JP2008099096A - Network control system and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network control system and control method thereof in which a power saving effect of a device with a plurality of network interfaces packaged therein is improved. <P>SOLUTION: The network control system comprises: a repeating device which is connected to the same network, repeats and transmits transmission/reception information while switching it to a repeating port of a designated destination; and a network device including a plurality of network interface means connected, respectively, to a plurality of repeating ports of the repeating device. The network device comprises a power saving control means which controls other network interface means, excepting for at least one of the network interface means, into a power saving state and the repeating device switches the repeating ports so that communication destined to the network interface means in the power saving state is brought into communication destined to the network interface means not in the power saving state, so that the network interface means not in the power saving state substitutes the communication destined to the network interface means in the power saving state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network control system and a control method therefor, and more particularly, to a network control system and a control method therefor that further improve the power saving effect of a device that implements a plurality of network interfaces.

  In recent years, with the development of network technology and the spread of computers, effective use of resources, such as sharing a printing device by connecting a computer and a printing device over a network, or sharing data by connecting a computer and another device Is planned.

  In addition, the computer and the printing apparatus are provided with a power saving mode for performing power saving control for reducing power consumption. For example, in a printing apparatus connected to a network, print data is set even if a preset set time elapses. Is not received, power saving control such as stopping power supply to a portion of the printing apparatus that consumes a large amount of power (for example, a fixing unit) is performed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a computer system that improves the power saving effect by recovering the power state only when a packet addressed to the own system is received, and a network control device used in the computer system.

  In the invention of the above proposal, the MAC determines whether or not the packet received when the CPU is in a stopped state is addressed to the own communication port, and starts the CPU only when the packet addressed to the own communication port is received. The power saving effect of the CPU is improved.

  Patent Document 2 proposes a network interface device that saves power also in an interface unit of a network device, and a network system using the network interface device.

  In the above proposed invention, when the signal detection unit for detecting the packet signal does not detect the packet signal for a predetermined time, the power supply to the transceiver unit and the network controller unit of the network interface unit is stopped and the network interface unit is It is configured to save power.

  Patent Document 3 proposes a power saving management system, a power saving management method, a power saving management program, a power saving management device, and a service device that can improve power saving efficiency in a service device such as a printer connected to a network. ing.

  In the proposed invention, when there is a status request from the client terminal to the service device, the power saving management device that manages the power saving state of the service device on behalf of the status request transmits the status to the client device. When there is a service request to the service device, the power saving management device transmits an activation request to the service device to activate the service device.

  Further, Patent Document 4 discloses network access monitoring for server devices connected to the same switching hub and network access to the server device after the power-on control for controlling power-on to the server device is stopped. A monitoring control method and a power supply control device for a server device that can also monitor the occurrence have been proposed.

In the proposed invention, an ARP request frame having the network address of the server device as a transmission source address is sent from the power supply control device to the network, and the switching hub that receives the ARP request frame thereafter transmits frames addressed to the network address of the server device. Is received, the frame is sent to the port to which the power supply control device is connected.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-110089 JP 2002-016612 A JP 2005-267539 A JP 2000-349797 A

  However, in the proposal shown in Patent Document 1, the PHY cannot be stopped to determine whether or not the received packet is a packet addressed to the own apparatus, and this technique is implemented with a plurality of communication ports. When applied to the apparatus, the PHY cannot be stopped even if the CPU of each communication port can be stopped.

  In addition, the proposal shown in Patent Document 2 has a function of stopping a network interface that is not used for a certain period of time. However, recently, a broadcast packet for collecting various information from various devices connected to the network is provided. In addition, since access packets for collecting information from known host devices frequently flow on the network, the time to stop the network interface in practice by receiving those broadcast packets etc. There is a problem that it is difficult to obtain a power saving effect.

  Further, the proposal shown in Patent Document 3 requires a special management device, and the proposal shown in Patent Document 4 requires that the server device and the power supply device be connected by a switching hub. is there.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a network control system and a control method therefor that further improve the power saving effect of a device that implements a plurality of network interfaces.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the network control system according to claim 1 is connected to the same network and relays the information to be transmitted / received by switching to a plurality of relay ports corresponding to the designated destination, Network equipment having a plurality of network interface means respectively connected to the relay ports of the relay equipment, and the network equipment includes other network interface means excluding at least one of the plurality of network interface means. Power saving control means for controlling to a power saving state, wherein the relay device is configured to communicate with a network interface means that is controlled to the power saving state by the power saving control means as a destination and a network interface means that is not in the power saving state as a destination. Like the relay port And switches, thereby, to act for the communication processing without network interface means to the power-saving state to the network interface unit and a destination that is controlled to a power-saving state by the power-saving control means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the network interface unit includes a first processing unit that performs processing of a physical layer of a communication function via the network, and a media access control subordinate of the communication function. A second processing means for performing layer processing, and a third processing means for performing processing of layers higher than the media access control sublayer of the communication function, wherein the power saving control means is the first processing means. Control the power saving state.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the network interface unit according to claim 1, wherein the network device controls the relay device to a power saving state when the network interface unit is controlled to the power saving state by the power saving control unit. The relay device switches the relay port so that the communication destined for the network interface means controlled to the power saving state based on the notification is the communication destined for the network interface means not in the power saving state. Do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of networks connected to each other via a router, a first network connected to the network via a router, and a plurality of networks connected to the plurality of networks, respectively. A network device having interface means, the network device comprising power saving control means for controlling other network interface means excluding at least one of the plurality of network interface means to a power saving state, and the router The network interface means not connected to the power saving state via the network connected to the network interface means not connected to the network interface means controlled to the power saving state by the power saving control means. Switching the communication route to a, thereby, to act for the communication processing without network interface means to the power-saving state to the network interface unit and a destination that is controlled to a power-saving state by the power-saving control means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the network interface unit includes a first processing unit that performs processing of a physical layer of a communication function via the network, and a media access control subordinate of the communication function. A second processing means for performing layer processing, and a third processing means for performing processing of layers higher than the media access control sublayer of the communication function, wherein the power saving control means is the first processing means. Control the power saving state.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the network device further includes a network interface unit that controls the router to a power saving state when the network interface unit controls the power saving state by the power saving control unit. The router notifies the network interface means that is not in the power saving state via the network to which the network interface means that is not in the power saving state is connected to the network interface means that is controlled in the power saving state based on the notification. Switch the communication path so that the destination communication.

