JPH07175557A - Power source control method for information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To remotely control the power source of a desired information processor on a main information processor without paying attention to other information processors which are interposed between them by bringing the power sources of plural information processors, which are installed and connected to the main information processor at distances in series through a wire or by radio, under the batch control of the main information processor. CONSTITUTION:A power source ON/OFF command sent from a host computer 1 through transmission and reception blocks 2 and 3 is received by the command detection part 401 of a printer device 4. This command detection part 401 controls a signal 408 according to the contents of the power source ON/OFF command and the main power source 410 of the printer device 4 is turned ON and OFF by a power source switch 409 which is driven with the signal 408. Therefore, the power consumption in a stand-by state wherein the printer device 4 is not in printing operation is reducible.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply control method for another information processing apparatus which is serially connected to a host computer by wire or wirelessly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printing system is known in which data is wirelessly transmitted from a host computer to a printer device for printing. FIG. 13 shows the configuration of such a wireless communication device and a conventional printing system using the wireless communication device. Figure 1
3, a host computer 10 sends print data to a printer device, and a host computer 10 20.
And a reference numeral 30 is a transmission / reception block on the printer 40 side. A printer device 40 prints an image on a recording medium such as recording paper based on the print data received from the host computer 10.

In the transmission / reception block 20, reference numeral 60 is a transmission / reception unit for exchanging data or commands, status information, etc. with the host computer 10, and modulating a signal from the host computer 10 and transmitting it to the antenna 26. Alternatively, the modulated signal received by the antenna 26 is input, demodulated and the host computer 1
It is transmitted to 0. Reference numeral 70 denotes a power supply unit, which is a transmission / reception unit 60.
A direct current (DC) voltage is supplied to the power source unit 70, and an alternating current (AC) voltage is supplied to the power source unit 70 via the AC outlet 50 and the power switch 80. Such a configuration is similar in the transmission / reception block 30 on the printer device side. Further, the printer device 40 also includes a power supply unit 100 for supplying a DC voltage to an internal circuit, and the power supply unit 1 via the AC outlet 50 and the power switch 80.
AC voltage is supplied to 00.

[0004]

In the above conventional example, the host computer 10 side and the printer device 40 are provided.
Each of the wireless communication units 20, 30 and the printer device 40 on the side is provided with a power supply unit and a power switch.
For this reason, when the printing system is started up, the operator has to go to each set location and turn on each power switch. Such an operation has a problem that when the host computer 10 and the printer device 40 are separated from each other, the startup operation is extremely troublesome and troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example, and a plurality of other information processings installed in a remote place via a wired or wireless system in series with a main information processing apparatus such as a host computer. By collectively controlling the power supply control of the device by the main information processing device, the user does not have to be aware of other information processing devices interposed between the information processing device desired by the user and the main information processing device. An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply control method capable of remotely controlling the power supply of a desired information processing device automatically on the main information processing device.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the power supply control method of the present invention comprises the following steps. That is, a power supply control method in a main information processing device for controlling the power supply of a desired information processing device among a plurality of other information processing devices serially or wirelessly connected to the main information processing device, A recognition step of obtaining and recognizing a power control state of another information processing apparatus that is connected to the main information processing apparatus in a wired or wireless manner in series, a recognition result recognized in the recognition step, and the desired And a power supply control step of controlling the power supply of the desired information processing device based on the power supply control instruction information to the information processing device.

[0007]

In the above configuration, among the plurality of information processing apparatuses connected in series with the main information processing apparatus, another information processing apparatus interposed between the main information processing apparatus and the desired information processing apparatus The power of the desired information processing device is remotely controlled on the main information processing device without being aware of it.

[0008]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a main information processing device such as a host computer, which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets) and the like are mixed based on a program stored in the ROM 102. CPU10 to execute
1 to control each device connected to the system bus as a whole. Further, the ROM 102 stores the control program of the CPU 101 and the like shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

A RAM 103 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 101. A keyboard controller (KBC) 104 controls key inputs from the keyboard 105, the mouse 106, and the like. 107 is a CRT
CRT display (C
RT) 108 display control. A disk controller (DKC) 109 is a hard disk (HD) 110 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.
It controls access to the floppy disk (FD) 111. Reference numeral 112 denotes an input / output unit, which is a bidirectional interface 5
It is connected to another information processing apparatus via 00.

