JP2008312017A - Image processor, add-in board, and electric apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor, an add-in board and electric apparatus, by which stable network environment is obtained while suppressing a power consumption and an equipment investment from being iuncreased. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor 401 has at least one of a plotter part 411 and a scanner part 402, performs processing concerning image formation, and has a communication means 414 which operates as a relay point in a network autonomously constructed by a plurality of pieces of communication apparatus directly or via other communication apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing device, an expansion board, and an electric device, and more particularly to an image processing device, an expansion board, and an electric device having a communication function.

  In recent years, the use of mesh networks has been widely studied (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The mesh network is a kind of network type such as a star type, a bus type, and a ring type. The mesh network constructs a mesh-like network by communication devices communicating with each other.

  Since a plurality of communication paths can be constructed in a mesh-like network, a network that is resistant to failures can be constructed. The current power transmission network and the Internet network can be said to be a kind of mesh network.

  A wireless mesh network is a network constructed by using wireless devices having a wireless communication function for each device constituting a mesh. In a wireless mesh network, wireless devices autonomously communicate with each other and relay data to enable wireless communication to remote devices.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a general wireless communication network. In the wireless communication network of FIG. 1, the client devices 101 to 104 individually perform wireless communication with an access point (AP) 100 connected to the network infrastructure wired backbone 110 to form a network.

  However, in the wireless communication network shown in FIG. 1, since the access point 100 and the client devices 101 to 104 directly perform wireless communication, the communication distance to the access point 100 becomes long depending on the arrangement of the client devices 101 to 104. The case where it ends up occurred. When the communication distance is long in wireless communication, the power consumption of the client devices 101 to 104 is increased in order to fly radio waves far away.

  In the wireless communication network shown in FIG. 1, since all wireless communication is established via the access point 100, a plurality of client devices 101 to 104 always communicate with one access point 100 “1”. The situation becomes “many”. Therefore, in the wireless communication network shown in FIG. 1, there is a problem that if the number of client devices 101 to 104 increases, traffic increases and the communication band is narrowed.

The problem of the wireless communication network shown in FIG. 1 has been expected to be improved by constructing the wireless mesh network shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a wireless mesh network.
JP 2006-211406 A

  However, in the wireless mesh network, the wireless devices 202 to 204 and the wireless communication function for constructing the mesh are not necessarily fixed due to the nature of the wireless mesh network. For example, in the case of the wireless mesh network of FIG. 2, if the wireless device 203 is turned off or moved to another location, wireless communication of the wireless device 204 is interrupted.

  Thus, the wireless mesh network may become a very unstable network. Such a problem that the wireless communication is not stable can be solved by increasing the number of wireless devices 202 to 204 in the mesh area.

  However, in the wireless mesh network, even if there are many wireless devices 202 to 204 in the mesh area, if the ratio of the frequently accessed wireless devices (clients) 202 to 204 is high, traffic efficiency (bandwidth securing) is likely to deteriorate. Guessed.

  Furthermore, the problem of unstable wireless communication can be solved by introducing a fixed hop point for building a wireless mesh network. However, the increase in power consumption due to the addition of new equipment and the corresponding equipment. Investment is required.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus, an expansion board, and an electric device that can realize a stable network environment while suppressing an increase in power consumption and capital investment.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is an image processing apparatus that has at least one of a plotter unit and a scanner unit and performs processing related to image formation, and a plurality of communication devices directly or other communication devices are connected. It is characterized by having a communication means that operates as a relay point in a network that is autonomously constructed via the network.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an expansion board having at least one of a plotter unit and a scanner unit and connected to an expansion slot of an image processing apparatus that performs processing related to image formation. The communication apparatus includes a communication unit that causes the image processing apparatus to operate as a relay point in a network that is autonomously constructed between the communication apparatuses directly or via other communication apparatuses.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, this invention is an electric equipment which has a communication means which operate | moves as a relay point in the network which a some communication apparatus autonomously constructs directly or via another communication apparatus. It is characterized by.

