JP2012045945A - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof, program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To combine reduction in power consumption with shortening in processing time in a cooperation type image forming system.SOLUTION: When a user logs in an MFP (Multi-Function Printer)-A (201), work flow information related with the user is referred to. If a hot folder of another MFP is used in the work flow, work content notification indicating the work content of the hot folder is requested from the MFP (202). On the basis of the work content notification, reset to a normal mode for a power source to the processing part of hardware used in the hot folder is requested (204). Thereafter, data is transmitted to the hot folder provided by another MFP used in the work flow (206).

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic system to which, for example, a plurality of electrophotographic apparatuses capable of cooperative operation are connected and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a method of achieving both saving of energy consumption and high-speed processing.

  In recent years, multifunction printers (hereinafter referred to as MFPs) that provide users with a printer function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, a scanned image transmission / reception function, an electronic mail transmission / reception function, and the like in addition to a copy function have appeared. Recently, there is also a collaborative image forming system that shares printing workload by transferring image data between a plurality of MFPs. The cooperative image forming system enables efficient processing for dividing a processing target job into each MFP, for example, printing 100 copies of a document by two MFPs, respectively. In the distributed image forming system, for example, one MFP functions as a master MFP that receives a workflow, and another MFP functions as a slave MFP that processes a job divided from the workflow by the master MFP.

  On the other hand, there is an increasing demand for low power consumption for electronic devices in general, and MFPs are also provided with a function to enter a low power consumption state (sleep state) when not in use. Therefore, when the workflow processing is performed by the cooperative image forming system, the slave MFP may be in the sleep state. In such a state, the slave-side MFP cannot return from the sleep state immediately even if the processing order is reached, so that there is a problem that the processing of the workflow is delayed.

  In order to solve the above problem, when a connection request is issued from the master side MFP when the slave side MFP is in a power consumption reduction state, the image forming system shifts the power consumption reduction state to a printable state. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In consideration of the warm-up time of the fixing machine on the slave side, a description is proposed in which the time required for the warm-up time is omitted by requesting the slave side to return to a printable state prior to image data transmission. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-11-157172 JP 2004-237468 A

  In the technique described in the above-described prior art document, it is assumed that the master side MFP and the slave side MFP load balance the same print work, and the state of the MFP to be restored is uniquely determined in advance.

  However, in the workflow, for example, a function in which a master side MFP performs a print operation, a slave side MFP performs FAX or mail transmission, or each MFP performs different processing using the hot folder function of the MFP. There is also a decentralized type. The following problems occur when executing a workflow that causes the master side and the slave side to perform different tasks.

  That is, in the technique described in the prior art document, since the state in which the MFP is restored is uniquely determined, there is a case where a module unrelated to the function to be executed is restored. For example, even when the slave MFP is used to process a workflow that does not involve printing, when the master MFP returns the printer to a printable state, the slave MFP also returns to the printer ready to print state. The If the slave printer does not execute the printing process, the slave printer consumes useless power.

  In addition, since the power state on the slave side is unknown, the workflow is delayed when the power of the slave MFP is turned off. However, there is no means for the master side to know the power state on the slave side.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example, and by reducing the slave MFP to a state necessary for the work, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and rapid processing of the cooperative image forming system. The purpose is to let you.

  It is another object of the present invention to prevent the interruption of the workflow caused by the power supply of the image forming apparatuses constituting the cooperative image forming system not being turned on.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with another image forming apparatus and capable of executing a workflow that is a series of processes in which a plurality of processing steps are combined.
Based on the processing content of the processing step using the function of the other image forming apparatus included in the workflow, the processing unit on the hardware necessary for the other image forming apparatus to execute the processing of the processing step A decision means to decide;
When a workflow including a processing step using the function of the other image forming apparatus is executed, a return request for returning the power of the processing unit determined by the determining unit to an operating state is issued to the other image forming apparatus. A requesting means to send;
A data transmission unit configured to transmit data processed by the other image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus after the return request is transmitted by the request unit;

  According to the present invention, the slave-side MFP is returned to a state necessary for the work, thereby making it possible to achieve both low power consumption and rapid processing of the cooperative image forming system.

  In addition, it is possible to prevent the interruption of the workflow due to the fact that the image forming apparatuses constituting the cooperative image forming system are not turned on.