  The invention of the control method of claim 7 is the relay port of the relay device connected to the same network and switching and transmitting the information to be transmitted and received by switching to a plurality of relay ports corresponding to the designated destination by the relay device. Connected to each other by a plurality of network devices having network interface means, wherein the network equipment controls other network interface means excluding at least one of the plurality of network interface means to a power saving state by the power saving control means, The relay device switches the relay port so that communication destined for network interface means controlled by the power saving control means is network interface means not in the power saving state. Network that is not in the power saving state. Click interface means to act for the communication process of the network interface means destined controlled to a power-saving state by the power-saving control means.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the network interface means performs processing of a physical layer of a communication function via the network by a first processing means, and performs a media access control sub-function of the communication function. The layer processing is performed by the second processing means, the processing of the layers higher than the media access control sublayer of the communication function is performed by the third processing means, and the power saving control means includes the first processing means. Control power saving state.

  The invention of claim 9 is the network interface unit according to claim 7, wherein the network device controls the relay device to a power saving state when the network interface unit is controlled to a power saving state by the power saving control unit. The relay device switches the relay port so that the communication destined for the network interface means controlled to the power saving state based on the notification is the communication destined for the network interface means not in the power saving state. Do.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method comprising: a plurality of networks connected to each other via a router; a first network connected to the network via a router; and a network interface means connected to the plurality of networks. The network device to be connected to each other, the network device controls other network interface means excluding at least one of the plurality of network interface means to a power saving state by the power saving control means, and the router includes the power saving control means The communication that is destined to the network interface means that is controlled to the power saving state by the network interface means the communication that is destined to the network interface means that is not in the power saving state via the network to which the network interface means that is not in the power saving state is connected. Switching the road, thereby, to act for the communication processing without network interface means to the power-saving state to the network interface unit and a destination that is controlled to a power-saving state by the power-saving control means.

  The invention according to an eleventh aspect is the invention according to the tenth aspect, wherein the network interface means performs processing of a physical layer of a communication function via the network by a first processing means, and performs a media access control sub-function of the communication function. The layer processing is performed by the second processing means, the processing of the layers higher than the media access control sublayer of the communication function is performed by the third processing means, and the power saving control means includes the first processing means. Control power saving state.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the tenth aspect, when the network device controls the network interface means to the power saving state by the power saving control means, the network interface means for controlling the router to the power saving state. The router notifies the network interface means that is not in the power saving state via the network to which the network interface means that is not in the power saving state is connected to the network interface means that is controlled in the power saving state based on the notification. Switch the communication path so that the destination communication.

  According to the network control system and the control method of the present invention, a relay device that is connected to the same network and that relays and transmits information to be transmitted and received by switching to a plurality of relay ports corresponding to a specified destination, A network device having a plurality of network interface means respectively connected to the relay port, wherein the network device controls other network interface means except for at least one of the plurality of network interface means in a power saving state. The relay device is configured so that the communication destined for the network interface means controlled by the power saving control means as the destination is the network interface means not in the power saving state as the destination. Relay port switching As a result, the network interface means that is not in the power saving state acts as a proxy for the communication processing destined to the network interface means controlled by the power saving control means, so that the proxy is performed without affecting the transmission / reception of information. It is possible to obtain a power saving effect by controlling the network interface means to be processed to a power saving state.

  A plurality of networks connected to each other via a router; a first network connected to the network via a router; and a network device having a plurality of network interface means respectively connected to the plurality of networks; And the network device includes power saving control means for controlling other network interface means except for at least one of the plurality of network interface means to a power saving state, and the router is configured by the power saving control means. Communication so that communication destined for network interface means controlled to the power saving state is made communication destined to network interface means not in the power saving state via the network connected to the network interface means not in the power saving state. Since the network interface means that is not in the power saving state acts as a proxy for the communication processing destined to the network interface means controlled by the power saving control means, the network to which the network interface means is connected is switched. The network interface means can be controlled to a power saving state according to the form, and a power saving effect can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a network control system and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a printing apparatus 1 to which a network control system and a control method according to the present invention are applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of LAN interface cards including a LAN (= Local Area Network) interface card 11, a LAN interface card 12, and a LAN interface card 13 are mounted on the printing apparatus 1. The unit 20 is provided.

  Each LAN interface card is an expansion card for connecting the printing apparatus 1 and a LAN and performing data transmission / reception control with other apparatuses via the LAN.

  The network control unit 10 performs overall control of each LAN interface card, and performs data transmission / reception control via a network connected to each LAN interface card.