  In addition, what applied the component, expression, or arbitrary combination of the component of this invention to a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, a data structure, etc. is also effective as an aspect of this invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus, an expansion board, and an electric device that can realize a stable network environment while suppressing an increase in power consumption and capital investment.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments with reference to the drawings. Note that the multifunction peripheral in this embodiment is an example of an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a laser printer, a copying machine, a FAX, and the like. In addition, the electrical equipment in this embodiment includes electrical equipment that does not move frequently in the building, such as a whiteboard, projector, vending machine, cigarette smoke separator, clock, lighting, air conditioner, and image processing device.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless mesh network according to the present invention. The wireless mesh network shown in FIG. 3 includes an existing electrical device 303 that is assumed not to move frequently in a building as a node. The electrical device 303 incorporates a relay function and a client function in a wireless mesh network.

  The relay function in the wireless mesh network functions as a relay path of the wireless mesh network. Further, the client function in the wireless mesh network is a function for accessing as a starting point as a client in the wireless mesh network.

  Many of the electric devices 303 are generally provided with an energy saving mode. In many offices, there are many usage forms in which the commercial power supply of the electrical device 303 is not turned off. In addition, the electrical device 303 has fewer uncertain factors such as power-off or movement to another location compared to the wireless devices 302 and 304. For this reason, the wireless mesh network including the electric device 303 becomes a stable network.

  Also, the frequency with which the electrical device 303 accesses as a client by itself as a client in the wireless mesh network is low. For this reason, the electric device 303 mainly functions as a relay path of the wireless mesh network, and can secure a communication path and a band stably.

In addition, since the relay function in the wireless mesh network is incorporated into the existing electrical device 303, there is no need to newly introduce a fixed hop point for constructing the wireless mesh network, and an increase in power consumption by adding a new device, The corresponding capital investment can be eliminated. That is, according to the electrical device 303 of the present invention, a stable wireless mesh network environment can be realized while suppressing an increase in power consumption and capital investment. In the following embodiments, an MFP is an example of an image processing apparatus and an electrical device 303. However, the present invention is not limited to a multifunction device.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. The multi-function device 401 includes a reading unit 402, a FAX 403, a main controller board (main CTL board) 405, an image forming unit 411, a main display / operation unit 412, and a power supply unit 413.

  A reading unit 402 reads image data. The reading unit 402 includes a scanner unit. The FAX 403 transmits and receives image data via a public line network. The image forming unit 411 forms an image with respect to the image data in accordance with an instruction from the main CTL board 405. The image forming unit 411 includes a plotter unit. The main display / operation unit 412 includes an input unit for the user to operate the multifunction device 401 and a display unit for the user to grasp the status of the multifunction device 401. The power supply unit 413 supplies power used in the multifunction device 401 from a commercial power supply.

  The main CTL board 405 includes a CPU 406, an ASIC 407, a main memory 408, a data storage unit 409, an I / O controller 410, and a wireless communication function IC 414. A data storage unit 409 temporarily stores and stores image data. The I / O controller 410 includes a communication IC such as 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet (registered trademark). The I / O controller 410 is connected to the PC 404 via a network.

  The multi-function device 401 includes the communication IC of the I / O controller 410 and the wireless communication function IC 414, thereby enabling network communication with the outside. The multifunction device 401 realizes a function as a fixed relay point in the wireless mesh network by using an interface formed by the communication IC of the I / O controller 410 and the wireless communication function IC 414.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of processing of the main CTL board that realizes a function as a fixed relay point in a wireless mesh network. In step S1, the CPU 406 monitors a communication request on the data bus of the ASIC 407 and waits for an external communication request.

  In step S2, the CPU 406 recognizes an external communication request. In step S3, the CPU 406 receives data from the outside. In step S 4, the CPU 406 temporarily stores the received data in the main memory 408. In step S5, the CPU 406 sets a destination in the data stored in the main memory 408. The CPU 406 transmits the data set with the destination to the destination by the wireless communication function IC 414.

  CPU 406 repeats steps S1 to S6 until transmission of data stored in main memory 408 is completed (YES in S6). When the transmission of the data stored in main memory 408 is completed (NO in S6), CPU 406 returns to step S3 and receives data from the outside again. It is assumed that the multifunction device 401 has completed connection with a wireless device capable of wireless communication necessary for realizing a function as a fixed relay point in the wireless mesh network by an existing procedure.