3 is a follow chart for explaining the first embodiment. It is a network system block diagram comprised by the form of embodiment. FIG. 4 is a power consumption transition diagram for explaining the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing explaining the structure of a multifunction system It is a block diagram of an electrophotographic apparatus. It is a figure of the operation part of an electrophotographic apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of hot folder information.

[Embodiment 1]
<Outline of distributed processing>
FIG. 2 is a network diagram for explaining the present embodiment, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses (in this example, MFPs such as MFP-A, MFP-B, MFP-C, and MFP-D) are connected. It is shown that. In the figure, each MFP is connected by a network 3000 (for example, a LAN). Each MFP is an image forming apparatus that can use a hot folder function.

  In each MFP, a hot folder can be defined. A hot folder refers to a data storage location (that is, a folder) associated with a series of processes. However, the hot folder does not always store data, and may be an entry point of data associated with a series of processes. When data is input to the hot folder, processing associated with the hot folder is executed for the data. For example, the user can define a unique name of the hot folder and a process associated with the hot folder having the name. The defined name and processing content are stored as information representing the respective names, for example, in a nonvolatile storage device of the MFP. The definition of the hot folder can be input by the user via a user interface provided by the MFP executing a program.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of hot folder information 700 that defines a hot folder stored in the MFP. The hot folder information includes a hot folder name 701, associated processing information 702, and a data storage address 703 of input data.

  When a certain hot folder is specified as a data storage destination and data is input, the hot folder information 700 is referred to and the input data is stored at the address specified by the data storage address 703. If the data storage is completed or if the processing can be started even during the storage, the processing module indicated by the processing information 702 is activated. At that time, the address of the data stored in the hot folder is passed to the processing module as a parameter indicating the processing target data. Of course, this description is only an example, and the hot folder can be realized by other methods.

  When a plurality of MFPs according to the present invention form a cooperative image forming system, the hot folder is used to realize processing distribution. For example, the operator operates the operation panel of one MFP constituting the cooperative image forming system, and collects information on hot folders provided by the cooperative image forming system. The operator can select a desired hot folder with reference to the collected hot folder information, and can specify input data for the selected hot folder. A series of processes in which a plurality of processing steps specified in this way are combined is called a workflow. In the present embodiment, a workflow that is designated in advance and saved is called up and reused. However, it may be set every time the workflow is executed.

  For example, when one hot folder is used in the workflow, the identifier of the hot folder, the data input source to the hot folder, and the identifier of the MFP that provides the hot folder are set in the workflow. The setting is saved as workflow information. If the workflow uses a plurality of hot folders, a data input source is designated for each hot folder. The data input source is, for example, a scanner provided in the MFP, a file storing data, or the like. By using a file as an input source, step-by-step processing using a hot folder chain can be realized.

  The MFP stores workflow information indicating a defined workflow in a nonvolatile memory, and executes a workflow process according to the workflow information when a trigger is given. The hot folder used in the workflow is defined by another MFP (this is called a slave MFP or another MFP) other than the MFP (this is called a master MFP) that is executing the workflow. It is possible that Note that a slave MFP (another MFP) is an MFP that receives data transmitted from an MFP different from the slave MFP (another MFP) and executes processing, and can communicate with the master MFP. In this case, the master MFP transmits data from the designated input source with the designated hot folder of the slave MFP as the destination. When data is input to the hot folder, the slave MFP executes the processing associated with the hot folder with the input data as a processing target. The master MFP may be fixed in the cooperative distributed processing system, but may be determined dynamically. In the present embodiment, the MFP to which the user has logged in becomes the master MFP related to the user. When the master MFP is referred to as an image forming apparatus, the slave MFP may be referred to as an external apparatus to distinguish it.

  Thus, in this embodiment, a cooperative distributed processing system using a hot folder is realized. Based on the above operation, the invention according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 2 shows an outline of operations and messages. In FIG. 2, the user first executes a login operation on the operation unit of the MFP-A (201). If the login is successful, the MFP-A refers to the workflow information associated with the login user as the master MFP. Then, work information is requested to another MFP in which the hot folder used in the workflow is defined (202). For example, the MFP-A stores the workflows 1 to 3 as the workflow for the user A, and the workflow 1 includes a process of executing processing using the hot folder B of the MFP-B. To do. Furthermore, it is assumed that the workflow 3 includes a process of executing processing using the hot folder C of the MFP-C. In this case, the MFP-A requests the work information of the hot folder B from the MFP-B, and requests the work information of the hot folder C from the MFP-C. This work information corresponds to hot folder information defined in the other MFP. Upon receiving the work information request, the other MFP returns the work information to the MFP-A that is the work information request source (203). Although not shown in FIG. 2, work information may also be requested for MFP-D. The target for requesting the work information may be all MFPs constituting the cooperative image forming system, or may be a predetermined MFP.