  In addition, power saving control for suppressing power consumption of each LAN interface card is performed according to the form of the network connected to each LAN interface card and the data transmission / reception state of each LAN interface card.

  The network control unit 10 includes a CPU 14, a nonvolatile memory 15, a ROM / RAM 16 (= Read Only Memory / Random Access Memory), a storage 17, and its peripheral devices. Each LAN interface card, the CPU 14 The nonvolatile memory 15, the ROM / RAM 16, the image output unit 20, the storage 17 and its peripheral devices are connected by a local bus 5.

  The CPU 14 of the network control unit 10 is a central processing unit that controls the nonvolatile memory 15, ROM / RAM 16, storage 17, and peripheral devices of the network control unit 10 to control the entire network control unit 10.

  In addition, when a CPU 115 described later of each LAN interface card is stopped, the CPU 14 performs a control operation of the CPU 115 and controls PHY 111 and MAC 112 described later of the LAN interface card in which the CPU 115 is stopped.

  The nonvolatile memory 15, the ROM / RAM 16, and the storage 17 are all storage devices, and the nonvolatile memory 15 stores and holds various data, programs, and the like that are required to retain stored contents even when the power is turned off.

  The ROM / RAM 16 stores and holds a program for performing control operations of the printing apparatus 1 and various data, and temporarily stores a program being executed and data being processed.

  The storage 17 has a relatively large capacity and stores data to be transmitted and received.

  The image output unit 20 performs image processing on data input to the printing apparatus 1 and prints it out on a medium such as paper.

  The printing apparatus 1 can transmit and receive data between the printing apparatus 1 and another apparatus connected to each LAN by connecting to the LAN 2 or LAN 3 with each LAN interface card.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of each LAN interface card mounted on the printing apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each LAN interface card includes a power control unit 110, a PHY 111, a MAC 112, a nonvolatile memory 113, a ROM / RAM 114, a CPU 115, an interface 117, a storage 116, and its peripheral devices. I have.

  The power control unit 110 controls power supply to the PHY 111, MAC 112, CPU 115, storage 116, and peripheral devices of the LAN interface card, and performs power saving control for suppressing power consumption of the LAN interface card.

  The PHY 111 performs protocol processing corresponding to the physical layer of the OSI basic reference model.

  Specifically, protocol processing such as physical connection with a network, transmission method, and mutual conversion method of electrical signals is performed.

  The MAC 112 performs protocol processing corresponding to the data link layer and the media access control sublayer of the OSI basic reference model.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data received by the PHY 111 is data addressed to its own MAC, and the frame format or error of the received data is detected.

  The non-volatile memory 113, the ROM / RAM 114, and the storage 116 are all storage devices, and the non-volatile memory 113 stores and holds various data, programs, and the like that are required to hold stored contents even when the power is turned off.

  The ROM / RAM 114 stores and holds programs for performing control operations of the LAN interface card and various data, and temporarily stores programs being executed and data being processed.

  The storage 116 has a relatively large capacity and stores data to be transmitted and received.

  The CPU 115 controls the PHY 111 and the MAC 112, and performs protocol processing (data link layer, logical link control sub-layer) on the data link layer and logical link control sub-layer of the OSI basic reference model for data processed by the MAC 112. And a central processing unit that performs overall control of the entire LAN interface card.

  The interface 117 performs interface control for transmitting and receiving data and control signals between the LAN interface card and the printing apparatus 1 (specifically, the network control unit 10).

  Each LAN interface card configured as described above includes a power control unit 110 for each LAN interface card, so that power is supplied to the PHY 111, MAC 112, CPU 115, storage 116, and peripheral devices for each LAN interface card. Power saving control is performed to improve the power saving effect of each LAN interface card.

  When the power control unit 110 performs power saving control of its own LAN interface card, the PHY 111, the MAC 112, the CPU 115, the storage 116, and the peripheral devices are controlled according to the order in which the power supply is stopped (power saving level). Control power supply.

  FIG. 3 is a power saving control and power saving level correspondence table 300 showing an example of correspondence between the power saving control of the local LAN interface card performed by the power control unit 110 and the power saving level.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the power saving control and power saving level correspondence table 300 shows information in which the power saving control of the local LAN interface card performed by the power control unit 110 and the power saving level are associated with each other.

  The power saving level 0 (power saving level item 301 in the figure) is control for supplying power to all of the PHY 111, MAC 112, CPU 115, storage 116 and peripheral devices of the LAN interface card.

  Power saving level 1 (power saving level item 302 in the figure) is control for stopping power supply to the storage 116 of the LAN interface card and its peripheral devices and supplying power to the PHY 111, MAC 112, and CPU 115.

  In the LAN interface card controlled in this way, data such as jobs that do not use the storage 116 and data such as status information can be transmitted and received.

  Power saving level 2 (power saving level item 303 in the figure) is control for stopping power supply to the CPU 115 and storage 116 of the LAN interface card and its peripheral devices and supplying power to the PHY 111 and MAC 112.

  In the LAN interface card thus controlled for power saving, the operation control (specifically, the operation for controlling the PHY 111 and the MAC 112) performed by the CPU 115 of the LAN interface card is performed on the main unit side (specifically, the operation for controlling the PHY 111 and MAC 112). In this case, data can be transmitted and received by the CPU (specifically, the CPU 14) of the network control unit 20) acting on behalf.

  In this case, the storage 17 on the main device side is used when data requiring storage use is input.

