JP2000141821A - Power saving printer and control method therefor, communication unit and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance power saving effect by responding to an external unit through an interface means with the content of operating condition information stored before a transition is made to a power saving mode when acquisition of the apparatus state is requested from the external unit through the interface means under power saving mode. SOLUTION: When acquisition of the apparatus state is requested from a printer controller PP when a group facsimile FX is in power saving mode, apparatus state information stored at a memory section is read out and informed to the printer controller PP. Consequently, the group facsimile FX can be sustained in power saving mode even when an apparatus state acquisition request is issued from a personal computer PA1-PAm connected with a local area network LN, a personal computer PB connected with a parallel port or a personal computer PC connected with a serial port. Consequently, power saving effect canbe exhibited.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a power saving mode, an interface with an external device and a printing function, and performs a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from an external device via the interface. In addition, when a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, a power-saving printing apparatus that sends operation status information on a printing operation to the external device via the interface means, and a control method thereof, and A power saving mode is provided, and an interface unit with an external device, a printing function and a communication function are provided, and a printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface unit, and a printing operation is performed via the interface unit. Device status acquisition required from external device Once, a communication apparatus and a control method thereof sends operating status information relating to the printing operation to the external device through the interface means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a power saving mode has been provided, an interface means with an external device and a printing function have been provided, and a printing operation has been performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from an external device via the interface means. 2. Description of the Related Art A power saving printing apparatus has been put into practical use that sends operation state information on a printing operation to an external device via the interface when an external device requests acquisition of the device status via the interface.

As such a power-saving printing apparatus, for example, a copying machine or a facsimile apparatus which can be used as a printing apparatus from a personal computer apparatus has been put to practical use.

[0004]

However, this conventional power saving printing apparatus has the following disadvantages.

That is, in the conventional power-saving printing apparatus, even if the apparatus is shifted to the power-saving mode after a predetermined period of time that has not been used, if the external apparatus requests the apparatus state, the power-saving mode is used. Cancel the mode,
The predetermined device status information is sent to the external device. On the other hand, in a personal computer device, a connected external device, in this case, a power-saving printing device,
The device status acquisition request is made at regular time intervals.

Therefore, the power saving printing apparatus is required to acquire the device status more frequently than the external apparatus. Therefore, the power saving printing apparatus cannot substantially shift to the power saving mode. There was a situation where there was no power effect.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a power-saving printing apparatus and a control method thereof, and a communication apparatus and a control method thereof capable of improving the power-saving effect. And

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has a power saving mode, an interface with an external device and a printing function, and a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device through the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, the power saving mode of the power saving printing apparatus which sends operation status information relating to a printing operation to the external device via the interface means. Sometimes, when a device state acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, a power saving mode interface which responds to the external device via the interface means with the contents of the operation state information stored before shifting to the power saving mode. Means.

The power-saving mode interface means, when receiving the print control instruction information from the external device via the interface means in the power-saving mode, cancels the power-saving mode, and receives the received print control instruction information. Is performed to execute a printing operation corresponding to. The power saving mode interface cancels the power saving mode when an error state in which the printing operation cannot be performed has occurred in the main body.

A power saving mode is provided, and an interface unit with an external device and a printing function are provided. A printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface unit. A device status acquisition request from an external device through the interface means, the operation status information relating to the printing operation is sent to the external device via the interface means. When the external device requests acquisition of the device status via the interface, the contents of the operation status information stored before the shift to the power saving mode are responded to the external device via the interface means.

In addition to a power-saving mode, the apparatus has an interface with an external device and a printing function, performs a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface, and operates the interface with the interface. A device status acquisition request from an external device through the interface means, the operation status information relating to the printing operation is sent to the external device via the interface means. When the device status acquisition is requested from the external device via the interface device, the contents of the operation status information stored before the transition to the power saving mode are responded to the external device via the interface device, and the external device is connected via the interface device. Receive print control instruction information from the device , To release the power saving mode, in which so as to perform the printing operation corresponding to the received print control instruction information.

