JP2003078672A - Server device, image processing apparatus, control method for the server device and the image processing apparatus and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server device that totally and centrally manages power saving mode transition time information of a plurality of image processing apparatuses existing on a network lead by the server device, rewrites the power saving mode transition time information of the respectively grouped image processing apparatuses and totally matches the power-saving environment of each image processing apparatus so as to freely build up the image processing environment with a high power-saving effect. SOLUTION: This invention is characterized in that output devices 21 to 28 are configured to control the power-saving mode processing according to each power-saving mode information notified by the server 12 on the basis of each power saving mode transition instruction sent from the server 12 for managing the power saving mode transition time information of the output devices 21 to 28 by each group.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a server apparatus and an image processing apparatus in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of transitioning to a power saving mode in which each of the image processing apparatuses saves power consumption can communicate via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to a control method for an apparatus and a server apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has been possible to construct a computer network (hereinafter simply referred to as a network) in which various computers and their peripheral devices are connected so that information can be bidirectionally communicated. This technology has been in the limelight because users can dramatically improve productivity and efficiency by sharing information and distributing the load of information processing.

This is because the computer has been rapidly improved in performance, miniaturized, and cost-reduced, so that it can be easily used as a high-speed and high-speed information processing means even for a computer for personal use, wired and wireless. The development of high-speed data communication technology, the penetration of distributed processing architecture, etc.

Further, output devices such as copiers and printers, which have been mostly used as stand-alone devices or peripheral devices connected to a single host until then, are arranged on the same network, and a plurality of output devices are arranged. The idea of sharing and using with other users (clients) has become widespread.

It has become possible to share information stored in files, databases, etc. by connecting a mainframe, a workstation, a personal computer, an information terminal and the like using the above-mentioned computer through a network. Further, the output devices such as a copying machine, a printer, and an F
By connecting an AX or the like, the output device can also be shared, and the productivity and efficiency of the output device and the convenience of the user can be dramatically improved.

The advantage of constructing a network in this way is great, and it is permeating in various fields such as offices, factories, research laboratories, and educational institutions.

[0007]

By the way, when an output device such as a copying machine or a printer requires an image forming request from a user, each step necessary for image forming is required to satisfy the request. In order to process each of these steps, the output device includes an image reading unit, an image processing unit, a paper feeding unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a paper discharging unit, other accessories, and these accessories in an integrated manner. It is composed of a control unit for controlling. In order to output an image, it is necessary to supply a large amount of electric power to each of these parts of the output device.

In order for the output device to quickly respond to the image output request from the user, it is necessary to continue supplying a certain amount of electric power to the respective parts inside the output device.

However, the environment in which the output device is used is such that image output requests are constantly generated at a high frequency, and the image output request from the user to the output device is greatly reduced, and most image output requests are generated. When there is no image output request to the output device for a long period of time, the power supplied to each part in the output device during that time is wasted.

Therefore, in an output device such as a copying machine or a printer, the internal control device has time measuring means such as a timer device, and the timer device is activated by a user's operation. When the time measured by the timer device also reaches the time preset by the user, the control unit of the printer device controls the power supply to each unit other than the minimum required to significantly reduce the power consumption. Printer devices aimed at reducing the number have already been proposed.

With the above-described configuration, the power consumption of the output device is reduced by shifting to the sleep state of the output device during the time period when the image output request is greatly reduced or the time period when the image output request is hardly generated. Can be expected to do.

However, in an environment where a plurality of output devices each having a timer device as described above are used, conventionally, the user has to visit each output device and perform a setting operation for the timer device. In terms of convenience of
It wasn't always excellent.

Similarly, there is a high possibility that each user will perform different setting operations on the timer device of each output device. At this time, when looking at power consumption reduction in the entire environment in which each output device is placed, the power consumption reduction efficiency was not good.

Further, it is possible that the user forgets to set the timer device due to a mistake made by the user, and this is also a major factor that hinders the reduction of power consumption.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to transmit power saving mode transition time information of each image processing apparatus from a server apparatus that manages the information for each group. Based on each power saving mode transition instruction, the image processing apparatus transmits the power saving mode instruction in accordance with each power saving mode instruction to control the execution state of the power saving mode processing so that the server apparatus exists on the network under the initiative of the server apparatus. Centrally manages the power saving mode transition commands for multiple image processing devices, and transfers them to the power saving mode of each grouped image processing device, and collectively adjusts the power saving environment of each image processing device in the same group. A server device, an image processing device, and a server device control method capable of freely constructing an image processing environment having a high power saving effect, and It is to provide a control method and a storage medium of the image processing apparatus.

A second object is to inquire of a server device that manages the power saving mode shift time information of each image processing device for each group about the setting state of the power saving mode shift command in which the image processing device is set in its own group. In accordance with each power saving mode command transmitted by each image processing device based on the response from the server device to the inquiry, the server device is controlled by the image processing device on the network under the initiative of each image processing device. The centralized management of power saving mode transition commands for multiple image processing devices that exist in the above, and the transition to the power saving mode of each grouped image processing device, respectively, to save the power saving environment of each image processing device in the same group. A server device and an image processing device that can be collectively configured to freely construct an image processing environment with a high power saving effect. To provide a control method and a storage medium control method and image processing apparatus of the fine server.

A third object is that each image processing device transmits each power saving mode based on each power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device that manages the power saving mode transition time information of each image processing device for each group. According to the command, execute the power saving mode process or set the status of the power saving mode transfer command that the image processing device is set to its own group to the server device that manages the power saving mode transfer time information of each image processing device by group. Under the initiative of the server device, an inquiry is made, and based on a response from the server device to the inquiry, the user selects whether to execute the power saving mode process according to each power saving mode command transmitted from each image processing device. , Server device centrally manages power saving mode transition commands for multiple image processing devices on the network The power saving mode of each image processing device that is grouped, and the power saving environment of each image processing device in the same group can be collectively adjusted to freely construct an image processing environment with a high power saving effect. Also, under the initiative of each image processing device, the server device centrally manages power saving mode transition commands of a plurality of image processing devices existing on the network, and saves power of each grouped image processing device. Convenience that the user can freely select either of the modes to freely configure the image processing environment with high power saving effect by collectively adjusting the power saving environment of each image processing device in the same group. Highly efficient server device, image processing device, server device control method, image processing device control method, and storage medium A.

[0018]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of shifting to a power saving mode for saving power consumption according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium. A server device that is communicable, and a management unit (shown in FIG. 3) that stores and manages the power saving mode transition time set for an image processing device group that is grouped from a plurality of image processing devices. DB management unit 105-
(Corresponding to 107) and a clock means (FIG.
(Corresponding to the timer device 108 shown in FIG. 4), the power saving mode shift time for each group managed by the management unit and the current time measured by the time counting unit are compared, and the power saving mode shift command is executed for each image processing of the corresponding group. It is characterized by having a transmission means (corresponding to the server control unit 101 shown in FIG. 3) for transmitting to each device.

A second aspect of the present invention is a server apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of shifting to a power saving mode for reducing power consumption according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium. Therefore, a management unit (DB shown in FIG. 3) that stores and manages the power saving mode transition time or the power saving mode release time set for the image processing device group that is grouped from the plurality of image processing devices. (Corresponding to the management units 105 to 107), time measuring means for measuring the current time (corresponding to the timer device 108 shown in FIG. 3), power saving mode transition time for each group managed by the managing means, and time measuring means. Command setting means (corresponding to the server control unit 101 shown in FIG. 3) that compares the current time with the power saving mode shift instruction in the holding means (storage device in the server 12 shown in FIG. 3) And a response unit that responds to an inquiry as to whether a power saving mode transition command for each group held in the holding unit is set by any of the image processing devices (corresponding to the server control unit 101 illustrated in FIG. 3). And having.

A third aspect of the present invention is to compare the power saving mode release time for each group managed by the managing means with the current time measured by the time measuring means and set the power saving mode set in the holding means. It is characterized by having a control unit (corresponding to the server control unit 101 shown in FIG. 3) that discards the migration command.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a first receiving means (server control section shown in FIG. 3) for receiving power saving mode transition time information to be updated from a client device communicable via a predetermined communication medium. (Corresponding to 101) and the power saving mode transition time information received by the first receiving means,
It is characterized by having a first updating means for updating the power saving mode shift time for each group stored in the storage means.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the second receiving means (server control section 101 shown in FIG. 3) for receiving power saving mode transition time information to be updated from any of the image processing apparatuses.
And a second updating unit for updating the power saving mode shift time for each group stored in the storage unit based on the power saving mode shift time information received by the second receiving unit. And

A sixth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the image processing device includes a printer device, a digital copying device, and a composite image processing device.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the management means is
It is characterized in that device information unique to each image processing device, unique group information, and unique power saving mode information are registered in the storage means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a group judgment means for judging whether or not the image processing apparatus as the inquiry source is registered in any group, and the image processing apparatus as the inquiry source by the group judgment means It is characterized by having an illegal response means (corresponding to the server control unit 101 shown in FIG. 3) that responds that the inquiry is illegal when it is determined that the inquiry is not registered in any group.

A ninth invention according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus which is identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into one of the groups, and which shifts to a power saving mode transmitted from the server device. A mode setting unit (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4) for setting the presence / absence of power saving mode transition to the command and a detecting unit (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4) detecting the power saving mode shifting command transmitted from the server device. ) And the presence / absence of transition to the power saving mode set by the mode setting unit, the first control unit (FIG. 4) for controlling whether or not to shift to the power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body. (Corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in 1).

A tenth aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus which is identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into any of the groups, wherein the server device saves power for its own group. A measuring device (corresponding to a timer unit in the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4) for measuring a time interval for inquiring whether or not the mode shift command is held, and a server device based on the time interval measured by the measuring unit. On the other hand, an inquiry means for inquiring whether or not the power saving mode shift command for the own group is held (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4).
And second control means (controlling the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4 to control whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body based on the response result from the inquiry means. Equivalent)).

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus which is identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into any of the groups, and which shifts to a power saving mode transmitted from the server device. A mode setting unit (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4) for setting the presence / absence of power saving mode transition to the command and a detecting unit (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4) detecting the power saving mode shifting command transmitted from the server device. ) And the presence / absence of transition to the power saving mode set by the mode setting unit, the first control unit (FIG. 4) for controlling whether or not to shift to the power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body. (Corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 2) and the server device whether or not a power saving mode transition command for its own group is held. Inquiring means (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4) and controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is saved based on the response result from the inquiry means. Second control means (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4).

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is to have selection means (corresponding to the controller section 201 shown in FIG. 4) for selecting which of the first control means and the second control means is effective. Is characterized by.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the power supplied to the main body of the image processing apparatus when shifting to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption of the main body of the image processing apparatus is reduced by the first control means. It is characterized by having a first power saving mode shift means (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4) that shifts to a power saving mode state for saving consumption.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the power supplied to the main body of the image processing apparatus is changed to the power saving mode state in which the power consumption of the main body of the image processing apparatus is reduced by the second control means. It is characterized by having a second power saving mode shift means (corresponding to the controller unit 201 shown in FIG. 4) for shifting to a power saving mode state for saving consumption.

