JP2004166257A - Information processing apparatus, power supply control method thereof and power supply control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus, a power supply control method thereof in which power may be supplied only for the function desired by a user, and to provide a power supply control program. <P>SOLUTION: In the information processing apparatus or an image forming device which is equipped with an operation part having a display device or a display function and has a plurality of functions, the plurality of functions (e.g., print function, facsimile function, copy function and scanner function) are displayed on the display device to be selectable, information on at least one function selected out of the plurality of functions is inputted via a picture displayed on the display device and based upon the inputted information on the at least one function, power supply control related to the inputted function is implemented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for controlling an image processing apparatus having an image forming function connected to a network, a power supply control method thereof, and a power supply control program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a mechanism for remotely monitoring the power supply state of an image forming apparatus and remotely controlling ON / OFF of the power supply by using a power supply control technique for the image forming apparatus.

  Further, a mechanism for controlling ON / OFF of a power supply by instructing only a local portion of an image forming apparatus is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, a so-called multifunction digital copying machine is known as an image processing apparatus for inputting and outputting images. This multifunction digital copying machine is a scanner that reads an original image recorded on paper or the like, a printer that outputs the read image or an image sent from a host computer to a medium such as paper, and the operation of these scanners and printers. And a device controller for controlling various devices or performing various types of image processing, an operation unit for providing a user with operation of the apparatus, a memory for temporarily or permanently storing image data and a processing program, a hard disk, and the like.

In the multifunction digital copying machine having the above configuration, not only the original image is copied, but also the image data read by the scanner is transferred to a host computer via a LAN (network), or conversely, a word processor or the like is used on the host computer. The created document can be printed out by a printer. It is also known that various functions are provided, such as a facsimile transmission function of transmitting a document image to a remote facsimile machine.
JP-A-6-183102

  However, according to the related art, the power ON / OFF command can be remotely instructed to the image forming apparatus, but the power ON / OFF of the entire image forming apparatus is instructed. The power control according to the user's request cannot be performed.

  For example, in a multi-function digital copying machine, there is a problem that even if an instruction to turn on the power is given when only the print function is to be used, power for facsimile is also supplied.

  In addition, when the power for printing is to be turned off, the power for the facsimile function is also turned off. When the user wants to use the facsimile, the power must be turned on again.

  Further, in a multi-function digital copying machine or the like, the functions are complicated, so that it is necessary to specify which part of the power supply is to be controlled in order for the user to turn the power on / off as desired. There was a problem that would be accompanied.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides an information processing apparatus capable of supplying power only to a function desired by a user, a power supply control method thereof, and a power supply control program. Aim.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display device, wherein in the information processing device having a plurality of functions, display control means for displaying the plurality of functions on the display device in a selectable form. Input means for inputting information of at least one function selected from the plurality of functions via a screen displayed by the display device, and at least one function input via the input means Power control means for performing power control related to the input function based on the information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the display control means displays a type of power control corresponding to the at least one function in a selectable form on the screen. Controlling the display device, and the power control means performs power control based on the information of the at least one function input through the input means and information of a type of power control corresponding to the function. It is characterized by.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the display control means displays a type of power control of the entire information processing apparatus in a selectable form on the screen. Controlling the display device, the input means inputs a type of power control of the entire information processing apparatus, and the power control means responds to the information of the at least one function and the function via the input means. When the power control type information is input, the power control based on the function information and the power control type information is executed, and the power control type of the entire information processing apparatus is input. The power supply control of the entire information processing apparatus is executed based on the type of the power supply control.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit transmits a change in a power state corresponding to the at least one function to the display apparatus. It is characterized in that it is controlled to be displayed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information processing apparatus further includes a communication control unit configured to communicate with an external device via a network.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image. I do.

  7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of functions include at least two of a print function, a facsimile function, a copy function, and a scanner function. It is characterized by being.

  9. The power control method for an information processing device according to claim 8, further comprising a display device, wherein the display control device displays the plurality of functions in a selectable form on the display device. Inputting information of at least one function selected from the plurality of functions via a screen displayed by the display device; and inputting information of the function input via the input step. And a power control step of performing a power control related to the input function based on the input function.

  The power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 9 is the power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the display control step selects a power control type corresponding to the at least one function on the screen. Controlling the display device to be displayed in a possible form, wherein the power control step includes the information of the at least one function input through the input step and the information of a type of power control corresponding to the function. Power supply control based on the above.