A power saving mode is provided, and an interface with an external device and a printing function are provided. A printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. A device status acquisition request from an external device through the interface means, the operation status information relating to the printing operation is sent to the external device via the interface means. When the device status acquisition is requested from the external device via the interface, the content of the operation status information stored before the shift to the power saving mode is responded to the external device via the interface means, but the printing operation cannot be performed on the main body. Power saving mode when an error condition occurs In which it was to be released.

A power saving mode is provided, and an interface unit with an external device and a printing function are provided. A printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface unit. A device status acquisition request from an external device through the interface means, the operation status information relating to the printing operation is sent to the external device via the interface means. When the device status acquisition is requested from the external device via the interface device, the contents of the operation status information stored before the transition to the power saving mode are responded to the external device via the interface device, and the external device is connected via the interface device. Receive print control instruction information from the device The power saving mode is canceled, and the printing operation corresponding to the received print control instruction information is executed. On the other hand, when an error state in which the printing operation cannot be executed occurs in the main body, the power saving mode is canceled. Things.

In addition to having a power saving mode, the apparatus has an interface with an external device, a printing function and a communication function, and performs a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, the communication device which sends operation status information on the printing operation to the external device via the interface means communicates with the external device via the interface means. A power-saving mode interface unit is provided which responds to the external device via the interface unit when power-saving mode status information is requested.

In addition to a power-saving mode, the apparatus has an interface with an external device, a printing function and a communication function, and performs a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device through the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested by an external device via the interface means, the communication device which sends operation status information on the printing operation to the external device via the interface means is omitted from the external device via the interface means. When a transition to the power mode is instructed, the apparatus is provided with a power saving mode interface unit for shifting to the power saving mode.

In addition to providing a power saving mode, the apparatus has an interface with an external device, a printing function and a communication function, and performs a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested by an external device via the interface means, the communication device which sends operation status information on the printing operation to the external device via the interface means is omitted from the external device via the interface means. When the shift to the power mode is instructed, if the communication processing is being performed at that time, the shift to the power save mode is not performed, and the fact that the shift to the power save mode is not performed is notified to the external device via the interface unit. On the other hand, if communication is not in progress at that time, The fact that with the transition to the power saving mode shifts to those having a power saving mode interface unit that notifies the external device via the committee interface means.

In addition to having a power saving mode, the apparatus has an interface with an external device, a printing function and a communication function, and performs a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device state acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, in a control method of a communication device for sending operation state information on a printing operation to the external device via the interface means, When the status of the communication device is requested by the device, the power saving mode status information is responded to the external device via the interface means.

In addition to having a power saving mode, the apparatus has an interface with an external device, a printing function, and a communication function, and performs a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device state acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, in a control method of a communication device for sending operation state information on a printing operation to the external device via the interface means, When a shift to the power saving mode is instructed by the device, the communication device shifts to the power saving mode.

In addition to having a power saving mode, the apparatus has an interface with an external device, a printing function and a communication function, and performs a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device through the interface. When a device state acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, in a control method of a communication device for sending operation state information on a printing operation to the external device via the interface means, When the device is instructed to shift to the power saving mode, if communication processing is in progress at that time, the device does not shift to the power saving mode and informs the user that the mode has not shifted to the power saving mode via the interface means. While notifying the external device, if communication is not in progress at that time, That it has shifted to the power saving mode as well as transition to the power mode is obtained to notify to the external device through the interface means.

[0020]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This printing system includes a group 3 facsimile machine FX, a local area network LN, a parallel port, and a serial port interface circuit having a printing function, accepting a printing request from an external device and having a power saving function. And print control instruction information (including print image data) from the personal computer devices PA1 to PAm connected to the local area network LN, the personal computer device PB connected to the parallel port, and the personal computer device PC connected to the serial port. ) And device status acquisition, the corresponding print control information and device status acquisition request are sent to the group 3 facsimile machine FX, and the device status information is received from the group 3 facsimile machine FX. Then, the printer controller PP for sending the request to the personal computer devices PA1 to PAm, PB, and PC, and the printer controller PP and the group 3 facsimile device interposed between the printer controller PP and the group 3 facsimile device FX. Power-saving mode interface device N for facilitating the exchange of information with device FX
S.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the printer controller PP.

