JP2010097481A - Information processing system, information processor and information transmission device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress increase in power consumed by a signal transmitted via a communication means in an information processor constituting an information processing system. <P>SOLUTION: In the information processing system, a terminal device and an image forming device 3 are connected via a network 4. In the image forming device 3, when stopping power supply to a control part 30 processing information, a power supply part 38 alternately supplies or stops power to a communication part 31 receiving information from the terminal device via the network 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information transmission apparatus.

In general, in an information processing apparatus such as a printer or a copier that constitutes an information processing system, a power saving state that suppresses power consumption is set according to the reception status of image data from communication means such as a network. . However, since it is difficult to predict when image data and the like are transmitted from the communication means, the communication function unit that receives a signal from the communication means is in an operating state even when the information processing apparatus shifts to the power saving state. Is maintained.
For example, in Patent Document 1, a sub CPU that consumes less power than the main CPU is provided. In the energy saving mode (power saving state), only the sub CPU is energized, and from the sub CPU to the main CPU in response to data reception from the network or facsimile interface. A technique for issuing a return trigger to the CPU is described.

JP 2004-5029 A

Here, in general, various signals are transmitted to the information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system via communication means such as a network. Therefore, in order to analyze the signal transmitted from the communication means, for example, the CPU in the information processing apparatus needs to be activated every time a signal is received. As a result, when many of the received signals do not need to be processed by the information processing apparatus, the power consumed in the information processing apparatus is increased.
An object of the present invention is to suppress an increase in power consumption due to a signal transmitted from a communication unit in an information processing apparatus constituting an information processing system.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an information processing device that processes information, an information transmission device that transmits information processed by the information processing device, and information between the information processing device and the information transmission device. The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives information from the information transmitting device via the communication unit; and an information processing unit that processes information received by the receiving unit. And a power supply unit that supplies power to the reception unit and the information processing unit, and a power from the power supply unit to the reception unit when the power supply unit stops power supply to the information processing unit. It is an information processing system provided with the electric power control part which carries out switching control alternately to a supply state and a stop state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus has the information when the power control unit switches the power to the receiving unit from a supply state to a stop state and from the stop state to the supply state. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising an information notification unit that notifies the transmission device of switching information related to switching between the supply state and the stop state.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes an identification information storage unit that stores identification information of the information transmitting apparatus that has issued the switching information notification request. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the information is notified to the information transmission device in which the identification information is stored in the identification information storage unit.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the information transmission device receives the notification of the switching information related to switching from a power stop state to a supply state to the receiving unit from the information processing device, the information processing device 4. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the information is transmitted to an apparatus.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the power control unit of the information processing apparatus has a time for setting power to the receiving unit in a supply state according to a reception frequency of information received by the receiving unit, and The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein either one or both of the times set for the stop state are changed.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the power control unit of the information processing device sets the power to the receiving unit in a supply state according to the frequency at which power supply to the information processing unit is stopped. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein one or both of the time set for the stop state and the time for setting the stop state are changed.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the power supply unit supplies power to the information processing unit, the power control unit of the information processing apparatus transmits the power from the power supply unit to the reception unit. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the power is set to a supply state.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a receiving unit that receives information transmitted from an external device, an information processing unit that processes information received by the receiving unit, and supplies power to the receiving unit and the information processing unit. And a power supply unit that, when the power supply unit stops power supply to the information processing unit, switches power from the power supply unit to the receiving unit alternately between a supply state and a stop state. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit.

The invention according to claim 9 provides the supply to the external device when the power control unit switches the power to the receiving unit from the supply state to the stop state and when the power control unit switches from the stop state to the supply state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an information notification unit that notifies switching information related to switching between the state and the stop state.
The invention according to claim 10 further includes an identification information storage unit that stores identification information of the external device that has issued the switching information notification request, and the information notification unit stores the switching information in the identification information storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the identification information is notified to the external apparatus.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the power control unit supplies power to the receiving unit according to a reception frequency of information received by the receiving unit or a frequency at which power supply to the information processing unit is stopped. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein one or both of a time for setting the power in the supply state and a time for setting in the stop state are changed.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the power supply unit supplies power to the information processing unit, the power control unit sets power from the power supply unit to the reception unit in a supply state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information creation unit that creates information to be processed by an information processing apparatus that processes information, and information on whether or not the information processing apparatus can communicate from the information processing apparatus. An acquisition unit to acquire, and an information transmission unit that transmits the information created by the information creation unit when the acquisition unit acquires information that the information processing device is communicable from the information processing device And an information transmission device.

