JP2011233106A - Image processing device, system for cooperating devices, method for controlling power return, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device capable of individually changing timing for returning from an energy saving mode to a printing mode, a system for cooperating devices, a method for controlling a power return, and a program.SOLUTION: The image processing device comprises: a reading means 64 for optically reading a manuscript to create an image data; an index information acquisition means 17 for acquiring an index information used as the index of the timing for returning cooperation devices 1 to N from the energy saving mode to the printing mode, from the cooperation devices; a timing determination means 12 for determining the timing for requesting a return to printing mode for every cooperation device based on the index information of the cooperation devices; a return request means 22 for requesting a return to the printing mode for every cooperation device based on each timing of the cooperation devices on the basis of the time of detecting a predetermined trigger; a cooperation copy control means 11 for transmitting the image data to the cooperation devices returned to printing mode to print the image data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a device cooperation system and the like in which a plurality of devices cooperate to print, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus, a device cooperation system, a power return control method, and a program that recover and cooperate with devices in an energy saving mode.

  In an office or the like, a plurality of image processing apparatuses such as printers having the same or different functions may be connected via a network. The user can select an image processing apparatus from a PC (Personal Computer), transmit print data, print it, or directly operate the image processing apparatus for copying.

  Furthermore, by using the fact that the image processing apparatuses are connected via a network, it is possible to distribute one print job or copy job to a plurality of image processing apparatuses and reduce the execution time of these jobs. It has become.

  In recent years, further power saving has been demanded, and a technique for selecting an image forming apparatus linked to devices has been devised from the viewpoint of power saving (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a PC and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, and the power consumption for each image forming apparatus consumed by printing is calculated based on the printing conditions from the PC and the properties of each image forming apparatus. A technique for selecting one of the image forming apparatuses based on the calculation result is disclosed.

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the timing for returning another image forming apparatus from the energy saving mode to the printing mode is fixed. For this reason, the timing for returning to the printing mode cannot be set for each device, and power consumption due to standby has occurred in an image forming apparatus that returns quickly.

  On the other hand, since the user wants to print immediately, there is a problem that the user may be kept waiting when the power consumption may be increased and the return to the print mode may be accelerated.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a device cooperation system, a power return control method, and a program that can individually change the timing for returning from the energy saving mode to the print mode.

  An image processing apparatus connected to two or more linked apparatuses via a network, a reading unit that optically reads a document and generates image data, and a timing for returning the linked apparatus from the energy saving mode to the print mode. Index information acquisition means for acquiring index information serving as an index from the cooperation apparatus; and timing determination means for determining a timing for requesting the cooperation apparatus to return to the print mode based on the index information of the cooperation apparatus; , On the basis of the time when a predetermined trigger is detected, based on the timing of each of the cooperation devices, return request means for requesting the cooperation device to return to the print mode, and the cooperation returned to the print mode And linked copy control means for sending the image data to the apparatus for printing.

  It is possible to provide an image processing apparatus, a device cooperation system, a power return control method, and a program that can individually change the timing for returning from the energy saving mode to the print mode.

It is a figure which shows an example of an apparatus cooperation system. 2 is an example of a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. 2 is an example of a software configuration diagram of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of apparatus information. FIG. 6 is an example of a diagram illustrating several stages of user operations and MFP processing in linked copying. It is a figure which shows an example of an operation screen. It is an example of the figure which illustrates typically the functional block diagram in the case of linked copy. It is an example of the flowchart figure explaining the procedure which determines the timing which an electric power return timing control part requests | requires a return. It is a figure which shows an example of the difference time Di memorize | stored in RAM. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which a power recovery request unit requests each MFP-1 to MFP-N to recover. A procedure for returning to MFP-1 to MFP-N and printing will be described. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart for explaining a procedure for determining a timing at which a power recovery timing control unit makes a return request (Example 2). FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which a power recovery request unit makes a recovery request to each MFP-1 to MFP-N (second embodiment). FIG. 10 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying (third embodiment). FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which a power recovery request unit makes a recovery request to each MFP-1 to MFP-N (third embodiment). FIG. 10 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying (Example 4). FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which a power recovery request unit makes a recovery request to each MFP-1 to MFP-N (Embodiment 4). FIG. 10 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying (Example 5). FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which a power recovery request unit makes a recovery request to each MFP-1 to MFP-N (Embodiment 5). FIG. 20 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying (Example 6). It is an example of the flowchart figure which shows the procedure in which the electric power return timing control part determines the determination method of the timing which requests | requires return.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device cooperation system 400 according to the present embodiment. An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 that is a cooperating device is connected via a network 300. Hereinafter, the MFP 100 is referred to as MFP-A, MFP-1 to MFP-N for distinction. First, an outline will be described. The user operates MFP-A to execute a copy job, or operates a PC (Personal Computer) 200 to request MFP-A to execute a print job.

  The MFP-A communicates with the other MFP-1 to MFP-N to acquire the power recovery times T1 to Tn of the MFP-1 to MFP-N, respectively. The power return times T1 to Tn are times required for each MFP to return from the energy saving mode to the print mode.

  The MFP-A specifies the largest power recovery time max among the power recovery times T1 to Tn, and calculates difference times D1 to Dn from the power recovery times T1 to Tn. Therefore, the difference from the power recovery time specified as the power recovery time max is Di (i: 1 to N) = zero.

  MFP-1 to MFP-N having positive values of the difference times D1 to Dn are not detected even if MFP-A requests MFP-1 to MFP-N to return to the print mode at the same time. This means that the time until returning to the print mode does not match. For example, the MFP-i having the maximum difference time Di waits for the longest time until the MFP-i having the longest power recovery time returns to the print mode, and there is a risk of wasting power.

  Therefore, in the device cooperation system 400 of this embodiment, the MFP-A adjusts the timing for requesting the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return to the print mode according to the difference times D1 to Dn. For example, if the power return time T1 is the power return time max, the MFP-A requests the MFP-1 to return, then delays the time D2 and requests the MFP-2 to return, and delays the time Dn by the MFP-N. Request to return to

  In this way, MFP-1 to MFP-N can return to the print mode almost simultaneously, and wasteful power due to standby can be suppressed.