In FIG. 1, a local area network interface circuit 1 is for connecting to a local area network LN, and a parallel port interface circuit 2 is for connecting to a personal computer device PB connected to a parallel port. And the serial port interface circuit 3 is connected to a personal computer P connected to the serial port.
It is for connecting to C.

The local area network control unit 4
The system controller 5 executes a protocol process and a data conversion process when exchanging data via the local area network interface circuit 1. The system controller 5 performs various control processes (image data conversion process, Print control system conversion processing, data compression conversion processing, etc.).

The parallel port control unit 6 is for executing protocol processing and data conversion processing when exchanging data via the parallel port interface circuit 2. The serial port control unit 7 is provided with a serial port interface circuit. 3 for executing a protocol process and a data conversion process when exchanging data via the H.3.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the power saving mode interface device NS.

In FIG. 1, a printer controller interface circuit 10 is for exchanging various data with the printer controller PP.
The storage unit 11 stores print information and the like, and the system control unit 12 controls the operation of the power saving mode interface device NS.

The plotter control unit interface circuit 13 is for exchanging data with a plotter control unit (described later) of the group 3 facsimile machine FX.
Is for exchanging data with a power saving control unit (described later) of the group 3 facsimile machine FX.

FIG. 4 shows a group 3 facsimile machine FX.
1 shows an example of the configuration.

In FIG. 1, a system control section 21 performs control processing of each section of the group 3 facsimile machine FX. A system memory 22 stores a control processing program executed by the system control section 21 and a processing program. And a work area of the system control unit 21. The parameter memory 23 stores various information unique to the group 3 facsimile apparatus. Things.

The scanner mechanism 24 is for reading an original image at a predetermined resolution.
Reference numeral 5 is for controlling the scanner mechanism 24 and outputting image data obtained by reading to the outside.

The plotter mechanism 26 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution.
Reference numeral 7 controls the plotter mechanism 26 and inputs image data for printing from outside (the system control unit 21 and the power saving mode interface device NS). Further, in response to a request from the outside, device status information indicating the status of the plotter mechanism unit 26 is notified to the outside of the request source.

The power unit 28 is for generating power to be supplied to each unit of the group 3 facsimile machine FX. The power saving control unit 29 drives the power unit 28 in the power saving mode, It communicates with the control unit 21 and the power saving mode interface device NS) to notify the presence / absence of the power saving mode, and when the release of the power saving mode is notified, the power saving mode is released and the power supply is released. The unit 28 is set to the normal operation. Here, the power saving mode refers to group 3
When the state in which the facsimile machine FX is not operated continues for a certain period of time or more, this is an operation mode in which power supply to devices other than those necessary for canceling the power saving mode is cut off.

The operation display unit 30 is used to operate the facsimile machine.
Is for controlling the information display and data input of the operation display unit 30.

The encoding / decoding section 32 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal.
Is for storing a large number of image information in a coded and compressed state.

The communication control section 34 is for executing a predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure process, and the group 3 facsimile modem 35 is for implementing a group 3 facsimile modem function. Low-speed modem function for exchanging signals (V.2
1 modem) and a high-speed modem function (V.17 modem, V.34 modem,
V. 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network controller 35 is for connecting the group 3 facsimile machine FX to a public telephone line network, and has an automatic transmission / reception function.

The system controller 21, system memory 22, parameter memory 23, scanner controller 2
5, a plotter control unit 27, a power saving control unit 29, an input / output control unit 31, an encoding / decoding unit 32, an image storage device 33, and a communication control unit 34 are connected to an internal bus 37, and The exchange of data between the elements is mainly performed via the internal bus 37.

With the above configuration, the printer controller PP
When receiving the print control instruction information from the local area network control unit 4, the parallel port control unit 6, and the serial port control unit 7, the system control unit 5 extracts the print image data included in the print control instruction information, Image data in a format that can be printed by the group 3 facsimile machine FX (facsimile image data)
And changes the print attributes of the facsimile image data based on the print instruction content of the print control instruction information.

Then, print control instruction information including the converted facsimile image data is transmitted to the power saving mode interface device NS.