The invention according to claim 14 stores the information created by the information creating unit when the obtaining unit obtains information from the information processing device that the information processing device cannot communicate. The information transmission device according to claim 13, further comprising an information storage unit.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information transmitting unit, when the information is stored in the information storage unit, the information that the acquisition unit can communicate with the information processing device from the information processing device 15. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus after acquiring.
The invention described in claim 16 further includes a registration unit for registering the information transmitting apparatus in the information processing apparatus as a target apparatus for notifying whether or not the information processing apparatus is communicable. The information transmission device according to claim 14.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an increase in power consumption due to a signal transmitted from the communication means in the information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system can be suppressed as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to claim 2 of the present invention, it is possible to recognize the timing of transmitting information to the information processing apparatus in the information transmission apparatus constituting the information processing system, and compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, Information can be transmitted smoothly.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, information transmission devices that can use the information processing device constituting the information processing system are limited, and information processing by signals transmitted through the communication means is compared with a case where the present invention is not adopted. The power consumed by the device can be further reduced.
According to claim 4 of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a communication error when information is transmitted from the information transmitting apparatus constituting the information processing system to the information processing apparatus, as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the information reception capability of the information processing apparatus can be flexibly changed according to the communication status of information to the information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the information reception capability of the information processing apparatus can be flexibly changed in accordance with the operation status of the information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, information can be received when the information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system is in an operating state.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption due to a signal transmitted from the communication means in the information processing apparatus, compared to a case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to claim 9 of the present invention, it is possible to recognize the timing of transmitting information to the information processing apparatus in the information transmitting apparatus that constitutes the information processing system. Information can be transmitted smoothly.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the information transmission apparatus that can use the information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system is limited, and the information processing by the signal transmitted through the communication means is compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. The power consumed by the device can be further reduced.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the information reception capability of the information processing apparatus is flexibly changed in accordance with the communication status of information to the information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system and the operation status of the information processing apparatus. be able to.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to receive information when the information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system is in an operating state.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted, an increase in power consumption due to a signal transmitted from the communication means in the information processing apparatus that constitutes the information processing system together with the information transmission apparatus is suppressed. Can do.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress occurrence of a communication error when transmitting information from the information transmitting apparatus to the information processing apparatus, compared to a case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, information can be transmitted in correspondence with the timing at which the information processing apparatus receives information in the information transmitting apparatus.
According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more reliably grasp the timing at which the information processing apparatus receives information in the information transmitting apparatus, compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Description of information processing system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the information processing system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, an information transmission device installed in a user's work space (for example, a desk) or the like, a terminal device 2 that is an example of an external device, and creation / storage in the terminal device 2. The image forming apparatus 3 as an example of an information processing apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data that has been processed is a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet, which is an example of a communication unit. The network 4 is connected so as to be able to communicate in both directions. The communication means may include a communication line such as a telephone line or a satellite communication line (for example, a spatial transmission line in digital satellite broadcasting).
Note that, normally, a plurality of terminal devices 2 and a plurality of image forming devices 3 can be connected on the network 4, but in FIG. 1, one terminal device 2 and one image are respectively shown as a part thereof. A configuration in which the forming apparatus 3 is connected is shown.

<Description of terminal device>
The terminal device 2 will be described.
The terminal device 2 connected to the network 4 uses, for example, a personal computer (PC), and creates and stores image data including documents, graphics, graphics, photographs, and the like.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 2 includes image data creation as an example of an information creation unit that creates image data (information) in accordance with a control unit 20 that controls the operation of the entire terminal device 2 and predetermined application software. Unit 21 includes a user interface (UI) unit 22 that receives an instruction input from the user and displays various information to the user. The terminal device 2 is an example of an acquisition unit that communicates with the external storage unit 23 in which image data, programs, and the like are stored and the network 4 and acquires information transmitted from the image forming device 3. A communication unit 24 that is also an example of an information transmission unit that transmits (information) to the image forming apparatus 3 is provided. Further, the terminal device 2 includes a power supply unit 25 that supplies power to each component of the terminal device 2 via the power line 27.
The control unit 20, the image data creation unit 21, the UI unit 22, the external storage unit 23, the communication unit 24, and the power supply unit 25 are connected to a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect bus) bus 26. Thereby, these components transmit and receive signals to and from each other via the PCI bus 26.

  Here, the above-described components of the terminal device 2 are realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, a CPU (not shown) of the terminal device 2 reads a predetermined program from the external storage unit 23 to the main storage device (for example, RAM), and the control unit 20, the image data creation unit 21, the communication unit 24, and the like. The process which implement | achieves each function of is performed.

The external storage unit 23 of the terminal device 2 includes an operating system for controlling each component of the terminal device 2, application software that executes a specific function in cooperation with the operating system, and an image data creation unit 21. Includes a printer driver program for generating a print command (hereinafter referred to as “print job”) to the image forming apparatus 3 relating to the image data created in step 1 and the image data stored in the external storage unit 23.
When a print instruction is input to the UI unit 22 by the user, the control unit 20 reads the printer driver program from the external storage unit 23 and executes print job generation processing. The generated print job is sent to the communication unit 24, and the communication unit 24 transmits it to the image forming apparatus 3 via the network 4.