A fifteenth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the mode setting means sets presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device in accordance with a mode selection instruction from the user.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the first power saving mode transition means changes to the power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is reduced based on the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body. It is characterized by adjusting the transition timing of.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the first power saving mode transition means, when the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, an image is displayed after the image processing by the image processing apparatus main body is completed. It is characterized by shifting to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the processing apparatus main body is reduced.

In an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the second power saving mode transition means is set to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption of the image processing apparatus body is reduced based on the image processing state of the image processing apparatus body. It is characterized by adjusting the transition timing of.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the second power saving mode transition means, when the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, the image is processed after the image processing apparatus main body finishes the image processing. It is characterized by shifting to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the processing apparatus main body is reduced.

A twentieth aspect of the present invention is characterized by having interval setting means (corresponding to the controller section 201 shown in FIG. 4) for setting the time interval measured by the measuring means to an arbitrary time interval.

A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is a server device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices capable of shifting to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium. A control method, a management step (not shown) for storing and managing a power saving mode transition time set for a group of image processing apparatuses grouped from a plurality of image processing apparatuses and managing the current time. Timing step for timing (step S103 shown in FIG. 5)
And a power saving mode shift time for each group managed by the management step and a current time measured by the time counting step, and a power saving mode shift command is transmitted to each image processing apparatus of the corresponding group. And step S107) shown in FIG.

A twenty-second aspect of the present invention is a server device communicable with a plurality of image processing devices capable of shifting to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium. A control method, which is a management step of storing and managing a power saving mode transition time or a power saving mode release time set for an image processing device group grouped from a plurality of image processing devices in a storage means (not shown). ) And a clock step for clocking the current time (see FIG. 11).
(Step S304) of step S304) and the power saving mode shift time for each group managed by the management step and the current time clocked by the time counting step are compared, and a command setting step (FIG. 11) for setting the power saving mode shift command in the holding means. Step S306) and a response step (not shown) for responding to an inquiry as to whether or not a power saving mode shift command for each group, which is held in the holding means by any one of the image processing apparatuses, is set. Is characterized by.

The twenty-third aspect of the present invention compares the power saving mode release time for each group managed by the management step with the current time measured by the time measuring step,
It is characterized by having a control step (step S309 shown in FIG. 11) of discarding the power saving mode shift command set in the holding means.

A twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is a first receiving step (not shown) for receiving power saving mode transition time information to be updated from a client device communicable via a predetermined communication medium, and a first receiving step. A first updating step (not shown) for updating the power saving mode shift time for each group stored in the storage means based on the power saving mode shift time information received by the receiving step.

The twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is received by a second receiving step (not shown) for receiving power saving mode transition time information to be updated from any of the image processing devices, and a second receiving step. And a second updating step (not shown) for updating the power saving mode shift time for each group stored in the storage means based on the power saving mode shift time information.

The twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the image processing device includes a printer device, a digital copying device, and a composite image processing device.

The twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the management step registers device information unique to each image processing device, unique group information, and unique power saving mode information in the storage means.

A twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is a group determination step (step S503 shown in FIG. 20) for determining whether or not the image processing apparatus of the inquiry source is registered in any group, and a group determination step. When the image processing device of the inquiry source is determined not to be registered in any of the groups, an unauthorized response step (step S505 shown in FIG. 20) for responding that the inquiry is unauthorized is provided. To do.

A twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is a control method of an image processing apparatus, which is identified as any group by a server apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium,
A mode setting step (step S601 shown in FIG. 21) of setting the presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to the power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device, and a detection step of detecting the power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device (see FIG. 8). Step S202) and the first control step for controlling whether or not to shift to the power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body, based on the presence or absence of the power saving mode shift set by the mode setting step. (Step S204 shown in FIG. 8).

A thirtieth invention according to the present invention is a control method for an image processing device, which is identified by a server device communicable via a predetermined communication medium into any group,
A measuring step of measuring a time interval for inquiring of the server device whether or not the power saving mode shift command for the own group is held (step S40 shown in FIG. 16).
1), an inquiry step (step S403 shown in FIG. 16) for inquiring of the server device whether or not the power saving mode shift command for the own group is held, based on the time interval measured by the measurement step, and an inquiry step. And a second control step (step S406 shown in FIG. 16) for controlling whether or not to shift to the power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body based on the response result of Characterize.

A thirty-first invention related to the present invention is a control method for an image processing device, which is identified by a server device communicable via a predetermined communication medium into any group.
A mode setting step (step S601 shown in FIG. 21) of setting the presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to the power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device, and a detection step of detecting the power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device (see FIG. 8). Step S202) and the first control step for controlling whether or not to shift to the power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body, based on the presence or absence of the power saving mode shift set by the mode setting step. (Step S204 shown in FIG. 8) and an inquiry step for inquiring of the server device whether or not a power saving mode shift command for its own group is held (FIG. 16).
Step S403) and a second control step (in FIG. 16) for controlling whether to shift to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption of the image processing apparatus main body is reduced based on the response result of the inquiry step. And step S406) shown.

A thirty-second invention according to the present invention is a selection step (step S shown in FIG. 21) for selecting which of the first control step and the second control step is effective.
604).

The thirty-third aspect of the present invention is the electric power supplied to the image processing apparatus main body when shifting to the power saving mode state for saving the electric power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body by the first control step. A first power saving mode transition step (FIG. 8) of shifting to a power saving mode state in which consumption is reduced.
It has the step S205) shown in FIG.

A thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the electric power supplied to the main body of the image processing apparatus when shifting to the power saving mode state for saving the electric power consumption supplied to the main body of the image processing apparatus by the second control step. The second power saving mode transition step of shifting to the power saving mode state in which consumption is reduced (Fig. 1
6 is included in step S408).

The thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the mode setting step sets presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device in accordance with a mode selection instruction from the user.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first power saving mode transition step, a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is reduced is based on the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body. It is characterized by adjusting the transition timing of.

In a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first power-saving mode transition step, when the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, after the image processing by the image processing apparatus main body is finished, It is characterized by shifting to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the processing apparatus main body is reduced.

In a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the second power-saving mode transition step, a power-saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body is reduced is based on the image processing state of the image processing apparatus body. It is characterized by adjusting the transition timing of.

In a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the second power-saving mode transition step, when the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, the image processing after the image processing apparatus main body finishes the image processing. It is characterized by shifting to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the processing apparatus main body is reduced.

A fortieth aspect of the present invention is characterized by having an interval setting step (not shown) for setting the time interval measured by the measuring step to an arbitrary time interval.

A forty-first aspect of the present invention is a server apparatus communicable with a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of shifting to a power-saving mode in which power consumption is reduced according to a power-saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium. A management step (not shown) for storing and managing a power saving mode transition time set for an image processing apparatus group that is grouped from a plurality of image processing apparatuses, and a time counting step for measuring the current time. (Step S103 shown in FIG. 5) is compared with the power saving mode shift time for each group managed by the management step and the current time measured by the time counting step, and the power saving mode shift command is executed for each image processing of the corresponding group. Transmitting step for transmitting to each device (step S shown in FIG. 5)
107) is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium for executing the program.

A forty-second aspect of the present invention is a server apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of shifting to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium. A management step (not shown) for storing and managing a power saving mode transition time or a power saving mode release time set for an image processing device group grouped from a plurality of image processing devices, and a current time. Timing step (step S30 in FIG. 11)
4) and the power saving mode transition time for each group managed by the management step and the current time measured by the time counting step are compared, and an instruction setting step for setting a power saving mode transition command in the holding means (step of FIG. 11). S306)
And a response step (not shown) for responding to an inquiry as to whether or not a power saving mode shift command for each group held in the holding means by any of the image processing devices is executed. The data is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

In a forty-third aspect of the present invention, the power saving mode release time for each group managed by the management step is compared with the current time measured by the time counting step,
It is characterized by having a control step (step S309 shown in FIG. 11) of discarding the power saving mode shift command set in the holding means.

A forty-fourth invention according to the present invention comprises a first receiving step (not shown) for receiving power saving mode transition time information to be updated from a client device communicable via a predetermined communication medium, and a first receiving step. A first updating step (not shown) for updating the power saving mode shift time for each group stored in the storage means based on the power saving mode shift time information received by the receiving step.

A forty-fifth aspect of the present invention is received by a second receiving step (not shown) for receiving power saving mode transition time information to be updated from any of the image processing apparatuses, and a second receiving step. And a second updating step (not shown) for updating the power saving mode shift time for each group stored in the storage means based on the power saving mode shift time information.

The forty-sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the image processing device includes a printer device, a digital copying device, and a composite image processing device.

The forty-seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the management step registers device information unique to each image processing device, unique group information, and unique power saving mode information in the storage means.

A forty-eighth aspect of the present invention is a group determination step (step S503 shown in FIG. 20) for determining whether or not the image processing apparatus of the inquiry source is registered in any group, and a group determination step. When the image processing device of the inquiry source is determined not to be registered in any of the groups, an unauthorized response step (step S505 shown in FIG. 20) for responding that the inquiry is unauthorized is provided. To do.

A forty-ninth aspect of the present invention relates to a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device to an image processing device identified by the server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into any group. A mode setting step (step S601 shown in FIG. 21) for setting the presence or absence of power saving mode transition, a detection step (step S202 shown in FIG. 8) for detecting a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device, and a mode setting step And executing a first control step (step S204 shown in FIG. 8) for controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is saved based on the presence or absence of the power saving mode shift. The program for causing the program is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

A fiftieth aspect of the present invention is directed to an image processing apparatus identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium in any of the groups, and the server device shifts to a power saving mode for its own group. A measuring step (step S401 shown in FIG. 16) for measuring a time interval for inquiring whether or not the instruction is held, and an instruction to shift to the power saving mode for the own group to the server device based on the time interval measured by the measuring step. Inquiry step (Fig. 1)
6 and step S403), and a second control step (FIG. 16) for controlling whether or not to shift to the power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body based on the response result of the inquiry step. And a program for executing the step S406) shown in 1) is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

The fifty-first aspect of the present invention is directed to an image processing apparatus identified by the server apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium in any group, in response to a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server apparatus. A mode setting step (step S601 shown in FIG. 21) for setting the presence / absence of power saving mode, a detection step (step S202 shown in FIG. 8) for detecting a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device, and a setting by the mode setting means. A first control step (step S shown in FIG. 8) for controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is reduced based on the presence or absence of the power saving mode shift.
204) and an inquiry step for inquiring of the server device whether or not a power saving mode shift command for its own group is held (step S40 shown in FIG. 16).
3) and the second control step (step S406 shown in FIG. 16) for controlling whether or not to shift to the power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is saved based on the response result of the inquiry step. ) And a program for executing the above are recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

The 52nd invention according to the present invention is characterized by having a selection step (not shown) for selecting which of the first control step and the second control step is effective.

The fifty-third aspect of the present invention is the electric power supplied to the image processing apparatus main body when shifting to the power saving mode state for saving the electric power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body by the first control step. A first power saving mode transition step (FIG. 8) of shifting to a power saving mode state in which consumption is reduced.
It has the step S205) shown in FIG.