In the power saving mode interface apparatus NS, print control instruction information is input via the printer controller interface circuit 10, whereby the system control unit 12 transmits the group 3 facsimile via the plotter control unit interface circuit 13. A print request is issued to the plotter control unit 27 of the device FX, and the received image data is output.

Thus, the plotter controller 27 operates the plotter mechanism 26 to record and output the image data received from the plotter controller interface circuit 13.

The system controller 5 of the printer controller PP includes a local area network controller 4,
When the device status acquisition request is received from the parallel port control unit 6 and the serial port control unit 7, the source of the acquisition request is recognized, and the device status acquisition request is issued to the power saving mode interface device NS.

Accordingly, in the power saving mode interface device NS, a device status acquisition request is input via the printer controller interface circuit 10, whereby the system control unit 12 transmits the request via the plotter control unit interface circuit 13. A device status acquisition request is issued to the plotter control unit 27 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX.

Thus, the plotter control unit 27 recognizes the device state of the plotter mechanism unit 26, and uses the result as device state information as the power saving mode interface device NS.
Send to.

Thus, in the power saving mode interface device NS, the device state information is input via the plotter control unit interface circuit 13 and the system control unit 1
2 transmits the device status information to the printer controller P via the printer controller interface circuit 10.
Send to P.

Thus, the printer controller PP
The system control unit 5 transmits device status information to the request source recognized at that time via the local area network control unit 4, the parallel port control unit 6, or the serial port control unit 7.

Thus, the personal computer PA connected to the local area network LN
When print control instruction information is output from 1 to PAm, the personal computer device PB connected to the parallel port, and the personal computer device PC connected to the serial port, the group 3 facsimile device FX outputs the print image data included in the information. The image is recorded and output.

The personal computer devices PA1 to PA connected to the local area network LN
m, when a device status acquisition request is issued from the personal computer device PB connected to the parallel port and the personal computer device PC connected to the serial port, the device status of the plotter device of the group 3 facsimile device FX is obtained. Sent to the requester.

In the present embodiment, the system controller 12 of the power saving mode interface apparatus NS sends the printer controller when the power saving controller 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX notifies the non-power saving mode. When the instruction information is received from the PP, a process as shown in FIG. 5 is executed.

When instruction information is input from the printer controller PP (process 101), it is checked whether or not the content is status acquisition (decision 102). If the result of the determination 102 is YES, the group 3 facsimile machine F
The device status information is acquired from the X plotter control unit 27 (process 103), the acquired device status information is stored in the storage unit 11 (process 104), and the acquired device status information is notified to the printer controller PP. (Process 1
05).

When print control instruction information is received from the printer controller PP, the result of decision 102 is N
When it becomes O, the print command is output to the plotter control unit 27, and the image data included in the print control instruction information is output to the plotter control unit 27 (process 106).

As described above, in the case of the non-power saving mode, the device status information obtained from the plotter control unit 27 is stored in the storage unit 11.

Then, the group 3 facsimile machine FX
When instruction information is received from the printer controller PP while the power saving mode is notified from the power saving control unit 29, the processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

When instruction information is input from the printer controller PP (process 201), it is checked whether or not the content is status acquisition (determination 202). When the result of the determination 202 is YES, the device status information is read from the storage unit 11 (process 203), and the read device status information is notified to the printer controller PP (process 20).
4).

When print control instruction information is received from the printer controller PP, the result of the determination 202 is N
When it becomes O, the power saving control unit 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX is instructed to cancel the power saving (process 205), and the print control instruction information received at that time is stored in the storage unit 11 (process 205). 206).

As described above, when the group 3 facsimile machine FX is in the power saving mode, when the printer controller PP requests the acquisition of the device state,
Since the device status information stored in the storage unit 11 is read and notified to the printer controller PP, the personal computer devices PA1 to PAm connected to the local area network LN and the personal computer device PB connected to the parallel port are connected. And even if a device status acquisition request is issued from a personal computer device PC connected to the serial port,
The power saving mode of the group 3 facsimile machine FX is maintained, and the power saving effect is exhibited.