  A power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the display control step selects a type of power control for the entire information processing apparatus on the screen. Controlling the display device to be displayed in a possible form, wherein the input step inputs a type of power control of the entire information processing apparatus, and the power control step performs the at least one function via the input step. When the information of the power control type corresponding to the function is input, the power control is performed based on the information of the function and the information of the type of the power control. When a control type is input, power control of the entire information processing apparatus is performed based on the power control type.

  The power supply control method for an information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the display control step includes the step of controlling the power supply corresponding to the at least one function. A change in state is controlled to be displayed on the display device.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control method for an information processing apparatus according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the communication control step for communicating with the information processing apparatus via a network is performed. It is characterized by having.

  A power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the information processing apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image. The device is characterized in that:

  A power supply control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of functions include a print function, a facsimile function, a copy function, and a print function. It is characterized in that at least two of the scanner functions are included.

  The power supply control program according to claim 15, further comprising a display device, wherein the power supply control program causes a computer to execute a power supply control method for an information processing apparatus having a plurality of functions. A display control module to be displayed on a device; an input module for inputting information of at least one function selected from the plurality of functions via a screen displayed by the display device; and an input module for inputting information via the input module. And a power supply control module that performs power control related to the input function based on the information on the input function.

  According to the first, eighth, and fifteenth aspects, the user can perform only power control necessary for a desired function without hesitation, and the user himself / herself determines a device corresponding to the desired function. Complex operations such as shifting the power of the device to the ON / OFF / sleep state can be omitted.

  According to the fifth and twelfth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to perform power control for each function via a network, particularly on the Web, and to display the status.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system incorporating the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a communication network such as the Internet. Reference numeral 102 denotes a support center for hardware and software. Reference numeral 103 denotes a hardware or software sales company. A web server 104 is connected to the Internet and provides a specific service to Internet users. Reference numeral 105 denotes an electronic money server that performs settlement processing and the like between the financial institution 106 and a client (terminal) that is a consumer. Reference numeral 107 denotes a service provider that performs connection processing between a personal user terminal and the Internet 101.

  The client as the terminal device is the personal computer 112, which is provided in a general information processing device, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a nonvolatile storage unit such as a RAM and a hard disk, and various peripherals such as a display / keyboard / mouse. An input / output unit for inputting and outputting information to and from a device, a communication unit such as a modem, and the like are provided, and display control of each flowchart and screen display described below is performed according to each configuration.

  A firewall 108 connects the Internet 101, which is an external communication network, to the LAN 121, and performs security management and the like. Reference numeral 109 denotes a device management server which performs management of each device such as a file server 110, a mail server 111, a personal computer (PC) 112, and a printer 113 connected to a LAN (network) 121, user management, and data management such as billing information. is there. Reference numeral 110 denotes a file server for performing data management and the like, and outputs data to the multifunction digital copier 200 and the printer 113 as needed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine 200 which is an information processing apparatus. The multi-function digital copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as an MFP) 200 outputs a read image or an image sent via the LAN 121 to a medium such as paper by a scanner 202 for reading an original image recorded on paper or the like. Printer 203, a facsimile 209 for transmitting an image to an external terminal, a scanner 202, a device controller 204 for controlling the operations of the printer 203 and the facsimile 209, and a device controller 204 for performing various kinds of image processing, and inputting device operation instructions , An operation unit 201, a memory 205 for temporarily or permanently storing image data and a processing program, a hard disk 206, and the like. The device controller 204 includes a CPU 207 that executes programs stored in the memory 205 and the hard disk 206, a device 201 to 206, 209 connected to the device controller 204, and a communication control unit 208 that controls communication between the LAN 121 and the CPU 207. It has. The MFP 200 includes a power supply unit 210 that supplies power to each of the devices 201 to 209, and the power supply unit 210 is connected to the device controller 204. At present, when the Internet has become widespread, the MFP 200 is not limited to a specific network (LAN), and is widely connected to networks all over the world via a firewall 108. That is, the MFP 200 can be managed and controlled not only within a specific network but also from terminals connected to networks all over the world. In the MFP 200, the copy function is realized by combining the scanner 202 and the printer 203.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of MFP 200. The MFP 200 includes a reader unit 220 and a printer unit 230. The document feeding device 301 of the reader unit 220 feeds the documents one by one on the platen glass 302 one by one from the last page, and discharges the documents on the platen glass 302 after the reading operation of the document is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 302, the lamp 303 is turned on, the movement of the scanner unit 304 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned.