  Power saving level 3 (power saving level item 304 in the figure) is control for stopping power supply to the MAC 112, CPU 115, storage 116 and peripheral devices of the LAN interface card and supplying power to the PHY 111.

  In the LAN interface card thus controlled for power saving, the operation control (specifically, the operation for controlling the PHY 111 and the MAC 112) performed by the CPU 115 of the LAN interface card is performed on the main unit side (specifically, the operation for controlling the PHY 111 and MAC 112). In this case, the CPU (specifically, CPU 14) of the network control unit 20) performs the control on behalf, and if there is input data in the PHY 111, the power saving state of the MAC 112 is canceled, so that data can be transmitted and received. It is.

  The power saving level 4 (power saving level item 305 in the figure) is control for stopping the power supply of the PHY 111, MAC 112, CPU 115, storage 116, and peripheral devices of the LAN interface card.

  In the LAN interface card thus controlled to save power, the PHY 111 is stopped or the entire LAN interface card is in a power-off state.

  The information of the power saving control and power saving level correspondence table 300 is stored in advance in the ROM / RAM 114 of each LAN interface card and the ROM / RAM 16 of the network control unit 10, and the power control unit 110 of each LAN interface card is stored in the network control unit 10. The power saving control is performed based on the power saving level information instructed by the CPU 14, the power saving control and the power saving level correspondence table 300.

  The printing apparatus 1 including the LAN interface card 11, the LAN interface card 12, and the LAN interface card 13 that can perform such power saving control includes a network configuration connected to each LAN interface card, and data of each LAN interface card. The power saving control of each LAN interface card is performed according to the transmission / reception state, and the power saving effect of each LAN interface card is further improved.

  The power saving control of each LAN interface card according to the form of the network connected to each LAN interface card and the data transmission / reception state of each LAN interface card is mainly based on the control of the network control unit 10. The power supply control unit 110 controls.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of power saving control determination information 400 that is a determination criterion when the network control unit 10 instructs power saving control to each LAN interface card mounted on the printing apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the power saving control determination information 400 includes a condition for the network control unit 10 to gradually shift the power saving level of each LAN interface card from the power saving level 0 to the power saving level 4 for each LAN interface card. Is shown.

  For example, when the LAN interface card in the normal state (power saving level 0) is subjected to power saving control to the power saving level 1 state (power saving level item 401 in the figure), each LAN interface card in which the network control unit 10 is mounted on the printing apparatus 1 is used. Monitors the data transmission / reception status in the network, and instructs the power saving control at the power saving level 1 to the LAN interface card that does not transmit / receive data (for example, job, device status information, packet, etc.) within a predetermined time T1. To do.

  When a LAN interface card of power saving level 1 is shifted to power saving level 2 (power saving level item 402 in the figure), the data is stored within a predetermined time T2 preset by the LAN interface card controlled to save power. When there is no transmission / reception, the power saving level 2 power saving control is instructed.

  Also, when the power saving level 2 LAN interface card is controlled to save power level 3 (power saving level item 403 in the figure), within a predetermined time T3 set in advance by the LAN interface card controlled to save power level 2. When the printing apparatus 1 is not equipped with another LAN interface card that does not transmit / receive data and can perform a proxy response of the LAN interface card (when communication is impossible, for example), the power saving control at power saving level 3 is instructed.

  The proxy response here refers to another LAN in which a message to be received by the PHY 111 of the LAN interface card controlled to save power among the plurality of LAN interface cards mounted on the printing apparatus 1 is to be received. The interface card receives and sends a message for the packet as needed.

  Since this proxy response can be connected to any device between devices connected to the same subnet, if the network connection is made by connecting a plurality of LAN interface cards mounted on the printing device 1 in the same subnet, the proxy response is Is possible.

  If the same domain name can be used in the operation of DHCP / DDNS (= Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol / Dynamic Domain Name System), it is possible to search with DNS (= Domain Name System). Even if the LAN interface cards are connected in different subnets, the network to which each LAN interface card is connected is operated by DHCP / DDNS, belongs to the same domain in DNS, and is always assigned the same host and domain name. If so, it is possible to make a proxy response by connecting with a FQDN (= Fully Qualified Domain Name) name.

  Note that a proxy response cannot be made in a state where the LAN interface cards cannot transmit and receive data via the network.

  Further, when the power saving level 3 LAN interface card is controlled to save power level 4 (power saving level item 404 in the figure), the LAN interface card controlled to save power level 3 within a predetermined time T4 set in advance. When there is no data transmission / reception and another LAN interface card mounted on the printing apparatus 1 is connected to a network that can perform proxy response of the power saving level 3 LAN interface card, the power saving level 3 LAN interface card Is instructed to save power at power saving level 4.

  Also, when data that requires processing of the LAN interface card in the power saving state (power saving level 1 to power saving level 4) is received or when the load of other LAN interface cards is high and load distribution is required, the power saving state A power saving control for canceling power saving of the LAN interface card (power saving level 1 to power saving level 4) is instructed.

  Specifically, it instructs the power saving control to shift the LAN interface card in the power saving state (power saving level 1 to power saving level 4) to the power saving level 0.

  The power saving control determination information 400 is stored and held in advance in the ROM / RAM 16 of the network control unit 10.

  Note that the power saving control judgment may be shifted step by step in the order of power saving level 0 to power saving level 4, or in the order of power saving level 0, power saving level 1, power saving level 3, power saving level 4. Arbitrary settings that can be skipped and transferred are possible.

