JP2010201843A - Image forming apparatus, program and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for more appropriately controlling the power source state of an image forming apparatus than the case of switching the power source state of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the number of user terminals in operation, under communication environment that a plurality of user terminals share the image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 101 includes: a power source management unit 5 configured to switch the power source state of the own apparatus; and a power source control unit 3 configured to control the power source state switching operation by the power source management unit 5 based on the number of user terminals which are in operation, and operated by the authenticated user of the own apparatus, of the user terminals connected to the same communication network as that of the own apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a program, and a system.

  As a conventional technique related to an image forming apparatus shared by a plurality of user terminals on a network (hereinafter also referred to as a “communication network”), for example, Patent Document 1 detects an operating state of a terminal apparatus that uses the image forming apparatus. A technique for switching the power supply state of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the number of operating terminal apparatuses is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 20007-28062

  An object of the present invention is to form an image in a communication environment where a plurality of user terminals share an image forming apparatus, rather than switching the power state of the image forming apparatus according to the number of operating user terminals. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of appropriately controlling the power supply state of the apparatus.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, among the power source switching means for switching the power state of the own device and a user terminal connected to the same communication network as the own device, the user terminal is in operation and the own device is used. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including power control means for controlling the operation of the power switching means based on the number of user terminals operated by an authorized user.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the power control means is a user operated by a user who is the operating user terminal and has the right to use the own apparatus. When the number of terminals is less than a preset threshold value, the operation of the power source switching unit is controlled so that the power consumption of the own apparatus is smaller than when the number is more than the threshold value.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the power control unit is operated by a user who is the operating user terminal and has the right to use the apparatus. When the user terminal does not exist in the communication network, the operation of the power supply switching unit is controlled so that the power consumption of the own device is minimized.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the power control means is a user operated by a user who is the operating user terminal and has the right to use the apparatus. If the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the power consumption of the own device is triggered by the fact that no processing request from any of the user terminals connected to the communication network has continued for a specified time. The operation of the power source switching means is controlled so as to be relatively small.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the power supply control unit repeats a state in which no processing request is received from any of the user terminals connected to the communication network over a specified time. Each time the operation is continued, the operation of the power supply switching means is controlled so that the power consumption of the device itself decreases stepwise.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the power supply control unit is configured to perform the communication when the power supply state of the self apparatus is in a power saving state. When a processing request is received from a user terminal connected to the network, the user operating the user terminal has the right to use the device, and the user has used the device in the past. The operation of the power source switching means is controlled depending on whether or not the use record frequency indicating the record of achievement has reached the use limit number.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the power supply control means is configured such that the user who has made the processing request has the right to use the own apparatus, and the usage record of the user. When the frequency reaches the use limit number, the operation of the power supply switching unit is controlled so that the power supply state of the own apparatus is maintained in the power saving state.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the power control means is a user operated by a user who is the operating user terminal and who has the right to use the apparatus. If the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, for each user who is operating the user terminal that is in operation, check the usage record frequency indicating the track record of using the device in the past. When there is no user who has not reached the usage limit number, the operation of the power supply switching means is controlled so that the power supply state of the own apparatus is maintained in the power saving state.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the power supply control unit is configured to perform the communication when the power supply state of the self apparatus is a power saving state. When a processing request is received from a user operating a user terminal connected to the network, the operation of the power source switching unit is controlled according to the state of the own device.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the power supply control unit sets the power supply state of the own apparatus to a power saving state when the state of the own apparatus is a state incapable of image formation. The operation of the power supply switching means is controlled so as to be maintained.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the computer constituting the image forming apparatus is a power switching unit for switching a power state of the own apparatus, and a user terminal connected to the same communication network as the own apparatus is in use. According to a program for functioning as a power control means for controlling the operation of the power switching means based on the number of user terminals operated by a user who is a user terminal and who has the right to use the device. .

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a user terminal operated by a user is connected to an image forming apparatus that performs processing in response to a processing request from a user operating the user terminal via the communication network, and the image The forming apparatus is operated by a power switching means for switching a power state of the own apparatus and a user terminal that is operating among user terminals connected to the communication network and having a right to use the own apparatus. The present invention relates to a system comprising power control means for controlling the operation of the power switching means based on the number of user terminals.

  According to the first, eleventh, and twelfth aspects of the present invention, the power supply of the image forming apparatus according to the number of operating user terminals in a communication environment in which a plurality of user terminals share the image forming apparatus. The power supply state of the image forming apparatus can be controlled more appropriately than when the state is switched.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the number of user terminals being operated by a user terminal that is in operation and having the right to use the image forming apparatus is less than a threshold value, the image forming apparatus Power consumption can be reduced.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when there is no user terminal operated by a user terminal that is operating and a user who has the right to use the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus Power consumption can be minimized.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, according to the invention described in claim 4, the number of user terminals operated by a user terminal that is in operation and who has the right to use the image forming apparatus is reduced. Even when the situation is greater than or equal to the threshold value, when there is no processing request from any of the user terminals connected to the communication network for a specified time, the image forming apparatus is compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. Power consumption can be reduced.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even in a situation where the number of user terminals that are operated by a user terminal that is operating and a user who has the right to use the image forming apparatus is more than a threshold value, When a situation in which there is no processing request from any of the user terminals connected to the communication network continues repeatedly over a specified time, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced compared to the case without this configuration. .