  The MFP-A that has received the work information displays the work information, that is, hot folder information provided by the cooperative image processing system, on an operation unit (operation panel) or the like. The master MFP has association information between each displayed hot folder and the MFP that provides the hot folder. The operator can select a workflow with reference to the displayed work information. MFP-A determines whether the hot folder of the slave MFP is used in the workflow selected on the operation unit. When the hot folder of the slave MFP is used, the power of the hardware resource used for processing associated with the hot folder to be used is returned from the master MFP to the slave MFP. (204).

  For example, in MFP-A, it is assumed that the selected workflow uses a hot folder of MFP-B, that is, an operation request of MFP-B accompanies. In that case, the MFP-A sends a request to restore only the power supply portion matched with the work contents of the hot folder of the MFB, that is, the hardware power source used in the process associated with the hot folder, via the network. -Send to B.

  The slave MFP that has received the power restoration request restores only the power supply corresponding to the requested hardware. Thereafter, the master MFP-A transmits data to the slave MFP-B (206).

  FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of transition of power consumption in the slave MFP for explaining the present embodiment. The vertical axis indicates power consumption, and the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time. FIG. 3 is related to the operation sequence of FIG. 2 and shows a temporal flow when the present embodiment is described. When the slave MFP in the sleep state receives a work information request message from the master MFP, the controller wakes up (301) and receives the message. When the work information is transmitted, it returns to the sleep state again (302). Thereafter, when the slave MFP receives a return request message for requesting power recovery, the slave MFP recovers, that is, turns on the power of the controller and hardware resources requested to recover the power, in the example of FIG. 3 (303). Thereafter, the data is input to the hot folder of the slave MFP, and the process is performed. When the process ends and a predetermined time elapses, the slave returns to the sleep state again (304). Thus, since only the necessary part is activated when necessary, it is possible to obtain an effect in terms of power saving.

<Configuration of MFP>
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the MFP shown in FIG. Details of the operation will be described with reference to the drawings. The MFP 1000 includes a scanner unit 10, a printer unit 20, a controller unit 30, and a power supply unit (shown in FIG. 5) that supplies power to these units.

  In the scanner unit 10, the documents fed from the automatic document feeder 142 are sequentially placed on a document table glass 901 at predetermined positions. The document illumination lamp 902 is composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, and exposes the document placed on the document table glass 901. Scanning mirrors 903, 904, and 905 are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown) and guide reflected light from the document to the image signal output unit 906 while reciprocating. The image signal output unit 906 includes an imaging lens 907 that forms an image of reflected light from a document on an image sensor, an image sensor 908 such as a CCD, a driver 909 that drives the image sensor 908, and the like. An image signal output from the image sensor 908 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data, and then input to the controller 939 in the controller unit 30.

  In the printer unit 20, the photosensitive drum 910 is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 912 in preparation for image formation. The primary charger 913 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 910. The exposure unit 917 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser. The exposure unit 917 exposes the photosensitive drum 910 with a light beam modulated based on the image data processed by the controller 939 that controls image formation and the entire apparatus, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 918 contains a black developer (toner). The pre-transfer charger 919 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 910 onto a sheet. The paper feed units 922, 924, 942, and 944 have paper feed cassettes for placing paper. A paper feed unit 920 is a manual paper feed unit. From each paper feed unit, paper is fed into the apparatus by driving each paper feed roller 921, 923, 925, 943, 945. The paper that has been sent suddenly stops at the position where the registration roller 926 is disposed, and is written again with the timing of writing with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 910. The transfer charger 927 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 910 onto a transfer sheet to be fed. The separation charger 928 separates the transfer sheet on which the transfer operation has been completed from the photosensitive drum 910. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 910 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 911. The conveyance belt 929 conveys the transfer sheet after the transfer process to the fixing device 930. The toner image formed on the paper in the fixing device 930 is fixed by, for example, heat. The flapper 931 controls the transfer path of the transfer paper after the fixing process to one of the arrangement directions of the sorter 932 and the intermediate tray 937. Further, the feeding rollers 933 to 936 feed the transfer sheet, on which one side of the fixing process has been completed, to the intermediate tray 937 after being reversed (multiple) or non-reversed (both sides). The re-feed roller 938 transports the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 937 to the position where the registration roller 926 is disposed again.