Alternatively, the information processing device 3 such as a transmission / reception block on the host computer 1 side is an information processing device 3 such as a transmission / reception block on the printer device 4 side. Send / receive block 2
2, a command detection unit 201 interprets commands and data from the host computer 1 and returns the status information of the transmission / reception block 2 to the host computer 1, and 202 transmits data via the bidirectional interface 500 with the host computer 1. The input / output unit 203 that exchanges demodulates the modulated signal from the antenna 212,
A receiving unit 204 for converting into a digital signal is a CPU which controls the transmission / reception block 2. The ROM 205 is shown in FIG.
The control program and the like of the CPU 204 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 are stored, and 206 is a buffer memory for temporarily storing the data and the like input to the transmission / reception block 2. Two
07 is the AC voltage input via the outlet 5 to DC
A sub-power supply unit that converts the voltage into a voltage and constantly supplies the command detection unit 201, and a transmission unit 211 that modulates the digital data from the command detection unit 201 and outputs a signal to the antenna 212. Reference numeral 210 is a main power supply unit that supplies a DC voltage to the transmission unit 211, and 209 is a power switch that turns on and off the AC voltage that is supplied to the main power supply unit 210, according to a signal 208 output from a command detection unit 201 described later. , Its on / off is controlled.

In the transmission / reception block 3, reference numeral 301 interprets commands and data sent from the host computer via the transmission / reception block 2 and sends commands and image data to an information processing device such as the printer 4 or the printer 4 A command detection unit 302 receives status information from the printer 4, and an input / output unit 302 exchanges data with the printer 4 via the bidirectional interface 600.
Reference numeral 3 is a receiving unit that demodulates the modulated signal from the antenna 312 and converts it into a digital signal, and 304 is a CPU that controls the transmission / reception block 3. A control program of the CPU 304 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is stored in the ROM 305, and a buffer memory 306 temporarily stores data and the like input to the transmission / reception block 3. Reference numeral 307 denotes a sub-power supply unit that converts the AC voltage input via the outlet 5 into a DC voltage and constantly supplies it to the command detection unit 301. Reference numeral 311 modulates digital data from the command detection unit 301, and the antenna 312 receives it. It is a transmission unit that outputs a signal. Reference numeral 310 is a main power supply unit that supplies a DC voltage to the transmission unit 311, and 309 is a power switch that turns on and off the AC voltage that is supplied to the main power supply unit 310, according to a signal 308 output from a command detection unit 301 described later. , Its on / off is controlled.

In the printer device 4, reference numeral 401 is a command detection unit for exchanging commands, image data and status with the host computer 1 via the transmission / reception blocks 2 and 3, and 402 is via the transmission / reception block 3 and the bidirectional interface 600. An input / output unit for exchanging data, and a CP 404 for controlling the command detection unit 401
U. The ROM 405 stores the control program of the CPU 404 shown in the flowchart of FIG.
Reference numeral 06 is a buffer memory for temporarily storing data and the like input to the printer device 4. Reference numeral 407 is a sub-power supply unit that converts an AC voltage input via the outlet 5 into a DC voltage and constantly supplies it to the command detection unit 401, and 403 is a main printer unit. 410 is a printer main section 403.
A main power supply unit for supplying a DC voltage to the main power supply unit 409.
It is a power switch that turns on / off the AC voltage supplied to 0, and its on / off is controlled by a signal 408 output from a command detection unit 401 described later. Further, in the main printer unit 403, 411 is a printer engine unit that controls the printer engine and its control.
A main control unit 12 including a CPU controls the entire printer device 4. Reference numeral 413 is a ROM that stores a control program for the entire printer device 4, and 414 is a RAM that stores print data and the like in page units and temporarily stores various data.

The “power on / off command” sent from the host computer 1 via the transmission / reception blocks 2 and 3 is received by the command detection unit 401 of the printer device 4. The command detection unit 401 controls the signal 408 according to the content of the power on / off command, and the signal 408 controls the on / off of the power switch 409. This power switch 409 causes the printer device 4 to
The main power source 410 is controlled to be turned on and off. Therefore, by controlling the power consumption of the entire printer 4, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the printer device 4 during standby (when the printing operation is not performed), for example.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the command detection unit 201 of the transmission / reception block 2 in FIG. 1, and the operation of the command detection unit 201 will be described below with reference to this flow chart.

The program shown in the flow chart of FIG. 2 is executed by the R in the command detection unit 201 as shown in FIG.
It is stored in the OM 205, and the CPU 204 in the command detection unit 201 controls the following operations based on this program.

First, in step S1, the CPU determines whether or not a command from the host computer 1 is received in the RAM 206, and when a command is sent, the process proceeds to step S2 to receive and analyze the command. If no command is sent, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S10. In step S3, the CPU 204 determines whether the command is a command for controlling the power supply or another command, and if it is not a power supply control command, the process proceeds to step S9, and control according to the command is executed. .