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the power state of the image forming apparatus can be switched depending on whether or not the usage record frequency of the user who has made a processing request to the image forming apparatus has reached the usage limit number. .

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to avoid wasteful power consumption of the image forming apparatus when the usage record frequency of the user who has made a processing request to the image forming apparatus has reached the usage limit number. .

  According to the invention described in claim 8, even in a situation where the number of user terminals operated by a user terminal that is operating and a user who has the right to use the image forming apparatus is more than a threshold value, When the usage record frequency of all users who have the right to use the image forming apparatus has reached the limit of use, it is possible to avoid unnecessary power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention, the power-saving state of the image forming apparatus becomes unnecessary in a situation where the image forming apparatus cannot respond to image formation even when a processing request is received from a user who operates the user terminal. The power supply state of the image forming apparatus can be controlled so as not to be released.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system to which the present invention is applied. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of level classification of power supply states of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when a packet is received by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power control process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a power control process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an application example of power control processing performed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications and improvements have been made within the scope of deriving specific effects obtained by the constituent requirements of the invention and combinations thereof. Including form.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system to which the present invention is applied. The illustrated system has a configuration in which a plurality of user terminals 100 (only three are displayed in the example), the image forming apparatus 101, and the user management apparatus 102 are connected to each other via a common communication network 103. ing. The “communication network” described here is a “communication network”. Here, the user management apparatus 102 is included as one of the components of the system, but the function (details will be described later) of the user management apparatus 102 may be provided inside the image forming apparatus 101. For this reason, the user management apparatus 102 is not an essential element as a component of the system according to the present invention.

  The user terminal 100 is a terminal device operated by the user, and is configured using, for example, a personal computer to which a display device (liquid crystal monitor or the like) or an input device (keyboard, mouse or the like) is attached. Each user terminal 100 is assigned unique address information (such as a MAC address). That is, unique address information different from the other user terminals 100b, 100c,... Is assigned to the user terminal 100a. Further, unique address information different from the other user terminals 100a, 100c,... Is assigned to the user terminal 100b. Further, unique address information different from the other user terminals 100a, 100b,... Is assigned to the user terminal 100c. The user terminal 100a is operated by the user Ua. The user terminal 100b is operated by the user Ub, and the user terminal 100c is operated by the user Uc. The same applies to user terminals other than the user terminals 100a, 100b, and 100c.

  The image forming apparatus 101 receives a processing request from a user who operates the user terminal 100 (100a, 100b, 100c,...), And performs processing based on the processing request (processing requested by the user). . The image forming apparatus 101 is configured by using a multi-function machine having a plurality of processing functions such as printing processing, image reading processing, copying processing, and FAX (fax) processing.

  The user management apparatus 102 is information about a user who is operating the user terminal, information about a user who has the right (use right) to use the image forming apparatus 101 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “user information”). To manage). The user management apparatus 102 is configured using, for example, an authentication server that performs user authentication. The user management apparatus 102 stores identification information (such as a MAC address) of a user terminal and identification information of a user who operates the user terminal. : Management table associated with a relationship of 1 :. When using the user terminal 100 connected to the communication network 103, the user adds the identification information of the user assigned to the user terminal 100 and requests the user management apparatus 102 for authentication processing. When the user management apparatus 102 succeeds in authenticating the user, the user management apparatus 102 notifies the user terminal that has made the request for the authentication processing to that effect, and also identifies the identification information of the user terminal and the identification of the user who operates the user terminal. Register the information as a set in the management table.

  As user terminal identification information (hereinafter also referred to as “terminal ID”), for example, a MAC address may be used. In addition, as the user identification information (hereinafter also referred to as “user ID”), any information that uniquely identifies the user, such as unique information assigned to each user, is used. May be. The unit of the user to which the user ID is assigned may be an individual unit or an organization (group) unit such as an affiliation destination or an assignment destination. Information combining a password and a certificate may be used as the user ID.

  The communication network 103 is bidirectional between the user terminal 100 (100a, 100b, 100c,...), The image forming apparatus 101, and the user management apparatus 102 based on a predetermined communication protocol (for example, TCP / IP). Communication (data and information exchange). The communication network 103 is configured using, for example, a LAN (local area network).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 101 generally includes a communication unit 1, a processing request receiving unit 2, a power control unit 3, a state management unit 4, a power management unit 5, and a function processing unit 6. ing.