  The controller unit 30 includes a controller 939 and a FAX unit 940. The controller 939 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and controls image forming operations. The FAX unit 940 transmits FAX transmission / reception data to the image processing unit or the public line. A power supply unit (not shown) is under the control of the controller 939, and can supply power to the FAX unit 940, the controller 939, and the printer unit 20 independently.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the controller unit of the multifunction printer 1000 shown in FIG. The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner unit 10 as an image input device and the printer unit 20 as an image output device. On the other hand, the controller unit 30 is connected to a LAN 3000 or a public line (WAN) 1251 to input / output image information and device information. It is a controller to do. A CPU 1201 is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 1202 is a system work memory for the CPU 1201 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 1203 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 1204 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, image data, software counter values, and the like. A hot folder is also secured in the HDD 1204, and hot folder information is also stored in the HDD 1204. When data is input to the hot folder, a preset workflow operation can be performed. The HDD 1204 also stores software counter values. For the software counter value, a counter area for each paper size and a counter area for each data processing capacity are set, and the count is counted up based on an arbitrary reference capacity value set in advance based on the data capacity processed by the CPU 1201. Done. The counter value is not limited to the HDD 1204, and the storage area may be stored in an unillustrated EEPROM or the like as long as the counter value can be stored even when the power is turned off.

  An operation unit I / F 1206 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 140, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140. Also, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 140 to the CPU 1201. A network unit 1210 is connected to the LAN 3000 and inputs / outputs information. The voice input / output unit 500 performs control for outputting voice to the speaker, outputting voice to the handset, and inputting voice. A scanner / printer communication I / F 1206 is an I / F for communicating with the CPUs of the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20. Engine type data written in the engine ID area 40 can be read using this interface. The operating frequency and RAM capacity of the main controller board are determined by reading the SPD file of the clock generator or RAMDIMM. In addition, there are a board ID unit 12 that stores the ID of the controller board, a timer 1211, a power control unit 1200 that controls power supplied to each unit of the MFP, and the like. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 1207. The controller 939 is supplied with power by turning on the main power. However, when operating in the sleep mode, the power supply to the network unit 1210 and the block other than the handwriting name block is stopped for recovery from sleep. . Reception of a message from the LAN 3000 is possible even during sleep, and power supply to the controller 939 is resumed upon reception.

  An image bus I / F 1205 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 1207 and an image bus 1208 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure. The image bus 1208 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 1208. A raster image processor (RIP) 1260 expands a PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 1220 connects the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20, which are image input / output devices, and the controller unit 30, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 1280 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. A printer image processing unit 1290 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. The image rotation unit 1230 rotates image data. The image compression unit 1240 performs JPEG compression / expansion processing for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

  The sub CPU 1320 in the FAX unit 940 operates as a facsimile image processing unit that analyzes facsimile data received via the public line 1251 and performs processing for developing the bitmap data. A RAM 1330 is a work memory for the sub CPU 1320 to operate, and a ROM 1340 stores a function program as a FAX unit. The controller 939 including the CPU 1201 and the like and the FAX unit 940 are connected via a bus isolator 1310. The FAX unit 940 can be controlled to supply power independently of the controller 939. The power supply control unit 1200 controls the power supply unit 1400 so that the power supply 1360 of the FAX unit 940, the power supply 1350 of the controller 939, the power supply to the printer unit 20 and the scanner unit 10, and the power supply to the operation unit 140 are supplied. The power supply unit 1300 is controlled. The bus isolator 1310 plays a role in avoiding current sneaking when the supply to the power supply B 1350 is interrupted while the power supply is supplied to the power supply A 1360. A modem 1250 is connected to the public line 1251 and inputs / outputs information such as facsimile data via the public line.