<Description of communication unit of terminal device>
The communication unit 24 of the terminal device 2 includes a communication control unit 211 that controls data communication between the control unit 20 and the network 4, and a network interface (NET_I /) that transmits and receives data between the communication control unit 211 and the network 4. F) unit 212, and a PCI interface (PCI_I / F) unit 213 that transmits and receives data between the communication control unit 211 and the PCI bus 26.
The communication unit 24 communicates with the image forming apparatus 3 based on information on the power state of the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 (see FIG. 3 in the subsequent stage) notified from the image forming apparatus 3 via the network 4. A communication state determination unit 214 that determines whether or not the print job is in a possible state and a print job storage unit 215 as an example of an information storage unit that stores a print job generated by the control unit 20 are provided.
Here, the “power state” of the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 is a state where power is supplied to the communication unit 31 so that the communication unit 31 can communicate, and that the communication unit 31 cannot communicate. It means any state of the state where power supply to the communication unit 31 is stopped. The same applies to the following description.

  In the terminal device 2, for example, when the image forming apparatus 3 is connected to the network 4 or when the terminal device 2 itself is connected to the network 4, the control unit 20 that also functions as a registration unit is connected via the communication unit 24. Then, a notification request is issued to the image forming apparatus 3 when the power state of the communication unit 31 (see FIG. 3 in the subsequent stage) of the image forming apparatus 3 changes. As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 receives the address information as an example of the identification information of the terminal device 2 that has issued the notification request as the notification destination storage unit 315 ( It is stored (registered) in advance in FIG. When the power state of the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 varies, the power state of the communication unit 31 varies with respect to the terminal device 2 stored in the notification destination storage unit 315. “Information on power supply state (power supply state information)” is transmitted as an example of the switching information to notify that.

When the communication unit 24 of the terminal device 2 acquires the power supply state information from the image forming apparatus 3, the communication control unit 211 sends the acquired power supply state information to the communication state determination unit 214. The communication state determination unit 214 determines the power state of the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 that is the transmission source based on the acquired power state information, and notifies the communication control unit 211 of the determination result. The communication control unit 211 receives a print job generated by the control unit 20 or a print job stored in the external storage unit 23 from the NET_I / F unit 212 according to the determination result of the communication state determination unit 214 from the image forming apparatus. 3 or is temporarily stored in the print job storage unit 215.
In other words, when the communication state determination unit 214 determines that the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 is in a communicable state, the communication control unit 211 performs a print job generated by the control unit 20 or an external storage unit. 23 is transmitted from the NET_I / F unit 212 to the image forming apparatus 3.

On the other hand, when the communication state determination unit 214 determines that the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 is in a communication disabled state, the communication control unit 211 temporarily stores the print job in the print job storage unit 215. Then, when the communication state determination unit 214 determines that the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 is in a communicable state after that, the communication control unit 211 reads the print job from the print job storage unit 215, and NET_I / A print job is transmitted from the F unit 212 to the image forming apparatus 3.
If the transmission target is a print job stored in the external storage unit 23, the print job is determined when the communication state determination unit 214 determines that the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 is in a communication disabled state. May be stored in the external storage unit 23 as they are.

<Description of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 3 performs communication with the control unit 30, which is an example of an information processing unit that processes various types of information when performing operation control of the entire image forming apparatus 3, and communication with the network 4. The communication unit 31 is an example of a unit, and a user interface (UI) unit 33 that receives an instruction input from the user and displays various information to the user. An image processing unit 34 that performs image processing on a print job (image data) transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the network 4, and an image that is used as a working memory when the image processing unit 34 performs image processing or the like. A processing storage unit 35 and an image output unit 36 for forming an image on paper based on the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 34 are provided. As the image output unit 36, for example, an electrophotographic image forming engine is used.
Further, the image forming apparatus 3 includes an external storage unit 39 in which various programs such as various programs and image data are stored.