In the non-power-saving mode, the system control unit 12 of the power-saving interface device NS executes the processing shown in FIG. 7 to record and output the image data stored in the storage unit 11. Execute

That is, it is checked whether or not the print control instruction information is stored in the storage unit 11 (determination 301). If the result of the determination 301 is YES, a print command is output to the plotter control unit 27 and the print control is performed. The image data included in the instruction information is output to the plotter control unit 27 (302). Then, the output print control instruction information is deleted from the storage unit 11 (process 303), and the process returns to the determination 301.

When the result of determination 301 is NO, this operation is terminated.

Here, in the processing of FIG. 6, when print control instruction information is input from the printer controller PP in the power saving mode, the system control unit 12 of the power saving interface apparatus NS sets the group 3 facsimile apparatus FX.
And the input print control instruction information is stored in the storage unit 11. Therefore, even when the group 3 facsimile machine FX is in the power save mode, the print control instruction output from the printer controller PP is output. The printed matter corresponding to the information is recorded and output from the group 3 facsimile machine FX without much time.

In the case of the power saving mode, the system control unit 12 of the power saving interface device NS
When an error has occurred in the plotter mechanism 26, the power saving mode is canceled.

First, the system control unit 12 of the power saving interface device NS acquires the device status information from the plotter control unit 27 (process 401), and checks whether any error has occurred (decision 402). Decision 402
If the result is YES, the power saving control unit 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX is instructed to cancel the power saving (process 403), and this process ends.

Therefore, if any error occurs in the plotter mechanism section 26, the group 3 facsimile machine FX does not shift to the power saving mode, so that the state of the plotter mechanism section 26 is monitored sequentially, and as a result, the local Personal computer devices PA1 to PAm connected to area network LN, personal computer device PB connected to parallel port, and personal computer device PC connected to serial port
Can quickly know the error recovery.

The group 3 facsimile machine F
Whether or not X is in the power saving mode is determined by whether the personal computer devices PA1 to PAm connected to the local area network LN, the personal computer device PB connected to the parallel port, and the personal computer device PC connected to the serial port are connected. In order for the user to know, it is necessary to go to the place where the group 3 facsimile machine FX is installed, but this is very inconvenient.

Therefore, the local area network LN
Computer devices PA1 to PA connected to
m, the state of the power saving mode of the group 3 facsimile machine FX can be acquired from the personal computer device PB connected to the parallel port and the personal computer device PC connected to the serial port,
It is very convenient if the group 3 facsimile machine FX can be shifted to the power saving mode.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the system controller 12 of the power saving mode interface device NS when receiving instruction information from the printer controller PP in this case.
Shows an example of the processing executed by the.

When instruction information is input from the printer controller PP (process 501), it is checked whether or not the content is to obtain a facsimile status (determination 502). If the result of determination 502 is YES, information on the power saving mode at that time (hereinafter, referred to as “power saving mode information”) from the power saving control unit 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX.
Is acquired (process 503), the acquired power saving mode information is notified to the printer controller PP as a result of the instruction information (process 504), and this operation ends.

The content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is not a facsimile status acquisition but a judgment 5
When the result of 02 is NO, it is checked whether the power saving mode is notified from the power saving control unit 29 at that time (decision 505).

At this time, if the non-power saving mode has been notified from the power saving control unit 29 and the result of determination 505 is NO, the contents of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP are It is checked whether it is information (decision 506).

When the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is the print control instruction information, and the result of determination 506 is YES, the print instruction is output to the plotter control unit 27 and included in the print control instruction information. The image data is output to the plotter control unit 27 (process 50).
7) Then, the process proceeds to step 504, where the print result at that time is notified to the printer controller PP as a result corresponding to the instruction information, and this operation ends.

If the result of determination 506 is NO, it is checked whether or not the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is to acquire the printer status (determination 508). If the result of determination 508 is YES, device status information is obtained from the plotter control unit 27 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX (process 509), and the obtained device status information is stored in the storage unit 11 (process 510). Then, the process proceeds to step 504, where the acquired device state information is notified to the printer controller PP, and the operation is terminated.

If the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is neither a fax status acquisition, a print instruction, nor a printer status acquisition, and if the result of the judgment 508 is NO, the printer controller PP Since the input instruction information is a content that cannot be processed, a command error process is executed (process 51).
1) The process proceeds to step 504, where the printer controller PP
Is notified that the input instruction information is a command error, and this operation ends.