The fifty-fourth invention according to the present invention is the power supplied to the main body of the image processing apparatus when shifting to the power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the main body of the image processing apparatus is saved by the second control step. The second power saving mode transition step of shifting to the power saving mode state in which consumption is reduced (Fig. 1
6 is included in step S409).

The fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the mode setting step, presence / absence of power saving mode shift is set in response to a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device in accordance with a mode selection instruction from the user.

In a fifty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the first power-saving mode transition step is based on the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body, and enters a power saving mode state in which power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is reduced. It is characterized by adjusting the transition timing of.

In a fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first power-saving mode transition step, if the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, the image processing is completed after the image processing apparatus main body finishes the image processing. It is characterized by shifting to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the processing apparatus main body is reduced.

In a fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the second power-saving mode transition step is based on the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body, and enters a power saving mode state in which power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is reduced. It is characterized by adjusting the transition timing of.

In a fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the second power saving mode transition step, if the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, the image processing is completed after the image processing apparatus main body finishes the image processing. It is characterized by shifting to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption supplied to the processing apparatus main body is reduced.

The 60th invention of the present invention is characterized by having an interval setting step (not shown) for setting the time interval measured by the measuring step to an arbitrary time interval.

[0078]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system to which a server device and an image processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a network, which connects the server 12, the output devices 21 to 28, the computer and the workstations 31 to 34, and plays a role of an information transmission medium.

In this embodiment, the timer management server function and the printer group management server function are the same as those of the server 12.
It is built in as a system and provides server services in the network together with other functions.

Computer and workstation 3
1 to 34 are devices corresponding to client devices in the network 11. Various service requests are sent from the computer and workstations 31-34 to the server 12 and output devices 21-28.

The output devices 21 to 28 are client devices such as computers and workstations 31 to 34.
Receives an image output request (job) from, and outputs the image data transferred via the network 11.

In the output devices 21 to 27, the output device itself has an image reading device, and the image data read by the output device itself can be output by the output device itself. Has become.

Further, each of the output devices 21 to 28 is configured to have a time measuring means such as a timer device in its internal control section. When the timer device is activated by the user's operation and the time measured by the timer device reaches the time preset by the user, the control unit of the printer device shuts off the power supply to each device other than the minimum required. It is configured to do. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce power consumption.

In the conventional configuration, the output devices 21-28
The setting of each timer device was not efficient because the user had to go to each output device and set it.

However, in the print processing apparatus of the present invention, the power saving mode transition time information stored in the server 12 is transmitted to each of the output devices 21 to 28 via the network. The details of the configuration will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a format example of the power saving mode transition time information data managed by the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention, and is classified for each server 12 and group shown in FIG. Output devices 21-28
Corresponds to the format example of the power saving mode transition time information data built in.

In FIG. 2, 51 is a printer group I.
D and 52 are printer IDs of printers belonging to the printer group, and 53 is a record in which the power saving mode transition time information data of the printer group is stored.

A unique printer ID 52 is assigned to each of the output devices 21 to 28. Further, each printer belongs to a printer group, and as shown in the figure, a printer ID 52 is classified and recorded for each printer group ID 51 to which the printer belongs.

Date and time information when the printer shifts to the power saving mode is recorded in each record 53. Each output device 21
28, the date and time information stored in the record 53 contained in the output device to which each printer group belongs and the clock contained in the output device to which each printer group also belongs match. If so, the output device is configured to shift to the power saving mode.

Further, these printer group IDs 5
1, the printer ID 52, and information about the power saving mode transition time for each printer group are recorded and managed by the server 12.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the internal structure of the server device according to the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the server 12 shown in FIG. 3, reference numeral 101 denotes a server control section, which is a section for executing various services provided by the server 12 via the network. Further, output devices 21 to 2 as image processing devices
The process of transmitting the power saving mode transition time information to 8 is also performed.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a printer information database, which records printer information belonging to the network. Reference numeral 103 denotes a printer group information database, which records printer grouping information in which the output devices 21 to 28 are grouped as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a power saving mode shift time information database, in which the power saving mode shift time information set for each printer group is recorded. Each database is a database management unit 105-10.
7 manages information on each of the databases 102 to 104, and performs operations such as registration, deletion, merging, and sorting according to a request from the server control unit 101.

When the server control unit 101 updates the power saving mode shift time information of a certain printer group recorded in the power saving mode shift time information database 104,
Output devices 21 to 21 that belong to the corresponding printer group
28 printer IDs to the printer information database 102
Processing for making an inquiry to the database management unit 105. The server control unit 101 performs a process of transmitting the power saving mode transition time information updated from the inquiry result to the output device belonging to the corresponding printer group.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a timer device, which is responsible for measuring the date and time information in the server 12. Further, the process of issuing the power saving mode shift command, which is a feature of the present invention, is also triggered by the coincidence of the timer device 108 and the power saving mode shift time information.

The server control unit 101 also determines that the power saving mode shift time information of a certain printer group recorded in the power saving mode shift time information database 104 is the same as the server 1.
When the measured time of the timer device 108 incorporated in the printer 2 matches the printer ID of the output devices 21 to 28 belonging to the corresponding printer group, the database management unit 105 of the printer information database 102 is inquired. The server control unit 101 performs a process of transmitting a power saving mode shift command to the output device that belongs to the printer group corresponding to the power saving mode shift time information that matches the measurement time from the inquiry result.

FIG. 4 shows the image forming apparatuses 21 to 21 shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the internal control structure of 28.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 201 denotes a control section, which is an apparatus for executing processing such as transition to the power saving mode of the image forming apparatus itself at the specified time, which is a feature of the present invention, and return to the normal mode. It is also a part that controls the entire image forming apparatus.

Reference numeral 202 is a communication interface unit for controlling communication with the network 11. Communication with the server 12, which is a feature of the present invention, is also executed via this.

Reference numeral 203 denotes an image reading control unit which executes an image reading process for reading a document image, and 204 denotes an image formation control unit which executes control of image formation on recording paper by the image forming unit.

An operation unit 205 controls the interface between the user and the image forming apparatus.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a data storage unit which is a device for storing data used by the controller unit 201 and the like. The data stored in the data storage unit 206 is stored even when the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode or the power supply to the entire image forming apparatus is stopped. Time data at the start of power saving, which is a feature of the present invention, is also stored here.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention. According to the power saving mode transition time information for each printer group to each output device in the server 12 shown in FIG. , Corresponding to the control procedure for transmitting the power saving mode transition command. In addition,
S101 to S112 indicate each step. Further, in FIG. 5, grp_id represents a variable indicating the printer group ID, grp_id_str represents a constant indicating the first printer group ID, grp_id_end represents a constant indicating the last printer group ID, and CNT1 shifts to the power saving mode. CNT2 represents a variable for counting the number of output devices, and CNT2 represents a variable for counting the number of output devices that did not shift to the power saving mode.

It is assumed that this control is started at the timing when the server 12 starts to provide the power saving mode transition command issuing service to the output devices 21 to 28, and the process is repeated while the service is provided.

After the start of this process, step S101 is the beginning of the loop process, and if this loop process is performed first, a variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID.
Is a constant grp_i indicating the first printer group ID.
A process of substituting d_str is performed. Further, in the case of the return process from step S104 at the end of the loop, a process of adding "1" to the value stored in the variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID and changing the value to indicate the next printer group id And after the processing, step S
Proceed to 102.

Then, in step S102, a process of reading the power saving mode transition time information of the printer group indicated by the variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID is performed, and after the reading, the process proceeds to step S103.

Then, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the measured time of the timer device 108 built in the server 12 and the power saving mode transition time information of the printer group read in the previous step S102 match. If it is determined that the measured time of the timer device 108 matches the power saving mode shift time information, the process exits the loop and the process proceeds to step S105. If it is determined that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S104, which is the end of the loop.

Then, step S104 is the end of the loop and is a variable grp_i indicating the printer group ID.
The value stored in d is the last printer group ID
Is compared with the constant grp_id_end indicating
If the value stored in _id is large, the process exits the loop and then returns to step S101 to grp_id_s.
The process of substituting tr is performed, and again grp_id_
If it is less than or equal to end, the process returns to step S101, and processing of adding "1" to the value stored in the variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID is performed.

Next, in step S105, a variable CN for counting the number of output devices that have transitioned to the power saving mode.
A process of initializing a variable CNT2 for counting the number of output devices that have not transitioned to T1 and the power saving mode is performed, and after the initialization process, the process proceeds to step S106.

Then, in step S106, the time from transmitting the power saving mode shift command to the output device belonging to the corresponding printer group until waiting for a response, that is, the second time for measuring the response waiting time. A process of starting the timer device is performed, and the post-start process of the second timer device is advanced to step S107.

Next, in step S107, a process of transmitting a power saving mode transition command is performed to the output device belonging to the corresponding printer group, that is, the printer group indicated by the variable grp_id, and after the transmission is completed, the process is executed. Proceed to step S108.

Then, in step 108, it is judged whether or not there is a response from the output device belonging to the corresponding printer group which has transmitted the power saving mode shift command, and a loop is formed until the response comes. That is, it plays the role of waiting for a response from the output device belonging to the corresponding printer group. Here, if there is a response from the output device, the process proceeds to step S109.

Then, in step S109, the server 1
Based on the received data that 2 responded to, it is determined whether or not the output device that has received the power saving mode transition command has transitioned to the power saving mode, and the processing is branched accordingly.

Here, if it is determined that the received output device has transitioned to the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step S110, and if it is determined that the received output device has not transitioned to the power saving mode. In some cases,
The process proceeds to step S111.

Then, in step S110, since the output device that has responded has shifted to the power saving mode,
A process of adding "1" to a variable CNT1 for counting the number of output devices that have shifted to the power saving mode is performed, and after the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S112.

Then, in step S111, since the output device that has responded has not transitioned to the power saving mode, "1" is added to the variable CNT2 for counting the number of output devices that have not transitioned to the power saving mode. The process of adding is performed, and after the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S112.

Then, in step S112, a process of determining whether or not the measurement time of the second timer device for measuring the response waiting time has reached the response waiting time is performed. If it is determined that the time is within the response time, the process returns to step S108 to wait for the response from the output device belonging to another applicable printer group, and if the measurement time of the second timer device reaches the response time. If so, it is determined to be a timeout, the process is returned to the loop starting from step S101, and the process is made to wait until the power saving mode transition time of any printer group and the timer device measurement time match.

6 and 7 show a server device according to the present invention,
It is a figure explaining the power-saving mode shift processing state based on the power-saving mode shift command in an image processing device, and the power-saving mode shift time information for every printer group accumulated in the server 12 shown in FIG. At this time, it corresponds to the outline of the mechanism of transmitting the power saving mode shift command to the output devices 21 to 28 belonging to the corresponding printer group, and shifting the output devices 21 to 28 belonging to the corresponding printer group to the power saving mode. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In particular, FIG. 6 shows that when the power saving mode transition time information classified for each printer group stored in the server 12 coincides with the measured time, the output device belonging to the corresponding printer group. 21, 23, 24
7 corresponds to the state of transmitting the power saving mode shift command to the output device 2 that belongs to the corresponding printer group upon receipt of the power save mode shift command from the server 12.
It corresponds to the state in which 1, 23, and 24 perform processing according to the judgment of their respective control devices and respond to the server 12.