Further, the image forming apparatus 3 converts, for example, 100 V power supplied from a commercial power source into a predetermined voltage (for example, 24 V, 12 V, 5 V, 3 V) and supplies it to each component as an example of a power supply unit. The power supply unit 38 is provided. The power supply unit 38 is supplied with a first power line 381 that supplies control system power of, for example, 5 V or 3 V to the control unit 30 and the like, and drive system power of, for example, voltage 24 V or 12 V to the image output unit 36 or the like. A second power line 382, a third power line 383 that supplies control system power to the communication unit 31, and a fourth power line 384 that supplies control system power to the power supply state control unit 32 are connected. The third power line 383 is provided with a switch SW for switching on / off the supply of control system power on the third power line 383.
Then, the power supply unit 38 supplies or stops control system power to the first power line 381 in accordance with the operation mode (operation state) of the image forming apparatus 3 set by the control unit 30, and the second power line. Supply or stop the drive system power to the 382.
On the other hand, the power supply unit 38 constantly supplies control system power to the third power line 383 and the fourth power line 384. Thereby, the control system power is constantly supplied to the power supply state control unit 32. Control system power is supplied to the communication unit 31 when the switch SW disposed on the third power line 383 is set to ON.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment is an example of a power control unit that controls the power state of the communication unit 31 according to time in a state where the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the sleep mode (see later stage). The power supply state control unit 32 is provided. That is, the power supply state control unit 32 includes a timer 321 as an example of a time measurement unit. Then, the power supply state control unit 32 turns on and off the switch SW disposed on the third power line 383 at predetermined time intervals measured by the timer 321, thereby controlling the control system from the power supply unit 38 to the communication unit 31. Control power supply (power state). Thereby, the power supply state control unit 32 alternately sets a state in which the communication unit 31 can communicate at predetermined time intervals and a state incapable of communication.

By the way, the control unit 30, the communication unit 31, the power supply state control unit 32, the UI unit 33, the image processing unit 34, and the external storage unit 39 arranged in the image forming apparatus 3 are connected to the PCI bus 37. . Accordingly, these components transmit and receive signals to and from each other via the PCI bus 37.
The above-described components of the image forming apparatus 3 are realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, a CPU (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 3 reads a predetermined program from the external storage unit 39 to the main storage device (for example, RAM), and controls the control unit 30, the communication unit 31, the power supply state control unit 32, Further, processing for realizing each function of the image processing unit 34 and the like is performed.

<Description of Function of Control Unit of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, functions of the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.
The control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 first has a function of processing a signal (hereinafter referred to as a packet) transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 itself via the network 4. That is, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a packet transmitted via the network 4 needs to be processed, and processes as follows. For example, when the packet received by the communication unit 31 is a print job, a process of sending the packet to the image processing unit 34 is performed. When the received packet requires a response to the transmission source, the control unit 30 generates a response packet for the packet and performs a process of transmitting the response packet from the communication unit 31. If the received packet does not need to be processed by the control unit 30, the control unit 30 performs processing such as discarding the packet.

In addition, the control unit 30 has a function of controlling the operation mode (operation state) of the image forming apparatus 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation mode set in the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, each image forming apparatus 3 includes “image forming operation mode”, “standby mode”, “low power mode”, and “sleep mode” as operation modes in order to enhance the power saving effect. Is selectively set.
The image forming operation mode is an operation state in which the image output unit 36 performs an image forming operation on paper on image data. The standby mode is an operation state that can respond on demand to the input of image data, and immediately shifts to the image forming operation mode in response to the input of image data. In the image forming operation mode or a standby mode equivalent thereto, drive system power is supplied from the power supply unit 38 to the components that perform the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 3 via the second power line 382.

The low power mode is an operation state set when, for example, there is no input of a print job or the like even after the first time has elapsed. In the low power mode, the supply of drive system power from the power supply unit 38 to at least the image forming engine (for example, a component that performs an image forming operation including a fixing device) of the image output unit 36 is stopped. On the other hand, the supply of control system power to components other than the image forming engine of the image output unit 36 such as the control unit 30 and the communication unit 31 is continued. Thereby, power consumption in the image forming apparatus 3 is reduced.
The sleep mode is an operation state that is set when there is no input of a print job or the like even after the second time, which is longer than the first time, has elapsed. In the sleep mode, the power supply state control unit 32 to which control system power is constantly supplied from the power supply unit 38, and the communication unit 31 in the power supply state in which the switch SW is turned on by the power supply state control unit 32 and control system power is supplied. Only the operation (operation) is performed, and the other components including the CPU (not shown) of the control unit 30 (see FIG. 3) stop the operation. Thereby, the power saving effect higher in the sleep mode than in the low power mode can be obtained.

When shifting (changing) the operation mode, the control unit 30 generates a control signal for shifting the operation mode (hereinafter referred to as “operation mode shift signal”). In particular, when the operation mode is shifted to the sleep mode, the control unit 30 generates a sleep mode shift signal that instructs to shift to the sleep mode as the operation mode shift signal. In addition, when the operation mode is returned from the sleep mode to the image forming operation mode, the standby mode, or the low power mode, the control unit 30 outputs a sleep mode return signal that instructs to return from the sleep mode as an operation mode transition signal. Generate.
Then, the control unit 30 transmits an operation mode transition signal to the power supply unit 38 and the power supply state control unit 32 via the PCI bus 37. The power supply unit 38 that has acquired the operation mode transition signal from the control unit 30 sets supply or stop of the control system power via the first power line 381 according to the set operation mode, and via the second power line 382. Set supply and stop of drive system power. Further, the power supply state control unit 32 that has acquired the operation mode transition signal from the control unit 30 executes the control process of the power supply state of the communication unit 31 described later in accordance with the set operation mode.