On the other hand, if the power saving mode has been notified from the power saving control unit 29 at this time, and if the result of the determination 505 is YES, the contents of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP are the print control instructions. It is checked whether the information is information (decision 512).

When the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is the print control instruction information and the result of determination 512 is YES, the power saving control unit 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX cancels the power saving. At the same time, the print control instruction information received at that time is stored in the storage unit 11 (process 51).
4). Next, the processing shifts to step 504, where the print result at that time (be sure to
K) is notified as a result for the instruction information, and this operation ends.

When the result of the determination 512 is NO, it is checked whether or not the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is to acquire the printer status (determination 515). When the result of determination 515 is YES, device status information is read from the storage unit 11 (processing 5
16) The process proceeds to step 504, in which the read device state information is notified to the printer controller PP, and the operation ends.

If the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is neither a fax status acquisition, a print instruction, nor a printer status acquisition, and if the result of determination 515 is NO, the printer controller PP Since the input instruction information is a content that cannot be processed, the process proceeds to step 515 to execute a command error process, and notifies the printer controller PP that the input instruction information is a command error. To end.

As described above, in this embodiment, the power saving mode information of the group 3 facsimile machine FX is transmitted to the personal computer devices PA1 to PAm connected to the local area network LN, the personal computer device PB connected to the parallel port, Further, since the data can be obtained from the personal computer PC connected to the serial port, it is very convenient.

The personal computer devices PA1 to PA connected to the local area network LN
m, when the user of the personal computer device PB connected to the parallel port and the user of the personal computer device PC connected to the serial port want to control the power saving mode of the group 3 facsimile device FX, the group 3 facsimile device is also used. FX
It is very inconvenient because it is necessary to go to the place where the camera is installed.

Therefore, the local area network LN
Computer devices PA1 to PA connected to
It is further convenient if the group 3 facsimile machine FX can be shifted to the power saving mode from the personal computer PB connected to the parallel port and the personal computer PC connected to the serial port.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example of a process executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving mode interface device NS when receiving instruction information from the printer controller PP in this case.

When instruction information is input from the printer controller PP (process 601), it is checked whether or not the content is to obtain a facsimile status (determination 602). If the result of determination 602 is YES, the power saving mode information at that time is obtained from the power saving control unit 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX (process 603), and the obtained power saving mode information is sent to the printer controller PP. This is notified as a result for the instruction information (process 604), and this operation ends.

Further, the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is not the acquisition of the facsimile status, but the judgment 6
If the result of step 02 is NO, it is checked whether or not the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is a facsimile power saving shift instruction (decision 605).

When the result of the determination 605 is YES, the shift to the power saving mode is instructed to the power saving control unit 29 (process 606), and the power saving mode information is acquired from the power saving control unit 29. (Process 607) The process proceeds to Process 604, where the acquired power saving mode information is notified to the printer controller PP as a result of the instruction information, and the operation ends.

When the result of determination 605 is NO, it is checked whether or not the power saving mode has been notified from the power saving control unit 29 at that time (determination 608).

At this time, if the non-power saving mode has been notified from the power saving control unit 29 and the result of determination 608 is NO, the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is It is checked whether the information is information (decision 609).

When the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is the print control instruction information and the result of the determination 609 is YES, the print instruction is output to the plotter control unit 27 and included in the print control instruction information. The image data is output to the plotter control unit 27 (processing 61
0) Then, the process proceeds to step 604, where the printer controller PP is notified of the print result at that time as a result of the instruction information, and the operation ends.

When the result of the judgment 609 is NO, it is checked whether or not the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is to acquire the printer status (decision 611). If the result of determination 611 is YES, device status information is obtained from plotter control unit 27 of group 3 facsimile machine FX (process 612), and the obtained device status information is stored in storage unit 11 (process 613). , To 604 to notify the printer controller PP of the acquired device status information, and terminate the operation.

If the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is neither a fax status acquisition, a print instruction, nor a printer status acquisition, and if the result of the determination 611 is NO, the printer controller PP Since the input instruction information cannot be processed, command error processing is executed (processing 61).
4) The process proceeds to step 604, where the printer controller PP
Is notified that the input instruction information is a command error, and this operation ends.