Here, although the output devices 26 to 28 are omitted, the operation of each of the output devices 26 to 28 is the same as that of the output devices 21 to 25 described below.

First, in FIG. 6, the server 12 stores the power saving mode shift time information 40 stored in the power saving mode shift time information data area for each printer group therein.
Since the measured time of the timer device built in the server 12 also coincides, the power saving mode shift command is transmitted to the output devices 21, 23 and 24 belonging to the corresponding printer group.

Here, the output devices belonging to the printer group of the power saving mode shift time information 40 are the output devices 21, 23 and 24 in the figure, and the output devices 22 and 25 do not belong. The flow of the power saving mode transition command is shown by an arrow 61 in the figure.

Next, in FIG. 7, the output devices 21, 23, 24 belonging to the corresponding printer group are
Upon receiving the power saving mode shift command from the server 12, each output device 21, 23, 24 determines whether or not to shift to the power save mode according to the state / setting of each control unit, and the server 12 is determined according to the result. The process of returning a response is performed. Details of the power saving mode transition determination process performed by each of the output devices 21, 23 and 24 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, the output devices 21 and 23 belonging to the printer group shift from the standby mode to the power saving mode, and respond to the server 12 to inform the server 12 that the power saving mode shifting process has been completed (see FIG. 7) (indicated by arrow 62).

The output device 24 is already in the power saving mode at the time of receiving the power saving mode shift command, so that the response process to the server 12 is not performed.

With such a configuration, according to the power saving mode shift time information for each printer group stored in the server 12, the output device of the corresponding printer group is automatically shifted to the power saving mode. .

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. When a power saving mode shift command is received from the server 12 via the network 11, the printer group in question It corresponds to the procedure for determining whether or not to immediately shift to the power saving mode by the control device of the output device belonging to. It should be noted that this processing is started after receiving a power saving mode transition command of the printer group to which the output device itself belongs from the server 12 via the network 11. In addition, S201 to S20
Reference numeral 7 indicates each step. Further, in each step, the CPU in the controller unit provided in each output device performs RO
The determination process is performed by executing a control program read from a storage device such as M or a hard disk.

First, in step S201, a process for checking the data received from the server 12 is called to perform a data check, and after the check, the process proceeds to step S202.

Then, in step S202, in the data check received from the server 12 in step S201, it is determined whether or not the data sent from the server 12 is a power saving mode shift command, and the processing is performed accordingly. It is branched. Here, if it is determined that the command is not the power saving mode shift command, the process itself ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the data sent from the server 12 is the power saving mode shift command, the process proceeds to step S203.

Then, in step S203, a process for determining whether or not the image output process is being performed in the output device under the control is executed. If the output device is in the output job, That is, when it is determined that the image output process is being performed, a loop is formed to make this process wait until the output process is completed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the output is not being performed or that the output process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S204.

Then, in step S204, the power saving mode setting of the output device is read, and the processing flow is branched accordingly. That is, the user determines whether or not to ignore the power saving mode shift command from the server 12 based on the setting made to the output device. If it is determined that the power save mode shift command is not ignored, the process is executed. The process proceeds to step S205, and if it is determined that the setting for ignoring the power saving mode transition command is performed, the process proceeds to step S206.
Proceed to.

Then, in step S205, since the setting given to the output device by the user in step S204 is such that the power saving mode shift command from the server 12 is not ignored, the power saving mode shift control is called and executed. , After the power saving mode is entered, the process is performed in step S20.
Proceed to 7.

Then, in step S207, since the output device itself shifts to the power saving mode by the processing performed in step S205, a process of transmitting a response indicating that the power saving mode shift is completed to the server 12 is executed. Is going. After the transmission ends, this process ends.

On the other hand, in step S206, since the setting given to the output device by the user in step S204 is set to ignore the power saving mode shift command from the server 12, the server 12 is instructed to shift to the power save mode. Process to send a response indicating that
After completion of the transmission, this process ends.

FIG. 9 shows the client device 3 shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example of the update setting screen of the power saving mode shift time information data displayed by 1-34, for updating the power saving mode shift time information data built into the server 12 at the client device 31-34 side. It corresponds to the display example of the clientware of. In addition, configure the software for the display as an independent utility, or
Alternatively, it is arbitrary whether the output device is configured to be subordinate to the driver software unique to the output device.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 71 is a display box for displaying the printer group to which the power saving mode transition time information belongs. Reference numeral 72 denotes a display box for displaying the power saving mode transition time information data, which is configured so that an arbitrary printer group can be set by a user's operation. This display box 72 displays the year, month, day, hour,
It is divided into minutes and seconds, and the user can rewrite from the client device.

Reference numeral 73 denotes a registration button, which is displayed in the display box 72 belonging to the printer group displayed in the display box 71 on the client device when the user performs a process of selecting the registration button 73 from the client device. The power saving mode transition time information data is transmitted to the server 12.

When the server 12 receives this data, the power saving mode shift time information accumulated in the power saving mode shift time information data area of the printer group displayed in the display box 70 built in the server 12 is displayed. The process of updating 40 is performed.

When the server 12 performs a process of updating the power saving mode shift time information for each printer group, the updated power saving mode shift time information is used as a trigger to belong to each printer group. The process of transmitting to the output device is started.

Reference numeral 74 denotes an erase button. When the user selects the erase button 74 on the client device, the power saving mode transition time information data 40 of the printer group displayed in the display box 70 on the client device is displayed. Is deleted from the power saving mode shift time information data area built in the server 12, the client devices 31 to 34 perform a process of transmitting to the server 12.

On the server 12 side, when the data deletion request is received from the client devices 31 to 34, the corresponding power saving mode shift stored in the power saving mode shift time information data area 40 built in the server 12 is stored. Processing to delete time information is being performed.

According to the present embodiment described above, the output devices connected to the network in the server 12 are organized for each printer group, and the power saving mode transition time information of the output devices for each printer group is centrally managed. ing.

Further, when the timer measurement time information data 40 built in the server 12 and the power saving mode shift time information data of each printer group match, the power saving mode shift is performed to the output device belonging to the corresponding printer group. The configuration is such that an instruction is transmitted via the network and the output devices belonging to the printer group can be automatically switched to the power saving mode in synchronization.

Also, the server centrally manages the power saving mode shift time of the print processing system for each print group, and the measured time of the timer device also incorporated in the server and the power save mode shift time information for each print group match. At this time, the power saving mode shift command is issued to the output device belonging to the printer group, and the output device which received the command can automatically perform the control to shift to the power saving mode. In addition, by setting different power saving mode transition times for each group to which each printer belongs,
It is possible to issue different power saving mode transition commands for each printer group.

As a result, it is not necessary for the user to visit each output device connected to the network to perform the setting operation of the power saving mode transition time information, and the convenience of the user can be expected to improve.

In addition, the user may perform different power saving mode transition time information setting operations on the timer devices of the output devices, or the user may make a mistake in setting the power saving mode for the timer devices of the output devices. It is possible to avoid the situation of forgetting to set the transition time information and expect improvement in power consumption reduction.

Further, the output devices connected to the network are classified according to the power saving mode transition time, grouped for each printer group, and collectively managed by the server side, so that different power saving can be achieved for each group to which each printer desired by the user belongs. It is possible to set the mode transition time, which can be expected to improve user convenience.

When the printer receives a command from the server for instructing the printer to switch to the power saving mode, the user can select whether to switch to the power saving mode or ignore the power saving mode transition according to the command. Can be applied.

Furthermore, it becomes possible for the user to set the output device, which expects to improve the efficiency of the image output process by reducing the power consumption, to ignore the power saving mode shift command from the server. Expected to improve convenience.

Further, even when the output device during the image output process receives the power saving mode shift command from the server, it is possible to give priority to the image output process and shift to the power saving mode after the output is completed. It is possible to achieve both image forming efficiency and reduction of power consumption.

Further, it is possible to update the power saving mode transition time information of an arbitrary printer group stored in the server by an operation of the user from an arbitrary client device connected to the network, which improves the convenience of the user. Can be expected.

Second Embodiment FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data format of power saving mode shift command issuance time information and power saving mode shift command cancellation time information in the server device and the image processing device showing the embodiment. This corresponds to the data format example of the power saving mode shift command issuance time information and the power saving mode shift command release time information built into the 28.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 951 is a printer group ID, 952 is a printer ID of a printer belonging to the printer group, and 953 is a record in which power saving mode transition command issuance time information of the printer group is stored.
Reference numeral 954 is a record in which power saving mode transition command release time information of the printer group is stored.

A unique printer ID 952 is assigned to each of the output devices 21 to 28. Further, each printer belongs to a printer group, and as shown in the figure, the printer group ID 95 to which the printer belongs
A printer ID 952 is recorded for each category by category.

In each record 953 indicating the power saving mode transition command issuance time information, date and time information of a desired transition to the power saving mode of the printer belonging to each printer group is recorded. The server control unit 101 of the server 12 issues a power saving mode transition command when the power saving mode transition command issuing time information for each printer group matches the time measured by the timer device 108 incorporated in the server 12. Is done.

Date and time information for canceling the power saving mode shift command of the printers belonging to each printer group is recorded in each record 954 indicating the power saving mode shift command discard (cancel) time information. Server control unit 10 of server 12
Reference numeral 1 indicates a power-saving mode shift command for the corresponding printer group that has already been issued when the power-saving mode shift command discard time information for each printer group matches the time measured by the timer device 108 incorporated in the server 12. Is canceled.

Further, these printer group IDs 95
1, the printer ID 952, the power saving mode shift command issuing time information 953 for each printer group, and the power saving mode shift command discarding time information 954 are recorded and managed by the server 12.

In the present embodiment, reference numeral 104 denotes a power saving mode shift time information database in which the power saving mode shift command issuing time information and the power saving mode shift command discard time information set for each printer group are recorded. There is.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention, which corresponds to the issuing / discarding control procedure of the power saving mode transition command for each output device 21-28 in the server 12. To do. In the figure, grp_id represents a variable indicating the printer group ID, grp_id_str represents a constant indicating the top printer group ID, and grp_
id_end represents a constant indicating the last printer group ID. Further, S301 to S309 indicate each step.

It is assumed that this control starts at the timing when the server 12 starts providing the power saving mode transition command issuing service to each of the output devices 21 to 28, and the processing is repeatedly performed while the service is provided. .

After the start of this process, in step S301, the response process on the server side to the inquiry of the power saving mode shift command from each of the output devices 21 to 28 is started, and after the response process is started, the process proceeds to step S302. Proceed.

Step S302 is the beginning of the loop processing, and when this loop processing is performed first, processing for substituting the constant grp_id_str indicating the leading printer group ID for the variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID is performed. In addition, step S3 at the end of the loop
In the case of the return processing from 06, "1" is added to the value stored in the variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID, and the processing for changing to the next printer group id is performed. Proceed to S303.

Then, in step S303, a process of reading the power saving mode transition command issuance time information of the printer group designated by the variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID is performed, and after the reading, the process proceeds to step S304.