On the other hand, if the command is a power control command in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, and it is determined whether the command is a power on command for the transmission / reception block 2. If it is a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S5, and the signal 20
8, the switch 209 is turned on, the main power supply unit 210 is turned on, power is supplied to the data transmission unit 21, and data transmission to the host computer 1 and the transmission / reception block 3 becomes possible. Next, if it is not a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is determined whether it is a power-off command for the transmission / reception block 2. If it is a power-off command, the process proceeds to step S7, and signal 208, switch 2
09 is turned off and the main power supply unit 210 is turned off.

On the other hand, in step S6, when it is not the power-off command of the transmission / reception block 2 (when it is determined that the received command is not the power-off command of the transmission / reception block 2), that is, in the transmission / reception block 3 or the printer 4. When the power on / off command is received from the host computer (when the received command is determined to be the power on / off command of the transmission / reception block 3 or the printer 4), the process proceeds to step S8, and the above 3 or 4 is performed.
The power on / off command is transmitted to the transmission / reception block 3.

When the processing of step S5, S7, S8 or S9 is completed, the process proceeds to step S10, and the CPU determines whether the transmission / reception block 2 is in the power-on state. If the power is on, the process proceeds to step S11, and the CPU determines whether or not there is a status transmission / reception request from the host computer 1. If the power of the transmission / reception block 2 is off, the process returns to step S1. If there is a status transmission request in step S11, the process proceeds to step S12, and the status data of the transmission / reception blocks 2, 3 or the printer 4 is transmitted to the host computer 1. If there is no request to send the status, the process returns to step S1 and the above process is repeated.

Therefore, the power of the transmission / reception block 2 is controlled to be turned on or off according to the command input from the host computer 1, and further, the power of the transmission / reception block 3 and the printer 4 is controlled according to the command input from the host computer 1. ON or OFF is controlled. Since the power supply to the transmission / reception block 2, the transmission / reception block 3, and the command detection unit in the printer 4 is maintained, the power supply control request from the host computer 1 is achieved.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the command detection unit 301 of the transmission / reception block 3 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to this flow chart, the command detection unit 3
The operation of 01 will be described. The program shown in this flow chart is stored in the ROM 305, and the CPU
304 controls the following operations based on this program.

In step S21, the CPU 304 determines whether or not the command from the transmission / reception block 2 is received in the RAM 306. When the command is sent, the process proceeds to steps S22 and S23, but the command is not sent. If so, the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S23, it is determined whether or not it is a power control command. If it is not the power control command, the process proceeds to step S29, and if it is the power control command, the process proceeds to step S24.

Next, in step S24, it is determined whether or not it is a power-on command for the transmission / reception block 3. If it is a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S25, and signal 3
08, the switch 309 is turned on, the main power supply unit 310 is turned on, power is supplied to the data transmission unit 311, and data can be transmitted to the transmission / reception block 2.
If it is not a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S26, and it is determined whether it is a power-off command for the transmission / reception block 3. If it is a command to turn off the power, step S2
7, the signal 308 and the switch 309 are turned off, and the main power supply unit 310 is turned off.

On the other hand, in step S26, when it is not the power-off command of the transmission / reception block 3 (when it is determined that the received command is not the power-off command of the transmission / reception block 3), that is, when the power of the printer 4 is turned on / on.
When an off command is received (the received command is
(If it is determined that the power-on / off command for the printer 4), the process proceeds to step S28 and the power-on / power-off of the printer 4 is performed.
Send an OFF command to the printer 4.

Steps S25, S27, S28 and S2
When the process of 9 is completed, the process proceeds to step S30, and it is determined whether the transmission / reception block 3 is in the power-on state. If the power is on, the transmission / reception block 2 determines whether or not there is a status transmission request. Step S2
Return to 1. If there is a status transmission request in step S31, the process proceeds to step S32, and the status data of the transmission / reception block 3 or printer 4 for which the transmission request is made is transmitted to the transmission / reception block 2. If there is no status transmission request, the process returns to step S21 to repeat the above process.

Therefore, the power of the transmission / reception block 3 is controlled to be turned on or off according to the command input from the transmission / reception block 2, and the power of the printer 4 is turned on or off according to the command input from the transmission / reception block 2.
Control. Since the power supply to the transmission / reception block 3 and the command detection unit in the printer 4 is maintained, the power supply control request input via the transmission / reception block 2 is achieved.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the command detection unit 401 of the printer 4 in FIG. 1, and the operation of the command detection unit 401 will be described with reference to this flow chart. The program shown in this flowchart is stored in the ROM 405, and the CPU 404
Controls the following operations based on this program.