  Specifically, the MFP-A and the MFP-1 to MFP-N are a copier, a printer, a FAX apparatus, or an image processing apparatus provided with one or more of these functions. It is not necessary for MFP-A and MFP-1 to MFP-N to have exactly the same function, and it is sufficient that at least an image forming unit is provided. Further, MFP-A is merely MFP 100 selected by the user, and any of MFP-1 to MFP-N may be MFP-A.

  In the following embodiments, a mode in which the user directly operates MFP-A will be described as an example. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a print job is executed from PC 200. The request that MFP-A requests MFP-1 to MFP-N to print image data is referred to as “cooperative copy”.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of MFP 100. The MFP 100 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, an NVRAM 54, an external I / F 55, a communication card 56, a panel control unit 57, a scanner engine control unit 58, a plotter engine control unit 59, a storage driver 61, and the like connected via an internal bus. A GPS device 62 is included. The panel control unit 57 is connected to the operation panel 63, the scanner engine control unit 58 is connected to the scanner engine 64, the plotter engine control unit 59 is connected to the plotter engine 65, and the storage driver 61 is connected to the storage 66.

  The CPU 51 controls the entire MFP by executing a program stored in the storage 66 or the ROM 53 using the RAM 52 as a working memory. The NVRAM 54 is a non-volatile memory and is used for storing relatively small size data. The external I / F 55 is an interface for mounting a cable such as a Centronics cable or a USB cable, or a portable storage medium 67. The storage medium 67 is a flash memory such as a USB memory, an optical storage medium such as a CD-ROM, or the like.

  The communication card 56 is called a LAN card or an Ethernet (registered trademark) card, and transmits packet data to another MPF 100 on the network 300 according to an instruction from the CPU 51, and receives packet data from another MFP 100.

  The panel control unit 57 displays a screen serving as a UI (User Interface) on the operation panel 63, and accepts operations of screen soft keys, radio buttons, or hard keys of the operation panel 63. The scanner engine control unit 58 receives reading conditions such as resolution set by the user from the operation panel 63, and controls the scanner engine 64 based on the reading conditions. The scanner engine 64 optically scans the document placed on the contact glass, A / D converts the reflected light, performs image processing, and outputs digital data with a predetermined resolution (hereinafter referred to as image data). Generate.

  The plotter engine control unit 59 receives printing conditions such as the number of prints set by the user from the operation panel 63, and controls the plotter engine 65 based on the printing conditions. The plotter engine 65 has, for example, a tandem type photosensitive drum, modulates a laser beam based on the image data and the print job data received from the PC 200, and scans the photosensitive drum to form a latent image. Then, the image for each page developed by attaching the toner to the latent image is transferred to the sheet with heat and pressure.

  The storage driver 61 controls reading of data from the storage 66 and writing of data to the storage 66. The storage 66 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or a flash memory. The storage 66 stores application programs executed by the CPU 51, font data, image data, and print job data. In addition, a device cooperation program 60 for providing a device cooperation function is stored. The device cooperation program 60 is stored in the storage 66 at the time of shipment. In addition, after shipment, the state stored in the storage medium 67 or distributed from a server (not shown) on the network 300 may be installed in the storage 66. In addition, the device cooperation program 60 may be updated to a new version as appropriate.

  A GPS (Global Positioning System) device 62 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates position information of the MFP 100. This position information is stored in the NVRAM 54 or the like. Each hardware block can transmit and receive various data via the data bus 68.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a software configuration diagram of the MFP 100. This software configuration diagram mainly shows a software configuration related to device cooperation and power control. This software configuration diagram includes a linked copy control unit 11, a power recovery timing control unit 12, a power control unit 13, a print control unit 14, a read control unit 15, an operation control unit 16, a data communication control unit 17, and a device information management unit 18. And a position information control unit 19.

  Among these, the print control unit 14, the read control unit 15, the operation control unit 16, and the data communication control unit 17 are functions that are conventionally installed in the MFP regardless of the presence or absence of device cooperation. On the other hand, the linked copy control unit 11 performs central control for performing linked copying. The power return timing control unit 12, the power control unit 13, the device information management unit 18, and the position information control unit 19 are functions that are used as necessary by the cooperative copy control unit 11.

  The program for realizing the power recovery timing control unit 12 provides a function for determining the timing for requesting the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return. In this embodiment, the program is distributed together with the device cooperation program 60. . Since it is a function related to power control, it may be integrated with the power control unit 13, and the module configuration of the program can be designed flexibly.

  The print control unit 14 controls the plotter engine control unit 59 based on the printing conditions set by the user. The plotter engine control unit 59 controls the laser beam, polygon mirror, photosensitive drum, paper feed motor, fixing device, and the like to execute printing.

  The reading control unit 15 controls the scanner engine control unit 58 based on the reading conditions set by the user. The scanner engine control unit 58 controls the scanner engine 64 based on the resolution, contrast, γ correction, etc. set in the reading conditions, reads the document, and generates image data.

  The operation control unit 16 requests that the screen generated by various applications be displayed on the panel control unit 57, accepts operations of soft keys and hardware keys on the screen, and notifies the application. Examples of applications include a printer application, a copy application, a scanner application, a FAX application, and a data storage application. Each application uses the print control unit 14, the read control unit 15, the operation control unit 16, and the data communication control unit 17 according to the job to provide services such as copying and FAX.

  Since the linked copy control unit 11 performs copying in cooperation with other MFPs 100, the linked copy control unit 11 is a copy application or an extended copy application, and is a form of an application. The reading conditions and printing conditions set by the user for linked copying are notified to the linked copy control unit 11.

