JP2010027045A - Image formation system, power saving control method of image formation system, and power saving control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system for promoting power saving without using a proxy server. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming system, a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a client device are connected through a network, and any of the image forming apparatuses makes a response and performs processing in response to a request from the client device. The image forming apparatus has a multi-stage power saving mode including a power saving mode that can be restored only by a predetermined start-up request, and a proxy response means for making a proxy response and a proxy response request to a request from the client device. The image forming apparatus determines one or more host devices HST and sub devices SB other than the host devices HST from an image forming apparatus group. When a host device HST detects a proxy response request from a corresponding sub device SB, the image forming apparatus confirms whether the proxy response is allowed or not in place of the sub device SB, notifies the sub device SB thereof when the proxy response is allowed, and subsequently performs proxy response of the sub device SB to enter a power saving mode which has the highest power saving effect among power saving modes to which the sub device SB can respond. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and client apparatuses are connected on a network, a power saving control method for the image forming system, and a power saving control program for executing the power saving control method on a computer. About.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a service providing apparatus and a service providing system in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a digital multifunction peripheral and a computer are connected via a network are known. Such devices and systems, for example, with the rapid spread of communication over the Internet, network-compatible devices can also be changed from conventional personal computers to user interactive devices such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), mobile phones, Network support is rapidly progressing to image processing apparatuses such as scanners, printers, copying machines, and digital cameras, and home appliances such as televisions, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

  Along with this, in order to improve convenience and simplicity in using these network-compatible devices, network address automatic setting means, network device search and search means, application software for controlling network-compatible devices Various protocols have been proposed that provide automatic setup means such as hardware, utility software, operating systems. Examples of this include UPnP (registered trademark), which is developed mainly by Microsoft, BMLinkS (registered trademark) promoted by the Japan Business Machine Manufacturers Association (JBMIA), and Rendzvous (registered trademark) supported by Apple OS X. ) Etc. are known.

  On the other hand, from the viewpoint of energy saving (hereinafter referred to as energy saving), these network-compatible devices are being improved to reduce power consumption. In the case of a device driven by a small battery such as a PDA or a mobile phone, it is necessary to suppress power consumption so that it can be used for a long time. On the other hand, in the case of a device having a large power consumption, such as a thermal fixing machine, such as a printer or a copying machine, the low power consumption is one factor for the spread of products. Normally, when these devices have not been operated by the user for a certain period of time or when communication with other devices is not performed for a certain period of time and the idle state continues, the device shifts to the sleep mode. By continuing to supply power only to devices with low power consumption, such as one-chip microcomputers and LAN controllers, processing to reduce power consumption by maintaining unnecessary communication functions and stopping unnecessary power supply is doing.

  To cancel the sleep mode, these devices monitor packets with a specific data format, and when a packet with a specific data format is received, the sleep mode is canceled and normal communication processing resumes. We are carrying out. There has also been proposed a system that can automatically use the resume function of a device such as a personal computer without disconnecting the virtual line of the LAN.

  The invention described in Patent Document 1 is also known. An object of the present invention is to enable a relatively small network system to respond to a status request without returning from the energy-saving mode to the normal mode. The ASIC is operated in the energy-saving mode and the network controller is used. The content of the received frame received is determined, the transmission request bit is set when it is determined that the content of the received frame is a status request, and the CPU provided in the system when the transmission request bit is set A status frame is created by referring to status information stored in an independently provided status register, and the created status frame is transferred to the network controller by the DMA controller. If energy saving In which made it possible to respond to a status request while maintaining the over-de.

  Furthermore, the invention described in Patent Document 2 is also known. The present invention quickly shifts a specific service providing device on the network to the power saving mode without depending on various packet traffic on the network, and only the specific service providing device that has shifted to the power saving mode quickly. When the system is constructed with a service providing device that conforms to the UPnP (registered trademark) standard, the printer communication processing unit provides the service for a predetermined time. Is detected, the communication function provided by the printer is restricted, and the restricted communication function is substituted by the proxy to restrict the power supply to the engine unit including the printer controller. Switch to the power saving mode, and the proxy will communicate with the printer instead of the printer. It is obtained by the structure on behalf of ability. This Patent Document 2 also discloses that other devices connected to the network are shifted to a deeper energy saving state by causing the proxy to take charge of the proxy response.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, when a status request is received from an external device in the energy saving mode, it is possible to respond to the status request while maintaining the energy saving mode, but only the status request can be dealt with. Further, in a system using a proxy server as described in Patent Document 2, as shown in FIG. 7, the proxy server 10, printers 11, 14, and client PCs 12, 13, 14 are connected to the LAN 1 connected to the Internet. When an MFP, a scanner, etc. (not shown) are connected and each device connected to the LAN 1 is in an energy saving state, when there is an access from the outside, or a device that is operating in the LAN 1 connection is changed to a device in an energy saving state. When there is an access, the proxy server can send a proxy response. That is, in such a system, the proxy server can make a proxy response, but if there is an image forming apparatus in the network that can realize the same function with less power consumption than the proxy server, the proxy response is sent to the image forming apparatus. Can not be in charge. If this can be realized, the proxy server itself may be unnecessary.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to eliminate the need for a proxy server and promote power saving when an image forming apparatus capable of realizing the same function that consumes less power than a proxy server exists in the network. It is in.

