JP2000295386A - Equipment with energy saving mode - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively obtain an energy saving effect based on an energy saving function by eliminating unwanted return to an ordinary mode under confirmation control at the time of energy saving mode by preventing notice information corresponding to confirmation information from returning to the ordinary mode. SOLUTION: When there is the incoming request of G4 facsimile, a G4 I/F 20 sends INFO '02' (notice information) from an ISDN network. When the INFO '02' is detected, an energy saving control means 24 is designed to automatically return from the energy saving mode to the ordinary mode. When an I/F 30 for dialup connection is to confirm incoming mail, it is reported through facsimile equipment 10 to the energy saving control means 24. While the confirmation of the incoming mail of the I/F 30 is controlled, the energy saving control means 24 does not judge the INFO '02' as the detection of return condition to the ordinary mode and a return signal is not sent to a CPU 21.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device with an energy saving mode, and more particularly, to restricting unnecessary return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode so that the energy saving mode can function without waste. About things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, when it is not necessary to operate, a transition is made to an energy saving mode, and when some preset return condition is detected, the mode is returned to a normal mode to reduce power consumption. ing.

As this type of apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open
Japanese Patent Publication No. 111004 discloses an ISDN terminal device. In this device, an image display control unit is turned on only when an image is displayed on a monitor display device by applying an operation voltage via an operation voltage switch to the image display control unit. And so on.

[0004]

However, in the device described in the above publication, only the display device is provided with the energy saving mode, and the effect of power saving is small. Therefore, even in other functions, the energy saving mode is not used. Devising to work is done.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a facsimile device 10 is provided with both a connection device 20 for G4 facsimile communication and a connection device 30 for dial-up connection.
By connecting to the ISDN network via the distribution means 40 and the DSU (digital service unit) 50, the facsimile communication function by G4 and the mail communication (Internet facsimile service) can be used by dial-up connection with an Internet service provider. Devices have appeared.

In such an apparatus, when there is no transmission / reception execution command for a certain period, the apparatus main body 10 shifts from a normal mode in which the apparatus main body 10 immediately keeps recording and output possible to an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed. In addition to the above, the G4 connection device 20 also stops power supply to devices that are not necessary for signal detection, shifts to an energy saving mode in which clock speed is reduced to reduce power consumption, and is used for transmission or from the network. It is conceivable to devise so as to automatically return to the normal mode when the response signal is detected. With this configuration, it is possible to consume only a minimum amount of power when unnecessary.

However, the dial-up connection device 3
0 sends a signal to the network periodically or at an arbitrary timing to confirm the accumulation of mail. If the response signal satisfies the return condition of the G4 connection device 20 from the energy saving mode, the mode shifts to the energy saving mode. The G4 connection device 20 that has been operating returns to the normal mode, and there is a problem that the energy saving effect provided by the energy saving function is reduced.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent the unnecessary return to the normal mode by the confirmation control in the energy saving mode, and to effectively obtain the energy saving effect by the energy saving function. I do.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems A first method for solving the above problems is described below.
The invention relates to a connection means for transmitting / receiving information to / from an external device, and a mode for returning to the normal mode upon detecting notification information from the external device in the energy saving mode state and detecting a return condition. Control means, comprising: confirmation means for transmitting confirmation information set in advance to the external device at regular or arbitrary timing and receiving notification information from the external device, wherein the confirmation means includes: While transmitting the confirmation information, the mode control means is notified to that effect,
When the mode control means receives a report from the confirmation means to perform confirmation control to the external device, the mode control means does not return to the normal mode with the notification information corresponding to the confirmation information.

In a second aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the mode control means confirms when receiving a report from the confirmation means to perform confirmation control to an external device. The return condition from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is limited so as to limit the return condition other than the notification information for the information, and to release the limitation of the return condition when receiving a report of the completion of the confirmation control from the confirmation unit to the external device. Is temporarily changed.

According to a third aspect of the invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the configuration of the second aspect of the invention, the mode control means includes an energy-saving mode based on whether the detected information matches a valid return condition. From the control mode to the normal mode.