  Data communication control unit 17 controls communication card 56 to communicate with other MFPs 100. The data communication control unit 17 communicates with another MFP 100 by performing processing according to a protocol such as TCP / IP or IPX (Internet Packet Exchange) using, for example, a protocol stack or socket as an entity. In this embodiment, in particular, the MFP-A receives the power recovery time T1 to Tn, transmits a recovery request, or transmits the printing conditions and image data to the other MFP-1 to MFP-N. Used for.

  Position information control unit 19 controls GPS device 62 to acquire position information of the location where MFP 100 is installed. When the GPS device 62 is not provided, the position information control unit 19 may inquire about the positions (building name, floor number, etc.) installed in the MFP-1 to MFP-N. For example, the position information control unit 19 requests the GPS device 62 to acquire position information immediately after turning on the main power of the MFP 100, immediately before turning off, or periodically (for example, every hour). Are stored in the NVRAM 54 or the like.

The device information management unit 18 manages device information of the own device and device information of other MFPs 100.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information of the MFP-A. In the device information, for example, power return times T1 to Tn and function information are stored in association with the IP address of the MFP 100. The device information is stored in the storage 66, for example. In the figure, the device information of the MFP-A as its own device is also shown.

  Here, it is not difficult to obtain the power recovery times T1 to Tn from the MFP-1 to MFP-N immediately before the MFP-A performs cooperative copying, but the MFP-1 to MFP-N have already entered the energy saving mode. In such a case, the MFP-1 to MFP-N may be restored by requesting the power restoration time T1 to Tn. For this reason, it is preferable to acquire the power recovery times T1 to Tn of the MFP-1 to MFP-N before the MFP-A performs cooperative copying.

  The power return times T1 to Tn are times until the MFP returns from the energy saving mode to the print mode as described above. As illustrated, each MFP-A stores power recovery times T1 to Tn of MFP-1 to MFP-N.

  Depending on the model of MFP 100, there may be a plurality of levels of energy saving modes depending on the energy saving effect. For example, depending on the MFP 100, it is possible to shift to an energy saving mode having a higher energy saving effect with time, such as “printing mode → energy saving mode 1 → energy saving mode 2 → energy saving mode 3”. However, since the power recovery time until the printing mode varies depending on the energy saving effect, the power recovery times T1 to Tn must be in accordance with the level of the energy saving mode. For this reason, the MFP-A acquires power return times T1 to Tn according to the power states of the MFP-1 to MFP-N. The power state means the energy saving mode or the printing mode, and the level in the case of the energy saving mode.

  In addition, the MFP-A may previously store the power return times T1 to Tn for each level of the energy saving mode of the MFP-1 to MFP-N, and acquire only the power state before the linked copy. Good. In this case, the MFP-A can specify the power recovery times T1 to Tn by acquiring the energy-saving mode levels from the MFP-1 to MFP-N before the linked copy.

  The function information is information indicating functions that the MFP-1 to MFP-N have. Functions are almost synonymous with applications, but you can register the availability of options for each function. The option is, for example, a finisher (bookbinding, stapling, punching, etc.) in copying. With such function information, MFP-A can determine whether or not an optional function can be used during linked copying.

  The function information may be registered in advance by the user, or automatically by collecting information disclosed by each MFP in the MIB (Management Information Base) using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) by the MFP-A. It may be collected manually. In addition, this mechanism can be used for obtaining the power recovery times T1 to Tn.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the power control unit 13 changes the power state of each of the print control unit 14, the read control unit 15, the operation control unit 16, and the data communication control unit 17 from the print mode to the energy saving mode or the energy saving mode. To shift to print mode. The power control unit 13 monitors the usage status of the print control unit 14, the read control unit 15, the operation control unit 16, and the data communication control unit 17. Finally, the print control unit 14, the read control unit 15, and the operation The time after the control unit 16 and the data communication control unit 17 are used is measured. The power control unit 13 compares the measured time with the threshold time set in advance for each of the print control unit 14, the read control unit 15, the operation control unit 16, and the data communication control unit 17. The control unit 14, the reading control unit 15, the operation control unit 16, and the data communication control unit 17 are requested to shift to the energy saving mode. When the energy saving mode has a level of the energy saving effect, the power control unit 13 requests a shift to the energy saving mode having a higher energy saving effect every time a threshold time predetermined for each level is exceeded.

  Further, when the operation control unit 16 detects a user operation or when there is a use request from another MFP 100 or PC 200, the power control unit 13 prints the print control unit 14, the read control unit 15, the operation control unit 16, or Of the data communication control unit 17, only the necessary blocks corresponding to the application are returned to the print mode.

  More specifically, the energy saving mode is to lower the clock frequency of the CPU 51 of the control board, to turn off a part of the control circuit, or to lower the temperature of the fixing device (in stages). And turning off the power of the liquid crystal of the operation panel 63. Therefore, when the power control unit 13 determines to shift from the energy saving mode to the printing mode, the power control unit 13 performs operations such as lowering the clock frequency, turning off the power supply of the control board, or lowering the set temperature in a predetermined manner. When the power control unit 13 determines to shift from the print mode to the energy saving mode, the power control unit 13 performs operations such as increasing the clock frequency, turning on the power of the control circuit, or increasing the set temperature in a predetermined manner.

  The power return timing control unit 12 acquires the power return times T1 to Tn from the device information management unit 18, and determines the timing for requesting each MFP-1 to MFP-N to return from the energy saving mode to the print mode. The power return timing control unit 12 preferably exchanges the current power state with another MFP via the data communication control unit 17. This is because it is not necessary to determine when to return unless the energy saving mode is set.

<Linked copy procedure>
Here, the procedure of linked copying will be described. The operation control unit 16 receives an operation of the operation panel 63 by the user, and detects that the user has activated the cooperative copy control unit 11. Specifically, it may be a copy application or a linked copy application.

