mode, there is a case where processing of network data to be processed when shifting from the standby mode to the network mode is completed.
As described above, when the CPU 21 confirms the completion of the network data processing, it notifies the PMC 22 to shift the CPU 21 to the sleep state and the SDRAM 8 to shift to the self-refresh mode.
Thereby, the PMC 22 outputs the signal A and the signal B, shifts the CPU 21 to the sleep mode, shifts the SDRAM 8 to the self-refresh mode, and shifts the printer 1 to the standby mode.

4). Between standby mode and normal mode 4-1. Factors for shifting from the standby mode to the normal mode include receiving print data from an external device, receiving a print request, and pressing an energy saving return / transition key.
For example, when print data is received from an external device, the pattern filter 42 of the network controller 23 activates the plotter return request signal D and notifies the PMC 22 of it.

  The PMC 22 outputs the signal A, causes the CPU 21 to shift from the sleep mode to the normal operable state, outputs the signal B, shifts the SDRAM 8 from the self-refresh mode to the normal operable state, and outputs the signal C and the board power control unit. 11, a part of the controller board 2 and a part of the ASIC 20 are respectively shifted from the power saving state to the normal operable state by outputting the signals E and F via By outputting G, power supply to the plotter 3 by the power source is resumed, and the plotter 3 is returned from the power saving state to the normal operable state.

As a result, the printer 1 shifts to the normal mode.
The print data is accumulated in the buffer 44 and transferred to the SDRAM 8.
Then, the CPU 21 processes the print data and transfers it to the plotter 3, and the plotter 3 prints on the paper based on the print data and outputs the printed paper.

When the CPU 21 receives information that should not be updated when the CPU 21 is in the power saving mode, the printer 1 of this embodiment maintains the power saving mode without returning the CPU 21 to the normal operable state, and updates the data to be updated. Only when the CPU 21 is restored to the normal operable state, the effect of reducing power consumption can be enhanced.
Further, since power supply to the CPU 21 is interrupted when there is no need for processing, the power consumption can be further reduced.
Furthermore, if the power saving mode in which the clock of the CPU 21 is stopped or the power saving mode in which the CPU 21 is in the sleep state is set, not only the power consumption is further reduced, but also the return from the power saving state to the normal operable state is required. Time can be shortened.

In addition, by setting information that needs to be monitored during the power saving mode before the CPU 21 shifts to the power saving mode, the information to be managed received from the network can be monitored with the latest information. Normal network operation can be expected.
Furthermore, when the CPU 21 returns from the power saving state, only the information to be updated by the CPU 21 is held from the received data, so that the updating process of the CPU 21 is facilitated.
In addition, since the update processing of information to be managed can be performed in the same way as during normal operation, there is no need to add an extra program.

In addition, by setting the return state for updating to a state where network data processing can be performed at a minimum, power is not consumed at various parts as in a printing operation, and network data is processed with low power consumption. It becomes possible.
In addition, after the data processing is completed from the state where the network data can be processed, it returns to the power saving state after a predetermined time has elapsed or immediately, so that the power consumption can be reduced.
Furthermore, if data to be processed arrives or remains during or after data processing, it is necessary to return immediately after switching to the energy saving mode, which increases processing time and power consumption. By determining whether or not there is data to be processed after processing, the possibility of an increase in power consumption can be reduced as compared with the case of immediately returning to the power saving state.

  An information processing apparatus and an information processing method according to the present invention are used by being connected to a network including an image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a printer connected to a network, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copier, and their multifunction peripherals (MFPs). It can be applied to all devices.

1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a printer which is an embodiment of an information processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of a network controller of the printer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of transition of a power saving mode in the printer illustrated in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

1: Printer 2: Controller board 3: Plotter 4: Operation unit 5: HDD 6: ASIC clock generation unit 7: PHY clock generation unit 8: SDRAM 9: ROM 10: PHY 11: Board power control unit 12: External power control unit 20: ASIC 21: CPU 22: Power management controller 23: Network controller 24: SDRAM controller 25: Clock generator 26: PCI I / F 27: OPE I / F 28: HDD I / F 29: I / O I / F 30: Internal bus 40: MAC 41: Address filter 42: Pattern filter 43: Management information comparator 44: Buffer 45: Packet engine 46: Selector

Claims (13)

A communication means for performing data communication with a network device connected to the network;
Control means for performing various processing on the data received by the communication means according to the content of the data;
Storage means for storing network information relating to the own device to be managed by the own device;
Judgment whether the data received by the communication means is data that needs to be processed by the own apparatus based on the network information related to the own apparatus stored in the storage means when the control means is in a dormant state Means,
And a means for returning the control means from a sleep state to an operable state when the data received by the communication means is determined to be data that needs to be processed by the own device. Information processing apparatus.   Provided with the means for storing only the data necessary for the internal processing of the data received by the communication means when the data received by the communication means is determined by the determining means to be processed by the own device The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   2. A means for storing data received by the communication means when the data received by the communication means is judged by the judging means to be data to be processed by the own apparatus. Information processing device.   4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit configured to set the network information in the storage unit before the control unit shifts to a dormant state. 5.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resting state of the control unit is a state where power supply to the control unit is interrupted.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pause state of the control unit is a state in which the control unit stops a clock.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is in a sleep state when the control unit is in a sleep state.   The state in which the control unit is operable is a state in which the control unit is operating and at least data received by the communication unit can process data that needs to be processed by the own device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9.   There is provided means for returning the control means from the hibernation state to the operable state and returning the control means to the hibernation state again after the control means has processed the data received by the communication means and needs to be processed by the own device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.   After returning the control means from the sleep state to the operable state and processing the data that the control means received by the communication means needs to be processed by its own device, it is determined whether there is any other data to be processed. 9. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for returning the control means to a sleep state again when it is determined that there is no other data to be processed. .   The present invention relates to a communication process for performing data communication with a network device connected to a network, a control process for performing various processes on data received by the communication process according to the contents of the data, and a self apparatus to be managed by the self apparatus. A storage process for storing network information, and when the control by the control process is in a power saving state, data received by the communication process is processed by the own apparatus based on network information regarding the own apparatus stored by the storage process. A determination step for determining whether or not the data needs to be performed, and if the determination step determines that the data received by the communication step is data that needs to be processed by the own device, the control by the control step is performed. An information processing method comprising the step of returning to a possible state.   A communication procedure for performing data communication with a network device connected to the network in the computer, a control procedure for performing various processing on the data received by the communication procedure in accordance with the contents of the data, and the own device should be managed The storage procedure for storing the network information related to the own device and the data received by the communication procedure based on the network information related to the own device stored by the storage procedure when the control by the control procedure is in the power saving state. A determination procedure for determining whether or not the data needs to be processed by the device, and when it is determined by the determination procedure that the data received by the communication procedure is data that needs to be processed by the own device, the control procedure A program for executing a procedure for returning control to an operable state.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 12 is recorded.

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