  At this time, the reflected light from the original is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as CCD) 309 by mirrors 305, 306, 307 and a lens 308. The image of the document scanned in this manner is read by the CCD 309. The image data output from the CCD 309 is transferred to the printer unit 230 after being subjected to predetermined processing.

  The laser driver 310 of the printer unit 230 drives the laser emitting unit 311 and causes the laser emitting unit 311 to emit light corresponding to the image data output from the reader unit 220. The laser light is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 312, and a latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on the photosensitive drum 312. The developer adheres to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 312 by the developing device 313. Then, at a timing synchronized with the start of the laser beam irradiation, the recording paper is fed from one of the cassettes 314 and 315, is conveyed to the transfer unit 316, and the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 312 is transferred to the recording paper.

  The recording paper to which the developer has adhered is transported to the fixing unit 317, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 317. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 317 is discharged by discharge rollers 318, and the sorter 321 stores the recording paper in the uppermost pin 322 when the sorting is not set. When double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 318, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 318 is reversed, and the recording paper is guided to the re-feed conveyance path 320 by the flapper 319. When multiple recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 320 by the flapper 319 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 318. The recording sheet guided to the re-feeding conveyance path is fed to the transfer unit 316 at the above timing.

  In MFP 200 having the above configuration, the user operates from operation unit 201, and scanner 202 inputs an image according to instructions from operation unit 201 and personal computer 112. The printer 113 prints data from the personal computer 112 or the file server 110.

  The device controller 204 controls input and output of image data with the scanner 202, the printer 203, the memory 205, the hard disk 206, or the personal computer 112 according to instructions from the operation unit 201 and the personal computer 112. For example, control is performed such that image data captured from the scanner 202 is stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206 as needed, output to the personal computer 112, or printed by the printer 203.

  The printer 113 prints image data from the personal computer 112 or the file server 110 on recording paper. The personal computer 112 is connected to the LAN 121 as a terminal device, browses information provided from the web server 104 via the Internet 101, and outputs image data to the MFP 200 and the printer 113. Although the personal computer 112 is connected to the Internet 101 via the firewall 108, the personal computer 112 may be connected to the Internet 101 via the service provider 107.

  In such an environment, when the MFP 200 is remotely controlled via a network, a method using a dedicated line or a telephone line is mentioned as a remote control method. In the present embodiment, a case using the Internet will be described. . As described above, the MFP 200 exists on the LAN 121 and has an IP (Internet Protocol) address. By regarding the MFP 200 as a Web server and executing the script language and the like by the MFP 200, the device management server 109 and the personal computer 112 can access the MFP 200 using a Web browsing tool. Here, the script language includes Java (registered trademark) Script (registered trademark) of Sun Microsystems. Further, examples of the Web browsing tool include Internet Explorer (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation and Netscape Navigator of Netscape Corporation.

  By using such a Web browsing tool, remote control of the MFP 200 is possible without depending on the platform. For example, the MFP 200 can be operated from a terminal that operates on any OS such as Windows (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation, MacOS (registered trademark) of Apple, and Unix (registered trademark). In other words, by not depending on the platform, not only from the specific device management server 109 but also from all the computers (terminals) on the LAN 121, it is possible to control the setting and cancellation of the MFP 200 on the browsing screen described later. It is.

In the following description, an MFP according to the electrophotographic method will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention may be an MFP having an inkjet image forming unit, Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to an electrophotographic printer having a plurality of predetermined functions, a facsimile machine, or a copying machine.
Further, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to a single-function device having any one of a printer function, a facsimile function, and a copy function that is communicably connected on a network. In this case, devices constituting the MFP corresponding to each function described later correspond to an apparatus having each function.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a power control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server. A program for executing this processing is stored in the hard disk 206 in the MFP 200, read out by the CPU 207 in the device controller 204, and executed through the communication control unit 208. Note that the communication control unit 208 included in the device controller 204 has a function of transmitting and receiving a markup language such as HTML or XML that conforms to the HyperText Transfer Protocol. In the following description, HTML will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to HTML, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to various markup languages such as XML.

  First, the terminal waits for a window screen browsing request from a terminal such as the PC 112 connected to the LAN 121 (step S1). When there is a browsing request, the power supply state of each device (each block in FIG. 2) of the MFP 200 is detected. Is performed, the information of the window screen file according to HTML based on the detected power state is generated, and the window screen file is transmitted to the terminal that has requested browsing (step S2). Note that the detection of the power state in step S2 may be detected each time there is a browsing request from the terminal, or information indicating the power state detected in advance may be stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206 at a predetermined timing. Alternatively, when a browsing request is made from the terminal, the CPU 207 may read out the stored information indicating the power supply state. In addition, the detection of the power supply state here may be a detection of the power supply state based on a value detected from a predetermined sensor (not shown), or a power control instruction to each device by the CPU 207. Accordingly, the CPU 207 itself may detect the power state by checking the history of the power control instruction stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206.