<Description of Communication Unit of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.
The communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 performs data communication with the network 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the communication unit 31 controls the data communication between the control unit 30 and the network 4, and transmits and receives data between the communication control unit 311 and the network 4. A network interface (NET_I / F) unit 312 to perform and a PCI interface (PCI_I / F) unit 313 to transmit and receive data between the communication control unit 311 and the PCI bus 37 are provided.
In addition, the communication unit 31 is an example of identification information of the packet determination unit 314 that determines a signal (packet) transmitted via the network 4 and the terminal device 2 that has made a request for notification of power state information. A notification destination storage unit 315 is provided as an example of an identification information storage unit that stores information.

The packet determination unit 314 determines address information such as a destination MAC address included in a MAC (Media Access Control) header of the packet received by the NET_I / F unit 312. Then, based on the destination MAC address that is an example of this address information, it is determined whether or not the received packet is a packet that needs to be transferred to the control unit 30. In other words, the packet determination unit 314 determines whether or not the packet needs to be transferred to the control unit 30 based on whether or not the packet describes the destination MAC address of the image forming apparatus 3 itself. Then, a determination result regarding whether or not the packet needs to be transferred to the control unit 30 is sent to the communication control unit 311.
The communication control unit 311 transfers, from the PCI_I / F unit 313 to the control unit 30 via the PCI bus 37, a packet determined by the packet determination unit 314 as a packet that needs to be transferred to the control unit 30. On the other hand, the communication control unit 311 discards the packet determined by the packet determination unit 314 as a packet that does not need to be transferred to the control unit 30.

  The notification destination storage unit 315 stores address information of the terminal device 2 that has made a notification request for power state information. Then, the communication control unit 311 that also functions as an information notification unit performs communication with the terminal device 2 having the address information stored in the notification destination storage unit 315 based on an instruction from the power supply state control unit 32. Power state information as an example of switching information for notifying that a change has occurred in the power state is transmitted.

<Description of Power Supply State Control Unit of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the operation of the power supply state control unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.
As described above, the power supply state control unit 32 controls the power supply state of the communication unit 31 according to time when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the sleep mode. That is, the power supply state control unit 32 turns on / off the switch SW disposed on the third power line 383 at predetermined time intervals measured by the timer 321. Thereby, the power supply state control unit 32 alternately sets a communicable state and a communicable state at predetermined time intervals in the communication unit 31.

Even when the sleep mode is set, various packets other than the print job from the network 4 to the image forming apparatus 3 itself are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. For example, an inquiry message asking whether or not to communicate with the image forming apparatus 3 using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is sent in order, and if there is a reply, a polling packet to be sent with a transmission right, or a PING (Packet Internet) A packet or the like for confirming whether a reply is sent from the image forming apparatus 3 that wishes to confirm network communication using Groper) is transmitted.
For this reason, conventionally, even when the sleep mode is set in the image forming apparatus 3, the CPU in the control unit 30 is activated every time a polling packet or the like that does not require any processing other than a print job is sent. For this reason, in a network environment where the transmission frequency of packets that do not need to be processed is high, even if the sleep mode is set, the reduction amount of power consumption in the image forming apparatus 3 is limited, and the reduction in power consumption is promoted. It is difficult.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment, when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the sleep mode, the power supply state to the communication unit 31 and the power stop state are set at predetermined time intervals. Are alternately set, and the communication unit 31 alternately sets the time during which the communication unit 31 can communicate with the network 4 and the time during which communication is impossible.
Then, when the communication unit 31 is set to be communicable with the network 4, the image forming apparatus 3 stores the notification destination storage as the power state information described above that the communication unit 31 is set to be communicable. Notification is made to the terminal device 2 stored (registered) in advance in the unit 315. Thereby, the terminal apparatus 2 recognizes that the image forming apparatus 3 is in a communicable state, and if there is a print job or the like to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3, the time set for the communicator 31 to be communicable. The print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. Further, when the communication unit 31 is set in a state where communication is not possible, the terminal device 2 stored in advance in the notification destination storage unit 315 as power supply state information that the communication unit 31 is set in a state where communication is not possible. Notice. As a result, the terminal device 2 recognizes that the image forming apparatus 3 is in an incommunicable state, and if there is a print job or the like to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3, temporarily stores the print job and sends it to the image forming apparatus 3. Do not send. After that, when the communication unit 31 acquires the power state information indicating that the communication unit 31 is set in a communicable state, the stored print job and other print jobs that need to be transmitted are sent to the image forming apparatus 3. Send.