  Since the multifunction device 401 in the first embodiment is always energized even in an office or the like, for example, it moves out of the communication area due to movement, such as a laptop computer, or closes the display and shifts to a low power mode to perform a relay function. There are no restrictions such as turning off.

  Since the multi-function device 401 has a relay function in the wireless mesh network, by operating as a fixed relay point in the wireless mesh network, a stable communication path and bandwidth can be secured and a stable wireless mesh network environment can be established. This makes it possible to reduce the number of electrical devices, reduce capital investment, and reduce power consumption.

  As described above, the multifunction device 401 according to the first embodiment functions as a fixed relay point in the wireless mesh network, thereby stably securing a communication path and a bandwidth of the wireless mesh network and providing stable network traffic. Can do.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the main CTL board of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. FIG. 6 corresponds to the main CTL board 405 in the block diagram of FIG. That is, the MFP 401 of the second embodiment is realized by replacing the main CTL board 405 in the block configuration diagram of FIG. 4 with the block configuration diagram of FIG.

  A main CTL board 601 in FIG. 6 includes a CPU 602, an ASIC 603, a main memory 604, and a data storage unit 409. The ASIC 603 has an expansion slot such as a W-MN (Wireless-Mesh Network) on the data bus. The main CTL board 601 in FIG. 6 can realize the multifunction device 401 having the same function as that of the first embodiment by connecting (attaching) the optional function expansion board 606 to the expansion slot.

  As described above, the MFP 401 according to the second embodiment can add the relay function in the wireless mesh network by expanding the function using the option function expansion board 606. Therefore, even if the MFP 401 does not include the relay function, 1 can be realized.

  In other words, the MFP 401 according to the second embodiment appropriately responds even when the usage environment is changed by the user, such as when the user moves out of the mesh area due to movement or when the user enters the mesh area due to movement. can do.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an optional function expansion board. An optional function expansion board 606 shown in FIG. 7 has an I / O controller 701 and a wireless communication function IC 702. The I / O controller 701 and the wireless communication function IC 702 of the option function expansion board 606 are used by connecting to the information processing function including the CPU 602, the ASIC 603, and the main memory 604 on the multifunction peripheral 401 side via the data bus. Therefore, the option function expansion board 606 operates as a slave function.

  The optional function expansion board 606 shown in FIG. 7 is designed to share the resources of the main CTL board 601 as much as possible, thereby simplifying the configuration and providing it at low cost.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of the option function expansion board. An optional function expansion board 606 shown in FIG. 8 has a dedicated CPU 801, a dedicated ASIC 802, a dedicated memory 803, an I / O controller 804, and a wireless communication function IC 805.

  The I / O controller 804 and the wireless communication function IC 805 of the option function expansion board 606 use information processing functions including the dedicated CPU 801, the dedicated ASIC 802, and the dedicated memory 803 of the option function expansion board 606. Therefore, the optional function expansion board 606 shown in FIG. 8 can process information alone. Also, the option function expansion board 606 shown in FIG. 8 is connected to the main CTL board 601 via a data bus.

  An optional function expansion board 606 shown in FIG. 8 operates independently of the main CTL board 601 and can transmit and receive image data via a data bus. 8 does not use resources such as the CPU 602, the ASIC 603, and the main memory 604 of the main CTL board 601. Therefore, the optional function extension board 606 does not use the operation status and performance of the main CTL board 601. Based on the operation status and performance of 606, a stable wireless mesh network environment can be constructed.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a usage pattern of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. The multifunction device 401 according to the present invention is assumed to be used in an office or the like as shown in FIG. The multifunction device 401 connects a network infrastructure wired backbone 901 that is a network infrastructure in a facility and a wireless mesh network 902 that is a local network.

  Communication devices (terminals) in the wireless mesh network 902 pass through the multifunction device 401 when connecting to the network infrastructure wired backbone 901. According to the usage form as shown in FIG. 9, the multifunction device 401 easily realizes a firewall function between the network infrastructure wired backbone 901 and the wireless mesh network 902 in a network environment in which the laying of communication lines is minimized. it can.