  The communication unit 1 serves as a network interface that communicates with external devices (corresponding to the user terminal 100 and the user management device 102 in this embodiment) via the communication network 103. The communication unit 1 has a processing request detection unit 7. The processing request detection unit 7 detects whether or not a processing request has been issued from an external device to the own device (the image forming apparatus 101).

  The process request receiving unit 2 receives a process request detected by the process request detecting unit 7 in the communication unit 1. The process request accepting unit 2 not only accepts a process request but also performs a process of determining the content of the actually accepted process request. The content (type) of the processing request includes at least printing processing, image reading processing, copying processing, FAX processing, status processing, and the like. For this reason, the process request accepting unit 2 determines which process content the print request, image reading process, copy process, FAX process, status process, etc. corresponds to. .

  For example, when the processing request is transmitted from any of the user terminals 100 to the image forming apparatus 101, the user identification information is transmitted together with the processing request.

  The power control unit 3 controls the power state switching operation by the power management unit 5 according to preset control conditions. When switching the power state, the power control unit 3 instructs the power management unit 5 to change the power state, and the power management unit 5 switches the power state of the own device in accordance with the change instruction. Specific contents of the power control by the power control unit 3 will be described later.

  The state management unit 4 manages the state of the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101). For example, the state management unit 4 manages whether the image forming apparatus 101 is in a printable state (image formable state) based on the presence or absence of printing paper or the presence or absence of consumables. More specifically, the state management unit 4 refills or immediately replenishes when the printing paper is not set in the paper storage unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 101 or when the consumable of the image forming apparatus 101 reaches the end of its life. When the replacement is necessary, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 101 is not in a printable state, that is, in a print disabled state (image formation disabled state).

  The power management unit 5 manages the power sources of various hardware provided in the image forming apparatus 101. As hardware to be subjected to power management, for example, a user interface (UI) unit 8, a hard disk (HDD) 9, a network software control unit (S / W in the figure is an abbreviation of software) 10, a first network hardware Hardware (H / W in the figure is an abbreviation of hardware) 11, second network hardware 12, state management hardware 13, printing hardware 14, image reading hardware 15, copying hardware 16, There are FAX hardware 17, image data processing hardware 18, information management hardware 19, and the like. The state management hardware 19 is hardware for detecting the state of the image forming apparatus 101. The state management hardware 19 includes, for example, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of printing paper and a sensor that detects the presence or absence of consumables. The information management hardware 19 is used when the image forming apparatus 101 holds information (status information) indicating the state of the machine immediately before the transition when the standby mode is shifted to the power saving mode.

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the power management unit 5 manages the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 by dividing it into seven power levels (hereinafter simply referred to as “levels”). Level 1 is a power supply state in which the power consumption of the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) is minimized (hereinafter also referred to as “sleep state”), and corresponds to the power supply state in the power saving mode. Level 7 is a power state in which the power consumption of the own device is the largest, and corresponds to the power state in the standby mode. Each of the levels 1 to 7 is divided so that the power consumption of the own device varies stepwise. That is, level 2 is a power state that consumes more power than level 1, and level 3 is a power state that consumes more power than level 2. Level 4 is a power supply state with more power consumption than level 3, and level 5 is a power supply state with more power consumption than level 4. Level 6 is a power supply state that consumes more power than level 5, and level 7 is a power supply state that consumes more power than level 6.

  In this document, a power state when the image forming apparatus 101 performs its processing functions to the maximum is defined as an operating state, and a power state that consumes less power than that is defined as a power saving state. Then, levels 1 to 6 all correspond to the power saving state, and level 7 corresponds to the operating state. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 returns from the power saving state to the operating state when the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 is switched from any one of the levels 1 to 5 to the level 7. The return from the power saving state to the operating state takes longer to return to the operating state as the level of the power saving state immediately before the return is lower. In other words, the higher the level of the power supply state immediately before the return, the shorter the time required to return to the operating state.

  The relative comparison of power consumption is targeted at the power consumption at the stage of powering on the hardware corresponding to each level, and the increase in power consumption due to actual operation after power on is not expected . For example, taking a hard disk as an example, the latter consumes more power when the hard disk is powered on and when the hard disk is actually operated for data storage. The above-described level classification of the power supply state assumes power consumption in the power-on stage. For this reason, for example, when changing the power status of its own device from level 1 to level 2, turn on the power for more hardware, including all hardware that is powered on at level 1. Will do. In addition, when changing the power state of the own device from level 1 to level 3, it includes all hardware that is powered on at level 1 and other hardware that is powered on at level 2. Power is turned on for more hardware. That is, as the level of the power state increases, the number (type) of hardware to be powered on increases. The power management unit 5 has a function of switching the power state of its own device to one of the above seven levels. Therefore, the power management unit 5 functions as a “power switching unit”.

  Level 1 is a power supply state necessary for operating a function such as a packet filter that determines whether or not a packet received via the communication network 103 according to the MAC / PHY standard is a packet addressed to the own apparatus. At level 1, power is supplied to the first network hardware 11.