  The network configuration in which the printing apparatus 1 configured as described above is connected by each LAN interface card mounted on the printing apparatus 1 and the power saving control performed according to the data transmission / reception status of each LAN interface card will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating an example of a network configuration to which the printing apparatus 1 is connected.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network 500 in which a plurality of LAN interface cards mounted on the printing apparatus 1 are connected via the same subnet. FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of LAN interface cards mounted on the printing apparatus 1. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network 501 configured to be connected in different subnets, operate in DHCP / DDNS, belong to the same domain in the DNS, and always be assigned the same host and domain name.

  5 and 6, for convenience of explanation, a network configuration in which the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 mounted on the printing apparatus 1 are connected is shown as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the network 500, the printing apparatus 1 and the client apparatus 50 are connected via a LAN 2, and the DHCP server apparatus 60 is connected to the LAN 2.

  Further, the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 mounted on the printing apparatus 1 are connected to the switching hub 40 and are connected to the same subnet of the LAN 2 via the switching hub 40.

  In the network 500 configured as described above, when each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1 is operating in a normal state (power saving level 0), it is transmitted from the client apparatus 50 to each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1. Each packet is transferred to the switching hub 40 via the LAN 2, and packets addressed to each LAN interface card are transferred to each LAN interface card by the switching control of the switching hub 40 and received by each LAN interface card.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the network 501, the printing apparatus 1 and the client apparatus 50 are connected by a LAN 2 and a LAN 3, and the LAN 2 and the LAN 3 are connected by a router 70.

  The LAN 2 is connected to the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1, the client apparatus 50, the DHCP server apparatus 60, and the router 70. The LAN 3 is connected to the LAN interface card 11 of the printing apparatus 1 and the DHCP server apparatus 61. And the DDNS server device 80 are connected.

  In the network 501 configured as described above, when the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 are operating in the normal state (power saving level 0), the client apparatus 50 to the printing apparatus. 1, packets addressed to the LAN interface card 12 are transferred to the LAN interface card 12 via the LAN 2, and packets addressed to the LAN interface card 11 are transferred to the LAN 2, the router 70, and the router 70. The data is transferred to the LAN interface card 11 via the LAN 3.

  Thus, in the form of the network 500 or the network 501 to which the LAN interface cards of the printing apparatus 1 are connected, the network control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 transmits / receives data on each LAN interface card mounted on the printing apparatus 1. The power saving control performed according to the above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the power saving control operation of the printing apparatus 1 in the form of the network 500 and the network 501. FIG.

  7 and 8, for convenience of explanation, for example, the LAN interface card 12 is LAN interface card A, and another LAN interface that performs proxy response or proxy processing of the LAN interface card A in the power saving state. A card, for example, the LAN interface card 11 is indicated by a LAN interface card B.

  When each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1 is operating in a normal state (power saving level 0), as described above, each packet transmitted from the client apparatus 50 to each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1 is When the network form is the network 500, the packet is transferred to the switching hub 40 via the LAN 2, and each packet addressed to each LAN interface card is received via the switching hub 40 by each LAN interface card.

  Further, when the network form is the network 501, each packet transmitted from the client device 50 to each LAN interface card is transferred to the LAN interface card 12 via the LAN 2 so that the packet addressed to the LAN interface card 12 is transferred to the LAN interface card 12. A packet addressed to the card 11 is transferred to the LAN interface card 11 via the LAN 2, the router 70, and the LAN 3.

  In this way, in a state where each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1 is controlled to save power to the power saving level 0, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, within a predetermined time T1 preset in the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 If there is no transmission / reception of data (for example, packet) (YES in steps S601 and S602), the LAN interface card 12 is controlled to save power at power saving level 1, and is shifted from power saving level 0 to power saving level 1 (step S603).

  Specifically, the network controller 10 (specifically, the CPU 14) of the printing apparatus 1 monitors the transmission / reception status of data (for example, packets) in each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1, and performs this control operation. The state of no transmission / reception is measured by a timer (not shown), and the power control unit 110 of, for example, the LAN interface card 12 in which no data (for example, packet) has been transmitted / received within a predetermined time T1 for shifting to the power saving level 1. A command signal is transmitted so as to perform power saving control at power saving level 1.

  Based on this command signal, the power supply control unit 110 of the LAN interface card (in this case, the LAN interface card 12), the PHY 111, the MAC 112, the CPU 115, the storage 116, and the The power supply to the storage 116 and its peripheral devices among the peripheral devices is stopped.

  Further, when data (for example, packet) is not transmitted / received within a predetermined time T2 for shifting to the power saving level 2 by the LAN interface card 2 in the state where the power saving level is controlled to the power saving level 1, for example (step S604). In step S605, YES, the LAN interface card 12 is subjected to power saving control at power saving level 2, and is shifted from power saving level 1 to power saving level 2 (step S606).

  Specifically, this control operation is performed by the network control unit 10 (specifically, the CPU 14) shifting to the power saving level 2 based on the monitoring of the transmission / reception status of data (for example, packets) in each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1. For example, a command signal is transmitted to the power control unit 110 of the LAN interface card 12 in a possible communication state so as to perform power saving control at power saving level 2.

  Based on this command signal, the power control unit 110 of the LAN interface card 12 stops power supply to the CPU 115 among the PHY 111, MAC 112, and CPU 115 that have been supplying power.