  In order to solve the above problem, the first means is that a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a client apparatus are connected via a network, and one of the image forming apparatuses responds and processes in response to a request from the client apparatus. An image forming system that performs a plurality of power saving modes including a power saving mode that can be restored only by a predetermined activation request, and a proxy response and a proxy response to a request from the client device Proxy response means for making a request, determining one or more host machines and other sub machines from a plurality of the image forming apparatus groups existing on the network, and from the sub machine to which the host machine corresponds When a proxy response request is detected, it is checked whether a proxy response is possible on behalf of the sub-device. If a proxy response is possible, the sub-device is notified, and then the sub-device is notified. It performs proxy response, characterized by the transition sub machine to the most power-saving highly effective power saving mode in a possible power saving mode response.

  The second means is characterized in that, in the first means, the host machine is selected from the operating image forming apparatuses existing on the network.

  The third means is characterized in that, in the first means, when there is no device operating on the network, the host machine is selected from the standby image forming apparatuses existing on the network. And

  According to a fourth means, in the first means, when there is neither an image forming apparatus in which the host machine is operating on the network nor an image forming apparatus on standby, the image forming apparatus that is energy saving and exists on the network. It is selected from among the above.

  A fifth means is characterized in that, in any one of the second to fourth means, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of proxy response, the image forming apparatus set in advance by the user functions as a host device. To do.

  The sixth means is that in any one of the second to fourth means, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of proxy response, the image forming apparatus that consumes less power during operation than the own apparatus functions as a host machine. It is characterized by doing.

  The seventh means is that in any one of the second to fourth means, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of proxy response, the image forming apparatus that consumes less power during standby functions as a host machine. It is characterized by doing.

  The eighth means is that in any one of the second to fourth means, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of proxy response, the image forming apparatus that consumes less power when saving energy than the own apparatus functions as a host machine. It is characterized by doing.

  A ninth means is that in any one of the second to eighth means, if a host candidate machine that is superior in power saving and has a high priority as a host machine appears on the network, the own machine The proxy response information of the sub-machine group acquired until then is transferred to a new host machine, and the mode shifts to the mode as the sub-machine.

  In a tenth means, in the first means, when there are two or more host machines and a plurality of sub machines, the proxy response information of the sub machine group acquired by one host machine is obtained. It is shared with other host machines.

  According to an eleventh means, in the first means, when there is one host machine and a plurality of sub machines, a specific sub machine is set as a host spare machine from the sub machine group, and the host machine The proxy response information of the sub machine group acquired by the machine is shared with the host spare machine.

  In a twelfth means, in the tenth or eleventh means, the host machine issues a return request to the sub machine at a predetermined time, and then the sub machine returns to communicate with the host machine. The proxy response information of the sub machine group owned by the machine is updated.

  According to a thirteenth means, in the tenth or eleventh means, the sub machine returns to a predetermined time by itself, communicates with the host machine, and receives proxy response information of the sub machine group owned by the host machine. It is characterized by updating.

  The fourteenth means is that in any one of the tenth to thirteenth means, when the host machine becomes unable to make a proxy response, another device sharing the proxy response information of the sub-machine group is a new host. The proxy response is continued as a machine.

  According to a fifteenth aspect, power saving of an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a client apparatus are connected via a network, and any of the image forming apparatuses responds and processes in response to a request from the client apparatus. In the control method, the image forming apparatus sends a proxy response and a proxy response request to a request from the client apparatus, a power saving mode including a power saving mode including a power saving mode that can be restored only by a predetermined activation request. Proxy response means for performing determination, and determining one or more host machines and other sub-machines from the plurality of image forming apparatus groups existing on the network, and the host machine is a proxy from the corresponding sub-machine When a response request is detected, it is confirmed whether a proxy response is possible on behalf of the sub-device. If a proxy response is possible, the sub-device is notified of this, and then the sub-device proxy Perform answer, characterized in that the sub-machine goes to the highest power-saving effect power saving mode in the power saving mode can respond.