Then, in step S304, it is determined whether or not the measured time of the timer device 108 incorporated in the server 12 and the printer group power saving mode transition command issuance time information read in step S303 match. The server control unit 101 performs the above, and if the timer device 10
When it is determined that the measured time of 8 coincides with the power saving mode transition command issuance time information, the loop is exited, the process proceeds to step S306, and the variable gr is stored in the storage unit in the server 12.
A process of storing the power saving mode shift command of the printer group pointed to by p_id is performed, and after the storage is completed, a process of returning the process to step S302 that is the beginning of the loop is performed.

On the other hand, in step S304, the timer device 1
When the server control unit 101 determines that the measured time of 08 does not match the power saving mode transition time information, the process proceeds to step S305.

Then, in step 105, a process of reading the power saving mode transition command discard time information of the printer group indicated by the variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID is performed, and after the reading, the process proceeds to step S307.

Then, in step S307, it is determined whether or not the measured time of the timer device 108 built in the server 12 and the printer group power saving mode transition command discard time information read in step S305 match. When the server control unit 101 determines that the measured time of the timer device 108 matches the power saving mode transition command discard time information, the process exits the loop and the process proceeds to step S.
309, if it is determined that the measured time of the timer device 108 does not match the power saving mode transition time information,
It proceeds to step S308.

Note that step S308 is the end of the loop, and is a variable grp_id indicating the printer group ID.
The value stored in is compared with a constant grp_id_end indicating the last printer group ID, and if grp_
If the value stored in the variable grp_id is larger than id_end, the process exits the loop and then step S30.
2, the process of substituting grp_id_str is performed, and if it is less than or equal to grp_id_end, the process returns to step S302 and the variable gr indicating the printer group ID is returned.
A process of adding "1" to the value stored in p_id is performed.

On the other hand, in step S309, since it is determined that the power saving mode transition command discard time information of the printer group pointed to by the variable grp_id and the measured time of the timer device 108 match, the data is stored in the storage means in the server 12. The process for discarding the power saving mode transition command of the printer group pointed to by the variable grp_id is performed, and after the termination of the process, the process is returned to step S302 which is the head of the loop.

12 to 15 are views for explaining the power saving mode shift processing state based on the power saving mode shift command in the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention.
2 stores the power saving mode transition command information 40-a and 40-b for each printer group stored in the output devices 21 to 21.
It corresponds to the outline of the mechanism of responding to the inquiry from 28 to the output device of the inquiry source and controlling whether or not each output device shifts to the power saving mode in response to the response.

In FIG. 12, the output device 21 is connected to the server 12 connected to the same network 11, and
Printer group G1 (printer Gr
13 corresponds to the state in which the acquisition request of the power saving mode shift command information 40-a is sent to the output device of the printer group G1 in FIG. 21 corresponds to a state in which transition control to the power saving mode is performed, and FIG.
2 corresponds to the state in which the server 12 is transmitting an acquisition request for the power saving mode transition command information 40-b of the printer group G2 (printer Grp: 002) to which the output device 21 belongs, and FIG. 12 corresponds to the state of receiving the power saving mode shift command information data 40-b of the printer group G2.

First, in FIG. 12, the output device 21 sends an inquiry to the server 12 as to whether or not a power saving mode shift command has been issued to the printer group G1 to which the output device 21 belongs. In the figure, it is indicated by an arrow 11-61. Further, this transmission operation is performed at a certain time interval by the measurement of a second timer (not shown) inside the output device 21.

Next, in FIG. 13, the server 12 which has received the inquiry from the output device 21 as to whether or not the power saving mode shift command has been issued sends the printer group to which the requesting output device 21 belongs to the server 12. The built-in printer group information database 103 is searched. In this embodiment, the output device 21 belongs to the printer group G1.

Next, the server 12 carries out a process for searching whether or not the power saving mode shift command of the printer group to which the request source belongs is issued. Since the output device 21 belongs to the printer group G1, the printer group G1
The power saving mode transition command information 40-a is searched. In this embodiment, a power saving mode transition command is issued.

The server 12 uses the output device 21 of the inquiry source.
A response indicating that the power saving mode transition command has been issued is transmitted to the. In the figure, it is indicated by an arrow 11-62.

Next, when the output device 21 receives from the server 12 the data indicating that the printer group G1 to which the output device 21 belongs has issued the power saving mode shift command, the output device 21 immediately shifts to the power save mode. Perform control processing. Details of the power saving mode shift command information acquisition request process and power saving mode shift control performed by the output device 21 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16.

Similarly, in FIG. 14, the output device 22 sends an inquiry to the server 12 as to whether or not a power saving mode shift command has been issued to the printer group G2 to which the output device 22 belongs. . In the figure, it is indicated by an arrow 11-63. It should be noted that this transmission operation is performed at a constant time interval as measured by the second timer inside the output device 22.

Next, in FIG. 15, the server 12, which has received the inquiry from the output device 22 as to whether or not the power saving mode shift command has been issued, sets the printer group to which the output device 22 of the request source belongs to the server 12. The built-in printer group information database 103 is searched. In the present embodiment, the output device 22 belongs to the printer group G2.

Next, the server 12 carries out a process for searching whether or not a power saving mode shift command has been issued for the printer group to which the request source belongs. Since the output device 22 belongs to the printer group G2, the printer group G2
The power saving mode transition command information 40-b of is searched. In this embodiment, the power saving mode transition command is not issued. The server 12 transmits a response indicating that the power saving mode transition command has not been issued, to the output device 22 that is the inquiry source. In FIG. 15, it is indicated by an arrow 11-64.

The output device 22 receives the response from the server 12, and since the power saving mode transition command has not been issued to the printer group (group G2) to which the output device 22 belongs, the control in the standby mode is continued.

Although the description of the operation of the output devices 23 to 28 is omitted here, the output device 2 described above is used.
The same operation as that of 1 and 22 is performed.

As described above, the output devices 21 to 28 issue inquiries to the server 12 for each printer group to which the output devices 21 to 28 are added and issue an inquiry request as to whether or not a power saving mode transition command is issued. Therefore, each of the output devices 21 to 28 is configured to determine whether or not there is a transition to the power saving mode. If the power saving mode transition command issuance time is set for each printer group in the server 12, the output that belongs to the corresponding printer group is output. It is possible to configure the device to automatically shift to the power saving mode.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, which shows a power saving mode transition command inquiry processing procedure performed on the server 12 in the output devices 21 to 28. Correspond. Further, it is assumed that the present control procedure is started at the timing when power is supplied to each of the output devices 21 to 28, and the process is repeatedly performed while the control unit of the output device is functioning. Furthermore, S401 to S409 indicate each step.

First, in step S401, a process for activating two timers for measuring the time interval for transmitting the power saving mode shift command information acquisition request of the printer group to which the output device itself belongs to the server 12 is performed. After calling and starting the timer, the process proceeds to step S402.

Then, in step S402, a process of comparing whether or not the measured time of the timer has reached the timing of transmitting the power saving mode transition command information acquisition request, and the timer transmits the acquisition request. Form a loop until the timing is reached. That is, it works to wait for processing until the timing comes. If the timer has reached the timing for transmitting the acquisition request, the process proceeds to step S403.

Then, in step S403, the output device performs a process of transmitting a power saving mode transition command information acquisition request to which the output device itself belongs to the server 12, and after the transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S404. .

Then, in step S404, it is determined whether or not the response to the power saving mode shift command information acquisition request to which the output device itself belongs is received from the server 12, and the server 12 responds to the power saving mode shift command information acquisition request. Loop until you receive. That is, it functions to wait for processing until a response is received.

Here, if the server control unit 101 determines that the response of the power saving mode transition command information acquisition request to which the output device itself belongs is received from the server 12, the process proceeds to step S405.

Then, in step S405, a process for checking the data received from the server 12 is called. That is, it is checked whether or not it is a response to the power saving mode transition command information acquisition request transmitted from the output device.
After checking the data, the process proceeds to step S406.

Then, in step S406, it is determined from the response data whether or not the server 12 has issued the power saving mode transition command, and the process branches. Here, if it is determined that the server 12 has issued the power saving mode transition command to which the output device itself belongs, the processing is performed in step S40.
7, the process proceeds to step S409 if the server 12 has not issued the power saving mode transition command to which the output device itself belongs.

Then, in step S407, a process for determining whether or not the image output process is being performed in the output device under the control is performed, and if the image output process is being performed in the output device. If it is determined that this is the case, a loop is formed to wait this process until the output process ends.

On the other hand, in step S407, if the output is not being performed or the output process is completed, the process proceeds to step S408.

Then, in step S408, the power saving mode shift control is called, and after shifting to the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step S409 to transmit the power saving mode shift command information acquisition request to which the output device itself belongs to the server 12. Processing for initializing the timer for measuring the time interval is performed, and after the initialization is completed, the processing is performed in step S40.
It forms a loop back to 2.

From this, it can be seen that, when the output device is activated, the power-saving mode shift command information managed by the server 12 is always heard at regular intervals. Further, the time interval for listening to the power saving mode transition command information can be set by the user.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of the power saving mode shift time information displayed on the client devices 31 to 34 shown in FIG.
4 corresponds to a display example of clientware for updating the data of the power saving mode transition time information records 51 and 52 built in the server 12. The same parts as those in FIG. 9 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 17, reference numeral 75 is a display box for displaying power saving mode transition command discard time information.
The display box 75 is divided into years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds, and the user can rewrite from the client device.

Reference numeral 73 denotes a registration button. When the user performs a process of selecting the registration button 73 on the client device, the display box 7 of the printer group displayed in the display box 71 on the client device is also displayed.
The power saving mode transition command issuance time information and the power saving mode transition command discard time information displayed in 2 and 75 are displayed on the server 1 respectively.
2 is sent. When this data is received on the server 12 side, the power saving mode transition command issuance time information and the power saving mode transition command discard time information stored in the data areas 953 and 954 for each printer group built in the server 12 are updated. Processing is performed.

When the registered power saving mode transition command issuance time information for each printer group matches the measured time of the timer device built in the server 12, the server 12 sends the power saving mode transition command to the corresponding printer group. Issue.

When the registered power saving mode command discard time information for each printer group and the measured time of the timer device built in the server 12 match, the server 12
Performs a process of discarding the power saving mode transition command for the corresponding printer group.

Reference numeral 74 is an erase button. When the user selects the erase button 74 from the client device, the display box 7 of the printer group displayed in the display box 71 on the client device is also displayed.
The server 1 stores the power saving mode transition command issuance time information and the power saving mode transition command discard time information, which are respectively displayed in 2 and 75
The client devices 31 to 34 perform a process of transmitting to the server 12 a delete request to delete from the power saving mode transition time information data areas 951 and 952 of the printer group corresponding to No. 2.

When the server 12 receives this data deletion request from the client devices 31 to 34, it stores the corresponding printer group stored in the power saving mode transition time information data areas 953 and 954 built in the server 12. The processing for deleting the power saving mode transition command issuance time information and the power saving mode transition command discard time information is performed.