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a change request on the window screen (for example, a power-on request in FIG. 16) from the terminal (client) (step S3). If there is no change request, the process returns to step S1. The window screen in the present embodiment means a setting screen on which various settings including at least a power control instruction of MFP 200 can be performed.

  On the other hand, if there is a change request, a process corresponding to the change request is executed (step S4). For example, as shown in FIG. 16, each device of the MFP 200 is activated, and a status display unit 704 indicating that the device is being activated is displayed. Then, the window screen file is changed, and the changed window screen file is transmitted to the terminal (step S5). Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

  Hereinafter, a case where the power is turned off / on via a network will be described. FIG. 5 shows a window screen for power control. From this screen, it is possible to control the MFP 200 connected to the LAN 121. Each window screen in FIGS. 5 to 24 is described in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or the like.

  HTML information for displaying each screen of FIGS. 5 to 24 on the display unit of the terminal via the browser is information stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206 of the MFP 200 or transmitted from the terminal by the MFP 200. It is generated each time a request is made, and the terminal that has issued the request displays a display screen as shown in FIGS. 5 to 24 according to the HTML information received from the MFP 200.

  In the window screen of FIG. 5, a device name 401 to be controlled, an installation location 402, and the like are shown. Various buttons 403 to 407 are provided, and function settings and job management can be performed. The device button 403 is used to view the operation status of the device and control the device. The job button 404 is used to view a history of a print job, a copy job, a fax job, and the like. Box button 405 is used for viewing and managing user data stored in hard disk 206 in the MFP. The user can print or fax this data or send it to another MFP or computer as needed. The address button 406 is used for setting and registering a destination for transmitting a scanned image or facsimile. The specification setting button 407 is used to perform basic settings of the MFP, network settings, transmission / reception settings, and the like.

  The main window screen usually shows a last update time 408 and a device operation status 409. During normal operation, the operation states of the printer, the scanner, the fax, and the copy are shown in FIG. As described above, the operation status of MFP 200 can be confirmed on the Web even at a remote location.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a window screen of MFP 200 when the power is off. The device status of the MFP 200 in the power-off state can be viewed from the Web. In FIG. 6, the facsimile function (fax 209) is in a sleep state for reception and is always in a receivable state, but the other devices are in a power-off state. In such a situation, the power of the MFP 200 is turned on according to an instruction from a terminal on the Web to make it usable.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing a window screen when the device button 403 is selected. When the device button 403 is selected, the button display is inverted and various device settings are displayed. Specifically, a power OFF button 602, a power ON button 603, a sleep button 604, a sleep release button 605, and a timer setting button 606 are displayed. In the present embodiment, the timer setting for turning off / on the power and setting / releasing the sleep is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. When activating MFP 200 in the power-off state, power-on button 603 may be selected.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a window screen when the power ON button 603 is selected. The selected power-on button 603 indicates that the character is selected by displaying the character part in bold characters or color characters, instructs the MFP 200 to start, and displays the start state. At this time, the time required for activation is displayed on the status display unit 704, and the time to count down is displayed. For example, in order to correct the startup time that varies depending on the installation environment of the MFP 200, the startup time is updated at predetermined time intervals as necessary, and the corrected startup time is displayed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a window screen when each device is completely activated. When each device is fully booted, the boot status of each device is displayed. In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes the activation status of each device, and the status display section 802 displays the text “Activated”.