In step S41, the CPU 404 determines whether or not the command from the transmission / reception block 3 has been received in the RAM 406. When a command is sent, the process proceeds to steps S42 and S43, but when the command is not sent, It proceeds to step S50.

In step S43, it is determined whether or not it is a power control command, and if it is not a power control command, S4
9. If it is the power supply control command, go to step S44.
Proceed to.

In step S44, it is determined whether or not it is a power-on command for the printer 4. If it is a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S45, the signal 408 and the switch 409 are turned on, the main power supply unit 410 is turned on, power is supplied to the block 403, and printing by the printer 4 is enabled. If it is not a power-on command,
In step S46, it is determined whether the command is a power off command for the printer 4. If it is a power off command,
In step S47, the signal 408 and the switch 409 are turned off, and the main power supply unit 410 is turned off. Furthermore,
If it is not the power off command of the printer 4 in step S46, the process proceeds to step S50.

When the processing of step S45, S47, or S49 is completed, the process proceeds to step S50, and it is determined whether the printer 4 is in the power-on state. If the power is on, it is determined whether there is a status transmission request from the transmission / reception block 3. However, if the power is off, the process returns to step S41. If there is a status transmission request in step S51, the process proceeds to step S52, and the status data of the printer 4 is transmitted to the transmission / reception block 3. When there is no status transmission request, the process returns to step S41 and the above process is repeated.

Therefore, the printer 4 has the transmission / reception block 3
ON or OFF depending on the command input from
Controlled.

The command detection unit 401 in the printer 4
Since the power supply to the
The power supply control request input via is achieved.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. 2a is an information processing device such as a transmission / reception block on the main information processing device side of the host computer 1 or the like, and 3a is An information processing device such as a transmission / reception block on the side of the information processing device such as the printer device 4a. In the transmission / reception block 2a, 213 is a command detection unit that interprets a command from the host computer 1, 214 is an input unit that receives data from the host computer 1, and 20
A CPU 4 controls the transmission / reception block 2a. R
The OM 205 has the CPU shown in the flowchart of FIG.
The control program of 204 is stored, and 206 is a buffer memory for temporarily storing the data input to the transmission / reception block 2a. Reference numeral 207 is a sub-power supply unit that converts the AC voltage input from 5 into a DC voltage and constantly supplies it to the command detection unit 213. Reference numeral 216 denotes an input / output unit for exchanging data with the host computer, and 217 modulates data from the input / output unit 216 and outputs it to the antenna 212, or demodulates data from the antenna 212 to the input / output unit 216. It is a transmitting / receiving unit that outputs. Reference numeral 210 denotes a main power supply unit that supplies a DC voltage to 215 including an input / output unit and a transmission / reception unit, and 209 an AC that is supplied to the main power supply unit 210.
This is a power switch for turning on and off the voltage, and its on / off is controlled by 208 output from a command detection unit 213 described later.

In the transmission / reception block 3a, 313 is a command detection unit for interpreting a command sent from the host computer via the transmission / reception block 2a,
Reference numeral 303 denotes a receiver that demodulates the modulated signal from the antenna 312 and converts it into a digital signal, and 304 denotes a transmission / reception block 3
This is a CPU that controls a. A control program of the CPU 304 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is stored in the ROM 305, and a buffer memory 306 temporarily stores the data input to the transmission / reception block 3a. Three
07 converts the AC voltage input from 5 into a DC voltage,
It is a sub-power supply unit that constantly supplies the command detection unit 313.
Reference numeral 315 denotes an input / output unit that exchanges data with the printer 4a, and reference numeral 316 demodulates a signal from the antenna 312 and outputs the demodulated signal to the input / output unit 315, or modulates a digital signal from the input / output unit 315 and outputs the digital signal to the antenna 312. It is a transmitting / receiving unit. Reference numeral 310 denotes an input / output unit 315 and a transmission / reception unit 316.
A main power supply unit for supplying a DC voltage to a block 314 including the above and a power switch 309 for turning on / off the AC voltage supplied to the main power supply unit 310, and a signal 308 output from a command detection unit 313 described later. The ON / OFF is controlled by.