According to this embodiment, the server centrally manages the power saving mode shift time of the entire print processing system for each printer group, and the measurement time of the timer device also incorporated in the server and the power save mode shift time for each printer group are also controlled. When the information matches, the power saving mode shift command for the corresponding printer group is issued and saved, and each output device inquires of the server whether the power saving mode shift command has been issued for the printer group to which it belongs. It is possible to control the shift to the power saving mode according to the above.

Further, the server centrally manages the power saving mode shift time of the print processing system for each printer group, and the measured time of the timer device also built in the server and the power save mode shift time information of a certain printer group match. At this time, the power saving mode shift command is issued and saved, and each output device inquires of the server whether or not the power saving mode shift command has been issued to the printer group to which the output device itself belongs, and according to the It is possible to control the transition to the mode.

This eliminates the need for the user to visit each output device connected to the network to set the power saving mode transition time information, which can be expected to improve the user's convenience.

[0209] In addition, the user may perform different power saving mode transition time information setting operations for the timer devices of the output devices, or the user may make a mistake in setting the power saving mode for the timer devices of the output devices. It is possible to avoid the situation of forgetting to set the transition time information and expect improvement in power consumption reduction.

Further, the output devices connected to the network are classified according to the power saving mode transition time, grouped for each printer group, and collectively managed by the server side, so that the power saving that is different for each group to which each printer desired by the user belongs. It is possible to set the mode transition time. This can be expected to improve user convenience.

Also, each output device can listen to the power saving mode transition time information of each printer group stored in the server at a certain time interval.

Further, the user can set the time interval for the output device to listen to the power saving mode transition command information of the printer group to which the output device itself is stored in the server. This can be expected to reduce the load on the network.

Further, it is possible to prioritize the image output processing and shift to the power saving mode after the output is completed, and it is possible to achieve both the image forming efficiency and the reduction of power consumption.

Further, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image forming efficiency due to the shift to the power saving mode during the time period when the image forming apparatus frequently outputs. Further, the image forming efficiency can be improved by classifying the printer groups having different output times of the image forming apparatus and having different time zones into different printer groups and managing the power saving mode transition command time information. Further, it becomes possible to update the power saving mode shift time information stored in the server by an operation of the user from any client device connected to the network. This can be expected to improve user convenience.

[Third Embodiment] In the above-described embodiment, FIG.
The case where the power saving mode transition command issuance time can be set for the server 12 by any of the client devices 31 to 34 shown in FIG. 1 has been described, but from the respective operation units of the output devices 21 to 28 shown in FIG. The server 12 may be configured to be able to set the power saving mode transition command issuance time. The embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an example of the operating section of the image processing apparatus showing the third embodiment of the present invention. The operating section 1770 is used by the user to perform copying processing, image reading processing, and image processing on the output apparatus. It plays the role of an interface when performing output processing and various setting processing.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 1771 denotes a display unit, which plays a role of transmitting various information such as the setting status and operation status of the output device to the user. In addition, the display unit 177
Reference numeral 1 has a built-in pressure detection device, and the user can switch the display contents and various settings by pressing various metaphors displayed on the display unit.

Reference numeral 1772 denotes a user setting key, which is an operation screen which is pressed when more detailed settings are made on the output device and which is used to issue an update request to the server for the power saving mode transition time information which is a feature of the present invention. It is used when outputting to the display unit 1771.

Reference numeral 1773 is a ten-key pad, which is used when the output device is to be set by inputting numerical information by the user's operation.

FIG. 19 shows the operation unit 1770 shown in FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a power saving mode timer setting screen displayed on the display unit 1771 of FIG. 17, and the same components as those in FIG. This operation screen corresponds to an example of an operation screen for issuing an update request to the server 12 for the power saving mode transition time information for each printer group.

In FIG. 19, reference numeral 1881 denotes a display box for displaying the printer group to which the output device itself performing this operation belongs. Here, the displayed printer group information makes an inquiry to the server 12 and makes an inquiry. Display box 1881
Is displayed (display processing is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. 20). On the server 12 side, in response to a printer group inquiry request from the output device, an inquiry is made to the printer group information database 103, and the result is returned to the inquiry source output device as a response.

Reference numeral 1882 is a display box for displaying and changing the power saving mode transition time information by the user. The display box 1882 is divided into years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds, and the user manually operates the ten keys 1773.

Reference numeral 1883 denotes a server registration button. When the user performs a process of selecting the server registration button 1883 from the operation unit 1770 of the output device, the operation unit 1770 is executed.
The power saving mode transition time information displayed in the upper display box 1881 is transmitted to the server 12. When this data is received on the server 12 side, the power saving mode transition time information stored in the power saving mode transition time information data area 953 of the printer group to which the output device of the update request source built in the server 12 is updated. Processing is performed.

When the server 12 performs the processing for updating the power saving mode shift time information, this is used as a trigger to output the updated power saving mode shift time information of the printer group to each output connected to the network 11. Device 2
The process of transmitting to 1 to 28 is started.

Reference numeral 1884 denotes an operation button for closing the operation screen for issuing a request for updating the power saving mode shift time information to the server.

On the other hand, it is possible to delete a specific power saving mode shift time from the server 12 as well, which is also possible from the operation screen. If the user performs this deletion process from an output device, the power save mode shifts. A process of transmitting to the server 12 a deletion request to delete the time information from the power saving mode transition time information data area 953 of the printer group to which the output device of the deletion request source built in the server 12 belongs is performed.

When this data deletion request is received on the server 12 side, it is stored in the power saving mode transition time information data area 953 of the printer group to which the output device of the deletion request source, which is built in the server 12, belongs, The corresponding power saving mode transition time information is being deleted.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of the third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The power saving mode transition time information for each printer group shown in FIG. 19 is updated to the server 12. This corresponds to the control procedure on the image processing apparatus side when the process of selecting the server registration button 1883 is performed by the user's operation on the operation screen for issuing a request. Note that S501 to S501
Reference numeral 513 indicates each step.

In this processing, the operation unit 177 displays an operation screen for issuing a request for updating the power saving mode transition time information to the server.
0 is started at the timing of display, and in step S501 after this process is started, the server group 12 acquires the printer group ID information to which the output device belongs.
To the printer group ID transmission request processing. After the transmission processing of the printer group ID transmission request, the process proceeds to step S502.

Then, in step S502, the printer group I of the printer group to which the output device belongs
It is determined whether or not there is a response from the server 12 that has transmitted the D acquisition request, and a loop is formed until a response comes. That is, it has a role of waiting for a response from the server 12.

If there is a response from the server 12, the process proceeds to step S503 and the server 1
The process branches depending on the response from 2. That is, when the response from the server 12 is a normal response including the printer group ID to which the output device belongs, the process proceeds to step S504, and again, the response from the server 12 is
If an error response is returned due to a factor such as that the output device that issued the acquisition request does not belong to the printer group of the server 12, the process proceeds to step S505, and the power saving mode transition time information Timer_Dat set by the user is set.
In order to inform the user that the information is not transmitted to the server 12 because a is not consistent, a process of displaying an error message on the display unit 1771 of the operation unit 1770 is performed, and after the display process is completed, this process is performed. To finish.

On the other hand, in step S503, the server 1
The response from 2 is the printer group ID to which the output device belongs.
If it is determined that the normal response contains
In step S504, the display unit 1771 displays the printer group to which the output device itself acquired from the server 12 belongs.
Is displayed in the display box 1881, and after the display process is completed, the process proceeds to step S506.

Then, in step S506, the controller unit on the output device side determines whether or not the operation of selecting the server registration button 1883 is performed, and a loop is formed until the selection operation is performed. That is, it has a role of waiting the process until the user selects the server registration button 1883. Here, if the user selects (presses) the server record button 1883, the process proceeds to step S5.
Proceed to 07.

Then, in step S507, processing for calling the processing for checking the consistency of the power saving mode transition time information Timer_Data of the printer group to which the output device belongs is performed.

Specifically, power saving mode transition time information Ti
Whether or not the date and time of mer_Data exists in the actual calendar, or the date and time of the power saving mode transition time information Timer_Data is in the future, based on the current time information held in the measuring device (timer device etc.) built in the output device. It is checked whether there is any, and after the check is completed, the process proceeds to step S508.

Then, in step S508, power saving mode transition time information Timer_Dat of the printer group to which the output device checked in step S507 belongs.
The processing is branched depending on whether or not there is consistency of a. here,
If it is determined that there is consistency, step S5
09, and if it is determined that there is no consistency, the process proceeds to step S505.

Then, in step S509, the output device performs a process of transmitting the power saving mode transition time information Timer_Data to the server 12, and after the transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S510.

Then, in step S510, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the server 12 that has transmitted the power saving mode transition time information Timer_Data of the printer group to which the output device belongs, and a loop is formed until a response comes. That is, it plays a role of waiting for a response from the server 12.

If it is determined that there is a response from the server 12, the process proceeds to step S511.
Then, the process proceeds to step S12 and determines the content of the response from the server 12 that has transmitted the power saving mode transition time information Timer_Data of the printer group to which the output device belongs, and branches the processing accordingly. That is, it is determined whether the transmitted power saving mode shift time information Timer_Data is registered in the server 12, and if it is determined that the response is that the power saving mode shift time information Timer_Data is registered in the server 12. , The process proceeds to step S512, and again the server 12 saves power saving mode transition time information T.
If it is determined that the response has the content that the imager_Data has not been registered, the process proceeds to step S51.
Proceed to 3.

[0240] Then, in step S512, a message for notifying the user that the power saving mode transition time information Timer_Data to which the output device to which the user belongs is registered in the server 12 is displayed on the operation unit 177.
The process of displaying 0 on the display unit 1771 is performed, and after this display process is completed, this process is completed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S511 that the response indicates that the power saving mode transition time information Timer_Data has not been registered in the server 12, the power saving to which the output device set by the user belongs in step S513. Mode transition time information Timer_Dat
In order to notify the user that a has not been registered in the server 12, a process of displaying an error message on the display unit 1771 of the operation unit 1770 is performed, and after the display process is completed, this process is terminated.

According to the above embodiment, it is possible to update the power saving mode transition time information for each printer group to the server 12 from any output device connected to the network by the user's operation. According to this, that is, based on the updated power saving mode shift time information for each printer group, the server can issue a power saving mode shift command to each output device.

If the server centrally manages the power saving mode shift time of the print processing system for each print group and sets the power save mode shift time information to any output device belonging to a certain printer group connected to the network. When the output device that has been set performs the information update processing of the corresponding printer group to the server and the measured time of the timer device also built in the server and the power saving mode transition time information for each printer group match, It is possible to issue a power saving mode shift command to an output device that belongs to the corresponding printer group, and the output device that receives the command can automatically control to shift to the power saving mode.

Also, by setting different power saving mode shift times in the server for each group to which each printer belongs, it becomes possible to issue power saving mode shift commands at different times for each printer group.

This eliminates the need for the user to visit each output device connected to the network to perform the setting operation of the power saving mode transition time information, which can be expected to improve the user's convenience.

[0246] Further, the user may make different settings for the power saving mode transition time information for the timer device of each output device, or the user may make a mistake to save power to the timer device of the output device. It is possible to avoid the situation of forgetting to set the mode transition time information, and it can be expected to reduce power consumption.