  In the fifteenth means, in the fifteenth means, when a host candidate machine that is superior in power saving and has a higher priority appears on the network, the own machine is a sub-machine group acquired so far. The proxy response information is transferred to a new host machine, and the mode is changed to a mode as a sub machine.

  The seventeenth means is the fifteenth means, wherein when there is one host machine and a plurality of sub machines, a specific sub machine is set as a host spare machine from the sub machine group, The proxy response information of the sub machine group acquired by the host machine is shared with the host spare machine.

  An eighteenth means is an image in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a client apparatus are connected via a network, and responds and processes using one of the control resources of the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the client apparatus. A power saving control program for executing power saving control of a forming system by a computer, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of power saving modes including a power saving mode that can be restored only by a predetermined activation request, and Proxy response means for making a proxy response and a proxy response request in response to a request from a client device, and one or more host devices and other sub-devices from the plurality of image forming device groups existing on the network If the host machine detects a proxy response request from the corresponding sub machine, it determines whether a proxy response is possible on behalf of the sub machine. The control procedure to be approved, the control procedure for notifying the sub machine when the proxy response is possible, and then the proxy response of the sub machine, and in the power saving mode in which the sub machine can respond. And a control procedure for shifting to a power saving mode having the highest power saving effect.

  In an embodiment described later, the image forming apparatus is a printer 11 and the MFP 14, the client apparatus is a PC 12, 13, 15, the network is a LAN 1, the host machine is a code HST, and the sub machine is a code SB. The power saving mode corresponds to the energy saving modes 1 and 2 respectively, the function relating to the proxy response, and the function for shifting to the power saving mode and returning the function are set as functions of a control circuit (CPU) (not shown) of the image forming apparatus. Yes.

  According to the present invention, when there is an image forming apparatus in the network that can realize the same function that consumes less power than a proxy server, the proxy server is unnecessary, and power saving can be promoted.

1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when an image forming apparatus that ultimately consumes less power in the energy saving mode 1 is selected as a host machine. It is a figure which shows the transition state at the time of the function of a host machine and a sub machine changing in an energy saving state. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for sharing proxy response information of a sub-device with another host device on the network according to the second embodiment of the present invention so that a proxy response can be continued even when the host device is suddenly powered off. is there. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when sharing the proxy response information of the sub machine group which the host machine in Example 2 of this invention acquired with a specific sub machine (host spare machine). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of outputting a return request | requirement from the sub-device side in Example 2 of this invention, and updating proxy response information. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the image forming system which concerns on a prior art example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the embodiments described later, equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming system in Example 1 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, an image forming system according to the present embodiment includes a printer 11, client PCs 12, 13 and 15, an MFP (including a printer function) 14, a LAN (Local Area Network) 1 connected to the Internet, not shown. A scanner is connected. In this system, the printer 11 and the MFP 14 have the proxy response function of the proxy server 10 in the conventional example shown in FIG. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 1, the proxy server 10 in FIG. 7 is deleted (not required). Note that the network described below corresponds to the LAN 1 in this embodiment.

  That is, in this embodiment, the proxy function is assigned to the image forming apparatus (printer 11, MFP 14, etc.) instead of the proxy server 10, so that the energy saving effect can be enhanced most in the entire network system. Each image forming apparatus transitions the energy saving state as shown in FIG. 3 as the host machine HST and the sub machine SB. Finally, the image forming apparatus with the least power consumption in the energy saving mode 1 fulfills the function as the host machine HST and shifts to the state of S203, and all other devices receive return packets (for example, magic packets) from the host machine HST. By making use of only the network part that only responds, a deeper energy saving state (energy saving mode 2) is entered. Details will be described later.

  The magic packet is mainly used when the destination address is FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF, that is, the broadcast address followed by the MAC address of the device to be activated six times (AMD Magic Packet Format). Yes. The L2 (layer 2) switch sees the first broadcast address and transmits the packet to the entire broadcast domain, and the power state (for example, ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) sleep state) of the device to be finally activated is switched. The device turns on. Note that this packet depends on the broadcast domain of Ethernet (registered trademark) and has nothing to do with the layers above it.

  The broadcast here means simultaneous notification, and means that the same information is sent simultaneously to an unspecified number of people. That is, the same data is transmitted simultaneously to all network terminals (nodes) on the network. In an IP network, it is always used when acquiring a MAC address from an IP address when starting communication with a new partner. In a normal network, the correspondence table of IP addresses and MAC addresses is updated at regular intervals, so that a broadcast flows through the network each time.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for finally selecting an image forming apparatus with the least power consumption in the energy saving mode 1 as the host machine HST.