  Level 2 is a power supply state necessary for operating functions such as ARP / Ping processing, search by broadcast or multicast, and the like. At level 2, power is supplied to the second network hardware 12 in addition to the hardware to which power is supplied at level 1.

  Level 3 is for, for example, turning on the power of a minimum CPU (for example, a CPU mounted on a network interface card, etc.) depending on the protocol, and working a function of performing a status response (no access to the hard disk) It is a necessary power state. At level 3, in addition to the hardware to which power is supplied at level 2, power is supplied to the network software control unit 10.

  Level 4 is a power supply state that is necessary for operating the control function of the entire firmware of the image forming apparatus 101, for example. At level 4, in addition to the hardware to which power is supplied at level 3, power is supplied to the state management hardware 13 and the information management hardware 19.

  Level 5 is, for example, a power state necessary for turning on a minimum CPU power depending on a protocol and for performing a status response (requires access to the hard disk) and a function for accumulating data. . At level 5, in addition to the hardware to which power is supplied at level 4, power is supplied to the hard disk 9.

  Level 6 is a power supply state necessary for operating the user interface function. At level 6, power is supplied to the user interface unit 8 in addition to the hardware to which power is supplied at level 5.

  Level 7 is a power state necessary for operating a processing function corresponding to a processing request when a processing request is received from a user operating the user terminal 100 or a user operating the user interface unit 8. It is. At level 7, in addition to the hardware to which power is supplied at level 6, printing hardware 14, image reading hardware 15, copying hardware 16, FAX hardware 17, image data processing hardware 18 At least one of them is supplied with power.

  The function processing unit 6 performs functional processing such as printing processing, image reading processing, copying processing, FAX processing, and status processing in accordance with the content of the processing request received by the processing request receiving unit 2. The function processing unit 6 includes a print processing unit 21, an image reading processing unit 22, a copy processing unit 23, a FAX processing unit 24, and a status processing unit 25. The print processing unit 21 performs processing for printing an image on a sheet. The image reading processing unit 22 performs processing for reading an image recorded on a document. The copy processing unit 23 performs processing for copying an image read from a document onto a sheet. The FAX processing unit 24 performs processing for transmitting and receiving FAX data. The status processing unit 25 performs processing for confirming the status (operating state) of the device itself and notifying the confirmation result to an external device (device that has requested a status confirmation).

  Among the components of the image forming apparatus 101 described above, the communication unit 1, the processing request receiving unit 2, the power control unit 3, the state management unit 4, the power management unit 5, and the function processing unit 6 are subject to power management. For example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores programs, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that reads the programs stored in the ROM and executes them. ) And other computer hardware resources. Further, the present invention includes a program for causing a computer to function as means for performing the following processing.

(Processing example when receiving a packet)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of packet reception of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, an example of processing when a packet is received when the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 is level 1 (resting state) will be described.

  First, the processing request detection unit 7 of the communication unit 1 repeatedly checks whether or not a packet addressed to itself is received from an external device (including the user terminal device 100) via the communication network 103 (step S1). . If it is determined that a packet addressed to the device itself has been received, a processing request included in the packet is detected.

  Next, after the processing request detected by the processing request detecting unit 7 is received by the processing request receiving unit 2 (step S2), it is processed whether or not the content of the processing request is a content that can be dealt with in the level 1 power state. The request reception unit 2 makes a determination (Step S3). When the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is a content that can be dealt with in the level 1 power supply state, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S16, where the current power level is maintained and the processing request is satisfied. Execute the process. In this case, the power control unit 3 does not instruct the power management unit 5 to change the power state. Therefore, in step S16, the function processing unit 6 executes processing (for example, MAC / PHY processing or the like) according to the content of the processing request in a state where the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 is set to level 1. become.

  On the other hand, when the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is not a content that can be dealt with in the level 1 power state in step S3, the power control unit 3 receives the determination result, and the power control unit 3 In order to raise the state level, the power management unit 5 is instructed to change the power state, and upon receiving this change instruction, the power management unit 5 changes the power state of the own apparatus from level 1 to level 2 (step S4).

  Next, the processing request receiving unit 2 determines whether or not the content of the processing request received earlier is content that can be dealt with in the level 2 power state (step S5). When the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is a content that can be dealt with in the level 2 power supply state, the process proceeds from step S5 to step S16, where the current power level is met and the processing request is satisfied. Execute the process. In this case, in step S16, the function processing unit 6 performs processing (for example, packet processing) according to the content of the processing request while the power supply state of the image forming apparatus 101 is set to level 2.

  On the other hand, when the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is not a content that can be dealt with in the level 2 power state in step S5, the power control unit 3 receives the determination result, and the power control unit 3 In order to raise the level of the state, the power management unit 5 is instructed to change the power state, and upon receiving this change instruction, the power management unit 5 changes the power state of the own apparatus from level 2 to level 3 (step S6).

