JP2012003626A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of controlling a power supply state of own device by finely responding to power supply states of terminal devices and use states of functions.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 10 stores a use history in which job types received from terminal devices 30 connected to a network are associated with identification information of the terminal devices transmitting the jobs. The image processing apparatus 10 acquires a power supply state of each terminal device by a power supply state acquisition request, and controls the power supply state of a functional part related to an execution of a job of a type for respective job types (functions) on the basis of the power supply state of the terminal devices 30 that have the use history of the job of the type. For example, the power supply state of a print function part is controlled to be all-off, partly-off, or the like on the basis of the power supply states of the terminal devices that have the use history of a print job.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction machine, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus having a power saving function.

  In an image processing apparatus such as a printer or a multi-function peripheral connected to a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer) via a network, the power supply of the own device is selected according to the operating status of the connected terminal device from the viewpoint of power saving. Some change state.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a printing system in which a management server checks the number of operating hosts connected to a network and changes the operation mode of a printer in accordance with the number of operating hosts.

  Patent Document 2 below has a function of automatically shifting the power state to an energy saving mode that consumes less power than usual when a standby state without a job or user operation continues for a predetermined time or longer. An apparatus is disclosed in which the operating rate (operating number / total number) of connected PCs is obtained and the time required to shift to the energy saving mode is changed according to the operating rate.

JP 2010-26768 A JP 2001-169028 A

  Conventionally, a management apparatus and a printing apparatus can recognize only on and off as a power state of a terminal connected to a network. For example, when the power state of the terminal is a sleep state set when the user temporarily leaves the terminal, the terminal does not respond to a power state acquisition request from the printing apparatus. Recognized that the power was off. For this reason, the printer may shift to the energy-saving mode or power-off state even though there is a possibility that the terminal in the sleep state will immediately return to the on state and send a job, There was a problem that the waiting time until returning to the state occurred and the convenience was lowered.

  Further, in the case of a multifunction device having a plurality of functions, the frequency of use from the terminal device varies depending on the function. However, conventionally, since the power supply state is controlled as the entire apparatus (all functions), wasteful power consumption occurs due to power supply to a functional unit that is unlikely to be used.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and provides an image processing apparatus capable of controlling the power supply state of its own device in more detail depending on the power supply state of the terminal device and the usage status of functions. It is aimed.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A communication unit that is connected to the network and receives a job from at least a normal state, a sleep that consumes less power than the normal state, and a terminal device that can be in a power-off power state;
A job execution unit for executing a job received by the communication unit;
A storage unit that stores the function used to execute the received job and the identification information of the terminal device that is the transmission source of the job in association with each other;
A power status acquisition unit for acquiring the power status of the terminal device;
A power control unit that controls a power state of a portion related to the specific function in the job execution unit based on a power state of the terminal device in which a history of using the specific function is stored in the storage unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

  In the above invention, a use history in which a function (for example, job type) used in a job received from a terminal device connected to the network is associated with identification information of the transmission source terminal device is stored. Then, the power state of the terminal device is acquired, and the power state of the portion related to the specific function in the job execution unit is controlled based on the power state of the terminal device having a history of use of the specific function. For example, the power status of the print function unit is controlled based on the power status of the terminal device having a print job usage history, and the power status of the scan function unit is controlled based on the power status of the terminal device having a scan job usage history. To do. As described above, since the power state of the functional unit is controlled according to the function according to the power state of the terminal device having a history of use of the function, it is higher than the case where the power state is controlled in units of the entire device. Waiting for return can be reduced while obtaining a power saving effect. In particular, since the power status of the terminal device is classified into at least three states, that is, a normal status, a sleep mode, and a power-off status, the power status of each functional unit is changed according to the power status of the terminal status. Can do.

[2] The power supply control unit controls the power supply state of the portion related to the specific function to at least three states based on the power supply state of the terminal device in which the history of using the specific function is stored in the storage unit. [1] The image processing apparatus according to [1].

  In the above invention, the power state of the terminal device is recognized by dividing it into at least three states of the normal state, the sleep state, and the power-off state. Change the state to at least three states. The three states may be arbitrary. For example, all on, a standby state in which all or part of the ability is reduced, all off, and the like may be used.