  Further, when data (for example, packet) is not transmitted / received within a predetermined time T3 for shifting to the power saving level 3 by the LAN interface card 2 in the state where the power saving level 2 is controlled, for example (step S607). In step S608, YES), the LAN interface card 12 is subjected to power saving control at the power saving level 3, and is shifted from the power saving level 2 to the power saving level 3 (step S609).

  This control operation is performed in a communication state in which the network control unit 10 (specifically, the CPU 14) can shift to the power saving level 3 based on the monitoring of the transmission / reception status of data (for example, packets) in each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1. For example, a command signal is transmitted to the power control unit 110 of the LAN interface card 12 so as to perform power saving control at power saving level 3.

  Based on this command signal, the power control unit 110 of the LAN interface card (in this case, the LAN interface card 12) stops power supply to the MAC 112 of the PHY 111 and MAC 112 that have been supplying power.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, data (for example, packets) is transmitted / received within a predetermined time T4 for shifting to the power saving level 4 by the LAN interface card 12, for example, in the state where the power saving level 3 is controlled. If not (YES in steps S610 and S611), it is determined whether the printing apparatus 1 includes a LAN interface card different from the LAN interface card 12 (step S612).

  If it is determined in step S612 that the printing apparatus 1 includes a LAN interface card different from the LAN interface card 12 (YES in step S613), the network connection state of each LAN interface card is detected, and the printing apparatus LAN interface card connected to a network configuration capable of proxy response or proxy processing of a LAN interface card (in this case, LAN interface card 12) that shifts from power saving level 3 to power saving level 4 It is determined whether or not there is (step S614).

  If there is a LAN interface card connected to a network form capable of proxy response or proxy processing of the LAN interface card (in this case, the LAN interface card 12) that shifts from power saving level 3 to power saving level 4 (YES in step S615) ) The power saving control is performed on the LAN interface card 12 at the power saving level 4 to shift from the power saving level 3 to the power saving level 4.

  In addition, after the LAN interface card 12 is shifted from the power saving level 3 to the power saving level 4, the LAN interface card 12 performs a proxy response or a proxy process to the LAN interface card 12 (in this case, the LAN interface card 11). Perform proxy preparation processing for proxy response or proxy processing of the interface card 12.

  The power saving control and proxy preparation process for shifting the LAN interface card from the power saving level 3 to the power saving level 4 have different processing operations depending on the network configuration to which each LAN interface card mounted in the printing apparatus 1 is connected.

  For example, when the printing apparatus 1 is connected via the network 500 (see FIG. 5), the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 are connected in the same subnet (YES in step S615). For example, the LAN interface card 12 controlled to save power level 3 is stopped (power supply to all of the PHY 111, MAC 112, CPU 115, storage 116 and its peripheral devices is stopped) (step S616). The ARP is transmitted with the MAC address and IP of the interface card 12 and notified to the LAN 2, and the port mapping of the switching hub 40 is set on the LAN interface card 11 side (step S617).

  Whether or not the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 are connected in the same subnet can be determined from the IP setting of the local LAN interface card and its operation value.

  By performing such power saving control and proxy preparation processing, for example, the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 connected to the network 500 is stopped, and for example, the LAN interface card 11 performs proxy response or proxy processing of the LAN interface card 12. Can be performed.

  Note that when the LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1 is directly connected to the LAN 2 without using the switching hub 40 in the network 500, transmission of the ARP from the LAN interface card 11 can be omitted.

  In this case, it is possible to detect whether the ARP (= Address Resolution Protocol) addressed to itself is transmitted in advance, and whether the ARP reaches another LAN interface card. It is determined that a LAN interface card connected to a network capable of response or proxy processing is not installed.

  For example, when the printing apparatus 1 is connected to the network 501 (see FIG. 6), the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 are connected by different subnets (NO in step S615). Since DHCP / DDNS operation is performed, the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 belong to the same DNS domain and are always assigned the same host and domain name (YES in steps S618 and S619). For example, the IP of the LAN interface card 12 registered in the DHCP server device 60 with respect to the power saving level 3, for example, the LAN interface card 12, and the name of the LAN interface card 12 registered in the DNS server (not shown). After removal was removed by request to the server (step S620), it stops the activation of the LAN interface card 12 (step S621).

  Note that whether or not the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 are in DHCP / DDNS operation can be determined from the IP settings and DDNS settings of the own interface card and the operation values obtained thereby.

  After starting and stopping the LAN interface card 12, an operation is performed to acquire the IP from the DHCP server device 61 with the MAC address of the LAN interface card 12 and the FQDN with the host name of the LAN interface card 12 from the LAN interface card 12. (Step S622).

  By performing such power saving control and proxy preparation processing, for example, the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 connected to the network 501 is stopped from being activated. For example, the LAN interface card 11 performs proxy response or proxy processing of the LAN interface card 12. Can be performed.

  When the printing apparatus 1 is connected to the network 500 in the state where the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 is controlled at the power saving level 4 as described above, each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1 from the client apparatus 50 is connected. The packet transmitted to the destination is transferred to the switching hub 40 via the LAN 2, and the packet addressed to each LAN interface card is received by the LAN interface card 11 by switching control of the switching hub 40.

  When the printing apparatus 1 is connected to the network 501, a packet transmitted from the client apparatus 50 to each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1 is transmitted to the LAN interface card 11 via the LAN 2, the router 70, and the LAN 3. Received.