Further, the output devices connected to the network are classified according to the power saving mode transition time, grouped for each printer group, and collectively managed by the server side, so that different power saving can be achieved for each group to which each printer desired by the user belongs. It is possible to set the mode transition time. This can be expected to improve user convenience.

Further, when the printer receives a command from the server to shift the printer group to which the printer itself belongs to the power saving mode, the printer shifts to the power saving mode according to the command or ignores the power saving mode shift. Since control is performed to select either one, it becomes possible for the user to freely select the power saving mode process desired by the user, and for the output device that the user expects to improve the efficiency of the image output process by reducing the power consumption, It is possible to make a setting that ignores the power saving mode transition command from the server, and it is expected that the convenience of the user will be improved.

When the printer receives the command from the server to shift the printer group to which the printer itself belongs to the power saving mode, when the image output processing is in progress, control is performed to shift to the power saving mode after the output processing ends. Therefore, even when the output device during the image output process receives the power saving mode shift command from the server, it is possible to prioritize the image output process and shift to the power save mode after the output is completed, thereby improving the image forming efficiency and the consumption. It is possible to achieve both reduction of power consumption.

Further, it becomes possible for each output device to listen to the power saving mode shift time information stored in the server at some time intervals. In addition, the user can set the time interval for the output device to listen to the power saving mode transition time information stored in the server. This can be expected to reduce the load on the network.

Further, when the time measured by the timer device in the printer coincides with the time for inquiring the server about the power saving mode shift command information, the power saving is performed if the printer is performing image output processing. Since control is performed to delay the inquiry processing of the mode transition command information until after the output processing is completed, it is possible to prioritize the image output processing, and to shift to the power saving mode after the output is completed, and achieve both image forming efficiency and reduction in power consumption. It becomes possible.

Further, the server has a management means for managing the power saving mode shift command release time information of the printer for each printer group, and the timer device measures the power saving mode shift command release time. When the time information matches, the control for discarding the command for instructing the printer belonging to the corresponding printer group to shift to the power saving mode from the storage unit in the server is performed, so that the image output process is prioritized and after the output is completed. It is possible to shift to the power saving mode, and it is possible to achieve both image forming efficiency and reduction of power consumption.

By setting different power saving mode transition command release times in the server for each group to which each printer belongs, it is possible to adjust the time zone in which image output processing is prioritized for each printer group.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In each printer shown in FIG. 1, a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server apparatus is detected. It corresponds to the processing procedure for the user to switch whether to perform an inquiry for inquiring whether or not the server apparatus holds the power saving mode shift instruction for the own group. Note that S601 to S604 indicate each step.

In step S601, the user detects the power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device or inquires of the server device whether or not the power save mode shift command for its own group is held. It is determined which of the two states is selected and the process is branched. If it is determined that the one that detects the power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device is selected, the process proceeds to step S602. If execution of an inquiry for inquiring whether or not the power saving mode shift command for the own group is held to the server device is selected, the process proceeds to step S603.

In step S602, power saving setting is executed by detecting a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server according to the user's selection.

In step S603, the power saving mode shifting process is executed by executing an inquiry for inquiring of the server device whether or not the power saving mode shifting command for its own group is held, in accordance with the user's selection. To finish.

In step S604, a power saving mode shift command is acquired from the server device, power saving mode shift processing is executed, and the processing ends.

The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by an image processing system to which the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by the image processing system to which the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not particularly shown, information for managing the program group stored in the storage medium, such as version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as the program, is stored. In some cases, an icon or the like for identification and display is also stored.

Further, the data dependent on various programs are also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in a computer, or a program for decompressing the program to be installed when it is compressed may be stored.

FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 11, and FIG.
The functions shown in FIGS. 16, 20, and 21 may be performed by the host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, CD-
With storage media such as ROM, flash memory, and FD,
Alternatively, the present invention is applicable even when an information group including a program is supplied to an output device from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium recording the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP of the system or apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by U) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

A storage medium for supplying the program code is, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, C
A D-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM or the like can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that the processing includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

[0269]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the sixtieth invention, each power saving mode is transmitted to each image processing device based on each power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device that manages the power saving mode transition time information of each image processing device for each group. By controlling the execution state of the power saving mode processing according to the instruction, the server apparatus, under the initiative of the server apparatus, centrally manages the power saving mode transition instructions of a plurality of image processing apparatuses existing on the network and groups them. It is possible to freely configure an image processing environment with a high power saving effect by shifting each of the image processing apparatuses to the power saving mode, and collectively matching the power saving environments of the image processing apparatuses in the same group.

Further, the image processing apparatus inquires the setting state of the power saving mode transition command set in its own group to the server apparatus which manages the power saving mode transition time information of each image processing apparatus for each group, and responds to the inquiry. Based on the response from the server device, according to each power saving mode command transmitted by each image processing device, by executing the power saving mode process, under the initiative of each image processing device,
The server device centrally manages the power saving mode shift commands of a plurality of image processing devices existing on the network, shifts to the power saving mode of each grouped image processing device, and each image processing in the same group It is possible to freely configure an image processing environment with a high power saving effect by collectively matching the power saving environment of the device.

Further, based on each power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device that manages the power saving mode shift time information of each image processing device for each group, power saving is performed according to each power saving mode command transmitted by each image processing device. The image processing apparatus executes the mode processing or inquires the server apparatus that manages the power saving mode transition time information of each image processing apparatus for each group about the setting state of the power saving mode transition command set in the own group, Based on the response from the server device to the inquiry, the user selects whether to execute the power saving mode process according to each power saving mode command transmitted by each image processing device.
Under the initiative of the server device, the server device centrally manages the power saving mode transition command of a plurality of image processing devices existing on the network, and shifts to the power saving mode of each grouped image processing device. The image processing environment with high power saving effect can be freely constructed by collectively adjusting the power saving environment of each image processing apparatus in the same group. Under the initiative of each image processing apparatus, a plurality of server apparatuses exist on the network. Centralized management of the power saving mode shift command of the image processing devices of, and shifting to the power saving mode of each of the grouped image processing devices,
The user can freely select whether to collectively configure the power saving environments of the image processing apparatuses in the same group to freely construct an image processing environment having a high power saving effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system to which a server device and an image processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a format example of power saving mode transition time information data managed by the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a server device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal control configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a power saving mode shift processing state based on a power saving mode shift command in the server apparatus and the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a power saving mode shift processing state based on a power saving mode shift command in the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

9 is a diagram showing an example of an update setting screen of power saving mode transition time information data displayed on the client device shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data format example of power saving mode shift command issuance time information and power saving mode shift command cancellation time information in the server device and the image processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a power saving mode shift processing state based on a power saving mode shift command in the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a power saving mode shift processing state based on a power saving mode shift command in the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a power saving mode shift processing state based on a power saving mode shift command in the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a power saving mode shift processing state based on a power saving mode shift command in the server device and the image processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

17 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of power saving mode transition time information displayed on the client device shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an example of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus showing the third embodiment of the invention.

19 is a diagram showing an example of a power saving mode timer setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the image processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the server apparatus and the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 network 21-28 Output device 31-34 Client device 61,62 Data flow 71, 72 display box 73 Register button 74 Erase button

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Claims (60)