<Processing in master MFP>
FIG. 1 is a flowchart that best represents the features of the present invention, and shows the procedure executed by the CPU 1201 of the controller 939. The procedure in FIG. 1 is executed after the user has successfully logged in through the operation unit 140. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which a user logs in to MFP-A and MFP-A becomes a master MFP. First, when a user logs in to the MFP-A and the login is successful, the MFP-A refers to the workflow information stored in association with the login user. Then, the MFP-A determines whether there is a workflow for device cooperation in the workflow defined by the workflow information associated with the login user (S001). The MFP that is the target of device cooperation is a slave MFP, which is also referred to as a cooperation MFP. For this determination, the MFP-A stores, for example, workflow information in association with a user ID for each workflow. In step S001, for example, for each workflow, the identifier of the hot folder providing MFP included in the workflow information is compared with the identifier of the master MFP. If the two are different, it can be determined that the workflow performs device cooperation. If there is applicable workflow information, it is read out so that it can be used thereafter. Step S001 corresponds to a determination unit / step that refers to workflow information that defines a series of processes using the hot folder function and determines a slave MFP that provides the hot folder function used in the workflow information.

  If it is determined that there is a workflow for device cooperation, the process branches to S002. On the other hand, if there is no workflow using the device cooperation function, the process branches to S008.

  In step S002, the MFP-A sets an appropriate predetermined time in the timer, and requests the cooperation destination MFP to notify the collaborative work.

  Next, in step S002, the MAP-A determines whether a response to the work content notification request for each cooperative MFP, that is, hot folder information has been returned from each MFP (step 003). The MFP-A analyzes the returned work content, determines a power supply unit to be turned on according to the work content, and stores the information (referred to as power supply unit information) for each linked MFP. For example, assume that the work content received from MFP-B, that is, the processing content included in the hot folder information is “facsimile transmission”. In this case, MFP-A determines that the power supply units to be turned on in MFP-B are controller power supply A1360 and facsimile unit power supply B1350. However, power to the controller is also supplied in a sleep mode (also called a sleep mode), and turning on the power means returning to a normal operation mode (operating state). For example, each MFP holds a table in which processing contents and power supply units are associated with each other, and the power supply unit can be specified based on the received work content notification by referring to the MFP. Step S003 corresponds to means / steps for obtaining processing information indicating the processing content by the hot folder function provided by the slave image forming apparatus from the slave image forming apparatus. In step S003, a determination unit / process for determining a hardware processing unit necessary for the hot folder function provided by the slave image forming apparatus based on the information about the hot folder function received from the slave image forming apparatus. Is also equivalent.

  In step S004, MFP-A determines whether the timer set in step S002 has expired. Here, for convenience of explanation, timer expiration is tested in a series of steps. However, the process up to step S003 and the process from step S005 may be independent processes, and step S005 and subsequent steps may be executed by timer interruption. Also, when work content notifications are received from all the cooperating MFPs in step S003, the process proceeds to step S005.

  If replies are returned from all of the associated MFPs, and if the timer has expired, the process proceeds to the next step S005. On the other hand, if there is an MFP for which the set timer has not expired and there is no reply to the work content notification request, the MFP-A further waits for a reply.

  In step S005, the MFP-A determines that the linked MFP that does not respond even if the time set in the timer is exceeded cannot be used. The identifier of the MFP determined to be unusable is stored. Further, an identifier or the like of the MFP determined to be unusable is displayed on the operation unit 140 to notify the user to that effect. An example of the display is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, it is displayed that the MFP-C is a cooperative MFP and cannot be used.

  Through the processing up to S006, MFP-A displays the workflow that can be executed by the login user on the operation unit. Note that the MFP-A does not display the workflow using the MFP that is determined to be unusable in S005, and prevents the user from selecting.

  In step S006, the MFP-A determines whether a workflow including device cooperation has been selected by a user operation via the operation unit. In other words, it is determined whether a workflow using a hot folder defined in the cooperation MFP is selected. If it is determined that a workflow including device cooperation has been selected, the process branches to step S007. If a workflow including device cooperation is not selected, the process branches to S008. Note that the workflow using the cooperative MFP is also called processing using the cooperative operation function.