[3] The three states include an all-off state in which all parts related to the specific function are turned off, and a partial off state in which part of the parts related to the specific function is turned off. The image processing apparatus according to [2].

  In the above-described invention, the power state of the part related to the specific function is controlled by being divided into at least three states including a state in which all of the power is turned off and a part in which the power is turned off. Since the partial off state can be configured by only partial on / off control, control is easy.

[4] The image processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the specific function includes any of a color print function, a monochrome print function, a document reading function, and a facsimile function .

[5] The power supply control unit excludes a terminal device whose usage frequency of a specific function does not satisfy a predetermined condition from a determination target of the control related to the specific function. [1] to [4] ] The image processing apparatus as described in any one of.

  In the above invention, for example, since the terminal device whose usage frequency of the specific function is below a certain level is excluded from the judgment material when changing the power state of the part related to the specific function, the power state of the part related to the specific function is It is prevented that the terminal device is less likely to use the specific function and is inappropriate depending on the power state of the terminal device.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, since the power state of the portion related to the specific function is controlled in response to the power state of the terminal device that uses the specific function, power saving and reduction in return waiting can be performed at a high level. Both can be achieved.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the network system to which the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention was connected. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a terminal device. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a terminal management list. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the sub CPU of the terminal device which received the power supply status acquisition request from the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image processing apparatus that has received a job from a terminal apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring object update process which sub CPU of an image processing apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd monitoring object update process which sub CPU of an image processing apparatus performs. 5 is a flowchart showing power state change processing performed by a sub CPU of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a power state change process for a printer function unit when color print jobs and monochrome print jobs are handled separately.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a network system 5 to which an image processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected. The image processing apparatus 10 is connected to a plurality of terminal apparatuses 30 (hereinafter also referred to as PCs) via a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The image processing apparatus 10 is a multifunction machine or the like having a function of forming and outputting an image on recording paper. In this example, the image processing apparatus 10 is a copy job for optically reading a document and printing the duplicate image on recording paper, saving the read image data of the document as a file, or transmitting it to an external terminal via a network. This is a multi-function peripheral having a function of executing a job such as a scan job to be performed and a print job to form and print an image related to print data received from the terminal device 30 via the network 2 on a recording sheet. Each job may be processed in color or monochrome. For example, the print job includes a color print job for printing in color and a monochrome print job for printing in monochrome.

  The terminal apparatus 30 is an information processing apparatus having a function of submitting a job such as a scan job or a print job to the image processing apparatus 10 and requesting the execution thereof. The terminal device 30 includes a personal computer in which an OS program, a driver program for the image processing apparatus 10, an application program for creating and editing documents and images, and the like are installed. Various requests to the image processing apparatus 10 such as input of a scan job and a print job are made by a driver program for the image processing apparatus 10.

  The terminal device 30 has a plurality of power supply states. Here, there are provided a normal state in which each unit can be energized to execute various processes, a sleep that consumes less power than the normal state, and a shutdown that consumes less power than sleep.

  The image processing apparatus 10 inquires of each terminal device 30 to be monitored connected to the network 2 about the power state (transmits a power state acquisition request Q), and responds to the power state response from each terminal device 30 as a response. It has a function of receiving R and switching the power state of its own device. The above inquiry is repeated. For example, it is repeatedly performed at a set fixed period such as 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

  More specifically, the image processing apparatus 10 uses the function (job type) used in the job and the identification information of the terminal apparatus 30 that is the transmission source of the job as the history of the job received and executed from the terminal apparatus 30. A usage history in which (terminal ID (Identification) or IP (Internet Protocol) address) is associated is stored and managed. Then, for each job type (function), based on the power status of the terminal device 30 that has a usage history of that type of job, the power status of the portion related to the execution of that type of job is controlled.

  For example, the power state of the terminal device 30 having a history of use of a scan job is controlled by controlling the power state of a portion related to execution of the print job (print function unit) based on the power state of the terminal device 30 having a history of use of the print job. The power state of the portion related to the execution of the scan job (scan function unit) is controlled based on the power supply state of the terminal device 30 having the history of use of the FAX (facsimile) job, and the portion related to the execution of the FAX job ( The power state of the FAX function unit) is controlled.