[Claims] 1. A server device communicable with a plurality of image processing devices capable of transitioning to a power saving mode for reducing power consumption according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium, the plurality of image processing devices A management unit that stores and manages a power saving mode transition time set for a group of image processing devices grouped from within the device, a time counting unit that measures the current time, and a management unit that manages the time. A power saving mode shift time for each group and a current time measured by the time counting means, and a power sending means for sending a power saving mode shift command to each image processing apparatus of the corresponding group. Server device to be used. 2. A server device communicable with a plurality of image processing devices capable of shifting to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium, the plurality of image processing devices. Management means for storing and managing, in the storage means, the power saving mode transition time or the power saving mode release time set for the image processing apparatus group grouped from within the apparatus; and a clocking means for measuring the current time; Command setting means for comparing the power saving mode shift time for each group managed by the means with the current time measured by the time counting means, and setting the power saving mode shift command in the holding means; And a response unit that responds to an inquiry as to whether or not the group-specific power saving mode transition command stored in the storage unit is set. To the server device. 3. The power saving mode release time for each group managed by the managing means is compared with the current time measured by the time measuring means, and the power saving mode shift command set in the holding means is discarded. The server device according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit. 4. A first receiving means for receiving power saving mode shift time information to be updated from a client device communicable via the predetermined communication medium, and a power saving mode shift received by the first receiving means. 3. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising a first updating unit that updates the power saving mode transition time for each group stored in the storage unit based on the time information. 5. A second receiving means for receiving power saving mode shift time information to be updated from any of the image processing devices, and the storage based on the power saving mode shift time information received by the second receiving means. 3. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising a second updating unit that updates the power saving mode transition time for each group stored in the unit. 6. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device includes a printer device, a digital copying device, and a composite image processing device. 7. The management unit registers device information unique to each image processing device, unique group information, and unique power saving mode information in the storage unit.
Alternatively, the server device according to item 2. 8. A group judgment means for judging whether or not the image processing apparatus as the inquiry source is registered in any group, and the image processing apparatus as the inquiry source is registered in any group by the group judgment means. The server device according to claim 2, further comprising: an unauthorized response unit that responds that the inquiry is unauthorized when it is determined that the query is not valid. 9. An image processing apparatus, which is identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into one of the groups, and determines whether or not to enter a power saving mode in response to a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device. Mode setting means for setting, detecting means for detecting a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device, and power consumption to be supplied to the image processing apparatus main body based on presence or absence of power saving mode shift set by the mode setting means. And a first control unit that controls whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state for saving the power consumption. 10. An image processing apparatus, which is identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into any one of groups, wherein the server device holds a power saving mode transition command for its own group. Measuring means for measuring a time interval for inquiring whether or not, based on the time interval measured by the measuring means,
Inquiry means for inquiring of the server device whether or not a power saving mode shift command for its own group is held, and power saving for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body based on the response result from the inquiring means. Second control means for controlling whether or not to shift to a mode state,
An image processing apparatus comprising: 11. An image processing apparatus, which is identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into any one of groups, wherein whether or not to enter a power saving mode in response to a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device. Mode setting means for setting, detecting means for detecting a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device, and power consumption to be supplied to the image processing apparatus main body based on presence or absence of power saving mode shift set by the mode setting means. A first control unit for controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state for saving power consumption; an inquiry unit for inquiring of the server device whether or not a power saving mode shift command for its own group is held; Based on the response result by the means, a power saving mode for reducing the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body. The image processing apparatus characterized by comprising second control means for controlling whether or not to shift to de state, the. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a selection unit that selects which of the first control unit and the second control unit is valid. 13. A power saving mode for reducing the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body when shifting to a power saving mode state for reducing the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body by the first control means. First to transition to the state
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 11, further comprising: a power saving mode shifting unit. 14. A power saving mode for reducing the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body when shifting to a power saving mode state for reducing the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body by the second control means. Second to shift to the state
The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: the power saving mode shifting unit. 15. The image processing according to claim 9, wherein the mode setting unit sets presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device in accordance with a mode selection instruction from a user. apparatus. 16. The first power saving mode transition means adjusts a transition timing to a power saving mode state for saving power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body, based on an image processing state of the image processing apparatus body. The image processing device according to claim 13, wherein 17. The first power-saving mode transition means, when the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, after the image processing by the image processing apparatus main body is completed,
2. The power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is set.
6. The image processing device according to item 6. 18. The second power saving mode transition means adjusts a transition timing to a power saving mode state for saving power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body, based on an image processing state of the image processing apparatus body. The image processing device according to claim 14, wherein 19. The second power saving mode transition means, when the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing in progress, after the image processing by the image processing apparatus main body is completed,
2. The power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is set.
8. The image processing device according to item 8. 20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising interval setting means for setting the time interval measured by the measuring means to an arbitrary time interval. 21. A method of controlling a server device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices capable of transitioning to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium. The management step of storing and managing the power saving mode transition time set for the image processing apparatus group to be grouped from among the image processing apparatuses, the time counting step of measuring the current time, and the management step. A transmission step of comparing the power saving mode transition time for each managed group with the current time measured by the time counting step, and transmitting a power saving mode transition command to each image processing device of the corresponding group. A method for controlling a server device, comprising: 22. A method of controlling a server device capable of communicating with a plurality of image processing devices capable of transitioning to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium. A management step of storing and managing a power saving mode transition time or a power saving mode release time set for an image processing apparatus group to be grouped from among the image processing apparatuses, and a timing step of measuring the current time. An instruction setting step of setting a power saving mode transition instruction in the holding means by comparing the power saving mode transition time for each group managed by the management step with the current time measured by the time counting step; Responding to an inquiry from the processing device as to whether or not a group-specific power saving mode shift command held in the holding means is set Control method for a server apparatus characterized by comprising: a response step that the. 23. The power saving mode release time for each group managed by the managing step is compared with the current time measured by the timing step, and the power saving mode shift command set in the holding means is discarded. 23. The method of controlling a server device according to claim 22, further comprising a control step. 24. A first receiving step of receiving power saving mode shift time information to be updated from a client device communicable via the predetermined communication medium, and a power saving mode shift received by the first receiving step. 23. A method of controlling a server device according to claim 21, further comprising a first updating step of updating the power saving mode shift time for each group stored in the storage means based on the time information. 25. A second receiving step of receiving power saving mode shift time information to be updated from any of the image processing devices, and the storage based on the power saving mode shift time information received by the second receiving step. 23. A second updating step of updating the power saving mode shift time for each group stored in the means, the control method of the server device according to claim 21 or 22. 26. The image processing device is a printer device,
The method of controlling a server device according to any one of claims 21 to 25, comprising a digital copying device and a composite image processing device. 27. The server according to claim 21, wherein the managing step registers device information unique to each image processing device, unique group information, and unique power saving mode information in the storage means. Device control method. 28. A group determining step of determining whether or not the inquiring image processing apparatus is registered in any group, and the inquiring image processing apparatus is registered in any group by the group determining step. And an unauthorized response step of responding that the inquiry is unauthorized when it is determined that the inquiry is not valid.
2. The method for controlling the server device according to 2. 29. A control method of an image processing apparatus, which is identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into one of the groups, the power saving mode being in response to a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device. Based on the mode setting step of setting the presence / absence of transition, the detection step of detecting a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device, and the presence / absence of power saving mode transition set by the mode setting step, the power is supplied to the image processing apparatus main body. A first control step of controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption of the image processing apparatus is reduced. 30. A method of controlling an image processing device, which is identified by a server device communicable via a predetermined communication medium into one of the groups, wherein the server device is instructed to enter a power-saving mode for its own group. A measurement step of measuring a time interval for inquiring whether or not it is held, and whether or not a power saving mode transition command for the own group is held for the server device based on the time interval measured by the measurement step. And a second control step for controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body based on the response result of the inquiry step. A method for controlling an image processing device, comprising: 31. A method of controlling an image processing device identified by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into one of groups, the power saving mode being in response to a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device. Based on the mode setting step of setting the presence / absence of transition, the detection step of detecting a power saving mode transition command transmitted from the server device, and the presence / absence of power saving mode transition set by the mode setting step, the power is supplied to the image processing apparatus main body. A first control step of controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state in which the power consumption is reduced, and an inquiry step of inquiring of the server device whether or not a power saving mode shift command for its own group is held. The image processing device main body based on the response result of the inquiry step. Method of controlling an image processing apparatus characterized by comprising a second control step of controlling whether or not to shift to the power saving mode state to save paper is the power consumption, the. 32. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising a selection step of selecting which of the first control step and the second control step is valid. 33. A power saving mode for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body when shifting to a power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body by the first control step. 32. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising a first power saving mode shifting step of shifting to a state. 34. A power saving mode for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body when shifting to a power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body by the second control step. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 30 or 31, further comprising a second power saving mode transition step of transitioning to a state. 35. The image processing according to claim 29, wherein the mode setting step sets presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device in accordance with a mode selection instruction from a user. Device control method. 36. The first power-saving mode transition step adjusts a transition timing to a power-saving mode state for saving power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body, based on an image processing state of the image processing apparatus body. 34. The method of controlling an image processing device according to claim 33, wherein: 37. In the first power saving mode transition step, if the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing in progress, the image processing apparatus main body is subjected to image processing after the image processing apparatus main body finishes image processing. 37. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 36, further comprising transitioning to a power saving mode state in which the supplied power consumption is reduced. 38. The second power saving mode transition step adjusts a transition timing to a power saving mode state for saving power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body, based on an image processing state of the image processing apparatus body. The method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 34, wherein: 39. In the second power saving mode transition step, if the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing is being executed, the image processing apparatus main body is terminated after the image processing by the image processing apparatus main body is completed. 39. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising the step of shifting to a power saving mode state in which the supplied power consumption is reduced. 40. The control method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising an interval setting step of setting the time interval measured by the measuring step to an arbitrary time interval. 41. A server device communicable with a plurality of image processing devices capable of transitioning to a power saving mode for reducing power consumption according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium, Management step for storing and managing in the storage means the power saving mode transition time set for the image processing apparatus group to be grouped from, the time counting step for measuring the current time, and the group managed by the management step. And a transmission step of transmitting a power saving mode transition command to each image processing device of the corresponding group by comparing the power saving mode transition time with the current time measured by the time counting step, and recording a program for executing the transmission step. Computer-readable storage medium. 42. A server device communicable with a plurality of image processing devices capable of transitioning to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced according to a power saving start time set via a predetermined communication medium, A management step of storing and managing the power saving mode transition time or the power saving mode release time set for the image processing apparatus group grouped from the storage means, a clocking step of measuring the current time, and the management step. A command setting step of setting a power saving mode transfer command in the holding means by comparing the managed power saving mode transfer time for each group with the current time measured by the time measuring step, Response step for responding to an inquiry as to whether or not a group-specific power saving mode transition command stored in the means is set Recorded computer-readable storage medium storing a program for, to execution. 43. The power saving mode release time for each group managed by the managing step is compared with the current time measured by the time measuring step, and the power saving mode shift command set in the holding means is discarded. The storage medium according to claim 42, further comprising a control step. 44. A first receiving step of receiving power saving mode shift time information to be updated from a client device communicable via the predetermined communication medium, and a power saving mode shift received by the first receiving step. 43. The storage medium according to claim 41 or 42, further comprising a first updating step of updating the power saving mode transition time for each group stored in the storage means based on the time information. 45. A second receiving step of receiving power saving mode shift time information to be updated from any of the image processing devices, and the storage based on the power saving mode shift time information received by the second receiving step. 43. A second updating step of updating the power saving mode transition time for each group stored in the means, the storage medium according to claim 41 or 42. 46. The image processing device is a printer device,
The storage medium according to any one of claims 41 to 45, comprising a digital copying device and a composite image processing device. 47. The storage according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the management step registers device information unique to each image processing device, unique group information, and unique power saving mode information in the storage means. Medium. 48. A group determination step of determining whether or not the image processing apparatus of the inquiry source is registered in any group, and the image processing apparatus of the inquiry source is registered in any group by the group determination step. And a fraudulent response step for responding that the inquiry is fraudulent when it is determined that the inquiry is not valid.
2. The storage medium according to 2. 49. The presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device is set in an image processing device identified in any group by a server device communicable via a predetermined communication medium. Based on the mode setting step, the detection step of detecting a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device, and the presence or absence of power saving mode shift set by the mode setting step, the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is reduced. A first control step for controlling whether to shift to a power saving mode state, and a computer-readable storage medium recording a program for executing the first control step. 50. Whether the image processing apparatus identified by the server apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium into one of the groups holds a power saving mode shift command for the server apparatus. A measurement step of measuring a time interval for inquiring whether or not, and an inquiry step of inquiring of the server device whether or not a power saving mode shift command for its own group is held, based on the time interval measured by the measurement step. A second control step for controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body based on the response result of the inquiry step. A computer-readable storage medium for recording. 51. The presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device is set in an image processing device identified in any group by a server device capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium. Based on the mode setting step, the detection step of detecting a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device, and the presence or absence of power saving mode shift set by the mode setting step, the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body is reduced. A first control step of controlling whether or not to shift to a power saving mode state, an inquiry step of inquiring of the server device whether or not a power saving mode shift command for its own group is held, and an inquiry step Based on the response result, the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body Recorded computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a second control step of controlling whether to shift the power saving mode state to save. 52. The storage medium according to claim 51, further comprising a selection step for selecting which of the first control step and the second control step is valid. 53. A power saving mode for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body when shifting to a power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body by the first control step. The storage medium according to claim 49 or 51, further comprising a first power saving mode transition step of transitioning to a state. 54. A power saving mode for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body when shifting to a power saving mode state for saving the power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus main body by the second control step. The storage medium according to claim 50 or 51, further comprising a second power saving mode transition step of transitioning to a state. 55. The storage medium according to claim 49 or 51, wherein the mode setting step sets presence / absence of power saving mode shift in response to a power saving mode shift command transmitted from the server device in accordance with a mode selection instruction from a user. . 56. The first power saving mode transition step adjusts a transition timing to a power saving mode state for reducing power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body, based on an image processing state of the image processing apparatus body. The storage medium according to claim 53, wherein the storage medium is a storage medium. 57. When the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, the first power saving mode transition step is supplied to the image processing apparatus main body after completion of image processing by the image processing apparatus main body. 57. The storage medium according to claim 56, wherein the storage medium shifts to a power saving mode state for saving the consumed power consumption. 58. The second power saving mode transition step adjusts a transition timing to a power saving mode state for saving power consumption supplied to the image processing apparatus body, based on an image processing state of the image processing apparatus body. The storage medium according to claim 50 or 51, wherein the storage medium is a storage medium. 59. In the second power saving mode transition step, if the image processing state of the image processing apparatus main body is image processing being executed, the image processing apparatus main body is processed after the image processing apparatus main body finishes image processing. 59. The storage medium according to claim 58, wherein the storage medium shifts to a power saving mode state for saving the supplied power consumption. 60. The storage medium according to claim 50, further comprising an interval setting step of setting the time interval measured by the measuring step to an arbitrary time interval.