JP2004106269A - Interface unit and interface unit system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interface unit and an interface unit system in which energy saving is realized at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: The interface unit 10 connecting a host computer 60 with a printer 70 is provided with a general purpose input interface 32 or a dedicated input interface 34 for inputting a power on request signal. When a power on request signal is inputted from the host computer 60 to the general purpose input interface 32 or the dedicated input interface 34, power is supplied to a mother board 12 and the interface unit 10 is brought into full power state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an interface unit, and more particularly to an interface unit and an interface unit system for connecting a host computer and a data output device such as a printing device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, in a printing system or the like, when a printer as a data output device cannot be directly connected to a host computer, an interface unit is interposed between the host computer and the printer.
[0003]
On the other hand, various devices corresponding to energy-saving standards such as Energy Star are widely distributed due to cost reduction and increasing environmental problems.
[0004]
However, in the printing system described above, even if the host computer and the printer are designed to comply with the energy saving standard, if the interface unit interposed therebetween does not comply with the energy saving standard, the system satisfies the energy saving standard. It is not possible. In other words, since the interface unit that does not comply with the energy saving standard must be always in a full power state, energy saving cannot be realized as a system.
[0005]
In order to solve such a problem, conventionally, for example, a LAN card is provided in the host computer, and the host computer and the interface unit are connected by a LAN cable to perform control to turn on / off the interface unit. I am doing so.
[0006]
As an apparatus for realizing energy saving, there is known an image processing apparatus that reduces power consumption by cutting off a clock signal to a connected device when communication with a connected device is impossible. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
There is also known an image forming apparatus that supplies a minimum amount of power by turning on / off a power source for each component of the apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Furthermore, there is also known an image forming apparatus management system that turns on the main power when a communication request signal is received from the data communication apparatus and turns off the main power when communication with the data communication apparatus is completed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-2111276 A [Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-217964 A [Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-290397 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional technique for controlling power on / off using a LAN card or a LAN cable has a problem that a special hardware resource for energy saving must be provided in the host computer.
[0009]
In addition, with a conventional apparatus for realizing energy saving, it is not possible to save energy in a printing system including an interface unit that does not comply with the energy saving standard.
[0010]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an interface unit and an interface unit system that realize energy saving at low cost.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an interface unit of the present invention is an interface unit that connects a host computer and a data output device and includes a normally open switch connected to a power source, and is output from the host computer. A data input interface for inputting output data to be processed by the data output device; a data output interface for outputting output data input to the data input interface to the data output device; A power-on request signal input interface to which a power-on request signal for inputting the power-on request signal for putting the interface unit main body output from the host computer into a full power state is supplied, and power to the power-on request signal input interface. ON request signal If it is the force, continuous power to the interface unit body to close the normally open switch to the state of the full power it is configured to include a control means which is supplied.
[0012]
In the present invention, the data input interface and the power-on request signal input interface of the interface unit are connected to the host computer, and the data output interface is connected to the data output device. Further, when a power-on request signal is input from the host computer to the power-on request signal input interface, the control means closes the normally-open switch connected to the power supply so that the interface unit main body is in a full power state.
[0013]
As a result, when a power-on request signal is input from the host computer, the interface unit main body can be put into a full power state, so it is not necessary to keep the interface unit main body in a full power state at all times. Is realized. Further, since it is not necessary to provide special hardware resources for energy saving in the host computer, energy saving can be realized at low cost.
[0014]
The data output device may be a printer that prints data on paper, or may be an electronic device that processes data and outputs it to another external device.
[0015]
The full power state is a state in which power that can operate the interface unit main body is supplied. For example, power that can operate each device on the motherboard that constitutes the interface unit is supplied. Such states are included.
[0016]
In addition, the power-down state is a state in which less than the power consumption in the full power state is supplied, and more than the minimum necessary power that enables the input of the power-on request signal is supplied. If it is in the state, it will not specifically limit.
[0017]
The control means of the present invention can open the closed normally open switch at a predetermined timing to power down the interface unit main body from the full power state.
[0018]
As a result, the interface unit body enters a power-down state at a predetermined opportunity, so that the power consumption of the interface unit body can be reduced while the power-on request signal is not input, thereby realizing energy saving.
[0019]
The predetermined trigger may be, for example, immediately after the output process of the output data to the data output device is completed, or may be after a predetermined time has elapsed after the output process ends, It may be when the idle state continues for a predetermined time after the full power state is reached, or when the power-down operation is manually performed.
[0020]
Further, a general-purpose interface or a dedicated interface can be used as the power-on request signal input interface.
[0021]
Thereby, the convenience in system construction improves.
[0022]
The present invention may further include a dedicated power-on request signal output interface that outputs a power-on request signal when a power-on request signal is input to the power-on request signal input interface.