In the first to third inventions, when the confirmation information is transmitted to the external device, it is reported that the confirmation control is performed. For example, the condition for returning to the normal mode is limited or the return is not performed. By temporarily changing the return condition for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode between the start report of the confirmation control and the end report of the confirmation control, for example, by adding to the conditions for avoidance, the detected information becomes effective. It is determined whether or not the return condition is met, and the return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is restricted by the notification information sent in response to the confirmation information. Therefore, when the energy-saving mode state can be maintained only by checking, there is no unnecessary return to the normal mode.

A fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is that, in addition to the configuration of any one of the above-mentioned first to third aspects, a plurality of ISDN connection devices are connected to the main body of the apparatus, and
When the SDN connection device includes the mode control means,
Another ISDN connection device has the confirmation means.

For this reason, in the fourth invention, for example, when one ISDN connection device transmits a confirmation signal to the network, it is reported to another ISDN connection device that the confirmation control is performed,
In other ISDN connection devices, a response signal (notification information) from the network responding to the confirmation signal restricts the device from returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Therefore, it is possible to avoid unnecessary return to the normal mode even when the ISDN connection device has the energy saving mode.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 5 are diagrams showing an example in which an embodiment of the device according to the present invention is applied to the ISDN terminal explained in FIG. The configuration corresponding to the device described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, a facsimile machine 10 comprises:
CPU 11, NCU (network control device) 12, reading unit 13,
The recording unit 14 and the operation unit 15 are connected by a bus 16 to provide a G3 facsimile communication function via a PSTN (analog public line), and the bus 16 has a G4 facsimile communication I / F (connection unit). Hereinafter, G4 I / F) 20 and I / F for dial-up connection
F (hereinafter referred to as dial-up I / F) 30 are connected in parallel to provide a G4 facsimile communication function and a mail sending / receiving function via ISDN (digital public line).

The CPU 11 stores the necessary data in the RAM in accordance with the control program stored in the built-in ROM and together with the respective units 12 to 15 together with the G4 I / F.
20 and the dial-up I / F 30 and perform facsimile control and network control.

The NCU 12 is connected to the PSTN to execute a predetermined line control at the time of outgoing / incoming calls, to connect or disconnect the line, and to modulate / demodulate by a modem (not shown) various facsimile control procedural signals and image data. Send and receive data. The reading unit 13 reads image data from a document to be transmitted by facsimile or a document attached to an electronic mail. The recording unit 14 prints out (hard copies) an image on recording paper using toner or ink based on the read / received data.

The operation unit 15 performs display operations such as LCD and LED for displaying various information such as device status, input information or messages to the operator, and input operations such as setting by the operator, input of destination, and transmission start command. Various input keys such as numeric keys and function keys are arranged.

The facsimile machine 10 includes a CPU 11
However, if the detection of the call signal via the NCU 12 and the input operation by the user from the operation unit 15 have not passed the set time, the heater and the operation unit of the recording unit 14 are left with only the function of detecting them. The power supply mode is switched to the energy saving mode in which the power supply to the display unit 15 is suppressed, and when the power supply mode is detected and it is determined that the predetermined return condition is satisfied, the power supply is restarted, and the requested operation is immediately performed. It returns to the normal mode so that it can be started.

The G4 I / F 20 is a facsimile machine 10
The CPU 21 controls the ISDN driver 22 and the shared memory 23 to enable the G4 facsimile communication to be performed.
An ISDN connection device for connecting to a DN network. The ISDN connection device connects to a destination according to the ISDN protocol, and the facsimile device 1
0, the CPU 11 and the ISDN network exchange data such as communication information such as commands, responses, and statuses with the shared memory 2.
3 via the ISDN driver 22 while temporarily storing
In the case of facsimile transmission, facsimile data sent from the facsimile machine 10 is transmitted to the ISDN network, while in the case of facsimile reception, the received facsimile data is transferred to the facsimile apparatus 10.

Since the facsimile apparatus 10 can perform G3 facsimile communication via the PSTN, the G4 I / F 20 stops power supply to devices other than signal detection that is not required when a G4 facsimile communication request is not set for a set period. Or independently shifts to an energy saving mode in which the clock speed is reduced to reduce power consumption so that the minimum power is consumed.
An energy-saving control means (mode control means) 24 for restarting the power supply and automatically returning to the normal mode when a transmission request from the H.1 or a response signal from the ISDN network is detected.