  Next, a case where MFP 200 in the sleep state is activated will be described. The device status of the MFP 200 in the sleep state can also be viewed on the Web. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a window screen when each device is in a sleep state. The sleep state of each device is released according to an instruction from a terminal on the Web, and the device can be used.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a window screen when the device button 403 is selected. When the device button 403 is selected, the button display is inverted and various device settings are displayed. When activating MFP 200 in the sleep state, sleep release button 605 may be selected.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when the sleep cancel button 605 is selected. The selected sleep cancel button 605 indicates that the character portion is displayed in bold characters or color characters to indicate that it is selected, issues a sleep cancel instruction to the MFP 200, and displays the activation status. At this time, the time required for activation is displayed on the status display unit 1104, and the time for counting down is displayed. If necessary, for example, in order to correct the fluctuating startup time according to the installation environment of the MFP 200, the startup time is updated at predetermined time intervals, and the corrected startup time is displayed. When completely activated, a window screen similar to that of FIG. 9 is displayed, and the activation status of each device is displayed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can control MFP 200 even at a remote location by performing power OFF / ON control and sleep control via a network, particularly on the Web, and displaying the status. it can. As a result, the power can be turned off or the sleep state can be kept for an unnecessary time as much as possible, thereby contributing to energy saving. In addition, by displaying the time on the Web, copying and other operations can be performed in accordance with the activation status of the MFP 200, so that it is possible to eliminate waste of time for the user, such as waiting until the MFP 200 is activated in front of the MFP 200. In particular, it is effective when the MFP 200 is installed in a large office and the installation location is away from the user or on another floor.

  Note that, in the above-described embodiment, the case of an MFP that performs digital processing has been described. However, even in the case of an MFP that performs analog processing, the above processing is similarly performed as long as a device controller having a network interface is mounted. Applicable.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the second embodiment, the present invention is applied to a remote control system capable of performing power OFF / ON control, sleep setting / cancellation timer setting, and time display. Since the configuration of the remote control system is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the case of MFP 200 in the sleep state, its operation status can be viewed from the Web as shown in FIG. When the sleep of MFP 200 is released, the time can be set by a timer.

  When the device button 403 is pressed, the device button 403 is inverted and a sub menu is displayed (see FIG. 11). When the timer setting button 606 is selected, time setting can be performed. FIG. 13 is a view showing a window screen when the timer setting button 606 is selected. When the radio button 1503 is selected, it is possible to start at what time and when. In this case, “time” is set by the time setting unit 1504, and “minute” is set by the minute setting unit 1505. When an execute button 1509 is selected and pressed, the “hour” data set by the time setting unit 1504 and the “minute” data set by the minute setting unit 1505 are transmitted to the MFP 200.

  When the radio button 1506 is selected, it is possible to start up by a method of starting up after a few minutes. In this case, the time setting unit 1507 sets “time” and the minute setting unit 1508 sets “minute”. When an execute button 1509 is selected and pressed, the data of “hour” set by the time setting unit 1507 and the data of “minute” set by the minute setting unit 1508 are transmitted to the MFP 200. When a cancel button 1510 is selected and pressed, the contents set by the timer are canceled.

  Specifically, a case where MFP 200 is activated after 10 minutes will be described. FIG. 14 is a view showing a window screen when the time is set by the minute setting unit 1508. When the button “▼” of the minute setting section 1508 is selected, a preset time is displayed in a menu. If there is a desired time in it, select it. On the other hand, if there is no desired time, the user inputs the desired time to minute setting section 1508 from the keyboard. Here, since there is a desired time in the menu, the menu of "10 minutes" is selected. When a selection is made, the text on the menu is inverted and radio button 1506 is automatically selected. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a window screen when a desired time in the menu is selected.

  When the user presses the execute button 1509, the MFP 200 issues a start instruction to the MFP 200 to start the operation ten minutes after the timer is set, and displays the start state. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a window screen when the execute button 1509 in FIG. 15 is pressed. The counting of the activation time at this time may be performed by the user's terminal (personal computer) or may be performed by the MFP 200. When the counting is started, a time required for activation is displayed on the status display unit 1804, and a countdown is displayed. If necessary, the startup time is updated at predetermined time intervals to correct the startup time that varies depending on the installation environment of the MFP, and the corrected startup time is displayed. When each device is fully booted, the boot status of each device is displayed. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a window screen when each device is completely activated. Referring to FIG. 19, reference numeral 1901 denotes the activation status of each device, and the status display section 1902 displays the text “launched”.

  When setting the startup time, it is not possible to set a time longer than the minimum time required for the MFP 200 to sleep. If the user forcibly sets a time longer than the minimum required time, the minimum required time is reset and displayed on the status display unit 1902 while counting down from the value set by the user.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can control MFP 200 even at a remote location by performing power OFF / ON control and sleep control via a network, particularly on the Web, and displaying the status. it can. As a result, the power can be turned off or the sleep state can be kept for an unnecessary time as much as possible, thereby contributing to energy saving. Further, by setting the activation time timer, the activation is performed at a desired time and the activation status is displayed, so that the waste of the user's time such as waiting until the activation in front of the MFP 200 can be eliminated. In particular, it is effective when the MFP 200 is installed in a large office and the installation location is away from the user or on another floor.