  In addition, in the control of the power state for each job type, all of the parts that are related to the execution of that type of job are all turned off, and part of the part is turned off. An all-on state is provided. For example, if all the terminal devices 30 having a print job usage history are in the shutdown state, the print function unit is set to the all-off state. When at least one of the terminal devices 30 having a scan job usage history is in a sleep state and the other is in a shutdown state, control is performed such that the scan function unit is partially turned off.

  It should be noted that control of the power supply state for the part (common part) that is used in common regardless of the type of job is performed as follows. If all the functional units are all in the off state, the common unit is in the power off state. If at least one functional unit is in an all-on state, the common unit is in a normal state in which the power is on. When there is at least one functional part that is partially off and there is no functional part that is fully on, the common part is set to a sleep state that consumes less power than the normal state.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus 10. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that performs overall control of the operation of the image processing apparatus 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 connected to the main CPU 11, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13. A scanner function unit 14, a printer function unit 15, a FAX function unit 16, a display unit 17, an operation unit 18, and an image processing unit 19. Further, the main CPU 11 is connected to a bridge unit 20 having a sub CPU 21 therein. A memory 22, a nonvolatile memory 23, a network I / F unit 24, and a hard disk device 25 are connected to the bridge unit 20. In addition, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a power supply unit 28 that supplies power to each unit of the image processing apparatus 10.

  The main CPU 11 is based on an OS program, on which middleware and application programs are executed. The sub CPU 21 is a CPU that has a smaller processing capacity and lower power consumption than the main CPU 11.

  The main CPU 11 can access the sub CPU 21 and each unit connected to the bridge unit 20 through the bridge unit 20 to exchange information. The sub CPU 21 can access the memory 22, the nonvolatile memory 23, the network I / F unit 24, and the hard disk device 25 through the bridge unit 20, and can exchange information with the main CPU 11. Thereby, for example, the memory 22 and the nonvolatile memory 23 are also used as a medium for exchanging information between the main CPU 11 and the sub CPU 21.

  The operation of the scanner function unit 14, the printer function unit 15, the FAX function unit 16, the display unit 17, the operation unit 18, the image processing unit 19, and the like is controlled by the main CPU 11. For example, the main CPU 11 controls the printer function unit 15 to perform printing related to a print job received from the terminal device 30 via the network 2.

  The power supply unit 28 converts commercial power into an appropriate voltage and supplies power to each unit of the image processing apparatus 10. In addition, according to an instruction from the main CPU 11 or the sub CPU 21, a function is provided for controlling whether to supply power or stop supplying power for each power supply destination. The scanner function unit 14, the printer function unit 15, and the FAX function unit 16 can control power supply to a part of the function units.

  The common units are the main CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, display unit 17, operation unit 18, image processing unit 19, and hard disk device 25. Even when the common unit is in a power-off state, power is supplied to the sub CPU 21, the memory 22, the nonvolatile memory 23, and the network I / F unit 24. When the common unit is in the sleep state, power supply to the display unit 17, the image processing unit 19, and the hard disk device 25 is stopped, and the main CPU 11 operates in a low power consumption mode with reduced capability. Note that the sleep state is not limited to this, and may be any power state that is closer to the normal state than the power-off state but consumes less power than the normal state. The power supply to the ROM 12 may be stopped.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the image processing apparatus 10 such as job execution is realized by the main CPU 11 executing processing according to these programs. The RAM 13 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the main CPU 11 executes a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like. Other necessary programs are loaded from the hard disk device 25 to the RAM 13 and executed.

  The scanner function unit 14 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The scanner function unit 14 includes, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor (also referred to as a CCD) that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and the reading position in units of lines as the length of the document. An optical path consisting of a moving means (including a motor) that sequentially moves in the vertical direction, a lens or mirror that forms an image by guiding the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor, and an analog image signal output from the line image sensor A conversion unit for converting into digital image data is provided.