  Next, the processing request receiving unit 2 determines whether or not the content of the processing request received earlier is content that can be dealt with in the level 3 power supply state (step S7). When the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is a content that can be dealt with in the power supply state of level 3, the processing request is transferred from step S7 to step S16, where the current power level is met and the processing request is satisfied. Execute the process. In this case, in step S16, the function processing unit 6 performs processing according to the content of the processing request (for example, response processing using the communication network 103, etc.) with the power supply state of the image forming apparatus 101 set to level 3. Will be performed.

  On the other hand, when the processing request accepting unit 2 determines in step S7 that the content of the processing request is not a content that can be dealt with in the power supply state of level 3, the power control unit 3 receives the determination result and the power control unit 3 In order to raise the state level, the power management unit 5 is instructed to change the power state, and upon receiving this change instruction, the power management unit 5 changes the power state of the own device from level 3 to level 4 (step S8).

  Next, the processing request accepting unit 2 determines whether or not the content of the processing request received earlier is content that can be dealt with in the level 4 power state (step S9). When the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is a content that can be dealt with in the level 4 power state, the process proceeds from step S9 to step S16, where the current power level is maintained and the processing request is satisfied. Execute the process. In this case, in step S <b> 16, the function processing unit 6 performs processing (for example, status confirmation) in accordance with the content of the processing request with the power supply state of the image forming apparatus 101 set to level 4.

  On the other hand, when the processing request accepting unit 2 determines in step S9 that the content of the processing request is not a content that can be dealt with in the power supply state of level 4, the power control unit 3 receives the determination result and the power control unit 3 In order to raise the state level, the power management unit 5 is instructed to change the power state, and upon receiving this change instruction, the power management unit 5 changes the power state of the own device from level 4 to level 5 (step S10).

  Next, the processing request receiving unit 2 determines whether or not the content of the processing request received earlier is content that can be dealt with in the level 5 power supply state (step S11). When the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is a content that can be dealt with in the level 5 power supply state, the processing request is transferred from step S11 to step S16, where the current power level is maintained and the processing request is satisfied. Execute the process. In this case, in step S16, the function processing unit 6 performs processing according to the content of the processing request (for example, referring to data stored in the hard disk 9 or the like) while the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 is set to level 6. Storage of data in the hard disk 9).

  On the other hand, when the processing request accepting unit 2 determines in step S11 that the content of the processing request is not a content that can be dealt with in the power supply state of level 5, the power control unit 3 receives the determination result and the power control unit 3 In order to raise the state level, the power management unit 5 is instructed to change the power state, and the power management unit 5 changes the power state of the device from level 5 to level 6 in response to the change instruction (step S12).

  Next, the processing request receiving unit 2 determines whether or not the content of the processing request received earlier is content that can be dealt with in the level 6 power state (step S13). When the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is a content that can be dealt with in the level 6 power supply state, the process proceeds from step S13 to step S16, where the current power level is maintained and the processing request is satisfied. Execute the process. In this case, in step S16, the function processing unit 6 performs processing (for example, panel display or input) in accordance with the content of the processing request with the power supply state of the image forming apparatus 101 set to level 6. Become.

  On the other hand, in step S13, when the processing request accepting unit 2 determines that the content of the processing request is not content that can be dealt with in the level 6 power state, the power control unit 3 receives the determination result, and the power control unit 3 receives the determination result. To check whether or not the user who transmitted the processing request packet to the own device is a user who has the right to use the own device (regular user) (step S14). If the user who has made the processing request determines that the user is not a user who has the right to use the device, the power supply control unit 3 does not instruct the power supply management unit 5 to change the power supply state. Finish the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the user who made the processing request is a user who does not have the right to use the own device, the power supply control unit 3 increases the level of the power state of the own device. The power management unit 5 is instructed to change the power state, and upon receiving this change instruction, the power management unit 5 changes the power state of the own device from level 6 to level 7 (step S15), and then proceeds to step S16. In this case, in step S16, the function control unit 6 performs processing (for example, printing processing) according to the content of the processing request in a state where the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 is set to level 7.

  In the above processing example, when it is determined that the user who has made the processing request is not a user who has the right to use the own device (No in step S14), the power state of the own device is changed. The control is performed so that the current level is maintained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user who made the processing request is not a user who has the right to use the own device, and the own device prints. If it is determined that it is not possible, the power supply state of the device itself may be controlled to be maintained at the current level.

(First processing example related to power control)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of power control processing performed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, power supply control processing for the purpose of power saving will be described as an example. Such a power supply control process is repeatedly executed, for example, at a preset time interval or whenever a preset condition is satisfied.

  First, the power supply control unit 3 determines whether or not the power supply state of its own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) is level 1 (step S21). The power supply control unit 3 confirms to which level the power supply state of its own device is set by inquiring of the power management unit 5. When it is determined that the power supply state of the own apparatus is level 1, the power supply control process is finished as it is.