  Therefore, when the sleep mode is set in the image forming apparatus 3, the time during which the image forming apparatus 3 receives a packet from the network 4 is limited. That is, the communication unit 31 does not receive a packet transmitted on the network 4 during a period in which the communication unit 31 is set in a communication disabled state when the sleep mode is set. As a result, the frequency of activation of the CPU in the control unit 30 is reduced, and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 3 when the sleep mode is set is reduced. In addition, since the terminal device 2 recognizes the period in which the communication unit 31 is set in a communicable state when the sleep mode is set, the terminal apparatus 2 transmits a print job or the like during the communicable period, so Is done smoothly.

<Description of process when executing control process of power state of communication unit>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents when the power supply state control unit 32 controls the power supply state of the communication unit 31.
As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply state control unit 32 monitors an operation mode transition signal transmitted from the control unit 30 via the PCI bus 37 (S101). When receiving the operation mode transition signal (Yes in S101), the power supply state control unit 32 determines whether the received operation mode transition signal is a sleep mode transition signal (S102). When the operation mode transition signal is a sleep mode transition signal (Yes in S102), the power supply state control unit 32 determines that the communication unit 31 is set in a communication disabled state with respect to the communication unit 31. The power supply state information shown is instructed to be transmitted to the terminal device 2 stored in the notification destination storage unit 315 (S103). After that, the power supply state control unit 32 executes a power supply state control process of the communication unit 31 (S104).

On the other hand, when the transmitted operation mode transition signal is the sleep mode return signal (Yes in S105), the power state control unit 32 ends the power state control process of the communication unit 31. (S106). Then, the power supply state control unit 32 determines whether or not the switch SW is set to ON (S107). When the switch SW is set to OFF (No in S107), the switch SW is turned on. Set (S108). Thereafter, the power supply state control unit 32 transmits power supply state information indicating that the communication unit 31 is set in a communicable state to the communication unit 31 to the terminal device 2 stored in the notification destination storage unit 315. (S109).
In step 107, if the switch SW is set to ON (Yes in S107), the process returns to step 101 and the operation mode transition signal is monitored. In this case, the power supply state control unit 32 is instructed to transmit the power supply state information to the terminal device 2 to the communication unit 31 in step 109 in the power supply state control process of the communication unit 31 executed in step 104. Since it has already been performed, the monitoring of the operation mode transition signal in step 101 is started immediately.
In step 105, if the transmitted operation mode transition signal is not a sleep mode return signal (No in S105), the process returns to step 101 to monitor the operation mode transition signal.

<Description of control processing of power state of communication unit>
Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the content of the control process of the power supply state of the communication unit 31 executed by the power supply state control unit 32 in step 104 of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, when starting the control of the power supply state of the communication unit 31, the power supply state control unit 32 first starts time measurement by the timer 321 (S201). At the same time, the power supply state control unit 32 turns off the switch SW disposed on the third power line 383 connected to the power supply unit 38 (S202). Thereby, the communication function of the communication unit 31 is stopped.
The power supply state control unit 32 monitors the time measured by the timer 321 (S203). Then, when the time measured by the timer 321 reaches a predetermined first time (Yes in S203), the switch SW is turned on (S204). Thereby, the communication unit 31 resumes the communication function.
Then, the power supply state control unit 32 transmits power supply state information indicating that the communication unit 31 is set in a communicable state to the communication unit 31 to the terminal device 2 stored in the notification destination storage unit 315. (S205). Thereby, the communication control unit 311 of the communication unit 31 stores the power supply state information indicating that the communication unit 31 is set in a communicable state from the NET_I / F unit 312 in the notification destination storage unit 315. Send to.
Furthermore, the power supply state control unit 32 resets the timer 321 and newly starts time measurement (S206).

Subsequently, the power supply state control unit 32 monitors the time measured by the timer 321 (S207). Then, when the time measured by the timer 321 reaches a predetermined second time (Yes in S207), the power supply state control unit 32 sets the communication unit 31 to a state where the communication unit 31 cannot communicate with the communication unit 31. It is instructed to transmit the power state information indicating that the power is being transmitted to the terminal device 2 stored in the notification destination storage unit 315 (S208). Thereby, the communication control unit 311 of the communication unit 31 stores the power supply state information indicating that the communication unit 31 is set in a communication disabled state from the NET_I / F unit 312 in the notification destination storage unit 315. Send to.
Subsequently, the power supply state control unit 32 turns off the switch SW (S209). Thereby, the communication function of the communication unit 31 is stopped. At the same time, the timer 321 is reset and time measurement is newly started (S210).
After step 210, the power supply state control unit 32 repeats the processing from step 203 to step 210 until the power supply state control unit 32 finishes the power supply state control process of the communication unit 31 in step 106 of FIG. Execute.