  Note that, in the above embodiment, the case of specifying after 10 minutes has been described, but a setting of starting at what time and at what time is also possible by the same method. Although the case where each device of the MFP 200 is in the sleep mode is described, the same applies to the case where each device of the MFP 200 in the power-off mode is started. Furthermore, although the case of the MFP that performs digital processing has been described, the above-described processing is similarly applicable to an MFP that performs analog processing as long as a device controller having a network interface is mounted.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the timer setting for starting from the power OFF state or the sleep state has been described, but the timer setting for turning on the power from the shutdown state is also possible.

  Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the third embodiment, the present invention is applied to a remote control system capable of performing power OFF / ON control and sleep setting / cancellation. Since the configuration of the remote control system is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a window screen when the display mode is changed.

  When the specification setting button 407 shown in FIG. 18 is selected, a menu for basic settings, network settings, and the like is displayed. When a display setting 1801 is selected from the menu, a display button for each device 1802 and a display button for each function 1803 are displayed. In FIG. 18, the display by device is selected. Although the device-specific display button 1802 is shown in bold here, color display or reverse display may be used.

  When the function-specific display button 1803 is selected, the button becomes bold, and the function-specific display can be performed as shown in FIG. At this time, the device button 403 in FIG. 18 is changed to a function button 1901, and the character display on the window screen is also changed from the device display to the function display. In the present embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments described above, power control such as power ON / OFF and sleep transition for a device is performed not only by direct instructions to the device, but also described below. As described above, by designating a function on the setting screen of FIG. 19, it is possible to indirectly change to a mode in which a device is instructed, and perform power control for each function.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a window screen for performing power control for each function.

  When the function button 1901 is selected, a print function button 2001, a scan function button 2002, a fax function button 2003, a copy function button 2004, and a power control type 2005 are displayed. The current status of each function is displayed in the window screen. This status may include not only the power status but also error information and information on the remaining amount of consumables such as paper / toner. In such a case, various status information is transmitted from the MFP 200 via the LAN 121 to the terminal. Will be notified. The power control type 2005 includes control setting items of power OFF, power ON, sleep, sleep release, and timer setting.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a power control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server. The processing of each step in the flowchart of FIG. 25 is realized by the CPU 207 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206.

  First, when the user desires to use the print function, if "print cannot be performed" is displayed on the window screen of the terminal, the user selects power ON from the power control type 2005, and What is necessary is just to select the print function button 2001. When the instruction to select the print function button 2001 in FIG. 20 is input to the terminal, a command indicating the instruction input to the MFP 200 is sent from the terminal (the personal computer 112 in FIG. 1) via the LAN 121 (step S6).

  In the following description, power on (startup) in MFP 200 will be described as an example. However, if power off or sleep is selected in power control type 2005, it is specified in the same manner as power on. A power control instruction including the power control type information and the information on the designated function of the MFP 200 is transmitted from the terminal to the MFP 200, and the MFP 200 that receives the power control instruction receives the power control instruction. The power control is performed based on the included information of the type of power control (2005) and the information of the functions (2001 to 2004).

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when power supply control of the print function is instructed. As shown in FIG. 21, the print function button 2001 is displayed in bold to indicate that it has been selected, and the time required for activation is displayed on the status display unit 2104, and a countdown of the time is displayed.

  At this time, the CPU 207 discriminates the information on the type of power supply control and the information on the function specified (steps S7 to S9), and specifies the type and function of the power supply control (steps S15 and S10). Next, the power supply unit 210 is instructed to perform power supply control according to the specified type and function of the power supply control (step S11). In this case, the power supply of each device necessary for printing is started (energized) (step S7-YES, step S15, step S11).

  Here, since the print function has been instructed, power is supplied to the printer 203, the device controller 204, the memory 205, and the hard disk 206, which are necessary for executing the print processing. Also, power is not supplied to devices that are unnecessary for print processing, such as the scanner 202, the operation unit 201, and the facsimile unit 209.

  Next, the CPU 207 determines whether the power state of the device has changed (step S12). In this case, it is determined whether or not each device necessary for printing is in a standby state. This is performed, for example, by determining whether or not a predetermined time (a time required until the power supply unit 210 is in a standby state) has elapsed since the power supply unit 210 was instructed to supply power.

  When each device necessary for printing is in the standby state, the MFP 200 generates information indicating that the device required for the printing function instructed from the terminal is in the standby state (step S13), and generates the information. The information is notified to the terminal (step S14).