  More specifically, a network infrastructure wired backbone 901 that is a network infrastructure in the facility is connected to the multifunction device 401. On the other hand, all local networks in a small office or department are connected to the multi-function peripheral 401 via the wireless mesh network 902. In such a usage form of the multi-function device 401, the laying of the local network can be minimized. Further, by adding a firewall function to the multifunction device 401, network security can be easily secured.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. Similar to the MFP 401 in FIG. 4, the MFP 1001 is configured to include a reading unit 1002, a FAX 1003, a main CTL board 1004, a main display / operation unit 1009, an image forming unit 1010, and a power supply unit 1012. The description of the same parts as those of the multifunction machine 401 in FIG. 4 will be omitted as appropriate.

  10 includes a CPU 1005, a main memory 1006, an ASIC 1007, a data storage unit 1008, an I / O controller 1011 and a mesh network connection unit 1013. The main CTL board 1004 in FIG. 10 is different from the main CTL board 405 in FIG. 4 in that a mesh network connection unit 1013 is connected to the ASIC 1007 instead of the wireless communication function IC 414 in FIG.

  The mesh network connection unit 1013 receives a multifunction peripheral (MFP) function command such as a print request from the terminal 1015 in the wireless mesh network. Since the CPU 1005 monitors the MFP function command on the data bus of the ASIC 1007, the CPU 1005 recognizes the MFP function command such as a print request from the terminal 1015. The CPU 1005 processes MFP function commands such as a print request from the terminal 1015. For example, the CPU 1005 processes a print request from the terminal 1015 and outputs it from the image forming unit 1009.

  Since the CPU 1005 monitors the MFP function command on the data bus of the ASIC 1007, the CPU 1005 recognizes image data output from the reading unit 1002 or the FAX 1003. The CPU 1005 transmits the image data output from the reading unit 1002 or the FAX 1003 from the mesh network connection unit 1013 to, for example, the terminal 1015 in the wireless mesh network.

  Normally, the MFP 1001 waits for a network (mesh) communication request and an MFP function command such as a print request, and performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for performing both a mesh communication request and an MFP function command.

  In steps S11 to S12, the CPU 1005 monitors the mesh communication request and the MFP function command on the data bus of the ASIC 1007, and waits for the mesh communication request and the MFP function command. If the CPU 1005 recognizes that at least one of the mesh communication request and the MFP function command has been received, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the CPU 1005 determines whether there is only an MFP function command, only a mesh communication request, or both an MFP function command and a mesh communication request.

  If it is determined that only the MFP function command has been received, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S14 and waits for a mesh communication request while executing processing according to the MFP function command. In step S15, the CPU 1005 completes the process according to the MFP function command and returns to step S11. In steps S14 and S15, the CPU 1005 continues to monitor the mesh communication request in order to cope with the interruption of the mesh communication request.

  If it is determined that there is only a mesh communication request, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S16 and waits for an MFP function command while executing processing according to the mesh communication request. For example, after determining the communication protocol type of the mesh communication request, the CPU 1005 executes processing according to the mesh communication request.

  In step S17, the CPU 1005 completes the process corresponding to the mesh communication request, and returns to step S11. In steps S16 and S17, the CPU 1005 continues to monitor the MFP function command in order to cope with the interruption of the MFP function command.

  Further, if it is determined that both the MFP function command and the mesh communication request have been received, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S18, and processes the MFP function command and the mesh communication request in parallel at a predetermined rate. When one of the processes according to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request is completed, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S19, and shifts to a process that has not been completed among the processes according to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request. When the processing according to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request is completed, the CPU 1005 returns to step S11.

  If there is a mesh communication request interruption in step S14 or S15, the CPU 1005 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of interruption of a mesh communication request.

  In step S21, the CPU 1005 determines whether the process according to the MFP function command has been completed. If the process according to the MFP function command is not completed, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S22 and determines the process according to the mesh communication request. In step S23, the CPU 1005 performs parallel processing on the MFP function command and the mesh communication request at a predetermined rate.

  When one of the processes corresponding to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request is completed, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S24 and shifts to a process that is not completed among the processes corresponding to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request. When the processing according to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request is completed, the CPU 1005 ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the process according to the MFP function command is completed, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S25, and determines the process according to the mesh communication request. In step S26, the CPU 1005 completes the process corresponding to the mesh communication request, and then ends the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When there is an MFP function command interruption in step S16 or S17, the CPU 1005 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of interruption of the MFP function command.