[0023]
When a power-on request signal is input to the power-on request signal input interface, the power-on request signal is output from the dedicated power-on request signal output interface. If another electronic device (for example, another interface unit) is connected to the signal output interface, the power-on request signal is also output to the connected electronic device when the power-on request signal is input. can do. Therefore, the electronic equipment connected to the interface unit can be easily adapted to energy saving.
[0024]
An interface unit system of the present invention includes a plurality of the above-described interface units, and connects the dedicated power-on request signal output interface of one interface unit to the dedicated power-on request signal input interface of another interface unit. The plurality of interface units are connected in series.
[0025]
As a result, when a power-on request signal is input from one host unit to a single interface unit, a dedicated power-on request signal input to another interface unit is provided from a dedicated power-on request signal output interface provided in the interface unit. Since the power-on request signal is input to the communication interface, the power-on request signal is output to all the interface units connected in series.
[0026]
Therefore, even when the host computer and a plurality of data output devices are connected, energy saving can be realized efficiently.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a printing system will be described.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the printing system according to the first embodiment, a host computer 60 and a printer 70 are connected via an interface unit 10. The host computer 60 has a power-on request for outputting a general-purpose interface (I / F) for outputting print data and a power-on request signal that is a signal for setting the interface unit 10 to a full power state. General-purpose I / Fs are provided, and both interfaces are connected to the interface unit 10 by general-purpose cables. The printer 70 is connected to the interface unit 10 through a dedicated I / F and a dedicated cable, and color printing is performed based on print data input via the interface unit 10 from the data general-purpose I / F of the host computer 60. Execute the process.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 2, the interface unit 10 is provided with a motherboard 12. The motherboard 12 is provided with a CPU 16, the ROM 18 is connected to the CPU 16 via an external bus 48, and the RAM 20 is further connected via an external bus 48 and a connector 52. The ROM 18 executes print data output processing from the host computer 60 to the printer 70 and processing for outputting a predetermined signal used for power on / off control of the interface unit 10 to the control circuit 38 (details will be described later). Therefore, a processing routine program is stored.
[0031]
Further, the motherboard 12 is provided with a plurality of PCI buses 22 as expansion buses, which are interconnected by a PCI-PCI bridge 24. The CPU 16 is provided with a PCI bridge 26, and the internal bus of the CPU 16 and the PCI bus 22 are interconnected.
[0032]
The PCI bus 22 is provided with a plurality of slots 46 for mounting expansion cards and the like. In these slots 46, general-purpose input / output I / F 28 such as SCSI and RS232C, a control circuit 38, and four daughter boards 14 are mounted. The general-purpose input / output I / F 28 and the control circuit 38 are connected to the motherboard by the slot 46 of the PCI bus 22, but may be connected by other means.
[0033]
Print data from the host computer 60 is input to the general-purpose input / output I / F 28. The control circuit 38 is constantly supplied with electric power, and causes a current to flow through a coil constituting the relay 40 based on an output signal (power-on request signal) from the OR circuit 30 (details will be described later) and an output signal from the CPU 16. Thus, on / off of the relay contact of the relay 40 (corresponding to the switch of the present invention) is controlled. One end of the relay contact is connected to a plug connected to an AC power supply, and the other end is connected to a power supply circuit 42 for converting AC to DC. When the switch is turned on, the connector 50 is connected to the connector 50. Power is supplied to the motherboard 12 via
[0034]
The daughter board 14 is a board for performing processing for outputting print data from the host computer 60 to the printer 70, and is provided with a dedicated output I / F 54 for connection to the printer 70. Since the print data is output to the printer 70 and processed for each color data of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), the daughter board 14 is sent to the motherboard 12 for each color data. It is installed.
[0035]
Furthermore, the interface unit 10 is provided with a power control board 56. The power control board 56 has a general-purpose input I / F 32 for inputting a power-on request signal, a dedicated input I / F 34 for inputting a power-on request signal, and a dedicated input for outputting a power-on request signal. An output I / F 36 is provided. The general-purpose input I / F 32, the dedicated input I / F 34, and the dedicated output I / F 36 are connected to the OR circuit 30 provided on the power control board 56, and the power-on request signal is transmitted to the general-purpose input I / F 32 or the dedicated input I / F. When input from F34, the OR circuit 30 outputs a power-on request signal to the control circuit 38 and the dedicated output I / F 36. Power is always supplied to the power control board 56 regardless of whether the interface unit 10 is in a full power state or a power down state.
[0036]
The full power state is a state in which the contact of the relay 40 is turned on and power is supplied to the mother board 12, and the power down state is that the contact of the relay 40 is turned off and the power supply to the mother board 12 is cut off. It is a state that has been.