  In the figure, first, any one of the image forming apparatuses (in the example of FIG. 1, the printer 11 and the MFP 14) existing on the network is set as a temporary host machine HST (step S101). Next, it is checked whether there is another device that is operating (step S102). If there is a device that is operating (YES in step S102), it is further checked whether there is a device capable of proxy response. (Step S103). If there is a device capable of proxy response (step S103-YES), it is checked whether there is a device that consumes less power during operation than the own device (temporary host device) (step S104). If there is no device that consumes less power than the own device (step S104-NO), the device itself functions as the host device HST for a certain period of time (step S106), then returns to step S102 and repeats the subsequent processing. .

  If there is a device that consumes less power during operation than the own device (step S104-YES), the function of the host machine HST is transferred to the device with the lowest power consumption during operation (step S105), and the device is hosted for a certain period of time. After functioning as the machine HST (step S106), the process returns to step S102 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  When there is no other device in operation at step S102 (step S102-NO) and when there is no device that can respond as a proxy at step S103 (step S103-NO), it is checked whether there is another device waiting. If there is a standby device (step S107-YES), it is further checked whether there is a device capable of proxy response (step S108). If there is a device capable of proxy response (step S108-YES), it is further checked whether there is a device that consumes less power during standby than the own device (step S109). If there is no device that consumes less power during standby (NO in step S109), the device functions as the host device HST for a certain period of time (step S106), and then returns to step S102 to perform the subsequent processing. repeat.

  If there is a device that consumes less power during standby than the own device (step S109-YES), the function of the host device HST is transferred to the device with the lowest power consumption during standby (step S110), and the device is hosted for a certain period of time. After functioning as the machine HST (step S106), the process returns to step S102 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  If there is no other standby device in step S107 (step S107-NO) and there is no device capable of proxy response in step S108 (step S108-NO), it is checked whether there is another device that is energy saving (step S108-NO). Step S111) If there is a device that is saving energy (Step S111-YES), it is checked whether there is a device that can perform a proxy response (Step S112), and if there is a device that can perform a proxy response (Step S112-YES). Then, it is checked whether or not there is a device that consumes less energy than the own device (step S113). If there is no device that consumes less energy than the own device (NO in step S113), the device itself is allowed to function as the host device HST for a certain period of time (step S106), and then the process returns to step S102 for the subsequent processing. repeat.

  If there is a device that consumes less energy than the own device (YES in step S113), the function of the host device HST is transferred to the device that consumes the least power (step S114), and the host device HST is transferred to the device for a certain period of time. (Step S106), the process returns to step S102 and the subsequent processing is repeated. If there is no other energy saving device in step S111 (step S111-NO) and there is no other device capable of proxy response in step S112 (step S112-NO), the device is caused to function as the host machine HST for a certain period of time. (Step S106), the process returns to step S102 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  In this way, the host machine is selected from the operating devices existing on the network. That is, in step S101, first, one on the network is set as a temporary host machine HST that performs a proxy response function. Thereafter, in step S102, an image forming apparatus in another operating state is searched on the network, and if it exists, it is determined in step S103 whether the device is capable of proxy response. If the device is capable of proxy response, the power consumption information in its own energy saving mode 1 (this data is held in advance by each image forming apparatus as a judgment material) and the image forming apparatus in the newly found operating state The power consumption information in the energy saving mode 1 is compared, and the device determined to have less power consumption functions on the network as the next host device HST.

  If no other active image forming apparatus exists on the network in step S102, another standby image forming apparatus is searched on the network in step S107. Determine whether the device is capable of proxy response. If the device is capable of proxy response, the power consumption information in its own energy saving mode 1 (this data is held in advance by each image forming apparatus as a judgment material) and the newly found image forming apparatus in the standby state The power consumption information in the energy saving mode 1 is compared, and the device determined to have less power consumption functions on the network as the next host device HST.

  Further, when no other standby image forming apparatus exists on the network in step S107, another image forming apparatus in the energy saving state is searched on the network in step S111. Determine whether the device is capable of proxy response. If the device is capable of proxy response, the power consumption information in its own energy saving mode 1 (this data is stored in advance by each image forming apparatus as a judgment material) and the newly found image forming apparatus in the energy saving state The power consumption information in the energy saving mode 1 is compared, and the device determined to have less power consumption functions on the network as the next host device HST.

  In steps S104, S109, and S114, the host control is automatically shifted to the one with the lowest power consumption at the time of energy saving. Here, in order to shift the host machine to each image forming apparatus in advance by setting from the user. The priority control information is provided, and the host control is determined in consideration of this information. By doing this, depending on the network environment such as during maintenance, there is a case where a specific image forming apparatus is desired to be the host machine HST, and this can be dealt with.