  In step S31, the CPU 1005 determines whether the process corresponding to the mesh communication request has been completed. If the process corresponding to the mesh communication request is not completed, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S32 and determines the process corresponding to the MFP function command. In step S33, the CPU 1005 performs parallel processing on the MFP function command and the mesh communication request at a predetermined rate.

  When one of the processes corresponding to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request is completed, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S34, and shifts to a process not completed among the processes corresponding to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request. When the processing according to the MFP function command and the mesh communication request is completed, the CPU 1005 ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the process according to the mesh communication request is completed, the CPU 1005 proceeds to step S35 and determines the process according to the MFP function command. In step S36, the CPU 1005 completes the process according to the MFP function command, and then ends the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The multifunction device 401 according to the third embodiment can perform both the mesh communication request and the MFP function command at the same time even when the mesh communication request and the MFP function command are interrupted.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the main CTL board of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. FIG. 14 corresponds to the main CTL board 405 in the block configuration diagram of FIG. That is, the MFP 401 of the fourth embodiment is realized by replacing the main CTL board 405 in the block configuration diagram of FIG. 4 with the block configuration diagram of FIG.

  14 includes a CPU 1402, an ASIC 1403, a main memory 1404, a data storage unit 1405, an I / O controller 1406, and a mesh network traffic arbitration dedicated IC 1407. The mesh network traffic arbitration dedicated IC 1407 is connected to a plurality of mesh network connection units 1408 to 1410.

  The mesh network traffic arbitration-dedicated IC 1407 monitors the data traffic of the mesh network connection units 1408 to 1410, arbitrates optimum bandwidth reservation, and takes measures when a failure of the mesh network connection units 1408 to 1410 is detected. The mesh network traffic arbitration-dedicated IC 1407 controls the simultaneous or switching operation as the usage mode between the mesh network connection units 1408 to 1410 to be connected, and performs an optimal operation.

  The mesh network connection units 1408 to 1410 can support either wired communication or wireless communication. The wired communication supported by the mesh network connection units 1408 to 1410 includes systems capable of P2P communication connection such as 10/100/1000 Base-Ethernet (registered trademark), PLC (power line communication), IEEE1394, and the like.

  The wireless communication supported by the mesh network connection units 1408 to 1410 includes P2P communication including wireless LAN, UWB (Ultra Wide Band), Bluetooth, Zigbee, and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability Access) which can be used. . Furthermore, a combination of wired communication or wireless communication of the mesh network connection units 1408 to 1410 may be determined by the user as appropriate, and there is no hardware restriction.

  The multifunction peripheral 401 according to the fourth embodiment can provide a complementary relay function by having one or more functions as a fixed relay point in the wireless mesh network. In other words, the MFP 401 according to the fourth embodiment has one or more functions as a fixed relay point in the wireless mesh network, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in bandwidth even when communication loads are concentrated on one system. In addition, even if a failure occurs in one system, it can survive and retain the function as a fixed relay point.

  Furthermore, since the multi-function device 401 according to the fourth embodiment can cope with wired communication, it can be easily installed in a conventional communication network environment. The multi-function device 401 according to the fourth embodiment can be used in various communication network environments constructed by the user because a combination of wired communication or wireless communication may be appropriately determined by the user. The multifunction device 401 according to the fourth embodiment can use one or more different communication methods at the same time or by switching using the mesh network traffic arbitration-dedicated IC 1407.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the main CTL board and the power supply unit of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. FIG. 15 corresponds to the main CTL board 405 and the power supply unit 413 in the block configuration diagram of FIG. That is, the MFP 401 of the fifth embodiment is realized by replacing the main CTL board 405 and the power supply unit 413 in the block configuration diagram of FIG. 4 with the block configuration diagram of FIG.

  15 includes a CPU 1502, an ASIC 1503, a main memory 1504, a data storage unit 1505, an I / O controller 1506, and a mesh network traffic arbitration dedicated IC 1507. The mesh network traffic arbitration dedicated IC 1507 is connected to a plurality of mesh network connection units 1508 to 1510.

  The mesh network traffic arbitration-dedicated IC 1507 is connected to the power supply unit 1511 through a power control line. The mesh network traffic arbitration-dedicated IC 1507 can control the power supply unit 1511 according to the power control command output from the ASIC 1503, and can turn on / off the power supply to the mesh network connection units 1508 to 1510.