[0037]
In this embodiment, the general-purpose input I / F 32 of the interface unit 10 and the general-purpose I / F for power-on request of the host computer 60 are connected by a general-purpose cable, and the dedicated input I / F 34 and the dedicated output I / F 36 are used. Not.
[0038]
The details of the power on / off control process of the present embodiment by the control circuit 38 will be described below using the flowchart of FIG.
[0039]
In step 100, it is determined whether a power-on request signal is input from the host computer 60 to the general-purpose input I / F 32 of the interface unit 10.
If it is determined that the power-on request signal has been input, the transistor Tr is turned on in step 102 and the coil of the relay 40 is energized. When the coil of the relay 40 is energized, the contact of the relay 40 is turned on, and power is supplied to the mother board 12 through the power circuit 42. That is, the interface unit 10 is in a full power (power on) state.
[0040]
When the interface unit 10 is in a full power state, it is determined in step 104 whether print data has been input from the host computer 60 to the general-purpose input / output I / F 28. Specifically, when print data is input to the general-purpose input / output I / F 28, a signal indicating that the print data has been input is input from the CPU 16 to the control circuit 38, and determination is made based on whether or not this signal is input. Is done. When the signal is input from the CPU 16, energization to the coil of the relay 40 is continued and the contact of the relay 40 is kept on.
[0041]
Thereby, each device on the mother board 12 can perform a process of outputting the print data to the printer 70. Even if the print data is not input immediately after the full power state is entered, the print data is input before it is determined in step 112 that the time t has elapsed since the start of the full power state (ie, Similarly, when the signal is input from the CPU 16 within the time t), the energization of the coil of the relay 40 is similarly continued and the contact of the relay 40 is kept on.
[0042]
The printer 70 conforms to the energy saving standard and is normally in a power saving state. However, when print data is input from the interface unit 10, the printer 70 returns from the power saving state to a full power state, and printing processing is performed. Executed.
[0043]
Next, in step 106, it is determined whether or not a signal indicating that the print data output process has been completed is input from the CPU 16, and if completed, in step 108, after the process is completed (that is, the CPU 16 is in an idle state). It is determined whether time t has elapsed (from the start). If it is determined that the time t has elapsed, in step 110, the contact of the relay 40 is turned off, and the power supply to the motherboard 12 is cut off. That is, the interface unit 10 is in a power-down (power-off) state. Thereafter, the power-down state continues unless the power-on request signal from the host computer 60 is input again to the general-purpose input I / F 32, so that power consumption is greatly reduced. If it is determined in step 104 that no print data is input from the host computer 60 and it is determined in step 112 that the time t has elapsed, the power-down process in step 110 is performed in the same manner.
[0044]
Similarly, the printer 70 is automatically powered down and enters a power saving state when a predetermined idle time elapses after the printing process is completed.
[0045]
In the first embodiment described above, an example of a printing system in which the host computer 60 and the interface unit 10 are connected by a general-purpose interface is shown. However, as in the second embodiment described below, the host The computer 60 and the interface unit 10 may be connected by a dedicated interface.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 4, in the printing system of the second embodiment, a host computer 60 and a printer 70 are connected via an interface unit 10 as in the first embodiment. The host computer 60 is provided with a general-purpose I / F for data and a dedicated I / F for power-on request for outputting a power-on request signal. Both interfaces are interfaced by a general-purpose cable and a dedicated cable. Connected to the unit 10. As in the first embodiment, the printer 70 is connected to the interface unit 10 by a dedicated I / F and a dedicated cable.
[0047]
The configuration of the interface unit 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the dedicated input I / F 34 of the interface unit 10 and the dedicated I / F for power-on request of the host computer 60 are provided by a dedicated cable. And the general-purpose input I / F 32 and the dedicated output I / F 36 are not used.
[0048]
The flow of the power-on / off control process of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the interface to which the power-on request signal is input is the dedicated input I / F 34. Is omitted.
[0049]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an example of a printing system in which the interface unit 10 and the printer 70 are each configured as one unit has been described. However, in the third embodiment described below, As described above, the printing system may include a plurality of interface units 10 and printers 70.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 5, in the printing system of the third embodiment, a host computer 60 and a plurality of printers 70 are connected via a plurality of interface units 10 corresponding to each printer 70 on a one-to-one basis. Has been. The host computer 60 is provided with a data general-purpose I / F and a power-on request general-purpose I / F, respectively, as in the first embodiment. The data general-purpose I / F of the host computer 60 is connected to each interface unit 10 via a network such as a LAN, and print data can be output to each printer 70 via each interface unit 10. Further, the power-on request general-purpose I / F of the host computer 60 is connected to the first interface unit 10 among the plurality of interface units 10.