  In addition, when the power supply control unit 3 determines that the power supply state of the own apparatus is not level 1 (in other words, the power supply state of the image forming apparatus 101 is level 2 or higher), the communication network 103. The operating statuses of the plurality of user terminals 100 (100a, 100b, 100c,...) Connected to are confirmed (step S22). As for the operation status of each user terminal 100, for example, an inquiry signal for inquiring whether or not the user terminal is operating is transmitted to all user terminals connected to the communication network 103 by a multicast method. A mechanism for recognizing a user terminal that has responded to the inquiry signal as an “operating user terminal” may be employed.

  Next, the power supply control unit 3 determines whether or not the number of user terminals operating on the communication network 103 is less than m (m is a natural number) based on the result of confirming the operation status in step S22. (Step S23). The value of m may be set to an arbitrary value in advance by the network administrator operating the image forming apparatus 101 from the UI unit 8 or an external device, or may be set in advance according to a default value. It is good also as a mechanism.

  If it is determined in step S23 that the number of operating user terminals is less than m, the power supply control unit 3 performs the power supply switching process under a preset condition (step S24), and then the power supply End the control process.

  In the present invention, the power control unit 3 specifically controls the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 during the power switching process in step S24. For example, if the value of m is set to m = 1, the power supply state of the device itself may be controlled to be switched to level 1 in step S24. If the value of m is set to m = 5, the control may be performed so that the level of the power state of the own device is lowered by one in step S24, or the control condition is further divided into the own device. Control may be performed so that the power supply state of the power supply is lowered step by step.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S23 that the number of operating user terminals is not less than m (in other words, the number of operating user terminals is greater than or equal to m), the power supply control unit 3 User information relating to the user who is operating the operating user terminal is confirmed (step S25).

  For example, for the user information, the power supply control unit 3 makes a user information acquisition request via the communication unit 1 to the user management apparatus 102 connected to the communication network 103, and The user information returned from the user management apparatus 102 may be received by the communication unit 1 and the power source control unit 3 may acquire the user information. At this time, in the user information acquisition request, the address information (MAC address) of the user terminal that has responded to the operation status inquiry signal is specified, and the user management apparatus 102 that has received the acquisition request. Returns user information related to the user who is operating the user terminal specified by the specified address information. Since the user management apparatus 102 has a management table in which the terminal ID (MAC address) and the user ID are associated with each other as described above, the user terminal that is in operation is referred to by referring to this management table. All the users who are operating are identified, and user information relating to those users is returned to the image forming apparatus 101.

  Next, the power supply control unit 3 determines that the number of user terminals operated by the user having the right to use the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) among the m or more user terminals in operation is zero. It is judged whether or not (step S26). The user sent from the user management apparatus 102 indicates which of the users operating the user terminal that is in operation has or does not have the right to use the own apparatus. It shall be determined based on person information. Also, a user (user ID) who has the right to use the image forming apparatus 101 is registered in advance in the user management apparatus 102 by manual setting by the network administrator.

  Next, when the power supply control unit 3 determines that the number of user terminals operated by the user having the right to use the own device is 0 in step S26, the power supply control unit 3 changes the power supply state. By giving the instruction, the power supply state of the own apparatus is changed to level 1 (step S27), and then the power supply control process is finished.

  If the power supply control unit 3 determines that the number of user terminals operated by the user having the right to use the own device is not zero in step S26, the number of the user terminals is subsequently determined. Is determined to be greater than or equal to n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) (step S28). If the number of user terminals operated by a user who has the right to use the own device is less than n, the power management unit 5 is instructed to change the power state, thereby The level is lowered by 1 (step S29). If the number of user terminals operated by a user who has the right to use the device is n or more, the power control process is finished as it is.

  As described above, the power supply control unit 3 is an active user terminal among the user terminals 100 connected to the same communication network 103 as the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) and has the right to use the own apparatus. Based on the number of user terminals operated by the user, the number of terminals is 0, the number of terminals is n or more, and the number of terminals is less than n under different conditions. The operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled.

  Specifically, the power supply control unit 3 includes the number of user terminals operated by a user who has the right to use the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) among user terminals operating on the communication network 103. Is less than n (including 0 units), the operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so that the power state of the own device is changed to level 1 or the power state of the own device is lowered by one. , N or more, the operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so as to maintain the power state of the device at the current level. From this, the power supply control unit 3 is a user terminal that is operating on the communication network 103 and the number of user terminals operated by a user who has the right to use the own apparatus is less than n. The operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so that the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 101 is reduced as compared with the case of n or more.

  Further, the power supply control unit 3 has zero user terminals operated by a user who has the right to use the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) among user terminals operating on the communication network 103. If it is, the operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so as to change the power state of the own device to level 1. From this, the power supply control unit 3 determines that the user apparatus operated by the user having the right to use the own apparatus does not exist among the user terminals operating on the communication network 103. Therefore, the operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so that the power consumption of the power management unit 5 is minimized.