Here, in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6, the switch SW is first turned off in Step 202, the switch SW is turned on in Step 204, which is the time when the first time is reached, and then the second The processing through the cycle of turning off the switch SW in step 209 when the time has reached is shown.
In addition, a process that goes through a cycle in which the switch SW is turned on first, the switch SW is turned off when the first time is reached, and the switch SW is turned on when the second time is reached. May be used.

In the power supply state control unit 32, the first time and the second time in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 may be set to the same time length, or may be set to different time lengths.
Furthermore, it may be configured such that the user can change one or both of the first time and the second time set by the power supply state control unit 32 from the UI unit 33.
Furthermore, either or both of the first time and the second time set by the power supply state control unit 32 may be changed to different time lengths according to the day of the week and the time zone.

Further, the power supply state control unit 32 is configured so that one or both of the first time and the second time is flexibly changed according to the reception status of the print job addressed to itself in the communication unit 31. May be. For example, when the power supply state control unit 32 sets the switch SW to ON and the communication unit 31 operates the communication function, if the frequency of receiving a print job addressed to itself is higher than a predetermined frequency, the switch The first time for setting SW to OFF may be shortened, and the second time for setting switch SW to ON may be changed to be longer.
Furthermore, the power supply state control unit 32 may be configured such that either one or both of the first time and the second time are changed flexibly according to the operating status of the image forming apparatus 3. For example, when the frequency of setting the sleep mode set in the image forming apparatus 3 is higher than a predetermined frequency, the first time for setting the switch SW to OFF is lengthened and the second time for setting the switch SW to ON is set. The time may be changed to be shorter.

  In addition, when the communication unit 31 transmits the power state information indicating that the communication state is set to the communicable / impossible state to the terminal device 2 stored in advance in the notification destination storage unit 315, the switch SW is set together with the power state information. You may comprise so that either one or both of the 1st time set to OFF and the 2nd time to set switch SW to ON may be notified. Then, the terminal device 2 may be configured to predict a time during which the print job can be transmitted and prepare to transmit the print job in response to the predicted time.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment, when the sleep mode is set, the time for transmitting a print job or the like from the terminal apparatus 2 to the image forming apparatus 3 is set to be limited. . For this reason, the communication unit 31 does not receive a packet transmitted over the network 4 during a period in which the communication unit 31 is set to be incapable of communication when the sleep mode is set in the image forming apparatus 3. As a result, the frequency of activation of the CPU in the control unit 30 is reduced, and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 3 when the sleep mode is set is reduced.

<Description of processing of terminal device>
Next, a print job transmission process in the terminal device 2 that has acquired the power state information from the image forming apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the contents of a print job transmission process performed by the communication unit 24 of the terminal device 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the communication unit 24 of the terminal device 2 acquires the power state information from the image forming apparatus 3 (S301), the communication control unit 211 sends the power state information to the communication state determination unit 214. The communication state determination unit 214 determines the power state of the communication unit 31 of the transmission source image forming apparatus 3 based on the acquired power state information (S302). Then, the communication state determination unit 214 notifies the communication control unit 211 of the determination result. If the determination result in the communication state determination unit 214 indicates that the power state of the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 is in a communicable state (Yes in S303), the communication control unit 211 If there is a print job generated by the control unit 20, or a print job stored in the print job storage unit 215, the print job stored in the print job storage unit 215 is transferred from the NET_I / F unit 212 to the image forming apparatus. 3 (S304).
On the other hand, if the determination result by the communication state determination unit 214 indicates that the power state of the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 is in a state where communication is not possible (No in S303). The print job is temporarily stored in the print job storage unit 215 (S305).
Then, the communication unit 24 repeatedly executes the processing from step 301 to step 305.

As described above, when the sleep mode is set in the image forming apparatus 3, the terminal device 2 according to the present embodiment recognizes a time when a print job or the like can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. Therefore, during the period in which the sleep mode is set in the image forming apparatus 3, the terminal apparatus 2 transmits a print job or the like during the period in which the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 is set in a communicable state. Processing of jobs etc. is performed smoothly.
Here, the terminal device 2 may be configured to display a time during which a print job or the like can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 on the UI unit 22.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 3 connected to the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the communication unit 31 communicates with the network 4 when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the sleep mode. The possible time and the non-communication time are alternately set. As a result, the frequency of activation of the CPU in the control unit 30 is reduced, and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 3 when the sleep mode is set is reduced.