[0051]
The configuration of the interface unit 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the general-purpose input I / F 32 of the first interface unit 10 is a general-purpose I / O for power-on request of the host computer 60. The dedicated output I / F 36 of the first interface unit 10 is connected to the dedicated input I / F 34 of the second interface unit 10. The dedicated output I / F 36 of the second interface unit 10 is connected to the dedicated input I / F 34 of the third interface unit 10. Similarly to the second interface unit 10 in the third and subsequent units, the dedicated input I / F 34 and the dedicated output I / F 36 are interconnected. In this way, a plurality of interface units 10 are connected in a chain type (in series).
[0052]
Hereinafter, the input / output flow of the power-on request signal of the present embodiment will be described.
[0053]
First, when a power-on request signal is input from the host computer 60 to the general-purpose input I / F 32 of the first interface unit 10, the power-on request signal is output from the OR circuit 30 to the control circuit 38 and the dedicated output I / F 36. Is done. The power-on request signal output from the dedicated output I / F 36 is input to the dedicated input I / F 34 of the second interface unit 10.
[0054]
As a result, in the second interface unit 10, as in the first unit, the power-on request signal is output from the OR circuit 30 to the control circuit 38 and the dedicated output I / F 36. The power-on request signal output from the dedicated output I / F 36 is input to the dedicated input I / F 34 of the third interface unit 10. In the fourth and subsequent units as well, the power-on request signal is input / output in the same way as the second and third interface units 10, and the power-on request signal is input to all the interface units 10 connected in series in the printing system. The
[0055]
The flow of the power on / off control process by the control circuit 38 in each interface unit 10 of the present embodiment is that the interface to which the power on request signal is input is the general-purpose input I / F 32 in the first interface unit 10. Since the second and subsequent interface units 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment except for the dedicated input I / F 34, the description thereof is omitted.
[0056]
The print data may be output to all the interface units 10, or the print data may be output only to the interface unit 10 connected to the printer 70 selected by the host computer 60. . In the latter case, in the interface unit 10 connected to the selected printer 70, it is determined in step 104 that print data has been input from the host computer 60, and the processing from step 106 to step 110 is executed.
In other interface units 10, since print data is not input from the host computer 60, it is determined in step 104 and step 112 that there is no input of print data, and as in the first embodiment, The power down process of step 110 is executed.
[0057]
In this way, by connecting a plurality of interface units 10 in series, a power-on request signal can be output from one host computer 60 to the plurality of interface units 10, and energy saving can be realized efficiently.
[0058]
In the above-described embodiments, the general-purpose input I / F 32, the dedicated input I / F 34, and the dedicated output I / F 36 provided in the interface unit 10 are connected to the host computer 60 and other interface units 10 by cables. However, these interfaces may be wireless interfaces.
[0059]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the power is reduced after elapse of time t from the end of the print data output process. However, the power may be reduced at the same time as the end of the print data output process, or the power may be manually reduced. It may be when an operation is performed.
[0060]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the description has been given by taking the printing system in which the host computer is configured as one example. However, the host computer may be configured in a plurality, and can be applied to various types of systems. .
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since an interface capable of inputting a power-on request signal is provided in an interface unit that does not support energy saving, which connects a host computer and a data output device, energy saving can be realized at low cost. There is an excellent effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an interface unit.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of power on / off control processing of the interface unit.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Interface unit 12 Motherboard (Interface unit body)
16 CPU
28 General-purpose input / output I / F (data input interface)
30 OR circuit 32 General-purpose input I / F (power request signal input interface)
34 Dedicated input I / F (power request signal input interface)
36 Dedicated Output I / F (Power Request Signal Output Interface)
38 Control circuit (control means)
40 Relay 42 Power supply circuit 54 Dedicated output I / F (Data output interface)
56 Power control board 60 Host computer 70 Printer (data output device)

Claims (5)

An interface unit for connecting a host computer and a data output device and having a normally open switch connected to a power source,
A data input interface for inputting output data processed by the data output device output from the host computer;
A data output interface that outputs output data input to the data input interface to the data output device;
A power-on request signal input interface to which a constant power is supplied to input a power-on request signal for setting the interface unit main body output from the host computer to a full power state;
When a power-on request signal is input to the power-on request signal input interface, control means to which the normal power is supplied to close the normally open switch and bring the interface unit body to a full power state;
Including interface unit. 2. The interface unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit opens the closed normally-open switch at a predetermined timing to power down the interface unit main body from a full power state. The interface unit according to claim 1, wherein the power-on request signal input interface is a general-purpose interface or a dedicated interface. The power-on request signal output interface further includes a dedicated power-on request signal output interface that outputs a power-on request signal when a power-on request signal is input to the power-on request signal input interface. The interface unit described. 5. A plurality of the interface units according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of interfaces are connected by connecting the dedicated power-on request signal output interface of one interface unit to the dedicated power-on request signal input interface of another interface unit. Interface unit system with units connected in series.

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