  In step S007, the MFP-A uses the power supply unit information necessary for executing the workflow selected by the user based on the power supply unit information of the cooperative MFP saved in step S003 as the power supply to be restored. Notify This notification is also called a power recovery request. For example, it is assumed that information indicating the power source A 1360 of the controller and the power source B 1350 of the FAX unit is stored as the power source information related to the hot folder A of the MFP-B as the power source information of the cooperative MFP. When it is defined that the hot folder A of the MFP-B is used for the workflow selected by the user, the MFP-A sends a power source A1360 of the controller and a power source B1350 of the FAX unit to the MFP-B which is the cooperating MFP. Is transmitted as a return target. In response to this, the cooperation destination MFP that has received the power supply unit information turns on the power supply unit instructed. In step S007, the MFP-A transmits a return request for returning the determined power of the processing unit to the normal operation state to the slave image forming apparatus that provides the hot folder function used in the workflow information. This corresponds to the return request means / process.

  In S007, the power supply return request is transmitted when the workflow is selected, but it is determined whether or not the MFP-A is a processing step for transmitting the return request, and the processing step for transmitting the return request is performed. If it is determined that there is, the return request may be transmitted. The timing for transmitting the power recovery request may be the time at which the previous process of the process for transmitting data to the slave MFP is completed, or at a predetermined timing (for example, the first process is completed). Time).

  In step S009, the MFP-A executes an operation to be processed in the MFP-A among the workflows selected via the operation unit. MFP-A executes the selected workflow. Note that the workflow is composed of a plurality of processing steps, and the MFP-A calls a necessary module based on the processing content of each processing step and sequentially executes the processing of each processing step.

  In step S010, the MFP-A performs processing for each step of the workflow, and when it is a step of transmitting the data to be processed to the cooperation destination MFP, transmits data based on the contents executed up to the transmission step. To do. Of course, based on the hot folder information, information specifying a hot folder defined in the workflow is also transmitted. The data to be transmitted may be data processed by the MFP-A in step S009 or may be simply data read from a file. This depends on the workflow definition. Step S010 is a data transmission unit / process in which the MFP-A transmits data processed by the hot folder function provided by the slave MFP to the slave MFP after the return request is transmitted by the return request unit. Equivalent to.

  The cooperating MFP that has received the data inputs the received data into the designated hot folder and executes the process associated with the hot folder. At this point, the cooperating MFP has already received the power recovery information from the master MFP and is performing the power recovery operation for the hardware resources used in the workflow. If the power recovery operation is completed, the process associated with the hot folder can be started immediately after receiving the data. Even if it has not been completed, since the return operation has already been started, the waiting time is shortened. Furthermore, since the power supply unit used for processing is identified and restored, the power saving effect can be improved.

  On the other hand, in step S006, if the workflow selected by the user does not include the cooperative operation function, in step S008, the MFP-A performs the work selected by the operation unit alone.

  In the above description, the procedure for processing the workflow is shown. The workflow is not limited to performing a plurality of processing units in succession, and includes general processing executed by the MFP, whether it is a single processing or a processing including a cooperative operation.

<Specific example>
The operation of the MFP of this embodiment will be described with a more specific example. Assume that there is an office where MFP-A, MFP-B, MFP-C, and MFP-D are connected to LAN 3000 as shown in FIG. At this time, it is assumed that the MFP-C is not turned on.

  Assume that a user who is authorized to use a device-linked workflow in such an office logs in using the operation unit 140 of the MFP-A. Then, the CPU 1201 determines whether there is a customized operation unit setting and workflow from the operation unit setting information for each user ID stored in the HDD 1204 from the user ID input from the operation unit 140. Then, the contents of the set workflow are confirmed, and it is determined with which MFP the contents are associated. For example, it is assumed that a cooperative operation flow including a step of transferring document data to a hot folder of MFP-B and a cooperative operation flow including a step of transferring document data to a hot folder of MFP-C are confirmed (S001).

  Then, the controller unit 30 of the MFP-A sets a predetermined time in the timer 1211. Then, the MFP-A requests the MFP-B and MFP-C connected to the LAN 3000 via the network unit 1210 to notify the work contents of the respective hot folders (S002).

  Upon receiving a notification request from the MFP-A via the LAN 3000, the MFP-B transmits a packet addressed to itself to the network unit 1210 having a WOL (Wake On LAN) function. Restore the night-time power supply. Then, the MFP-B returns the work content of the hot folder in the HDD 1204 to the MFP-A by the CPU 1201 in the unit. For example, the folder A in the hot folder returns a fax, the hot folder B returns a print, and the hot folder C returns an email transmission. After replying, go to sleep mode.

  On the other hand, since the MFP-C is not turned on, it cannot respond to the reply request.