(Second processing example related to power control)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the power control process performed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in addition to the process similar to said step S21-29, the power supply control part 3 judges whether the power supply state of an own apparatus is the level 1 after step S29 (step S30). If it is level 1, the power supply control process is finished as it is, and if it is not level 1, the process proceeds to step S31. Further, when the condition “number of terminals ≧ n” is satisfied in step S28, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, the power supply control unit 3 determines whether or not the value of the timer that measures the length of time during which there is no processing request access to the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) has exceeded a preset Tm. to decide. If the condition of “timer value ≧ Tm” is not satisfied, it is confirmed whether or not a processing request has been accessed for the device itself (step S32). If no processing request is accessed, the process returns to step S31.

  Further, when the condition of “timer value ≧ Tm” is satisfied in step S31, the power supply control unit 3 instructs the power supply management unit 5 to change the power supply state, thereby setting the power supply state level of its own device to 1. (Step S33). Next, the power supply control unit 3 determines whether or not the power supply state of its own device is level 1 (step S34), and if it is level 1, ends the power supply control process as it is. On the other hand, if the level is not 1, the timer is restarted (step S35), and then the process proceeds to step S32. In the restart of the timer, the measurement of the time without access is started (restarted) in a state where the timer value is reset to zero.

  As described above, the power supply control unit 3 checks the timer value when the condition “number of terminals ≧ n” is satisfied, and when the condition “timer value ≧ Tm” is satisfied there, The operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so as to lower the level of. From this, the power supply control unit 3 determines whether the number of user terminals being operated by a user who has the right to use the own apparatus is n (threshold) or more. The power management unit 5 is configured so that the power consumption of its own apparatus is relatively reduced, triggered by the fact that no processing request is received from any of the user terminals connected to the terminal 103 for Tm (specified time). Will be controlled.

  In addition, the power supply control unit 3 restarts the timer repeatedly until the power supply state of the own device becomes level 1 or the processing request is accessed to the own device, and the condition determination of “timer value ≧ Tm” is made. And the operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled based on the determination result. From this, the power supply control unit 3 increases the power consumption of its own device every time a state where no processing request is received from any of the user terminals connected to the communication network 103 continues over Tm (specified time). Therefore, the operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so as to reduce the power consumption.

  In the above processing example, when a processing request is received from a user terminal connected to the communication network 103 (when it is determined Yes in step S32), the power control processing is finished as it is. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, a processing procedure as shown in FIG. 7 may be adopted.

(Third processing example related to power control)
That is, when a processing request is received from a user terminal connected to the communication network 103 when the power supply state of the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) is in the power saving state (level 1 to level 6) (above) If it is determined as Yes in step S32), whether or not the user operating the user terminal is an authorized user who has the right to use the user apparatus (image forming apparatus 101) is notified to the user management apparatus 102. Confirmation is made by inquiry (step S36). If the request is for a processing request from a user who has the right to use the device, whether or not the usage record frequency indicating the track record of using the device in the past has reached the usage limit. This is confirmed by an inquiry to the user management apparatus 102 (step S37). Note that inquiries for confirmation to the user management apparatus 102 may be made all at once.

  Here, regarding users who have the right to use the image forming apparatus 101, the usage limit number indicating the usage limit when the image forming apparatus 101 is used for each user registered in the management table of the user management apparatus 102. However, for example, it is assumed that the user management apparatus 102 is set in advance as one piece of user information by manual setting by the network administrator. For example, regarding the printing process, the use limit number is defined by the number of sheets used for printing. The usage limit number is compared with the usage record frequency of the user. The usage record frequency indicates a record of a user's use of the image forming apparatus 101 in the past. In this case, assuming that the number of sheets used for printing by the image forming apparatus 101 by one user is expressed by the usage record frequency, the image forming apparatus 101 performs a printing process in response to a processing request from the user. The user management apparatus 102 may be notified of the number of printed sheets, and the user management apparatus 102 may be configured to add the usage record frequency of the corresponding user in response to the notification.

  In step S37, if the usage record frequency of the user has not reached the usage limit number, the same processing as that at the time of packet reception is performed in order to perform processing based on the processing request accessed by the user (see FIG. 4). ). In addition, when the user who has made the processing request does not have the right to use the device, or when the user's usage record frequency has reached the usage limit number, the power supply control unit 3 temporarily determines that the content of the processing request is The operation of the power management unit 5 so as to change to the power level required for the response to the user terminal of the processing request source without raising the power state of the own device to the level 7 even if it is a printing process or the like. Is controlled (step S38).

  In this case, when the user who has made the processing request has the right to use the own device and the usage record frequency of the user has reached the usage limit number, the power supply control unit 3 Therefore, the operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so as to maintain the power saving state. At that time, the power control unit 3 operates the power management unit 5 so as not to raise the power state of the own device to a level higher than level 4 in order to maintain the power state of the own device in the power saving state. A control mechanism may be used.