  Next, a control operation for canceling the power saving control of the LAN interface card at the power saving level 4 among the LAN interface cards of the printing apparatus 1 (shifting to the power saving level 0) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of canceling power saving control (shifting to power saving level 0) of the LAN interface card that has been subjected to power saving control in the state of power saving level 4 of the printing apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 9, when a situation occurs in which the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 is restored to the normal state (power saving level 0) while the power saving control is performed on the LAN interface card 12 at the power saving level 4, for example, In step S901, YES in step S902, YES in step S903, and YES in step S904), the proxy response or proxy process of the LAN interface card 12 is stopped, and the LAN interface card 12 is returned to the normal state.

  The control operation for stopping the proxy response or the proxy process and canceling the power saving state differs depending on the form of the network to which each LAN interface card mounted on the printing apparatus 1 is connected.

  For example, when the printing apparatus 1 is connected in the form of the network 500 (see FIG. 5), the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 are connected in the same subnet (YES in step S906). ), The proxy response or proxy processing of the LAN interface card (in this case, the LAN interface card 11) performing proxy response or proxy processing of the LAN interface card 12 is stopped (step S907), and power saving control is performed at power saving level 4 The power-saving control of the LAN interface card 12 that has been set is canceled and the state is shifted to the power-saving level 0 (step S908).

  Specifically, this control operation is performed by the network interface 10 (specifically, the CPU 14) based on the data transmission / reception status of each LAN interface card of the printing apparatus 1 and the processing status of the CPU. A command signal is sent to the power control unit 110 of the LAN interface card 12 that is controlled to save power at the power saving level 4 so that the power saving control is performed at the power saving level 0 when it is detected that a situation for returning the power supply 12 to the normal state has occurred. Send.

  Based on this command signal, the power controller 110 of the LAN interface card 12 supplies power to all of the PHY 111, MAC 112, CPU 115, storage 116, and peripheral devices for which power supply has been stopped.

  Note that the criterion for canceling the power saving control is, for example, when data that requires a processing function unique to the LAN interface card 12 that has been subjected to the power saving control at level 4 is received, or other activation implemented in the printing apparatus 1. For example, when data that requires protocol processing not supported by the LAN interface card is received, or when the activated LAN interface card is heavily loaded.

  After canceling the power saving control of the LAN interface card 12 that has been subjected to power saving control at the power saving level 4, for example, the LAN interface card 12 that has been shifted to the normal state (power saving level 0) is ARP with the MAC address and IP of the LAN interface card 12 Is transmitted to the LAN 2 and notified to the LAN 2, and the mapping of the port of the switching hub 40 is set on the LAN interface card 12 side (step S909).

  For example, when the printing apparatus 1 is connected to the network 501 (see FIG. 6), the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 of the printing apparatus 1 are connected by different subnets, but the DHCP / DDNS operation is performed. Since the LAN interface card 11 and the LAN interface card 12 belong to the same DNS domain and are always assigned the same host and domain name (YES in steps S910 and S911), the LAN interface card 12 The proxy response or proxy processing operation of the LAN interface card (in this case, the LAN interface card 11) that is performing proxy response or proxy processing is stopped (step S912), and the LAN interface that is controlled to save power at power saving level 4 It cancels the power-saving control of the face cards 12 shifts to the state of the power saving level 0 (step S913).

  Specifically, this control operation is performed by the network interface 10 based on the data transmission / reception status of each LAN interface card and the processing status of the CPU as in the case of the network 500 described above. When a situation occurs in which the power supply 12 is returned to the normal state, a command signal is transmitted to the power supply control unit 110 of the LAN interface card 12 that is power-saving controlled at the power-saving level 4 so that power-saving control is performed at the power-saving level 0. The power controller 110 of the interface card 12 supplies power to all of the PHY 111, MAC 112, CPU 115, storage 116, and peripheral devices.

  After canceling the power saving control of the LAN interface card 12 that has been subjected to the power saving control at the power saving level 4, for example, the LAN interface card 12 that has been shifted to the normal state (power saving level 0) is assigned an IP from the DHCP server device 60 with its own MAC address. An operation of acquiring the FQDN with the address and the host name of the own apparatus is performed (step S914).

  As described above, the printing apparatus 1 automatically controls the power saving level of the plurality of LAN interface cards mounted on the printing apparatus 1 to the optimum power saving state according to the network configuration to which each LAN interface card is connected. Greater power saving effect can be obtained.

  In the above description, an example in which the network control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 performs determination and control instruction of power saving level shift of each LAN interface card mounted on the printing apparatus 1 has been described. It is good also as a structure which shares with 10 and performs.

  The present invention can be applied to a technology applied to power saving of a device that performs data transfer via a communication port including a CPU and a MAC.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing apparatus 1 to which a network control system and a control method according to the present invention are applied. The block diagram which shows the structure of each LAN interface card mounted in the printing apparatus 1 The figure which shows an example of a response | compatibility of the power-saving control of each LAN interface card, and its power-saving level The figure which shows an example of the power saving control judgment information 400 used as the judgment standard of power saving control The figure which shows an example of the network 500 The figure which shows an example of the network 501 Flow chart showing operation of power saving control in each network form (Part 1) Flow chart showing operation of power saving control in each network form (part 2) Flow chart showing operation to cancel power saving control (shift to power saving level 0)