  In step S104, S109, and S114, the host control is automatically shifted to the one with the lowest power consumption at the time of energy saving, but the one with the lowest power consumption at the time of this determination is determined as the host machine. This is because it has become a high priority host candidate machine.

  FIG. 3 is a transition diagram in which one of the printer 11 and the MFP 14 in FIG. 1 functions as the host device HST and the other functions as the sub device SB, and the energy saving state is transited.

  In FIG. 3, the basic function of the host machine HST and the sub-machine SB is the same. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus with the lowest power consumption in the energy saving mode 1 is finally selected as the host machine HST. Is done. Therefore, the host machine HST transitions from the operation mode (step S201) to the standby mode upon completion of printing (step S202), and further transitions to the energy saving mode 1 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the standby mode (step S203). The host machine HST can respond to the network in any of the operation mode, the standby mode, and the energy saving mode 1, and has a function of performing a proxy response.

  On the other hand, the sub-device similarly shifts from the operation mode (step S204) to the standby mode upon completion of printing (step S205), and further shifts to the energy saving mode 1 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the standby mode (step S206). Then, after a certain time has passed, the mode shifts to the energy saving mode 2 (step S207). The energy saving mode 2 can correspond only to a specific protocol, here a specific network protocol that can respond to a return command of the host machine. After shifting to the state of the energy saving mode 2, it is possible to return from the energy saving mode 2 only when a return command packet transmitted from the host machine HST is received.

  For example, it is assumed that the host machine HST is in the energy saving mode 1 (step S203) and the sub machine SB is in the energy saving mode 2 (step S207). This state is the most energy-saving state in this system. If there is any response request from the network in this state, the host machine HST makes a proxy response. If there is a request to use the sub machine SB, a return request packet is transmitted to the corresponding sub machine SB. The sub-machine SB receives this packet, and if this packet is transmitted with a preset protocol, it makes a network response and responds to the return request in energy saving mode 1 (step S206), standby mode (step S205). ) And return to one of the operation modes (step S204). At this time, if the mode of the sub-machine SB is a mode with less power consumption than the mode of the host machine HST, the host function is applied to the image forming apparatus (printer 11 or MFP 14) that is the sub-machine SB with less power consumption. The proxy response information of the sub-machine group acquired until then is transferred to the new host machine HST. Then, it controls its own operation mode as the sub-machine SB.

  As the proxy response information, for example, MIB response information disclosed by a network device managed by SNMP in order to inform the outside of its state is used. The MIB response information includes MIB1 defined as RFC 1156 and MIB2 defined in RFC 1213. Currently, the latter is generally used. SNMP is a protocol for monitoring and controlling communication devices connected to a network, such as routers, computers, and terminals, in a TCP / IP network, and the device to be controlled is a management called MIB. A device that has an information database and performs management performs appropriate settings based on the MIB of the target device.

  At that time, the image forming apparatus that has become the sub machine SB requests the host machine HST for a proxy response, and finally shifts to the operation mode in which the energy saving mode 2 has the highest energy saving effect. That is, when a host candidate machine (an image forming apparatus with lower power consumption) having a higher priority than the host machine HST appears on the network, the host machine HST uses the proxy response information of the sub machine group acquired up to that time as a new host. Handed over to the machine HST, it controls its own operation mode as the sub machine SB. The image forming apparatus which has become the sub machine SB newly requests a proxy response from the host machine HST, and finally shifts to an operation mode in which the energy saving effect is the highest in the energy saving mode 2. Therefore, the functions of the host machine HST and the sub machine SB are interchanged according to the operation mode and power consumption, and the network system can operate as a system with the least power consumption.

  In the embodiments described so far, the host device HST and the sub device SB are allocated so that the image forming apparatuses on the network can automatically obtain the most energy saving effect. However, when there are a plurality of devices capable of proxy response, an image forming apparatus set in advance by the user can be caused to function as the host device HST. In this way, the image forming apparatus that currently plays the role of the host machine searches for an image forming apparatus having a higher priority setting than itself every fixed time, and a network system that matches the user's intention can be constructed. The priority can be set directly using, for example, a device specific address (MAC address, IP address).

  The control is performed by a CPU of a control circuit (not shown) of each image forming apparatus (printer 11, MFP 14). The CPU uses the program stored in a ROM (not shown) as a work area using the RAM (not shown). Execute. A CPU, ROM, RAM, and other storage devices not specifically described are provided as control resources in the computer of each image forming apparatus, and each image forming apparatus is controlled using these resources.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

1) When there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the network and there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can be host apparatuses, the host apparatus and the sub apparatus SB can be distributed with a configuration that maximizes the energy saving effect. .