  In addition, when the communication unit 31 is set in a state in which the communication unit 31 can communicate with the network 4, the image forming apparatus 3 uses the power state information that the communication unit 31 is set in a communicable state in advance on the network 4. The registered terminal apparatus 2 is notified. Thereby, the terminal apparatus 2 recognizes that the image forming apparatus 3 is in a communicable state, and if there is a print job or the like to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3, the time set for the communicator 31 to be communicable. The print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. Further, when the communication unit 31 is set in a communication disabled state, the terminal unit 2 registered in advance on the network 4 is notified as power supply state information that the communication unit 31 is set in a communication disabled state. . As a result, the terminal device 2 recognizes that the image forming apparatus 3 is in an incommunicable state, and if there is a print job or the like to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3, temporarily stores the print job and sends it to the image forming apparatus 3. Do not send. After that, when the communication unit 31 acquires the power state information indicating that the communication unit 31 is set in a communicable state, the stored print job and other print jobs that need to be transmitted are sent to the image forming apparatus 3. Send.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information processing system of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the terminal device of this Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation mode set with the image forming apparatus of this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the processing content at the time of a power supply state control part controlling the power supply state of a communication part. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the content of the control process of the power supply state of the communication part which a power supply state control part performs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the content of a print job transmission process performed by a communication unit of a terminal device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing system, 2 ... Terminal device, 3 ... Image forming apparatus, 4 ... Network, 20 ... Control part, 21 ... Image data creation part, 24 ... Communication part, 30 ... Control part, 31 ... Communication part, 32 ... Power supply state control unit 38 ... Power supply unit 211, 311 ... Communication control unit 214 ... Communication state determination unit 215 ... Print job storage unit 321 ... Timer

Claims (16)

An information processing device for processing information;
An information transmission device for transmitting information processed by the information processing device;
Communication means for communicating information between the information processing apparatus and the information transmission apparatus;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A receiving unit for receiving information from the information transmitting device via the communication means;
An information processing unit for processing information received by the receiving unit;
A power supply unit for supplying power to the receiving unit and the information processing unit;
A power control unit that alternately switches power from the power supply unit to the receiving unit between a supply state and a stop state when the power supply unit stops power supply to the information processing unit; An information processing system characterized by this.   When the power control unit switches the power to the receiving unit from a supply state to a stop state and when the power control unit switches from a stop state to a supply state, the information processing device The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising an information notification unit that notifies switching information regarding the switching of the stop state.   The information processing apparatus further includes an identification information storage unit that stores identification information of the information transmission device that has made the switching information notification request, and the information notification unit identifies the switching information in the identification information storage unit. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the information transmitting apparatus storing the information is notified.   The information transmitting apparatus transmits the information to the information processing apparatus when receiving the notification of the switching information related to switching from a power stop state to a supply state from the information processing apparatus to the receiving unit. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that   The power control unit of the information processing apparatus is configured to set either the time for setting the power to the receiving unit to the supply state or the time for setting the stop state according to the reception frequency of the information received by the receiving unit. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein one or both are changed.   The power control unit of the information processing device may select either a time for setting the power to the receiving unit to be in a supply state or a time for setting to a stop state according to the frequency at which power supply to the information processing unit is stopped. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein one or both of them is changed.   The power control unit of the information processing apparatus sets the power from the power supply unit to the reception unit in a supply state when the power supply unit supplies power to the information processing unit. The information processing system according to claim 1. A receiving unit for receiving information transmitted from an external device;
An information processing unit for processing information received by the receiving unit;
A power supply unit for supplying power to the receiving unit and the information processing unit;
When the power supply unit stops power supply to the information processing unit, the power supply unit includes a power control unit that alternately switches power from the power supply unit to the reception unit between a supply state and a stop state. An information processing apparatus characterized by that.   When the power control unit switches the power to the receiving unit from the supply state to the stop state and when the power control unit switches from the stop state to the supply state, the external device is switched with respect to switching between the supply state and the stop state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an information notification unit that notifies information. An identification information storage unit that stores identification information of the external device that has issued the switching information notification request;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information notifying unit notifies the switching information to the external device in which the identification information is stored in the identification information storage unit.   The power control unit sets the power to the receiving unit in a supply state according to the reception frequency of information received by the receiving unit or the frequency at which power supply to the information processing unit is stopped, and 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein either one or both of the times set for the stop state are changed.   The power control unit sets power from the power supply unit to the reception unit in a supply state when the power supply unit supplies power to the information processing unit. The information processing apparatus described. An information creation unit for creating information to be processed by an information processing apparatus for processing information;
An acquisition unit that acquires information about whether or not the information processing apparatus can communicate from the information processing apparatus;
An information transmission unit that transmits the information created by the information creation unit when the acquisition unit obtains information that the information processing device is communicable from the information processing device; A characteristic information transmission apparatus.   An information storage unit that stores the information created by the information creating unit when the obtaining unit acquires information that the information processing device is incapable of communication from the information processing device; 14. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 13, wherein   When the information is stored in the information storage unit, the information transmission unit acquires the information after the acquisition unit acquires information that the information processing device is communicable from the information processing device. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information transmitting apparatus transmits the information to a processing apparatus.   15. The information transmission according to claim 14, further comprising a registration unit for registering the information transmission device in the information processing device as a target device for notifying whether or not the information processing device is communicable. apparatus.

Images