In the printer device 4a, a command detection unit 415 receives a command from the host computer 1 via the transmission / reception blocks 2a and 3a.
Is an input unit for inputting data from the transmission / reception block 3a,
A CPU 404 controls the command detection unit 415. The ROM 405 stores the control program of the CPU 404 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and the like, and 406 is a buffer memory for temporarily storing the data and the like input to the printer device 4a. 407 is the AC input from 5
A sub-power supply unit converts the voltage into a DC voltage and constantly supplies it to the command detection unit 415, and 403 is a main part of the printer. Reference numeral 410 is a main power supply unit that supplies a DC voltage to the main printer unit 403, and 409 is an AC that is applied to the main power supply unit 410.
It is a power switch for turning on and off the voltage, and by a signal 408 output from a command detection unit 415 described later,
Its on / off is controlled. In addition, the printer main part 4
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 417 is an input / output unit for inputting data from the transmission / reception block 3a and outputting a status signal of the printer 4a to the transmission / reception block 3a. Reference numeral 411 is a printer engine and a printer engine unit for controlling the engine,
Reference numeral 12 denotes a main control unit including a CPU and the like, which controls the entire printer device 4a. Reference numeral 413 is a ROM that stores a control program for the entire printer 4, and reference numeral 414 is a RAM that stores print data in page units and temporarily stores various data.

FIG. 2 is a transmission / reception block 2a in FIG.
2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the command detecting unit 213 of FIG. 1, and the operation of the command detecting unit 213 will be described below with reference to this flowchart.

The program shown in the flow chart of FIG. 2 is executed by the R in the command detection unit 213 as shown in FIG.
It is stored in the OM 205, and the CPU 204 in the command detection unit 213 controls the following operations based on this program.

First, in step S1, the CPU 204 determines whether or not a command from the host computer 1 is received in the RAM 206, and when the command is sent,
In step S2, the command is received and analyzed. If no command is sent, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S10. In step S3, the CPU determines whether the command is a command for controlling the power supply or another command, and if it is not a power supply control command, the process proceeds to step S9 to execute control according to the command. .

On the other hand, if the command is a power control command in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, and it is determined whether the command is a power on command for the transmission / reception block 2a. If it is a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S5, and the signal 20
8, the switch 209 is turned on, the main power supply unit 210 is turned on, power is supplied to the block 215, and data can be transmitted to and received from the host computer 1, the transmission / reception block 3a, and the host computer 1. Next, if it is not a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is determined whether it is a power-off command for the transmission / reception block 2a. If it is a power-off command, the process proceeds to step S7, the signal 208 and the switch 209 are turned off, and the main power supply unit 210 is turned off.

On the other hand, in step S6, when it is not the power-off command of the transmission / reception block 2a (when it is determined that the received command is not the power-off command of the transmission / reception block 2a), that is, in the transmission / reception block 3a or the printer 4a. When the power on / off command is received from the host computer (when the received command is determined to be the power on / off command of the transmission / reception block 3a or the printer 4a), the process proceeds to step S8.
The power on / off command of 3a or 4a is transmitted to the transmission / reception block 3a.

When the processing of step S5, S7, S8 or S9 is completed, the process proceeds to step S10, and the CPU determines whether or not the transmission / reception block 2a is in the power-on state. If the power is on, the process proceeds to step S11, where the CPU determines whether or not there is a status transmission / reception request from the host computer 1, but if the transmission / reception block 2a is off, the process returns to step S1. If there is a status transmission request in step S11, the process proceeds to step S12,
The status data of the transmission / reception blocks 2a, 3a or the printer 4a is transmitted to the host computer 1. If there is no request to send the status, the process returns to step S1 and the above process is repeated.

Therefore, the transmission / reception block 2a is turned on in response to a command input from the host computer 1.
Alternatively, the power is controlled to be turned off, and the power supply of the transmission / reception block 3a and the printer 4a is controlled to be turned on or off according to the command input from the host computer 1. Incidentally, since the power supply to the transmission / reception block 2a, the transmission / reception block 3a, and the command detection unit in the printer 4a is maintained,
The power control request from the host computer 1 is achieved.

FIG. 3 is a transmission / reception block 3a in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the command detecting unit 313 of FIG. 3, and the operation of the command detecting unit 313 will be described with reference to this flowchart. The program shown in this flowchart is stored in the ROM 305, and the CP
U304 controls the following operations based on this program.

In step S21, the CPU 304 determines whether or not the command from the transmission / reception block 2a is received in the RAM 306, and when the command is sent, the process proceeds to steps S22 and S23, but the command is not sent. If so, the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S23, it is determined whether or not it is a power control command. If it is not the power control command, the process proceeds to step S29, and if it is the power control command, the process proceeds to step S24.