2) The host machine can make a proxy response to the inquiry about the device configuration from the user without causing the sub machine to go out of the energy saving state.

3) When considering the energy saving effect of the network system, for example, among the image forming apparatuses that are printing on the network, a device that is known to have the lowest power consumption in the energy saving mode 1 behaves as a host device in charge of the proxy response. If it can, it will ultimately be the most energy efficient. As the operation mode in the image forming apparatus, a print mode (operation mode), a standby mode (standby mode), an energy saving mode 1 (network response is possible), and an energy saving mode 2 (part of network response are possible) are set. The printing mode in which the mechanism and the fixing heater operate consumes the most power. Therefore, when operating in an operation mode on the network, a proxy response is sent to the image forming apparatus that is known to consume no power in the energy saving mode 1 (a device with a high energy saving priority). To transfer the host function. When not in the print mode, the standby mode in which the main controller operates should consume the most power. Therefore, the host function that makes a proxy response to an image forming apparatus that is a standby mode on the network and that is known not to consume the most power consumption in the energy saving mode 1 (a device having a high energy saving priority) is transferred. Further, when neither the print mode nor the standby mode is used, the host function that makes a proxy response to a device that is known to have the lowest power consumption in the energy saving mode 1 (a device with a high energy saving priority) is transferred. Thereby, it can function as a system with the most energy saving efficiency.

4) When a host candidate machine with a higher priority than the self appears on the network, the proxy response information of the sub machine group that has been obtained so far can be handed over to the new host machine. The operation mode can be controlled. As a result, the image forming apparatus serving as the sub machine requests a proxy response from the host machine, and finally can shift to the operation mode having the highest energy saving effect by the energy saving mode 2. The energy saving mode 2 is a state where the network response is partially possible, that is, a deep energy saving state in which the operation level is lowered to a level that only accepts a packet from a host machine that has requested a proxy response.

  In the second embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatuses (printers, MFPs, etc.) 11 and 14 are configured to have a proxy response function as described with reference to FIG. The most energy-saving effect can be enhanced. Each of the image forming apparatuses 11 and 14 changes the energy saving state as shown in FIG. 3 as the host machine HST and the sub machine SB, respectively. Finally, the image forming apparatus with the least current consumption in the energy saving mode 1 performs the function as the host device HST and shifts to the state of step S203 (energy saving mode 1), and all other devices return packets from the host device HST ( Only the network unit that only responds to the magic packet or the like is used, and the process proceeds to the deep energy saving state (energy saving mode 2) in step S207.

  At this time, the host machine HST manages proxy response information (specifically, MIB response information) of the sub machine SB group. At that time, the proxy response information is shared with other host devices HST on the network, and the proxy response can be continued even when the host device HST is suddenly turned off. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at this time.

  That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is checked whether there is another host machine HST on the network (step S301). If there is another host device HST, in other words, if there are a plurality of host devices HST on the network, after acting as the first host device HST and the other host devices HST, the proxy response information is shared. (Step S302). Then, it is determined whether the own machine is the first host machine HST (step S303). In this determination, if the own device is the host device HST, the own device is set as the first host device HST if the own device is not the host device HST (step S304), and the processing is ended. The process of FIG. 4 is repeatedly executed in the host machine HST at predetermined intervals.

  As described above, when another host device HST exists in the network, proxy response information is shared with another host device HST on the network in step S302. Therefore, even when the host device HST is suddenly turned off, a proxy response is sent. It is possible to continue.

  On the other hand, when there is no other host device HST on the network, that is, when one host device HST exists on the network, a host spare device is defined from the sub-device SB group, and the host device HST is defined. The proxy response information of the sub-machine SB group acquired by can be shared with a specific sub-machine SB (host spare machine).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at this time. In the processing procedure shown in this flowchart, the processes of steps S115, S116, and S117 are executed after the negative determination of steps S104, S109, and S113 in the flowchart of FIG. The processing of step S118 is performed. Since each step has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 2, the overlapping steps are only briefly touched here.

  In other words, in FIG. 5, in step S101, one on the network is set as a temporary host machine HST that performs a proxy response function. Thereafter, in steps S102, S107, and S111, an image forming apparatus in another operating state, a standby state, and an energy saving state is searched on the network. If there is a device, the device searched in the previous stage in steps S103, S108, and S112 is a proxy response. Determine whether it is possible.