On the other hand, the dial-up I / F 30 is controlled by the CPU 31 by controlling the ISDN driver 32 and the shared memory 33 so that the facsimile apparatus 10 can send and receive electronic mail to and from an Internet service provider (mail server). An ISDN connection device connected to a network, which communicates with the mail server by a dial-up connection according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP and transmits and receives commands, responses, states, etc., exchanged with the CPU 11 of the facsimile machine 10 and the ISDN network. In the case of mail transmission, facsimile data sent from the facsimile apparatus 10 is converted into a mail format and transmitted to a mail server via the ISDN driver 32 while temporarily storing such data in the shared memory 33. In the case of mail reception, Inquires the mail server at the set interval or set time whether or not there is an incoming e-mail of the e-mail address registered and set in the AM, and if there is an incoming mail, sends a request to send the e-mail. The received mail data is converted into a facsimile data format and then transferred to the facsimile machine 10.
That is, the CPU 31 constitutes a confirmation unit.

This dial-up I / F 30 is an ISD
In the normal procedure for starting the N network, since an electrical signal having a specific bit pattern of INFO is exchanged between the terminal and the network, the call setup is performed when the INFO "0" is normally transmitted to the ISDN network. INFO "0
INFO sent from ISDN network
"02" is received.

On the other hand, when there is a G4 facsimile reception request, the G4 I / F 20
Since NFO "02" (notification information) is sent, it is convenient that the energy saving control means 24 is designed to automatically return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode when detecting this INFO "02". .

From this, in this apparatus (system),
Each time the dial-up I / F 30 checks the presence or absence of an incoming mail by dial-up connection with the mail server, the G4 I / F 20 connected in parallel connects the I4 from the ISDN network.
The NFO “02” returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, and the facsimile machine 10 also returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, thereby impairing the energy saving effect.
When the / F 30 confirms the incoming mail, the fact is notified (reported) to the energy saving control means 24 via the facsimile machine 10. During the execution of the incoming mail confirmation control of the up I / F 30, the INF from the ISDN
O "02" is not determined to be the detection of the return condition to the normal mode, and the energy saving mode is maintained without sending a return signal to the CPU 21.

Specifically, the dial-up I / F 30
Is the CPU 31 as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
However, when a predetermined time has elapsed (step P11), a signal indicating that fact is sent to the CPU 11 of the facsimile apparatus 10 via the supply memory 33 before checking the presence or absence of the incoming mail with the mail server. Thereafter, INFO "01" (confirmation information) is sent to the ISDN to start the mail arrival detection control (to set up a call) (steps P12 and P13), and the detection is performed. If there is an incoming mail in the control (step P14), the mail reception control is performed (step P14).
15), after the operation of detecting and receiving incoming mail is completed,
Supplying a signal indicating the end of the mail arrival detection control memory 33
The notification is sent to the CPU 11 of the facsimile machine 10 via. Then, the facsimile machine 10
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when the CPU 11 receives the notification of the start of mail arrival detection from the dial-up I / F 30 (step P21), the fact is notified to the shared memory 23.
(Step P22), and receives a mail arrival detection end notification (step P23), and informs the G4I / F of this fact.
The energy saving control means 24 of F20 is notified (step P24).

On the other hand, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the G4 I / F 20 has a standby state in which the facsimile machine 10 does not receive a facsimile transmission request by the G4 or INFO "02" from the ISDN network for a set time. Is exceeded, the energy-saving control unit 24 determines that the condition for shifting to the energy-saving mode is satisfied (step P31), suppresses power supply to devices other than those necessary for detection and determination of the return condition, and enters the energy-saving mode. The process proceeds (step P32). After that, if it is determined that the detection signal is a command to return from the energy saving mode based on a G4 facsimile transmission request from the facsimile machine 10 or INFO "02" from the ISDN network (step P34), The normal power supply is resumed to return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode (step P3 ), To terminate the requested series of operations (step P36), returns to the standby state waiting for the next operation command comes to (step P37).