  Receiving the reply, MFP-A determines the power-on part when returning from sleep from the work contents of the hot folder transmitted from MFP-B (S003). For example, when the folder A is a FAX transmission flow, the controller unit 30 and the FAX unit 940 are power-on units. If the folder B is a print flow, the controller unit 30 and the printer unit 20 are power-on units. When the folder C is a mail transmission flow, only the controller unit 30 is a power-on unit.

  Then, a response from the MFP-C is waited for the time determined in S002 (S004). If no response is received from the MFP-C even after the timer setting value has elapsed, the MFP-C determines that it cannot be used (S005).

  Next, MFP-A displays a flow that can be selected by the login user. The MFP-A determines whether a flow including a process of transmitting data to the hot folder of the MFP-B is selected on the operation unit 140 by the user (S006).

  When the flow including the process of transmitting data to the folder A is selected, the MFP-A reads the part necessary for the operation of the folder A when returning from sleep, analyzed in step S003. Then, the MFP-A requests the MFP-B via the LAN 3000 to turn on the module necessary for the operation of the read folder A (S007).

  The MFP-B that has received the request interprets the partial return request transmitted from the MFP-A by the CPU 1201. Then, the MFP-B issues a command to the power control unit 1200 to operate the power supply unit 1300 and the power supply unit 1400. By this operation, the MFP-B restores the power of only the FAX unit 940 without turning on the power of the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, and the operation unit 140.

  After executing the steps included in the workflow to be processed by the MFP-A, the MFP-A transfers the data to the hot folder (folder A) in the HDD 1204 of the MFP-B via the LAN 3000 (S009, S010).

  Since the data is input to the hot folder, the MFP-B performs a workflow (for example, FAX transmission) associated with the folder.

  If the MFP cooperation workflow cannot be detected at the time of user login, or if the cooperation operation is not set by the operation setting, the workflow set by the operation unit 140 is processed only by the own device.

  As described above, the master MFP refers to the work contents of the hot folder of the cooperation destination (slave side) MFP, and the power can be restored only for the part (hardware) necessary for the slave side work. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both saving of power consumption and prevention of processing time delay.

  Note that the work content notification transmitted from the cooperative MFP in step S003 of FIG. 1 does not necessarily include the data storage address 703 among the information included in the hot folder information. However, if the communication medium is not a LAN but a bus (for example, IEEE 1394), an address is required.

[Embodiment 2]
In step S003 of the first embodiment, the information returned from the slave MFP is hot folder work information (hot folder information), and the master MFP determines the power-on portion for the resources used in the hot folder. .

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the slave MFP-B that is requested to return to sleep is referred to as information corresponding to the power-on portion of the master MFP-A (also referred to as power supply unit information). ).

  For example, MFP-B adds data 001b to MFP-A when transferring data to hot folder A, 010b if transferring to hot folder B, and 100b if transferring to hot folder C to the return packet. To send.

  When the user selects a flow including a process of transferring data to hot folder A of MFP-B on operation unit 140 of MFP-A, MFP-A uses data 001b notified from MFP-B. Add to the power recovery request and send to the slave.

  By doing so, the master MFP does not need to analyze the power-on location when the slave MFP returns from sleep. The slave MFP compares the data pattern received by the CPU 1201 in the slave MFP with the power-on pattern stored in the HDD 1204, and returns only the part corresponding to the data pattern from the sleep state.

  This method eliminates the need for the master MFP to analyze the power-on location when returning from sleep, so that only necessary parts can be restored between models with different configurations, such as the latest model-old model. It becomes possible.

[Embodiment 3]
In this embodiment, when an MFP (for example, MFP-B) is turned on, work information (hot folder information) in the hot folder of the MFP and information on the power supply unit of each hot folder are sent to another MFP. Broadcast transmission. The power supply unit information is data indicating the hardware part in order to wake up only the hardware part necessary for the hot folder processing.

  When another MFP that has received the packet selects the transmission source MFP as a slave, the power supply unit information broadcast in advance is transmitted together with the power recovery request. As a result, the slave MFP restores power only to the necessary parts.

  When the MFP-B receives the hot folder information and the power supply unit information broadcast from the other MFP-C when the power is turned on, the source MFP-C sends the hot folder information and the power supply unit information from the MFP-B. Is likely not received. Therefore, the MFP that has received the broadcast of hot folder information and power supply unit information from another MFP unicasts the hot folder information and power supply unit information to the MFP. This is limited to the case where a broadcast is received, and hot folder information and power supply unit information are not transmitted for unicast of hot folder information and power supply unit information. This is to prevent infinite repetition.