  The power supply unit 1511 includes an independent power supply switch for each mesh network connection unit 1508 to 1510, and power supply can be turned on / off for each mesh network connection unit 1508 to 1510. When power supply to the mesh network connection units 1508 to 1510 is a power supply in the main CTL board 1501, on / off control of power supply may be performed by a semiconductor switch on the main CTL board 1501.

  Even if the multi-function device 401 according to the fifth embodiment has a function as a fixed relay point in a wireless mesh network, power supply can be turned on / off, thus reducing power consumption when the function as a fixed relay point is not used. it can. Further, when the MFP 401 according to the fifth embodiment has one or more transition stages to the power saving state, the power supply can be turned on / off for each mesh network connection unit 1508 to 1510 at each transition stage. Power consumption can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

1 is a configuration diagram of a general wireless communication network. It is a block diagram of a wireless mesh network. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a wireless mesh network according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart of an example of a process of the main CTL board | substrate which implement | achieves the function as a fixed relay point in a wireless mesh network. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main CTL board of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. It is a block block diagram which shows an example of an option function expansion board. It is a block block diagram which shows the other example of an option function expansion board. It is a schematic diagram showing the usage pattern of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing that performs both a mesh communication request and an MFP function command. It is a flowchart showing the process at the time of interruption of a mesh communication request. 6 is a flowchart showing processing when an MFP function command is interrupted. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main CTL board of the multifunction machine according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a main CTL board and a power supply unit of the multifunction machine according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100, 201, 301 Access point (AP)
101-104 Client device 110, 210, 310, 901 Network infrastructure Wired backbone 202-204, 302, 304 Wireless device 303 Electric device 401 Multi-function device 402 Reading unit 403 FAX
404 PC
405, 601 Main controller board (Main CTL board)
406,602 CPU
407,603 ASIC
408, 604 Main memory 409, 605 Data storage unit 410, 707, 804 I / O controller 411 Image forming unit 412 Main display / operation unit 413 Power supply unit 414, 702, 805 Wireless communication function IC
606 Optional function expansion board 801 Dedicated CPU
802 Dedicated ASIC
803 Dedicated memory 902 Wireless mesh network 1013, 1408-1410 Mesh network connection unit 1407 Dedicated IC for mesh network traffic arbitration

Claims (15)

An image processing apparatus having at least one of a plotter unit and a scanner unit and performing processing related to image formation,
An image processing apparatus having a communication unit that operates as a relay point in a network that a plurality of communication devices autonomously constructs directly or via other communication devices.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is realized by an expansion board connected to an expansion slot.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the extension board performs information processing to operate as the relay point using information processing means included in the image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the extension board includes information processing means, and performs information processing for operating as the relay point using the information processing means. A first communication means for communicating with a first network constructed autonomously by a plurality of communication devices directly or via other communication devices;
Second communication means for communicating with a second network different from the first network,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second networks are connected.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit operates as a client in the network that communicates with the communication device based on the processing related to the image formation.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a plurality of the communication units that perform wired communication or wireless communication.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an operation control unit configured to operate the plurality of communication units simultaneously or by switching.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operation control unit controls power supply to the communication unit for the entire communication unit or for each communication unit. An expansion board having at least one of a plotter unit and a scanner unit and connected to an expansion slot of an image processing apparatus that performs processing relating to image formation,
An expansion board having communication means for operating the image processing apparatus as a relay point in a network constructed autonomously by a plurality of communication devices directly or via other communication devices.   The expansion board according to claim 10, wherein the expansion board performs information processing for operating as the relay point using information processing means included in the image processing apparatus.   The expansion board according to claim 10, wherein the expansion board includes information processing means, and performs information processing for operating as the relay point using the information processing means. A first communication means for communicating with a first network constructed autonomously by a plurality of communication devices directly or via other communication devices;
Second communication means for communicating with a second network different from the first network,
The expansion board according to claim 10, wherein the first and second networks are connected.   The expansion board according to claim 10, wherein the communication unit operates as a client in the network that communicates with the communication device based on processing related to the image formation.   An electric device having a communication means that operates as a relay point in a network that a plurality of communication devices autonomously constructs directly or via other communication devices.

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