Next, in step S24, it is determined whether or not it is a power-on command for the transmission / reception block 3a. If it is a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S25, the signal 308 and the switch 309 are turned on, and the main power source unit 310
Is turned on, power is supplied to the data transmission / reception unit 314, and data can be transmitted / received to / from the transmission / reception block 2a and the printer 4a. If it is not a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S26, and it is determined whether it is a power-off command for the transmission / reception block 3a. If it is a power-off command, the process proceeds to step S27, the signal 308 and the switch 309 are turned off, and the main power supply block 310 is turned off.

On the other hand, in step S26, when it is not the power-off command of the transmission / reception block 3a (when it is determined that the received command is not the power-off command of the transmission / reception block 3a), that is, the power-on 2 of the printer 4a is turned off. When the command is received (when the received command is determined to be the printer 4a power on / off command), the process proceeds to step S28, and the printer 4a power on / off command is transmitted to the printer 4a.

Step S25, S27, S28 or S2
When the processing of 9 is completed, the process proceeds to step S30, it is determined whether the transmission / reception block 3a is in the power-on state, and if the power is on, it is determined whether there is a status transmission request from the transmission / reception block 2a. Return to step S21. If there is a status transmission request in step S31, the process proceeds to step S32, and the status data of the transmission / reception block 3a or printer 4a for which the transmission request is made is transmitted to the transmission / reception block 2a. If there is no status transmission request, the process returns to step S21 to repeat the above process.

Therefore, the transmission / reception block 3a is controlled to be turned on or off according to the command input from the transmission / reception block 2a, and further, the power of the printer 4a is turned on or off according to the command input from the transmission / reception block 2a. Control. Since the power supply to the transmission / reception block 3a and the command detection unit in the printer 4a is maintained, the power supply control request input via the transmission / reception block 2a is achieved.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the command detector 415 of the printer 4a shown in FIG.
Referring to this flowchart, the command detection unit 415
The operation of will be described. The program shown in this flowchart is stored in the ROM 405, and the CPU 404
Controls the following operations based on this program.

In step S41, the CPU 404 determines whether or not the command from the transmission / reception block 3a has been received in the RAM 406. When a command is sent, the process proceeds to steps S42 and S43, but when no command is sent, It proceeds to step S50.

In step S43, it is determined whether or not it is a power supply control command. If it is not a power supply control command, S4
9. If it is the power supply control command, go to step S44.
Proceed to.

In step S44, it is determined whether or not the command is a power-on command for the printer 4a. If it is a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S45, the signal 408 and the switch 409 are turned on, the main power supply unit 410 is turned on, power is supplied to the block 403, and the printer 4a
Can be sent and received. If it is not a power-on command, the process proceeds to step S46, and it is determined whether it is a power-off command for the printer 4a. If it is a power-off command, the process proceeds to step S47, the signal 408 and the switch 409 are turned off, and the main power supply unit 410 is turned off. Further, in step S46, if it is not the power off command for the printer 4a, the process proceeds to step S50.

When the processing of step S45, S47, or S49 is completed, the process proceeds to step S50, and it is determined whether the printer 4 is in the power-on state. If the power is on, it is determined whether there is a status transmission request from the transmission / reception block 3a. However, if the power is off, the process returns to step S41. If there is a status transmission request in step S51, the process proceeds to step S52, and the status data of the printer 4a is transmitted to the transmission / reception block 3a. When there is no status transmission request, the process returns to step S41 and the above process is repeated.

Therefore, the printer 4a is turned on or turned off according to the command input from the transmission / reception block 3a.
It is FF controlled.

The command detection unit 41 in the printer 4a
Since the power supply to 5 is maintained, the power control request input via the transmission / reception block 3a is achieved.

(Third Embodiment) Next, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a wireless network system as shown in FIG. 12 will be described.

FIG. 6 shows a screen displayed on the CRT of the host computer. As shown in 1000 when the power of the printer 4 is turned on, as shown in 2000 when the power of the printer 4 is turned off, respectively. Display controlled.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the present embodiment. In the system shown in FIG. 11, the host computer 1 turns on the power supply of the information processing apparatus such as the printer 4 through the information processing apparatus such as the wireless transceivers 2 and 3. It shows the operation when starting up. Here, the procedure of FIG. 7 is all shown in FIG.
Alternatively, the CPU 101 in the host computer 1 shown in FIG.
The program is controlled by the ROM 102 in the host computer 1, the HD 110, or the FD 111.
Remembered in. The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, in step S61, a command for turning on the power supply of the transmission / reception block 2 is transmitted from the host computer 1 using the mouse 106 or the keyboard 105. Next, in step S62, it is determined whether or not the power supply of the transmission / reception block 2 has risen. If the power supply of the transmission / reception block 2 has risen, the process proceeds to step S63. However, if the power-on status signal is not returned from the transmission / reception block 2, it is determined that the power supply is off. Proceed to step S64, “The power of the transmission / reception block 2 will not turn on. Please turn on the power manually. ]
Then, it is displayed on the CRT of the host computer as shown at 3000 in FIG.