  By doing so, it is possible to obtain information on the power-on part at the time of return from sleep before the user logs in.

  The configuration of the fourth embodiment is a means / step for receiving and storing processing information indicating the processing contents by the hot folder function provided by the slave image forming apparatus, which is broadcast from the slave image forming apparatus when the power is turned on. Is disclosed.

[Embodiment 4]
In the present embodiment, the master MFP requests the linked MFP to return a status via the LAN 3000 when the linked MFP exists in the first to third embodiments. Then, the device statuses of cooperative MFPs such as MFP-B and MFP-C are displayed on the operation unit 140. If there is an MFP that does not respond at this time, an identification name (for example, MFP-C) indicating the MFP is displayed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent interruption of the workflow for performing the cooperative work.

[Embodiment 5]
In the first to fourth embodiments, it is assumed that a hot folder of a slave MFP (another MFP) is used. However, in this embodiment, the case where the hot folder of the slave MFP is not used will be described.

  The master MFP to which the user has logged in identifies a workflow that can be executed by the logged-in user, and determines whether the identified workflow includes a necessary workflow that is linked to the slave MFP.

  When it is determined that there is a workflow that requires cooperation with the slave MFP, the master MFP specifies the processing content to be executed by the slave MFP in the workflow.

  The master MFP determines a processing unit on hardware necessary for the slave MFP to execute the process based on the content of the process executed by the specified slave MFP. This determination process is basically the same as the process in step 007 described above with reference to FIG.

  When the master MFP executes a workflow including a processing step using the function of the slave image forming apparatus, the master MFP transmits a return request for returning the determined processing unit power to the operating state to the slave image forming apparatus. .

  According to the present exemplary embodiment, the master MFP can interpret a workflow, identify a function necessary for a processing step executed by the slave image forming apparatus, and return a processing unit for executing the function. .

As a result, it is possible to smoothly execute the workflow, and it is possible to improve power saving because only the necessary processing units are restored.

Note that the present invention can be applied to a system (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) composed of a single device even if it is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.). May be. Another object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium recording a program code for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the system or apparatus computer reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Is also achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  In addition, according to the present invention, an operating system (OS) operating on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of a program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. This is also included. Furthermore, the present invention is also applied to the case where the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. In that case, the CPU of the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the written program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. .

Claims (3)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with another image forming apparatus and capable of executing a workflow that is a series of processes in which a plurality of processing steps are combined.
Based on the processing content of the processing step using the function of the other image forming apparatus included in the workflow, the processing unit on the hardware necessary for the other image forming apparatus to execute the processing of the processing step A decision means to decide;
When a workflow including a processing step using the function of the other image forming apparatus is executed, a return request for returning the power of the processing unit determined by the determining unit to an operating state is issued to the other image forming apparatus. A requesting means to send;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a data transmission unit configured to transmit data processed by the other image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus after the return request is transmitted by the request unit. A computer that can communicate with other image forming apparatuses and that can execute a workflow that is a series of processes combining a plurality of processing steps.
Based on the processing content of the processing step using the function of the other image forming apparatus included in the workflow, the processing unit on the hardware necessary for the other image forming apparatus to execute the processing of the processing step A decision means to decide;
When a workflow including a processing step using the function of the other image forming apparatus is executed, a return request for returning the power of the processing unit determined by the determining unit to an operating state is issued to the other image forming apparatus. A requesting means to send;
A program that causes the other image forming apparatus to function as a data transmission unit that transmits data processed by the other image forming apparatus after the request unit transmits the return request. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that can communicate with another image forming apparatus and that can execute a workflow that is a series of processes in which a plurality of processing steps are combined.
On the hardware necessary for the other image forming apparatus to execute the processing of the processing step based on the processing contents of the processing step using the function of the other image forming apparatus included in the workflow. A determination step for determining the processing section of
When the requesting unit executes a workflow including a processing step using the function of the other image forming apparatus, the power of the processing unit determined by the determining step is returned to the operating state for the other image forming apparatus. A request process for sending a return request to be performed;
A data transmission step of transmitting data processed by the other image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus after the return request is transmitted by the requesting process; A method for controlling an image forming apparatus.

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