Here, in the case of cooperative copying, there is a feature that the user operation and the processing of the MFP 100 pass through several stages. FIG. 5 is an example of a diagram schematically showing the relationship between these stages and the effect of power consumption.
(1) The stage where the user selects (activates) the linked copy control unit (2) The stage where the user selects an output device (one or more of MFP-1 to MFP-N) (3) The user performs processing / post-processing (4) Stage preview displayed and the user presses the OK button (5) MFP-A sends the image data to other MFP-1 to MFP-N MFP-A at a later stage The power consumption consumed by MFP-1 to MFP-N decreases as the MFP requests return to other MFP-1 to MFP-N. In the figure, the power consumption when the stage (3) is a trigger for requesting the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return is referred to as “reference”, and the power consumption triggered by the stage (1) to (2) is “reference”. “More” explained that the power consumption triggered by the steps (4) to (5) was “less than the standard”.

  From the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, it is preferable that the stage of requesting the return to MFP-1 to MFP-N is slower. However, as the stage of requesting the return to MFP-1 to MFP-N is delayed, “until printing is possible. "Wait time" becomes longer. In the figure, the steps (1) to (2) are performed with the “waiting time until printing is possible” at the time of determining that the MFP-1 to MFP-N are requested to return in step (3) as the “reference”. It has been explained that the waiting time when the trigger is used is “earlier than the reference”, and the waiting time when the stages (4) to (5) are used as the trigger is “slower than the reference”. This explanation is an example, and there may be six or more stages, and any stage may be used as a reference.

  The user can set for each MFP 100 while looking at a table as shown in FIG.

(1) When the user activates the linked copy control unit 11, the linked copy control unit 11 displays the operation screen 500 on the operation panel 63.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen 500. In cooperative copying, reading and printing are performed, so that the operation screen 500 is largely divided into a reading setting screen 501 and a printing setting screen 502. The reading setting screen 501 has various setting items registered in advance based on the functions of the scanner engine 64 of the MFP-A. For example, in each setting item of “color selection”, “original type”, and “density setting”, the user can set a reading condition by selecting a radio button.

  In FIG. 6, the printing conditions of the own machine (MFP-A) can be set, but in this embodiment, only the flow of printing by MFP-1 to MFP-N will be described.

  (2) The print setting screen 502 has various setting items for each MFP-1 to MFP-N based on the function information of the MFP-1 to MFP-N. The linked copy control unit 11 reads device information and function information from the device information management unit 18 and generates a print setting screen 502 for each MFP-1 to MFP-N divided by tabs. That is, the print setting screen 502 is optimized based on the function information of the MFP-1 to MFP-N selected by the user (for example, only selectable buttons are displayed). The figure is merely an example, and only setting items (for example, the number of copies and the paper size) common to each of the MFP-1 to MFP-N may be displayed as one print setting screen 502.

  For example, the user can select MFP-1 to MFP-N by selecting a tab. When the user selects one or more of MFP-1 to MFP-N, the linked copy control unit 11 displays a print setting screen 502 on the operation panel 63. On the print setting screen 502 selected in each tab, the user can set the print condition by selecting a radio button for each of the setting items of “number of copies”, “paper size”, “magnification designation”, and “finish”. Can do. The operation control unit 16 notifies the linked copy control unit 11 of the printing conditions.

  (3) As described above, when the user selects processing / post-processing and the user presses the start key of the operation panel 63, the linked copy control unit 11 requests the reading control unit 15 to read the document. Thereby, the document is read by the scanner engine 64 (if there are a plurality of pages, all pages). The reading control unit 15 stores the image data of the document in the storage 66 in units of pages, and notifies the linked copy control unit 11 of the address where the image data is stored.

  (4) Next, the user can display a finished preview by operating the operation panel 63, and can confirm the reading result. Depending on the settings, this confirmation step can be skipped. When the user presses the OK button, the linked copy control unit 11 transmits the image data to the MFP-1 to MFP-N selected in step (2).

  (5) The cooperative copy control unit 11 requests the data communication control unit 17 to transmit image data. The transmission mode is a Push type mode in which image data of one page is transmitted to each MFP-1 to MFP-N every time MFP-A reads one page of a document, and every time MFP-A reads one page of a document. In response, the MFP-1 to MFP-N are notified of this, and when there is a transmission request from each MFP-1 to MFP-N, one page of image data is transmitted to each MFP-1 to MFP-N. There is an aspect. Either embodiment may be used in this embodiment.

<Determining when to request return>
FIG. 7 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying. The linked copy control unit 11 includes a print request processing unit 21 and a power recovery request unit 22. The print request processing unit 21 transmits print conditions to the MFP-1 to MFP-N to request printing, and performs control to transmit image data to the print request destination in units of pages. The power return request unit 22 requests each MFP-1 to MFP-N to return to the print mode individually based on the timing determined by the power return timing control unit 12.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that one or more of the other MFP-1 to MFP-N is in the energy saving mode, and therefore MFP-A is MFP-1 when triggered by any one of steps (1) to (5). ~ It is necessary to request MFP-N to return to the print mode. As described above, in this embodiment, the power return timing control unit 12 determines the timing so that the MFP-1 to MFP-N return to the print mode at substantially the same timing.

  Based on FIG. 8, the procedure for determining the timing at which the power return timing control unit 12 requests the return will be described. This process is periodically performed so that the MFP-A can always store the latest timing.

  The power recovery timing control unit 12 acquires power recovery times T1 to Tn of the MFP-1 to MFP-N (S10). For example, when the power state of the MFP-A and MFP-1 to MFP-N transitions, the power recovery times T1 to Tn corresponding to the power state after the transition is broadcast to other MFPs 100 on the network 300. To be notified. Thereby, each MFP 100 can always grasp the latest power recovery times T1 to Tn of other MFPs 100. Note that MFP-A may periodically inquire MFP-1 to MFP-N about power recovery times T1 to Tn.

  In addition to the power recovery times T1 to Tn, it is preferable that the MFP-A and MFP-1 to MFP-N exchange power states together with the power recovery times T1 to Tn. The power return times T1 to Tn and the power state are managed by the device information management unit 18.