In step S63, the host computer 1
The mouse 106 or the keyboard 105 is used to transmit a command for turning on the power supply of the transmission / reception block 3 via the transmission / reception block 2, and the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, it is determined whether or not the power source of the transmission / reception block 3 has risen. If the power source of the transmission / reception block 3 has risen, the process proceeds to step S66. Proceed, "The transmission / reception block 3 does not turn on. Please turn on the power manually. ] And is displayed on the CRT of the host computer as indicated by 5000 in FIG.

In step S66, a command for turning on the power of the printer 4 is similarly transmitted from the host computer 1 via the transmission / reception blocks 2 and 3, and the process proceeds to step S68. In step S68, it is determined whether or not the power of the printer 4 is turned on. If the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S70. If the power-on status signal is not returned from the printer 4, the process proceeds to step S69. The power will not turn on. Please turn on the power manually. ] Is displayed on the CRT of the host computer, as shown at 7000 in FIG. Further, in step S70, “printer 4, transmission / reception block 2,
3 is powered on. Data can be received from this. ] And 90 of FIG. 11 on the CRT of the host computer.
The message is displayed as indicated by 00, and the process ends.

In steps S64, S67 and S69, the user is informed on the CRT of the host computer to manually power on each information processing device because the wireless network system shown in FIG. It is an example of a method for avoiding a failure when a failure such as no occurrence occurs. For example, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a failure avoidance method when a failure such as a failure of an interfuse cable occurs in a wired network system.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts showing this embodiment. In the system shown in FIG. 12, the host computer 1 sends the printer 4 via the wireless transceivers 2 and 3.
It shows the operation when the power is turned off.

8 and 9 are all executed by the CPU 10 in the host computer 1 shown in FIG. 1 or 5.
1, the program is controlled by the ROM 102 or HD 110, FD 111 in the host computer 1.
Is built into. The operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

First, in step S71, the transmission / reception block 2
Is in the power-on state, the process proceeds to step S75 if the power is on, but if the power-on status signal is not returned from the transmission / reception block 2, it is determined to be power-off and the process proceeds to step S72, from the host computer 1. A command for turning on the power of the transmission / reception block 2 is transmitted. Next, in step S73, it is determined whether or not the transmission / reception block 2 is powered on, and if it is powered on,
When the process proceeds to step S75, but the power-on status signal is not returned from the transmission / reception block 2, it is determined that the power is off, the process proceeds to step S74, and "the transmission / reception block 2 is not powered on." Please turn on the power manually. ] And C of the host computer as indicated by 3000 in FIG.
Display on RT.

Similarly, in step S75, it is determined whether the transmission / reception block 3 is in the power-on state. If the power is on, the process proceeds to step S79, but if the power-on status signal is not returned from the transmission / reception block 3. It is determined that the power is off, and the process proceeds to step S76, and the command for turning on the power of the transmission / reception block 3 is transmitted from the host computer 1 via the transmission / reception block 2. Next, in step S77, it is determined whether or not the power of the transmission / reception block 3 is turned on. If the power of the transmission / reception block 3 is on, the process proceeds to step S79. If the power-on status signal is not returned from the transmission / reception block 3, it is determined that the power is off. Then step S
Proceed to 78, "The transmission / reception block 3 does not turn on. Please turn on the power manually. ] And 5000 in FIG.
Display on the CRT of the host computer as shown in.

In step S79, transmission / reception blocks 2, 3
Send a power off command to the printer 4 via
It proceeds to step S80. In step S80, the printer 4
Is turned off. If the power-on status signal is not returned from the printer 4, the printer 4 is determined to be power-off, and the process proceeds to step S82. If the printer 4 is powered on, step S81 is performed. Proceed to, "The printer 4 will not turn off. Please turn off the power manually. , And 8000 in FIG. 11 are displayed on the CRT of the host computer.

In step S82 shown in FIG. 9, a power-off command is transmitted to the transmission / reception block 3 via the transmission / reception block 2, and the process proceeds to step S83 to transmit / receive block 3
Determine if the power has been turned off. Step S83
In the case where the power-on status signal is not returned from the transmission / reception block 3, the transmission / reception block 3 determines that the power is off, and the process proceeds to step S85. However, when the transmission / reception block 3 is powered on, the process proceeds to step S84. Block 3 will not power off. Please turn off the power manually. , And 6000 in FIG. 10 are displayed on the CRT of the host computer.