Explanation of symbols

1 Printing device 1, 2 LAN (= Local Area Network)
5 Local bus 11, 12, 13 LAN interface card 14 CPU (network control unit)
15 Nonvolatile memory (network controller)
16 ROM / RAM (network control unit)
17 Storage (network control unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Image output part 40 Switching hub 50 Client apparatus 60, 61 DHCP server apparatus 70 Router 80 DDNS server apparatus 110 Power supply control part 111 PHY
112 MAC
113 Nonvolatile memory 114 ROM / RAM
115 CPU
116 Storage 117 Interface 300 Power saving control and power saving level correspondence table 400 Power saving control judgment information 500, 501 Network configuration

Claims (12)

A relay device that is connected to the same network and that relays and transmits information to be transmitted and received by switching to a plurality of relay ports corresponding to the specified destination;
A network device having a plurality of network interface means respectively connected to the relay port of the relay device,
The network device is:
Power saving control means for controlling other network interface means except at least one of the plurality of network interface means to a power saving state;
The relay device is
The relay port is switched so that communication destined for network interface means that is controlled by the power saving control means is network interface means that is not in the power saving state.
Thus, the network control system in which the network interface means not in the power saving state performs communication processing destined for the network interface means controlled to the power saving state by the power saving control means. The network interface means includes
First processing means for performing processing of a physical layer of a communication function via the network;
Second processing means for performing processing of the media access control sublayer of the communication function;
A third processing means for performing processing of a layer higher than the media access control sublayer of the communication function;
The power saving control means includes:
The network control system according to claim 1, wherein the power saving state is controlled including the first processing means. The network device is:
When controlling the network interface means to the power saving state by the power saving control means, the network interface means for controlling the power saving state is notified to the relay device,
The relay device is
2. The network control system according to claim 1, wherein the relay port is switched so that communication destined for network interface means controlled in a power saving state based on the notification is made communication destined for network interface means not in a power saving state. . Multiple networks connected to each other via routers,
A first network connected to the network via a router;
A network device having a plurality of network interface means respectively connected to the plurality of networks,
The network device is:
Power saving control means for controlling other network interface means excluding at least one of the plurality of network interface means to a power saving state;
The router
Communication destined to network interface means controlled by the power saving control means as a destination is communication destined to network interface means not in the power saving state via a network connected to the network interface means not in the power saving state. Switch the communication path so that
Thus, the network control system in which the network interface means not in the power saving state performs communication processing destined for the network interface means controlled to the power saving state by the power saving control means. The network interface means includes
First processing means for performing processing of a physical layer of a communication function via the network;
Second processing means for performing processing of the media access control sublayer of the communication function;
A third processing means for performing processing of a layer higher than the media access control sublayer of the communication function;
The power saving control means includes:
The network control system according to claim 4, wherein the power saving state is controlled including the first processing means. The network device is:
When controlling the network interface means to the power saving state by the power saving control means, the network interface means for controlling the power saving state is notified to the router,
The router
Communication destined to the network interface means controlled to the power saving state based on the notification is made communication destined to the network interface means not in the power saving state via the network to which the network interface means not in the power saving state is connected. The network control system according to claim 4, wherein the communication path is switched to each other. Connect to the same network and relay and transmit information to be sent and received by switching to multiple relay ports corresponding to the specified destination with relay devices,
Connected to a relay port of the relay device by a plurality of network devices each having a network interface means,
The network device is:
Control other network interface means except at least one of the plurality of network interface means to a power saving state by a power saving control means;
The relay device is
The relay port is switched so that communication destined for network interface means that is controlled by the power saving control means is network interface means that is not in the power saving state.
Thus, the control method in which the network interface means not in the power saving state performs a communication process destined for the network interface means controlled to the power saving state by the power saving control means. The network interface means includes
The processing of the physical layer of the communication function via the network is performed by the first processing means,
Processing of the media access control sublayer of the communication function is performed by a second processing unit,
The third processing means performs processing of the layer higher than the media access control sublayer of the communication function,
The power saving control means includes:
The control method according to claim 7, wherein the power saving state is controlled including the first processing means. The network device is:
When controlling the network interface means to the power saving state by the power saving control means, the relay device is notified of the network interface means for controlling the power saving state,
8. The control method according to claim 7, wherein switching of the relay port is performed so that communication destined for network interface means controlled in a power saving state based on the notification is made communication destined for network interface means not in a power saving state. Multiple networks connected to each other via routers,
A first network connected to the network via a router;
Network devices respectively connected to the plurality of networks by network interface means;
The network device is:
Control other network interface means except at least one of the plurality of network interface means to a power saving state by a power saving control means;
The router
Communication destined to network interface means controlled by the power saving control means as a destination is communication destined to network interface means not in the power saving state via a network connected to the network interface means not in the power saving state. Switch the communication path so that
Thus, the control method in which the network interface means not in the power saving state performs a communication process destined for the network interface means controlled to the power saving state by the power saving control means. The network interface means includes
The processing of the physical layer of the communication function via the network is performed by the first processing means,
Processing of the media access control sublayer of the communication function is performed by a second processing unit,
The third processing means performs processing of the layer higher than the media access control sublayer of the communication function,
The power saving control means includes:
The control method according to claim 10, wherein the power saving state is controlled including the first processing means. The network device is:
When controlling the network interface means to the power saving state by the power saving control means, the network interface means for controlling the power saving state is notified to the router,
The router
Communication destined to the network interface means controlled to the power saving state based on the notification is made communication destined to the network interface means not in the power saving state via the network to which the network interface means not in the power saving state is connected. The control method according to claim 10, wherein the communication path is switched to each other.

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