At this time, if it is determined in step P34 that the received detection signal is not a return instruction from the energy saving mode but a mail arrival detection start notification from the dial-up I / F 30 relayed by the facsimile apparatus 10 (step P34). P41) Until the subsequent mail arrival detection end notification is received (step P42), the signal INFO "02" sent from the ISDN is removed from the return condition so as not to judge that the return command is from the energy saving mode (return condition). After that, when the notification of the end of the mail arrival detection is received, the condition for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is restored to release the limitation of the return condition, and the IS
When INFO "02" is received from the DN network (Step P43), the process proceeds to Steps P35 to P37 to resume power supply, return to the normal mode, end the requested operation, and return to the standby state. Here, steps P41 to P43 are repeatedly executed until the operation of detecting and receiving an incoming mail by dial-up I / F 30 is completed. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. It is needless to say that it is possible to return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode by an operation from the operation unit 15 or the like.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when an operation command from the facsimile machine 10 or a response signal such as INFO "02" from the ISDN network is detected after the power is turned on or reset, it is activated and requested. The operation is executed, but when the set time elapses (timeout) without the operation command or the like, the energy saving control unit 24 shifts to an energy saving state in which power is supplied to only necessary devices, and the dial-up I / F 30 By temporarily changing the return condition to the normal mode during the control period for checking the presence or absence of the incoming mail to the mail server, it is possible to avoid unnecessary return from the maintained energy saving mode to the normal mode. After the completion of the incoming mail confirmation control, an operation command (return command) from the facsimile machine 10 or an ISD When receiving the response signal, such as INFO "02" from the network, it is possible to perform the operation requested in a active state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if INFO "02" is returned from the ISDN when the dial-up I / F 30 sets up a call to detect the arrival of mail, the dial-up I / F 30 receives a call to the G4 I / F 20. By notifying that the mail is to be confirmed and temporarily changing the return condition, the G4I / F 20 that has shifted to the energy saving mode
Can be unnecessarily returned to the normal mode, and the energy saving mode such as the G4 I / F 20 can be effectively functioned.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the conditions for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode are limited. However, when adopting a configuration in which conditions for avoiding the return are set in advance, dial-up is performed. A signal sent by the incoming mail confirmation control by the I / F 30 is added.

Since the dial-up I / F 30 periodically controls the confirmation of incoming mail, no energy-saving control means is provided, but if the execution interval is long, the dial-up I / F 30 Needless to say, energy saving control means may be provided.

[0034]

According to the present invention, even when a plurality of independently functioning devices are provided, depending on the notification information sent due to the operation of the own device, the mode is changed from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Can be restricted from returning to
It is possible to prevent unnecessary return to the normal mode despite being able to maintain the energy saving mode,
A sufficient energy saving effect can be obtained by effectively using the energy saving function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an apparatus with an energy saving mode according to the present invention, and is a block diagram showing a schematic overall configuration.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the control.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state transition.

FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram for explaining the problem.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Facsimile apparatus 11 CPU 12 NCU 13 Reading part 14 Recording part 15 Operation part 20 Dial-up I / F (connection means) 21 CPU (confirmation means) 24 Energy saving control means (mode control means) 30 Dial-up I / F (connection means) ) 31 CPU

Claims (4)

[Claims] A connection means for transmitting / receiving information to / from an external device, and a return condition is detected upon receiving notification information from the external device in an energy saving mode, and the device returns to the normal mode. Mode control means, comprising: confirmation means for transmitting confirmation information set in advance to the external device periodically or at an arbitrary timing and receiving notification information from the external device; When transmitting the confirmation information to the mode control means, the mode control means, upon receiving a report from the confirmation means to perform confirmation control to the external device, transmits the confirmation information to the mode control means. An apparatus with an energy saving mode, wherein the apparatus does not return to the normal mode. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mode control means, when receiving a report from the confirmation means to perform confirmation control to the external device, restricts the return condition other than the notification information for the confirmation information, and transmits from the confirmation means to the external device. The return condition from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is temporarily changed so as to release the limitation of the return condition when a report of the confirmation control end is received. apparatus. 3. The mode control unit according to claim 2, wherein the mode control means controls the return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode based on whether or not the detection information matches a valid return condition. Equipment with energy saving mode. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ISDN connection devices are connected to the device main body, and when one ISDN connection device has the mode control means, the other ISDN connection device has the confirmation means. The device with the energy saving mode according to any one of claims 1 to 3.