  If there are no MFP-1 to MFP-N whose power return times T1 to Tn have changed (No in S20), the processing after step S20 is unnecessary, and the power return timing control unit 12 ends the processing.

  When there are MFP-1 to MFP-N whose power states have changed (Yes in S20), the power recovery timing control unit 12 reads the power recovery times T1 to Tn from the device information management unit 18 (S30).

  Then, the power recovery timing control unit 12 specifies the maximum power recovery time max (S40). Here, it is only necessary to specify the longest power recovery time from the power recovery times T1 to Tn.

  Next, the power return timing control unit 12 calculates a difference time Di between the power return time max and the power return times T1 to Tn (S50). The power return timing control unit 12 stores the difference time Di in the RAM 52 or the like in association with MFP-1 to MFP-N. This completes the procedure of FIG. 8, and the next time, the process is resumed by acquiring the power return times T1 to Tn and the power state from the other MFP-1 to MFP-N.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the difference time Di stored in the RAM 52. Difference time Di is stored in association with MFP-1 to MFP-N. When the power recovery time T1 of the MFP-1 is the power recovery time max, the differential time D1 is zero, and the differential times D2... Dn are positive values of 0 or more. Therefore, after MFP-A requests MFP-1 to return, MFP-2 is delayed by time D2, MFP-2 is delayed by time Dn, and MFP-N is requested by returning each MFP-1 to MFP-1. The time at which the MFP-N returns to the print mode can be made almost coincident.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure in which the power recovery request unit 22 requests the MFP-1 to MFP-N to recover. The procedure of FIG. 10 starts with any one of the above steps (1) to (5) as a trigger. In the cooperative copy control unit 11 of the MFP-A, which step (1) to (5) is used as a trigger is registered in advance as a default setting.

  The power recovery request unit 22 determines whether or not to detect a trigger (S110). If it is determined that the trigger is detected (Yes in S110), the power recovery request unit 22 reads the difference time Di stored in the RAM 52 (S120).

  Then, the power recovery request unit 22 issues a recovery request to the MFP-i whose difference time Di is zero (maximum power recovery time) (S130). The return request signal for return is a specific signal for starting another device from the standby state via the network 300.

  And the electric power return request | requirement part 22 determines whether the difference time Di passed in order with the small difference time Di (S140). When the difference time Di elapses (Yes in S140), the power return request unit 22 requests the MFP-i associated with the difference time Di to return (S150). That is, the power recovery request unit 22 requests the remaining MFP-i to perform cooperative copying every time the difference time Di elapses.

  If it is determined that all the MFPs to be linked are restored (Yes in S150), the power restoration request unit 22 ends the procedure of FIG. By this process, each of the MFP-1 to MFP-N can return to the print mode at almost the same timing, and the standby time is eliminated, so that power consumption can be reduced.

  Based on FIG. 11, a procedure for returning and printing MFP-1 to MFP-N will be described. According to the procedure in FIG. 10, a request for returning to the print mode is transmitted from the power return request unit 22 to each of the MFP-1 to MFP-N (S150). The data communication control unit 17 of each of the MFP-1 to MFP-N receives the return request at intervals of the difference time Di (S210).

  When receiving the return request signal, the data communication control unit 17 activates the power control unit 13 by interrupting a predetermined terminal of the control board (S220). Note that the state of the power control unit 13 when receiving the return request signal varies depending on the level of the energy saving mode, and is activated but may be in an idle state.

  When the power control unit 13 is activated, the print control unit 14 is activated to return to the print mode (S230). The print control unit 14 starts the return process (S240). For example, when the temperature of the fixing device reaches a predetermined value, the print mode is restored. When returning to the print mode, the power control unit 13 transmits a return notification to the MFP-A (S240).

  Upon receiving the return notification, the data communication control unit 17 of the MFP-A transmits the return notification to the print request processing unit 21 (S250 to S270). In the present embodiment, return notifications are transmitted from a plurality of MFP-1 to MFP-N to MFP-A at approximately the same timing.

  The print request processing unit 21 sequentially transmits the printing conditions and image data of each MFP-1 to MFP-N to the MFP-1 to MFP-N page by page (S280 to S300). By transmitting one page at a time, the network 300 can be prevented from being congested, and each MFP-1 to MFP-N can start printing early.

  The print control unit 14 starts printing image data based on the printing conditions (S310). For example, when printing of one page for the number of copies specified by the printing conditions is completed, the print control unit 14 transmits a print completion notification to the MFP-A (S310 to S340). The print request processing unit 21 transmits the image data of the next page to the MFP-1 to MFP-N that transmitted the print completion notification.

  If the transmission speed of the network 300 is sufficiently high and the capacity of the storage 66 of the MFP-1 to MFP-N is sufficiently large, the print request processing unit 21 receives image data for every several pages or all pages at once. You may transmit to MFP-1-MFP-N.

  As described above, the device cooperation system 400 according to the present exemplary embodiment waits compared to the case where the MFP-1 to MFP-N are individually returned by returning the MFP-1 to MFP-N to the printing mode almost simultaneously. It is possible to suppress waste of electric power due to.

  In the first embodiment, the timing for requesting the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return is determined based on the power recovery times T1 to Tn. In this embodiment, the distance information L1 between the MFP-A and the MFP-1 to MFP-N is determined. A device cooperation system 400 that determines the timing of requesting the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return based on ˜Ln will be described.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart for explaining the procedure for determining the timing at which the power return timing control unit 12 requests the return. Since the positions of the MFP-1 to MFP-N are rarely changed, this processing may be performed once after the power is turned on. However, by performing periodically, the accurate request for returning to the MFP-1 to MFP-N can be performed. The MFP-A can always store the timing.

  First, the power return timing control unit 12 acquires position information (S310). For example, each MFP-A periodically inquires the other MFP-1 to MFP-N for position information.