On the other hand, if the power saving mode has been notified from the power saving control unit 29 at that time, and if the result of the determination 608 is YES, the contents of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP are It is checked whether it is information (decision 615).

When the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is the print control instruction information, and the result of determination 615 is YES, the power saving control unit 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX cancels the power saving. At the same time as instructing (process 616), the print control instruction information received at that time is stored in the storage unit 11 (process 61).
7). Next, the processing shifts to processing 604, at which the printer controller PP is informed of the print result at that time (be sure to print O
K) is notified as a result for the instruction information, and this operation ends.

If the result of determination 615 is NO, it is checked whether or not the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is to acquire the printer status (determination 618). When the result of determination 618 is YES, device status information is read from storage unit 11 (process 6).
19), the process proceeds to step 604, the read device state information is notified to the printer controller PP, and this operation ends.

If the content of the instruction information input from the printer controller PP is neither a facsimile status acquisition, a print instruction, nor a printer status acquisition, and the result of determination 618 is NO, the printer controller PP Since the input instruction information is a content that cannot be processed, the process proceeds to step 614 to execute a command error process, and notifies the printer controller PP that the input instruction information is a command error. To end.

As described above, in this embodiment, the power saving mode information of the group 3 facsimile machine FX is stored in the personal computer devices PA1 to PAm connected to the local area network LN, the personal computer device PB connected in parallel port, And can be obtained from the personal computer PC connected to the serial port, and the personal computer PA
Since the group 3 facsimile machine FX can be shifted to the power saving mode from 1 to PAm, PB, PC, it is very convenient.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the group 3 facsimile machine is applied as the power-saving printing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is similarly applied to other apparatuses such as a copying machine. can do.

Further, the number of interfaces that can be connected with the printer controller need not be provided in the above-described three embodiments, but may be one. Further, four or more interfaces can be provided, and interfaces other than the local area network, the parallel port, and the serial port can be applied.

[0098]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the power saving printing device is in the power saving mode,
When the device status acquisition is requested from the external device, the device status information stored in the storage unit is read and notified to the external device, so even when the device status acquisition request is issued from the external device, The power saving mode of the power saving printing apparatus is maintained, and an effect of exhibiting a power saving effect is obtained.

If any error occurs in the printing function, the power saving printing apparatus does not shift to the power saving mode, so that the status of the printing function is sequentially monitored. The effect that the error recovery can be quickly known.

Further, since the power saving mode information of the communication device can be obtained from the external device, it is very convenient. In addition, since the communication device can be shifted from the external device to the power saving mode, the effect of being more convenient can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a printer controller PP.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a power saving mode interface device NS.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a group 3 facsimile machine FX.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which a non-power saving mode is notified from the power saving control unit 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving mode interface device NS.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving mode interface device NS when the power saving mode is notified from the power saving control unit 29 of the group 3 facsimile machine FX.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recording output operation process executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving interface device NS in a non-power saving mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving interface device NS in a power saving mode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of a process executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving mode interface device NS when receiving instruction information from the printer controller PP.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another part of an example of a process executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving mode interface device NS when receiving instruction information from the printer controller PP.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of another example of a process executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving mode interface device NS when receiving instruction information from the printer controller PP.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another part of another example of the processing executed by the system control unit 12 of the power saving mode interface device NS when receiving instruction information from the printer controller PP.

[Explanation of symbols]

 FX Group 3 facsimile machine NS Power saving mode interface device PP Printer controller

Claims (13)