In step S85, the power-off command is transmitted to the transmission / reception block 2, and the process proceeds to step S86 to determine whether the power of the transmission / reception block 2 has been turned off.
If the power-on status signal is not returned from the transmission / reception block 2 in step S86, the transmission / reception block 2 determines that the power is off, and proceeds to step S88.
If the transmission / reception block 2 is powered on, step S8
Proceed to 7, "The transmission / reception block 2 does not turn off. Please turn off the power manually. ] And 4000 in FIG.
As shown in, it is displayed on the CRT of the host computer. Furthermore, in step S88, "The printer 4 and the transmission / reception blocks 2 and 3 have been powered off. ] Is displayed on the CRT of the host computer as shown in 10000 in FIG. 11, and the processing ends.

Incidentally, steps S74, S78, S81, S
In S84 and S87, the user is informed on the CRT of the host computer to manually power off each information processing device when a failure occurs such as radio not reaching in the wireless network system shown in FIG. It is an example of the failure avoidance method. For example, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a failure avoidance method when a failure such as a failure of an interface cable occurs in a wired network system.

In the above embodiment, the case where the host computer collectively turns on / off the power supply of the transmission / reception block and the printer via the transmission / reception block has been described.
A main information processing device such as a host computer supplies various peripheral device information processing devices such as printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and telephones, and various information processing devices such as servers via the information processing devices such as various servers. You may make it turn on / off collectively.

Further, the host computer may be a workstation, various terminals connected on a LAN, or a small computer such as a handheld computer.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, the power control states of a plurality of other information processing apparatuses connected in series to the main information processing apparatus by wire or wirelessly are obtained and recognized,
By controlling the power supply of the desired information processing device based on the recognized recognition result and the power supply control instruction information to the desired information processing device, the main information processing device such as the host computer is serially wired. Alternatively, the main information processing apparatus collectively manages the power control of a plurality of other information processing apparatuses installed at remote locations via wireless communication, and the information processing apparatus and the main information processing apparatus that the user desires to perform power control. Thus, the power of the desired information processing device can be automatically controlled remotely on the main information processing device without being aware of other information processing devices interposed between the devices.

Further, among a plurality of other information processing devices which are installed in a remote place in a wired or wireless manner in series with the main information processing device such as a host computer, the information processing device with the largest power consumption is given priority. Then, it has an excellent effect that the power source can be remotely controlled.

If the power of a plurality of other information processing devices installed at remote locations in a wired or wireless manner in series with the main information processing device such as a host computer cannot be remotely controlled, which information The present invention has the effect of externally specifying whether or not an error has occurred in the processing device and further notifying the error recovery method.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram specifically showing a system configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a transmission / reception block 2 or 2a according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a transmission / reception block 3 or 3a according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the printer 4 or 4a according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram specifically showing a system configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a CR on a host computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the content displayed and output by T.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of a host computer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the host computer in the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the host computer in the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing contents displayed and output on a CRT on a host computer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing contents displayed and output on a CRT on a host computer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing a conventional system configuration.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 host computer 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 KBC 105 KB 106 MUS 107 CRTC 108 CRT 109 DKC 110 HD 111 FD 112 input / output section 500 bidirectional interface cable

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A power supply control method in a main information processing device for controlling a power supply of a desired information processing device among a plurality of other information processing devices connected to the main information processing device in a wired or wireless manner in series. A recognition step of obtaining and recognizing a power control state of another information processing apparatus connected to the main information processing apparatus in a wired or wireless manner serially; a recognition result recognized in the recognition step; And a power supply control step of controlling the power supply of the desired information processing device based on the power supply control instruction information to the information processing device. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the power control status of the other information processing apparatus obtained in the recognition step indicates whether the power of the information processing apparatus is on or off. . 3. The power supply of the desired information processing apparatus is automatically controlled when the recognition result and the power supply control instruction information are compared with each other and match.
Information processing method described in. 4. The power supply control step preferentially controls the power supply of an information processing device with large power consumption among a plurality of other information processing devices connected in series to the main information processing device by wire or wirelessly. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The power supply control instruction information is compared with the recognition result, and if they do not match, the fact that the power supply of the desired information processing apparatus cannot be automatically controlled is notified to the outside. The information processing method according to claim 1. 6. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein an environment in which the other information processing apparatus is connected to the main information processing apparatus in a wired or wireless manner in series is a network system. 7. The control program including the recognizing step and the power control step is stored in an external storage means and mounted on the main information processing apparatus to control the main information processing apparatus. The information processing method according to item 1.