  Then, the terminal device that has received the communication information from MFP 200 displays that printing is possible on status display unit 2204 as shown in FIG. 22 in response to receiving the information.

  In the above steps S12 to S14, it has been described that the terminal is notified when the power state changes to the standby state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is detected by the CPU 207 (step S12), a markup language based on the type of the detected power state change is generated (step S13), and the terminal is notified of the generated information (step S14). You may. The display indicating that printing is possible may be displayed not only on the screen of the terminal device but also on the operation unit 201 of the MFP 200.

  As a result, the power status of each function of the MFP 200 according to the type and function of the power control selected by the user is displayed on the screen of the terminal device and the operation unit 201 of the MFP 200, and the power status in which the user can execute a desired function is displayed. You can know if it has become. Note that the same processing (steps S12 to S14) is also performed when a function other than the print function is instructed.

  When the user desires copying, the user selects the copy function button 2004 of the function button 1901. When an instruction to the copy function button 2004 in FIG. 23 is input to the terminal, a command indicating the instruction input to the MFP 200 is transmitted from the terminal (the personal computer 112 in FIG. 1) via the LAN 121.

  Then, it is determined whether there is an input of a power control instruction from the terminal device (step S6), and if there is the input of the power control instruction, the CPU 207 determines the type of the specified power control and the function (step S6). In steps S7 to S10, a device required for copying is automatically activated so that the power supply is in a standby state (step S8-YES, steps S15 and S11). In this case, since the copy function has been instructed, power is supplied to the operation unit 201, the scanner 202, the printer 203, the device controller 204, the memory 205, and the hard disk 206, which are necessary for executing the copy process. Power is not supplied to devices unnecessary for copying such as the fax 209.

  At the same time, as shown in FIG. 23, the copy function button 2004 is displayed in bold to indicate that it is selected, and the time required for activation is displayed on the status display unit 2304, and a countdown of the time is displayed.

  When a device required for the copy function specified by the terminal is in the standby state (YES in step S12), the CPU 207 transmits information indicating that the device required for the copy function specified by the terminal is in the standby state. At the same time as generating (step S13), the generated information is notified to the terminal (step S14). When the power of the device required for the copy function is turned on, the status display unit 2404 displays that copying is possible, as shown in FIG. In addition, since the copy function uses the scan function and the print function, both functions are displayed as usable for each function.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the activation of functions is controlled via the network, particularly on the Web, and the status is displayed, so that the user can operate the MFP not only in the intranet environment but also in a remote place. Can control. As a result, the power can be turned off or the sleep state can be kept for an unnecessary time as much as possible, thereby contributing to energy saving. In addition, by displaying the time on the Web, work such as copying can be performed in accordance with the activation status of the MFP, so that waste of time for the user, such as waiting until the MFP is activated, can be eliminated. This is particularly effective when the MFP is installed in a large office and the installation location is away from the user, or when the MFP is on another floor. Furthermore, by displaying and controlling for each function, the user can supply only the power necessary for the desired function without hesitation, and the user himself / herself determines the device corresponding to the desired function, It is possible to omit a complicated operation such as switching the power supply to a start / stop / sleep state.

  In the present embodiment, an MFP having a print function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and a copy function has been described as an example. However, the function is not limited to this, and for example, print data may be stored in a hard disk of the MFP from a terminal. It can be applied to various functions such as a box job function.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the fourth embodiment, the power control instruction is given from a terminal (client) that can communicate with the MFP 200 via the LAN 121. However, the window screen shown in FIGS. The power may be instructed from the operation unit 201 of the main body of the MFP 200 by displaying it on the unit 201 (display operation unit). The transition of the display of the window screen and the like are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can control the power supply of a device corresponding to a desired function via the operation unit 201 of the MFP.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and the like, various types of power control such as power OFF, power ON, and sleep are assumed for power control. Further, in sleep and the like, a deep sleep (power consumption is very small, Multiple levels of sleep modes, such as a mode that requires time to return to the standby mode and a mode of light sleep (high power consumption but no time to return to the standby mode of the MFP), are displayed on the window screen. By doing so, it is possible to provide the user with a more detailed power supply control environment. As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the power control in the first to third embodiments is applied not only to the system including the terminal-MFP 200 but also to the power control by the image processing apparatus alone. be able to. Further, the communication between the terminal and the MFP 200 may be performed via the server (109 or 110) to realize the processing of the terminal device and the MFP 200 described in the first to fourth embodiments. Good.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and can be applied to any configuration without departing from the scope of the claims.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a device including one device, or may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, and the like).