  The power return timing control unit 12 calculates distances L1 to Ln between MFP-A and MFP-1 to MFP-N based on the positional information of MFP-1 to MFP-N (S320). When the position information is coordinate information, the power return timing control unit 12 sets the distances between two points in the three-dimensional space as distances L1 to Ln. When the position information is the floor number, the power return timing control unit 12 sets the difference between the floor numbers as the distances L1 to Ln. Further, the distances L1 to Ln may be estimated from the response time of the network 300 (for example, the time from when the Ping command is transmitted until when the response is received) or the like instead of the position information itself.

  Next, the power return timing control unit 12 specifies the maximum distance Lmax (S330). It is only necessary to specify the largest distance from the distance L.

  Next, the power return timing control unit 12 calculates a difference distance Fi between the distance Lmax and the distances L1 to Ln (S340).

  Next, the power return timing control unit 12 converts the difference distance Fi into the travel time FTi and stores it in the RAM 52 or the like. The movement times FT1 to FTn are times necessary for a general user to move the difference distance Fi. For example, when the difference distance Fi is the number of floors, the first floor is determined as 20 seconds, and converted to the travel time FTi. Thus, the procedure of FIG. 12 ends.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure in which the power recovery request unit 22 requests the MFP-1 to MFP-N to recover. In the process of FIG. 13, the procedure of FIG. 10 and the difference time Di are changed to the movement time FTi.

  The power recovery request unit 22 determines whether or not any of the predetermined triggers (1) to (5) is detected (S110), and if it is determined that the trigger is detected (Yes in S110), the RAM 52 The travel time FTi stored in (1) is read (S120).

  Then, the power recovery request unit 22 requests the MFP-i whose travel time FTi is zero (S130). The return request signal for return may be a signal for starting another device from the standby state over the network 300.

  And the electric power return request | requirement part 22 determines whether the movement time FTi passed in order with the small movement time FTi (S140). When the movement time FTi elapses (Yes in S140), the power return request unit 22 requests the MFP-i associated with the movement time FTi to return (S150).

  If it is determined that all the MFPs to be linked are restored (Yes in S160), the power restoration request unit 22 terminates the procedure of FIG. With this processing, the closer to the user, the faster the request, and the farther the user is, the slower the return to the print mode is requested, and the MFP-i can be returned to the print mode in consideration of the time that the user reaches. Accordingly, unnecessary standby time can be reduced, so that power consumption can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, a device cooperation system 400 that detects an early print request that a user wants to print at an early stage and determines a timing for requesting a return will be described.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying. In FIG. 14, the same parts as those of FIG. In FIG. 14, the power return timing control unit 12 includes an input speed detection unit 23. The input speed detection unit 23 detects the speed at which the user operates the operation screen 500 of FIG. Specifically, the transition times (1) to (3) are measured. For example, the cooperative copy control unit 11 (1) notifies the input speed detection unit 23 when the user selects the cooperation function, and (2) notifies the input speed detection unit 23 when the user selects the output device. (3) The input speed detection unit 23 is notified at a timing when the user selects processing / post-processing.

  Then, the input interval obtained by adding the time from (1) to (2) and the time from (2) to (3) is compared with a threshold value. If this input interval is short, the user is likely to be in a hurry. The input speed detection unit 23 determines that the user is in a hurry when the input interval is equal to or less than the threshold value. Therefore, since the return request is made without waiting for the preview display of (4), the waiting time of the user can be made less than the reference.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure in which the power return timing control unit 12 requests the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return. The procedure in FIG. 15 starts when the linked copy control unit 11 detects the above-described step (1) (S410).

  Then, the power return timing control unit 12 inquires about the power state in order to determine whether the MFP-1 to MFP-N are in the energy saving mode (S420). This is because there is no need to return unless the energy saving mode. The power state is preferably managed in advance by the device information management unit 18 together with the power recovery times T1 to Tn.

  Here, since it is not clear which MFP-1 to MFP-N the user selects, the power recovery timing control unit 12 has a possibility of cooperating copying (for example, on the network 300) all MFP-1 to MFP-N. Inquire about the power status.

  If even one unit is in the energy saving mode (Yes in S430), the power return timing control unit 12 causes the input speed detection unit 23 to measure the input speed (440). Actually, the input speed detection unit 23 measures the input speed immediately after the operation screen 500 is displayed. The input speed detection unit 23 compares the input intervals (1) to (3) with a threshold value (S450). If the input interval is equal to or less than the threshold value (Yes in S450), all the MFP-1 to MFP- The power recovery requesting unit 22 is requested to request N to recover (S460). Note that “immediately” means, for example, that a return request is made in a broadcast manner without determining the timing for each MFP-1 to MFP-N.

  In this way, regardless of the stage (1) to (5) that the user has set as a trigger for return request, all MFP-1 to MFP to which MFP-A performs cooperative copying at the stage (3) at the latest -N can be requested to return.

  When the input interval is not equal to or less than the threshold (No in S450), the power return request unit 22 requests the MFP-i to return according to the difference time Di or the movement time FTi (470). In other words, from any one of the default stages (1) to (5), a return is requested in order from the MFP-i whose difference time Di or movement time FTi is zero. By doing so, the same effect as in the first or second embodiment can be obtained.

  As described above, the device cooperation system 400 according to the present embodiment can prevent the user from waiting by detecting an early print request that the user wants to print early.

  In the third embodiment, the early printing desire is detected from the input interval of the user. In this embodiment, the device cooperation system 400 that detects the early printing desire because the user has selected the macro will be described.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying. In FIG. 16, the same parts as those in FIG. In FIG. 16, the power recovery timing control unit 12 includes a macro detection unit 24. The macro detection unit 24 detects that the user has set at least one of a reading condition and a printing condition by a macro.

  A macro is a reading condition set as one set or a printing condition set as one set. That is, the user can complete the setting of the reading condition or the printing condition without operating each radio button on the operation screen 500 by selecting one macro. Such a macro is stored in the storage 66, the NVRAM 54, or the storage medium 67 in association with, for example, a user ID.