[Claims] A power-saving mode, an interface with an external device and a printing function, and a printing operation in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device through the interface; When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface device, the power saving printing device sends operation status information on the printing operation to the external device via the interface device. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device, a power saving mode interface unit is provided that responds to the external device via the interface unit with the contents of the operation state information stored before the power saving mode transition. Power-saving printing device. 2. The power-saving mode interface unit receives print control instruction information from an external device via the interface unit in the power-saving mode.
2. The power-saving printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power-saving mode is canceled, and a printing operation corresponding to the received print control instruction information is executed. 3. The power saving mode according to claim 1, wherein the power saving mode interface means cancels the power saving mode when an error state in which a printing operation cannot be performed occurs in the main body. Power printing device. 4. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device and a printing function are provided, and a printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. A device status acquisition request from an external device through the interface unit, the operation status information relating to the printing operation is sent to the external device via the interface unit. And a response to the external device via the interface means when the device status acquisition is requested from the external device via the interface unit. Control method. 5. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device, and a printing function. A printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device through the interface. A device status acquisition request from an external device through the interface unit, the operation status information relating to the printing operation is sent to the external device via the interface unit. When the device status acquisition is requested from the external device via the interface device, the contents of the operation status information stored before the transition to the power saving mode are responded to the external device via the interface device, and the external device is connected via the interface device. When print control instruction information is received from the device, It was released power mode, the control method of the power-saving printing apparatus characterized by executing the printing operation corresponding to the received print control instruction information. 6. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device and a printing function are provided, and a printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. A device status acquisition request from an external device through the interface unit, the operation status information relating to the printing operation is sent to the external device via the interface unit. When the device status acquisition is requested from the external device via the interface, the contents of the operation status information stored before the transition to the power saving mode are responded to the external device via the interface means, but the printing operation cannot be performed on the main body. When an error condition occurs, release the power saving mode. The method of saving the printing apparatus, characterized by. 7. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device, and a printing function. A printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. A device status acquisition request from an external device through the interface unit, the operation status information relating to the printing operation is sent to the external device via the interface unit. When the device status acquisition is requested from the external device via the interface device, the contents of the operation status information stored before the transition to the power saving mode are responded to the external device via the interface device, and the external device is connected via the interface device. When print control instruction information is received from the device, While the power mode is released and the printing operation corresponding to the received print control instruction information is performed, the power saving mode is released when an error state in which the printing operation cannot be performed has occurred in the main body. A control method for a power saving printing apparatus. 8. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device, a printing function, and a communication function. The printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, a communication device for sending operation status information on a printing operation to the external device via the interface means, wherein the communication from the external device via the interface means A communication device comprising: a power saving mode interface unit that responds to the external device via the interface unit with power saving mode state information when a request to acquire the status of the device is made. 9. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device, a printing function, and a communication function. The printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device through the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, a communication device for sending operation status information relating to a printing operation to the external device via the interface means is omitted from the external device via the interface means. A communication device, comprising: a power saving mode interface unit for shifting to a power saving mode when a shift to a power mode is instructed. 10. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device, a printing function, and a communication function. The printing operation is performed according to print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, a communication device for sending operation status information relating to a printing operation to the external device via the interface means is omitted from the external device via the interface means. When the shift to the power mode is instructed, if the communication process is being performed at that time, the shift to the power saving mode is not performed, and
While notifying the external device via the interface means that the mode has not been shifted to the power saving mode, if communication processing is not being performed at that time, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode and the fact that the mode has been shifted to the power saving mode is described above. A communication device comprising: a power saving mode interface unit for notifying an external device via a communication interface unit. 11. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device, a printing function, and a communication function. The printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, a communication device control method for transmitting operation status information relating to a printing operation to the external device via the interface means. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: responding to a power saving mode status information to an external device via the interface means when the device requests acquisition of the status of the communication device. 12. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device, a printing function, and a communication function. A printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, a communication device control method for transmitting operation status information relating to a printing operation to the external device via the interface means. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: when a shift to a power saving mode is instructed by a device, shifting the communication device to a power saving mode. 13. A power saving mode, an interface with an external device, a printing function, and a communication function. The printing operation is performed in accordance with print control instruction information input from the external device via the interface. When a device status acquisition is requested from an external device via the interface means, a communication device control method for transmitting operation status information relating to a printing operation to the external device via the interface means. When the shift to the power saving mode is instructed by the device, if communication processing is in progress at that time, the shift to the power saving mode is not performed,
While notifying the external device via the interface means that the mode has not been shifted to the power saving mode, if communication processing is not being performed at that time, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode and the fact that the mode has been shifted to the power saving mode is described above. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: notifying an external device via an interface means.