  An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) recording software program codes as shown in FIGS. It is needless to say that the present invention is also achieved when a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  When the computer executes the readout program codes, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program codes. Does part of 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 into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 25 described above.

  Further, the program only needs to be able to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments by a computer, and the form includes object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS, and the like. May be.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, RAM, NV-RAM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, MO, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW), magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, and other ROMs can be used as long as they can store the program. Alternatively, the program is supplied by being downloaded from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote control system incorporating an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine (MFP) 200 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of the MFP. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a power control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a window screen for power control. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a window screen of the MFP in a power-off state. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when a device button 403 is selected. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when a power ON button 603 is selected. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a window screen when each device is completely activated. It is a figure showing a window screen of a sleep state. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when a device button 403 is selected. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when a sleep cancel button 605 is selected. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when a timer setting button 606 is selected. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when time is set by a minute setting unit 1508. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a window screen when a desired time in a menu is selected. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when an execute button 1509 is pressed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a window screen when each device is completely activated. It is a figure showing a window screen when changing a display mode. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a window screen when a function-specific display button 1803 is selected. It is a figure showing the window screen which can perform power supply control for every function. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when power supply control of a print function is instructed. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when a power supply corresponding to a print function is activated. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when power control of a copy function is instructed. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a window screen when a power supply corresponding to a copy device is activated. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

200 Multifunction Digital Copier (MFP)
201 operation unit 202 scanner 203 printer 204 device controller 205 memory 206 hard disk 207 CPU
208 Communication control unit 209 Fax 210 Power supply unit

Claims (15)

  An information processing apparatus having a display device and having a plurality of functions, the display control means for displaying the plurality of functions on the display device in a selectable form, and the plurality of the plurality of functions via a screen displayed by the display device Input means for inputting information of at least one function selected from the functions, and power control related to the input function based on the information of at least one function input via the input means An information processing apparatus comprising: a power control unit.   Further, the display control means controls the display device so that a type of power control corresponding to the at least one function is displayed in a selectable form on the screen, and the power control means is provided via the input means. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power supply control is performed based on the input information of the at least one function and information of a type of power supply control corresponding to the function.   Further, the display control means controls the display device so that a type of power control of the entire information processing apparatus is displayed in a selectable form on the screen, and the input means controls a power supply of the entire information processing apparatus. When the type of control is input, and the power control unit inputs the information of the at least one function and the information of the type of power control corresponding to the function via the input unit, the information of the function is Power control based on the information on the type of power control, and when the type of power control of the entire information processing apparatus is input, the power control of the entire information processing apparatus is performed based on the type of power control. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is executed.   4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display device to display a change in a power state corresponding to the at least one function. 5. .   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising communication control means for communicating with an external device via a network.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of functions include at least two of a print function, a facsimile function, a copy function, and a scanner function.   A power control method for an information processing apparatus having a display device and having a plurality of functions, wherein a display control step of causing the display device to display the plurality of functions in a selectable form, and through a screen displayed by the display device An input step of inputting information of at least one function selected from the plurality of functions, and a power control related to the input function based on the information of the function input through the input step. And a power control step of performing power control of the information processing apparatus.   Further, the display control step controls the display device such that a type of power control corresponding to the at least one function is displayed on the screen in a selectable form, and the power control step is performed via the input step. 9. The power supply control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein power supply control is performed based on the input information of the at least one function and information of a power supply control type corresponding to the function.   Further, the display control step controls the display device so that a type of power control of the entire information processing apparatus is displayed in a selectable form on the screen, and the input step includes a power control of the entire information processing apparatus. When a type of control is input, the power control step includes, when information of the at least one function and information of a type of power control corresponding to the function are input through the input step, information of the function and Power control based on the information on the type of power control, and when the type of power control of the entire information processing apparatus is input, the power control of the entire information processing apparatus is performed based on the type of power control. The power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the method is executed.   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the display control step controls to display a change in a power state corresponding to the at least one function on the display device. Power control method.   The power supply control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a communication control step of performing communication with the information processing apparatus via a network.   The power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image.   12. The power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of functions include at least two of a print function, a facsimile function, a copy function, and a scanner function.   A power supply control program for causing a computer to execute a power supply control method for an information processing device having a plurality of functions, the display control module displaying the plurality of functions on the display device in a selectable form; An input module for inputting information on at least one function selected from the plurality of functions via a screen displayed by a display device, and the input based on the information on the function input via the input module And a power supply control module for performing power supply control related to the performed function.

Images