  When the macro detection unit 24 obtains notification from the operation control unit 16 that a macro has been selected, the macro detection unit 24 detects the selection of the macro. When the macro is selected, there is a high possibility that the user is in a hurry. Therefore, when the macro is selected, the macro detection unit 24 determines that the user is in a hurry. Therefore, regardless of (1) to (5) set by the user as a trigger, MFP-1 to MFP-N can be restored, and the waiting time of the user can be suppressed.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the power return timing control unit 12 requests the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return. The procedure of FIG. 17 differs only in steps S440 and S450 of FIG.

First, the linked copy control unit 11 detects the step (1) (S410).
Then, the power return timing control unit 12 inquires about the power state in order to determine whether the MFP-1 to MFP-N are in the energy saving mode (S420). Here, since it is unknown which MFP-1 to MFP-N the user selects, the power recovery timing control unit 12 inquires of all the MFP-1 to MFP-N that have the possibility of cooperative copying.

  When at least one unit is in the energy saving mode (Yes in S430), the macro detection unit 24 monitors whether or not the macro is selected. If the macro is selected (Yes in S432), the power return timing control unit 12 immediately The power restoration requesting unit 22 is requested to make a restoration request to all the MFP-1 to MFP-N that perform cooperative copying (S460).

  In this way, regardless of which stage of (1) to (5) is set as the trigger for requesting restoration, all MFP-1 to MFP-A that MFP-A performs cooperative copying immediately after selecting a macro is selected. N can make a return request.

  When the macro is not selected (No in S432), the power return request unit 22 requests the MFP-i to return in response to the difference time Di or the movement time FTi (470). That is, at any stage of (1) to (5), which is set as default, a return is sequentially requested from the MFP-i whose difference time Di or movement time FTi is zero. By doing so, the same effect as in the first or second embodiment can be obtained.

  As described above, the device cooperation system 400 according to the present embodiment can prevent the user from waiting by detecting an early print request that the user wants to print early from the selection of the macro.

  In the present embodiment, a device cooperation system 400 that allows each user to make a return request to the MFP-1 to MFP-N at a desired timing will be described.

  FIG. 18 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying. In FIG. 18, the same parts as those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 18, the power recovery timing control unit 12 has a timing table 25. In the timing table 25, (1) to (5) set by each user as a trigger are registered in association with the user ID. The timing table 25 may be stored together with user information (user name, FAX number, e-mail address, etc.) in the storage 66, or may be stored in the NVRAM 54 or the storage medium 67.

  If the user logs in when using the MFP-A, the power recovery timing control unit 12 can specify the user ID, and therefore the stage (1) to (5) that the user originally set as a trigger from the timing table 25 Can be identified. If it can be specified, the MFP-1 to MFP-N are requested to return together when the user sets the trigger. By doing so, it is possible to make a return request to MFP-1 to MFP-N at the timing set by the user.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the power return timing control unit 12 requests the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return.

First, the linked copy control unit 11 detects the step (1) (S410).
Then, the power return timing control unit 12 inquires about the power state in order to determine whether the MFP-1 to MFP-N are in the energy saving mode (S420). Here, since it is unknown which MFP-1 to MFP-N the user selects, the power recovery timing control unit 12 inquires of all the MFP-1 to MFP-N that have the possibility of cooperative copying.

  When even one unit is in the energy saving mode (Yes in S430), the return timing control unit determines whether or not the user has set a trigger (S434).

  When the user has set a trigger (Yes in S434), the power recovery timing control unit 12 immediately performs MFP-copying when any of the triggers (1) to (5) set by the user is detected. The power restoration requesting unit 22 is requested to make a restoration request to all of 1 to MFP-N (S462).

  By doing so, it is possible to make a return request to MFP-1 to MFP-N to which MFP-A performs cooperative copying at the timing desired by the user.

  When the user has not set a trigger (No in S434), the power return request unit 22 requests the MFP-i to return in response to the difference time Di or the movement time FTi (470). That is, at any stage of (1) to (5), which is set as default, a return is sequentially requested from the MFP-i whose difference time Di or movement time FTi is zero. By doing so, the same effect as in the first or second embodiment can be obtained.

  As described above, the device cooperation system 400 according to the present embodiment can make a return request to the MFP-1 to MFP-N at a timing desired by each user.

  In the present embodiment, a device cooperation system 400 that allows each user to select a method for determining the timing for requesting return will be described.

  FIG. 20 is an example of a diagram schematically illustrating a functional block diagram in the case of cooperative copying. 20, the same parts as those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 20, the power return timing control unit 12 has a regulation information table 26 in which “return timing regulation information” is registered for each user.

The power recovery timing regulation information is a method for determining the timing for requesting recovery registered by each user. Specifically, it is registered that the determination method is to follow the difference time Di, follow the movement time FTi, the input interval is equal to or less than a threshold value, or the macro is selected.
If the user logs in when using the MFP-A, the power return timing control unit 12 can specify the user ID, and therefore, it is possible to specify the method for determining the return request timing registered by the user. If it can be specified, the method of determining the timing for requesting the return to follow either the difference time Di, the movement time FTi, the input interval is equal to or less than the threshold, or the macro is selected, The return timing control unit 12 determines the timing for requesting the MFP-1 to MFP-N to return.

  The “return timing regulation information” is stored together with user information (user name, FAX number, e-mail address, etc.) of the storage 66 or in the NVRAM 54 or the storage medium 67, for example. Instead of being registered for each user, it may be registered for each MFP 100.

  FIG. 21 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the power recovery timing control unit 12 determines a method for determining a timing for requesting recovery.

  First, the power return timing control unit 12 reads the return timing defining information from the NVRAM 54 or the storage 66 based on the user ID of the logged-in user (S510). The following processing branches depending on the method for determining the timing for requesting the return registered in the return timing defining information.

  That is, when the “input interval” is registered as a method for determining the timing for requesting restoration (Yes in S520), the power restoration timing control unit 12 executes the flowchart of FIG. 15 of the third embodiment (S530).