  If it is determined that the retrieved device is capable of proxy response, the current consumption information in the energy saving mode 1 and the current consumption information in the energy saving mode 1 of the image forming apparatus in the newly found operation state are further stepped. If there is a device that is compared with each other in S104, S109, and S113 and is determined to consume less current (steps S104, S109, and S113—YES), the device functions as the next host device HST on the network. (Steps S105, S110, S114). At this time, if a device that consumes less power than the user does not exist on the network (steps S104, S109, and S113-NO), the proxy response information is shared with the device that consumes less power next to the device, and the device has a spare host. It sets so that it may function as a machine (step S115, S116, S117). As a result, the proxy response can be continued even when the host machine HST is suddenly turned off.

  Note that after setting a proxy host machine in steps S105, S110, and S114 and performing a proxy response for a certain period in step S106, the sub machine SB is returned to review the sub machine SB group in the proxy response ( Step S118). Similarly, a host spare machine is set in steps S115, S116, and S117, a proxy response for a certain period is performed in step S106, and then the sub machine SB is returned (step S118). Since the sub device SB is in the energy saving mode 2 in which it can receive and respond to the network return packet from the host device HST, it can respond to the return request from the host device HST.

  After the sub machine SB returns, the sub machine SB broadcasts, or the host machine HST can confirm the presence of the other party by unicasting, etc., and the host machine HST manages in the subsequent communication. The proxy response information of the sub-machine SB group can be updated. As a result, the host machine HST can stop the proxy response of the sub machine SB that no longer exists on the network due to power OFF or the like.

  Unicast means to transmit data by designating a single transmission partner in a computer network, and is the most frequently used transmission method in a computer network.

  In step S118, the host machine HST is configured to issue a return request at a predetermined time to the sub machine SB that makes a proxy response, and then the sub machine SB returns and communicates with the host machine HST. The machine SB can be returned from the energy saving state at a predetermined time.

  Here, when there is one host machine HST on the network, a host spare machine is set from the sub machine group, and the proxy response information of the sub machine group acquired by the host machine HST is obtained. Share with a specific sub machine (host spare machine) SB, issue a return request from the host machine HST to the sub machine SB at a predetermined time, and then the sub machine SB returns and communicates with the host machine HST, The proxy response information of the sub machine group owned by the host machine HST is updated, but the sub machine SB returns to a predetermined time and communicates with the host machine HST, so that the proxy response information of the sub machine group owned by the host machine HST is updated. Can be updated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the proxy response information is updated by outputting the return request from the sub-device side as described above. In this embodiment, the sub machine SB that makes a proxy response detects the presence of the host machine HST on the network and the sub machine SB continues the proxy response by controlling itself. This control procedure is repeatedly performed by the sub-machine SB at a predetermined interval.

  That is, the sub machine SB monitors whether there is a return request from the host machine HST at regular intervals (step S401), and if there is no return request for a while, it confirms whether it is a host spare machine (step S402). ). Since most of the sub-machines SB are not defined as host spare machines, the process ends here. However, since the specific sub machine SB is set as the host spare machine in steps S115, S116, and S117 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, this host spare machine itself returns from the energy saving state at this time (step S403). Next, it is confirmed by broadcasting whether or not the host device HST really exists on the network (step S404). If the host machine HST exists, the energy saving transition is performed again (step S405), and finally the state shifts to the state of the energy saving mode 2 with the highest energy saving efficiency. However, when the host device HST does not exist on the network, the device itself plays a role as the host device HST (step S406).

  Other parts not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment and function in the same manner.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

1) Since the proxy response information of the sub machine group is shared by two or more host machines, even if one host machine cannot make a proxy response due to sudden power off etc., other host machines will send a proxy response. Can continue.

2) Since the proxy response information of the sub-device group is shared between the host device and the specific sub-device, even if a certain host device cannot make a proxy response due to sudden power off etc., the specific sub-device (host spare When the machine becomes the host machine, the proxy response can be continued.

3) It is possible to prevent the host machine from continuing the proxy response to the sub machine that no longer exists on the network.

4) When the host machine disappears from the network, a specific sub machine (host spare machine) can become the host machine.

5) Since the proxy response information of the sub machine group is shared by two or more host machines, or the proxy response information of the sub machine group is shared by the host machine and a specific sub machine, a certain host machine suddenly The proxy response can be continued as a system even when the proxy response cannot be performed due to power-off of the system.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, All the technical matters contained in the technical idea of the invention described in the claim are object.