  In addition, although not shown in figure, as a form of the power supply control process which the power supply control part 3 performs, you may employ | adopt the following forms, for example. That is, in step S28 of FIG. 5, when the condition “number of terminals ≧ n” is satisfied, the user management apparatus 102 is provided for each user who is operating the user terminals operating with n or more. When the usage record frequency is confirmed by inquiring and there is no user whose usage record frequency has not reached the usage limit number (in other words, the usage record frequency of all confirmed users has reached the usage limit number) In the case), a configuration may be adopted in which the operation of the power management unit 5 is controlled so that the power state of the own device is maintained in the power saving state. At that time, the power control unit 3 operates the power management unit 5 so as not to raise the power state of the own device to a level higher than level 4 in order to maintain the power state of the own device in the power saving state. A control mechanism may be used.

  In addition, when the power supply control unit 3 receives a processing request from a user operating a user terminal connected to the communication network 103 when the power supply state of the own device is in the power saving state, the power supply control unit 3 Depending on the state, a mode for controlling the operation of the power management unit 5 may be adopted. More specifically, when the state of the own device is a state in which image formation is not possible, a form of controlling the operation of the power management unit 5 so as to maintain the power state of the own device in the power saving state may be adopted. Good. What is necessary is just to confirm the state of an own apparatus by the inquiry to the state management part 4. FIG. Further, in order to maintain the power supply state of the own device in the power saving state, for example, the operation of the power management unit 5 may be controlled so as not to raise the power supply state of the own device to a level higher than level 4. .

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication part, 2 ... Processing request reception part, 3 ... Power supply control part, 4 ... State management part, 5 ... Power supply management part, 6 ... Function processing part, 100 ... User terminal, 101 ... Image forming apparatus, 102 ... User management device, 103 ... communication network

Claims (12)

Power switching means for switching the power state of the own device;
Among the user terminals connected to the same communication network as the own device, the power source is based on the number of user terminals that are operating and operated by a user who has the right to use the own device. An image forming apparatus comprising: a power control unit that controls an operation of the switching unit. If the number of user terminals operated by a user who has the right to use the device is less than a preset threshold, the power control means is equal to or greater than the threshold. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the power supply switching unit is controlled so that the power consumption of the apparatus is smaller than in the case of the above. The power control means is configured so that the power consumption of the own device is the highest when the user terminal operated by the user having the right to use the own device does not exist in the communication network. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the power supply switching unit is controlled so as to be reduced. The power control means is connected to the communication network when the number of user terminals operated by a user terminal that is operating and has the right to use the own apparatus is equal to or greater than the threshold. The operation of the power supply switching unit is controlled so that the power consumption of the own apparatus is relatively reduced, triggered by a situation in which there is no processing request from any of the user terminals that are present for a specified time. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 2. The power control means is configured so that the power consumption of its own device decreases step by step every time a situation without a processing request from any of the user terminals connected to the communication network continues over a specified time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the operation of the power switching unit is controlled. The power control means operates the user terminal when receiving a processing request from a user terminal connected to the communication network when the power state of the own device is in a power saving state. Controls the operation of the power source switching means depending on whether the user has the right to use the device and whether the user has used the device in the past or the usage record frequency has not reached the limit of use. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The power control means, when the user who has made the processing request has the right to use the own device and the usage record frequency of the user has reached the use limit number, The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an operation of the power switching unit is controlled so as to maintain a power saving state. If the number of user terminals operated by a user who has the right to use the device is equal to or greater than the threshold, the power supply control means is operating user terminals For each user who is operating the device, check the usage record frequency that indicates the track record of using the device in the past, and if there is no user whose usage record frequency has not reached the limit of use, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an operation of the power supply switching unit is controlled so as to maintain a power supply state in a power saving state. When the power supply control unit receives a processing request from a user who operates a user terminal connected to the communication network when the power state of the own device is a power saving state, the state of the own device The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the power supply switching unit is controlled according to the control. The power supply control means controls the operation of the power supply switching means so that the power supply state of the self apparatus is maintained in a power saving state when the state of the self apparatus is a state in which image formation is not possible. Image forming apparatus. A computer constituting the image forming apparatus;
Power switching means for switching the power state of the own device,
Among the user terminals connected to the same communication network as the own device, the power source is based on the number of user terminals that are operating and operated by a user who has the right to use the own device. A program for functioning as power supply control means for controlling the operation of the switching means. A user terminal operated by the user,
An image forming apparatus that receives a processing request from a user who operates the user terminal and performs processing is connected via a communication network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Power switching means for switching the power state of the own device;
Of the user terminals connected to the communication network, based on the number of user terminals that are operating and are operated by users who have the right to use the own apparatus, the power switching means And a power supply control means for controlling the operation.

Images