  When “the macro has been selected” is registered as a method for determining the timing for requesting the return (Yes in S540), the power return timing control unit 12 executes the flowchart of FIG. 17 of the fourth embodiment (S550). .

  When the “movement time FTi” is registered as a method for determining the timing for requesting the return (Yes in S560), the power return timing control unit 12 executes the flowchart of FIG. 13 of the second embodiment (S570).

  When the “difference time Di” is registered as a method for determining the timing for requesting restoration (Yes in S580), the power restoration timing control unit 12 executes the flowchart of FIG. 10 of the first embodiment (S590).

  When the return request timing is not registered in the return timing specification information (No in S580), the power return timing control unit 12 performs the MFP to perform cooperative copying at any stage of (1) to (5) set as default. -1 to MFP-N are requested to return (S600).

  According to this embodiment, it is possible to select a method for determining the timing at which each user makes a return request, thereby reducing power consumption and waiting time until printing becomes possible. 1 to MFP-N can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Cooperation copy control part 12 Power return timing control part 13 Power control part 14 Print control part 15 Reading control part 16 Operation control part 17 Data communication control part 18 Equipment information management part 19 Position information control part 21 Print request process part 22 Power return Request unit 23 Input speed detection unit 24 Macro determination unit 25 Timing table 26 Regulation information table 60 Device cooperation program
100 MFP (image processing apparatus)
200 PC
300 Network 400 Device Cooperation System 500 Operation Screen 501 Reading Setting Screen 502 Print Setting Screen

JP 2006-145630 A

Claims (10)

An image processing apparatus connected to two or more linked apparatuses via a network,
Index information acquisition means for acquiring index information as an index of timing for returning the cooperation apparatus from the energy saving mode to the printing mode;
Timing determining means for determining the timing for requesting the return to the print mode for each of the cooperative devices based on the index information;
Based on the timing when a predetermined trigger is detected, based on the respective timings of the cooperative device, return request means for requesting a return to the print mode for each cooperative device;
Reading means for optically reading a document and generating image data;
Cooperative copy control means for transmitting and printing the image data to the cooperative device that has returned to the print mode;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The index information is a return time until the cooperation device returns from the energy saving mode to the print mode,
The timing determination unit determines a timing for requesting the link device to return to the print mode based on the return time so that each of the link devices returns from the energy saving mode to the print mode at substantially the same time. To
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The index information is position information of the cooperation device,
The timing determination unit determines a timing for requesting the cooperation device to return to the print mode according to the position information and the distance information to the device cooperation obtained from the position information of the image processing device.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Operation accepting means for accepting an operation;
Operation speed detecting means for detecting the operation speed of the operation received by the operation receiving means,
The timing determination unit determines to request the return to the print mode to two or more of the cooperation devices as soon as it detects that the operation speed is less than a threshold value.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Operation accepting means for accepting an operation;
An operation speed detecting means for detecting that the operation accepting means accepts selection of a macro in which a set of operation contents for cooperative printing is described;
The timing determination means determines that two or more linked devices are requested to return to the print mode as soon as the selection of the macro is detected.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Operation accepting means for accepting an operation;
The timing at which the return requesting unit, which is registered in advance for each user, requests two or more linked devices to return to the print mode, is one of the stages from the selection of the linked printing function to the execution of linked printing. A timing table storage means registered in association with one specific stage,
The timing determining means determines that two or more linked devices are requested to return to the print mode as soon as the specific stage is reached.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Operation accepting means for accepting an operation;
An operation speed detecting means for detecting that the operation speed received by the operation receiving means is less than a threshold;
An operation speed detection unit that detects that the operation reception unit has received selection of a macro in which a set of operation contents for cooperative printing is described;
Whether to determine the timing for requesting the return to the print mode for each cooperative device based on the index information,
When it is determined that the operation speed is less than a threshold, two or more linked devices are requested to return to the print mode immediately; or
A timing regulation table in which one of the timing determination methods for determining whether to request the return to the print mode from two or more of the cooperating devices immediately when selection of the macro is detected is provided. And
The timing determination means switches a timing determination method for requesting the cooperation device to return to the print mode based on the timing determination method.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An apparatus cooperation system in which an image processing apparatus and two or more cooperation apparatuses cooperate with printing,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Index information acquisition means for acquiring index information as an index of timing for returning the cooperation apparatus from the energy saving mode to the printing mode;
Timing determining means for determining the timing for requesting the return to the print mode for each cooperative device based on the index information of the cooperative device;
Based on the timing when a predetermined trigger is detected, based on the respective timings of the cooperative device, return request means for requesting a return to the print mode for each cooperative device;
Reading means for optically reading a document and generating image data;
Cooperating copy control means for transmitting and printing the image data to the cooperating apparatus that has returned to the print mode;
The cooperation device
Receiving means for receiving the image data;
Printing means for printing the image data,
A device linkage system characterized by this. A power return control method for an image processing apparatus for returning two or more linked devices that request linked printing from an energy saving mode to a printing mode,
An index information acquisition unit acquires index information serving as an index of timing for returning the cooperation apparatus from the energy saving mode to the print mode from the cooperation apparatus;
Timing determining means, based on the index information of the cooperation device, determining a timing for requesting a return to the print mode for each cooperation device;
A step of requesting a return to the print mode for each cooperative device based on the timing of each of the cooperative devices, based on when the return request means detects a predetermined trigger; and
A step of optically reading the document and generating image data;
A step in which a linked copy control means transmits the image data to the linked device that has returned to the print mode and prints it;
A power return control method comprising: Reading means for optically reading a document and generating image data;
A CPU of an image processing apparatus having linked copy control means for transmitting the image data to two or more linked apparatuses and printing the image data;
Obtaining index information as an index of timing for returning the cooperation device from the energy saving mode to the printing mode from the cooperation device;
Determining a timing for requesting the return to the print mode for each of the cooperation devices based on the index information of the cooperation device;
Requesting a return to the print mode for each of the cooperating devices based on the timing of each of the cooperating devices based on the time when a predetermined trigger is detected;
A program that executes

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