1 LAN
11 Printer 12, 13, 15 PC
14 MFP
HST Host machine SB Sub machine

JP 2004-153742 A JP 2004-334792 A

Claims (18)

An image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a client apparatus are connected via a network, and any one of the image forming apparatuses responds and processes in response to a request from the client apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
A multi-stage power saving mode including a power saving mode that can be restored only by a predetermined activation request,
Proxy response means for making a proxy response and a proxy response request in response to a request from the client device;
Have
Determining one or more host machines and other sub-machines from the plurality of image forming apparatus groups existing on the network;
When the host machine detects a proxy response request from the corresponding sub machine, it checks whether a proxy response is possible on behalf of the sub machine,
If a proxy response is possible, notify the sub machine to that effect,
An image forming system, wherein a proxy response of the sub machine is then performed, and a transition is made to a power saving mode having the highest power saving effect among power saving modes in which the sub machine can respond. The image forming system according to claim 1,
2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the host device is selected from operating image forming apparatuses existing on the network. The image forming system according to claim 1,
2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the host device is selected from standby image forming apparatuses existing on the network when no device is operating on the network. The image forming system according to claim 1,
The host device may be selected from among energy-saving image forming apparatuses that exist on the network when there is no image forming apparatus that is operating or is on standby on the network. Image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An image forming system, wherein when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of proxy response, an image forming apparatus set in advance by a user functions as a host device. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An image forming system characterized in that when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of proxy response, an image forming apparatus that consumes less power during operation than the own apparatus functions as a host machine. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An image forming system in which when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of proxy response, an image forming apparatus that consumes less power during standby than the own apparatus functions as a host machine. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An image forming system characterized in that when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of proxy response, an image forming apparatus that consumes less power when saving energy than the own apparatus functions as a host machine. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 8,
When a host candidate machine with higher power saving and higher priority as a host machine appears on the network, the own machine uses the sub-group proxy response information acquired so far as a new host machine. And transferring to the mode as a sub-machine. The image forming system according to claim 1,
When there are two or more host machines and a plurality of sub machines, proxy response information of the sub machine group acquired by one host machine is shared with other host machines. Image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1,
When there is one host machine and a plurality of sub machines, a specific sub machine is set as a host spare machine from the sub machine group, and the proxy response of the sub machine group acquired by the host machine An image forming system, wherein information is shared with the host spare device. The image forming system according to claim 10 or 11,
A return request is issued from the host machine to the sub machine at a predetermined time, and then the sub machine returns and communicates with the host machine to update the proxy response information of the sub machine group owned by the host machine. An image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 10 or 11,
An image forming system, wherein the sub-machine returns to a predetermined time, communicates with the host machine, and updates proxy response information of the sub-machine group owned by the host machine. The image forming system according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
When the host device becomes unable to perform proxy response, another device that shares proxy response information of the sub-device group continues the proxy response as a new host device. A power saving control method for an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a client apparatus are connected via a network, and one of the image forming apparatuses responds and processes in response to a request from the client apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A multi-stage power saving mode including a power saving mode that can be restored only by a predetermined activation request,
Proxy response means for making a proxy response and a proxy response request in response to a request from the client device;
Have
Determining one or more host machines and other sub-machines from the plurality of image forming apparatus groups existing on the network;
When the host machine detects a proxy response request from the corresponding sub machine, it checks whether a proxy response is possible on behalf of the sub machine,
If a proxy response is possible, notify the sub machine to that effect,
A power saving control method for an image forming system, wherein a proxy response of the sub machine is then performed, and a transition is made to a power saving mode having the highest power saving effect among power saving modes in which the sub machine can respond. The power saving control method for an image forming system according to claim 15,
When a host candidate machine that has better power saving than the own machine and has a high priority as a host machine appears on the network, the own machine uses the proxy response information of the sub machine group that has been acquired so far as a new host machine. A power saving control method for an image forming system, wherein the mode is transferred to a mode as a sub machine. The power saving control method for an image forming system according to claim 15,
When there is one host machine and a plurality of sub machines, a specific sub machine is set as a host spare machine from the sub machine group, and the proxy response of the sub machine group acquired by the host machine A power saving control method for an image forming system, wherein information is shared with the host spare device. Power saving of an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a client apparatus are connected via a network, and one of the image forming apparatuses uses a control resource to respond and process in response to a request from the client apparatus A power saving control program for executing control by a computer,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A multi-stage power saving mode including a power saving mode that can be restored only by a predetermined activation request,
Proxy response means for making a proxy response and a proxy response request in response to a request from the client device;
Have
A control procedure for determining one or more host machines and other sub-machines from the plurality of image forming apparatus groups existing on the network;
When the host machine detects a proxy response request from a corresponding sub machine, a control procedure for confirming whether a proxy response is possible on behalf of the sub machine;
If a proxy response is possible, a control procedure for notifying the sub machine to that effect,
Subsequent proxy response of the sub machine, the control procedure to shift to the power saving mode with the highest power saving effect among the power saving modes in which the sub machine can respond,
A power-saving control program comprising:

Images