  The printer function unit 15 includes four image forming units for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) along the intermediate transfer belt that is looped endlessly. And a so-called tandem color printer that forms a full-color image by superimposing toner images of C, M, Y, and K colors on an intermediate transfer belt. The full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt to the recording paper at a predetermined secondary transfer position, and the toner image on the recording paper is fixed by a pressure / heating type fixing device and discharged. Paper.

  Each of the C, M, Y, and K image forming units includes a photosensitive drum as a cylindrical electrostatic latent image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a charging device disposed around the photosensitive drum. A developing device, a cleaning device, and a laser unit are included. The laser unit includes a polygon (rotating polygonal mirror) that is rotated at high speed by a laser diode and a motor, various lenses, a mirror, and the like.

  A color print job is printed using the C, M, Y, and K image forming units, and a monochrome print job is printed using the K image forming unit. The printer function unit 15 may be another type of printer.

  The FAX function unit 16 is a part that performs operations related to facsimile transmission and reception. The FAX function unit 16 includes an NCU for detecting connection to a line and a ring, a modem, a protocol control unit, and an I / F unit with the main CPU 11 side (main board side).

  The operation panel of the image processing apparatus 10 includes a display unit 17 and an operation unit 18. The display unit 17 is configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 18 has a function of accepting various operations such as job input and setting from the user. The operation unit 18 includes a touch panel that is provided on the screen of the display unit 17 and detects a pressed coordinate position, and includes a numeric keypad, a character input key, a start key, and the like.

  The image processing unit 19 performs rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression and expansion processing, in addition to processing such as image enlargement / reduction and rotation.

  The memory 22 is used as a work memory for the sub CPU 21. The nonvolatile memory 23 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and stores a terminal management list 50 described later, a program executed by the sub CPU 21, and the like. The network I / F unit 24 functions to transmit and receive various types of data to and from the terminal device 30 and other external devices via the network 2. The hard disk device 25 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and is used for storing print data and image data, for example, in addition to programs.

  The sub CPU 21 operates independently of the OS program independently of the main CPU 11, and the sub CPU 21 is operating even in a power state where the operation of the main CPU 11 or power supply is stopped. As long as the sub CPU 21 is operating, the image processing apparatus 10 can access the memory 22 and the nonvolatile memory 23 and perform communication via the network I / F unit 24. That is, the network I / F unit 24 is routed by the sub CPU 21 and can communicate with an external device such as the terminal device 30 via the network 2 without depending on software on the OS.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 includes a main CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an input / output I / F unit 34, a bridge unit 40, a sub CPU 41, a memory 42, a nonvolatile memory 43, a network I / F unit 44, A hard disk device 45 and a power supply unit 48 are provided. Further, an input device 35 such as a keyboard and a mouse and a display device 36 such as a liquid crystal display are connected via the input / output I / F unit 34.

  The ROM 32 stores a startup program and fixed data. The RAM 33 stores a program loaded from the hard disk device 45. The RAM 33 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the main CPU 31 executes a program.

  The nonvolatile memory 43 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off. The network I / F unit 44 functions to transmit and receive various data to and from the image processing apparatus 10 and other external devices via the network 2. The hard disk device 45 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores an OS program, a driver program for the image processing apparatus 10, middleware, various application programs, files, data, and the like.

  Also in the terminal device 30, the sub CPU 41 is a CPU that has a smaller processing capacity and less power consumption than the main CPU 31. The main CPU 31 is based on an OS program, on which middleware and application programs are executed. The sub CPU 41 operates without an OS program, and executes processing with less load than the main CPU 31.

  The main CPU 31 can access the sub CPU 41 and each unit connected to the bridge unit 40 through the bridge unit 40 to exchange information. The sub CPU 41 can access the memory 42, the nonvolatile memory 43, the network I / F unit 44, and the hard disk device 45 through the bridge unit 40, and can exchange information with the main CPU 31. Thereby, for example, the memory 42 and the nonvolatile memory 43 are also used as a medium for exchanging information between the main CPU 31 and the sub CPU 41.

  The power supply unit 48 converts commercial power into an appropriate voltage and supplies power to each unit of the terminal device 30. In addition, according to an instruction from the main CPU 31 or the sub CPU 41, a function of controlling whether to supply power or stop supplying power is provided for each power supply destination. Here, power is supplied to all parts in the normal state, and power supply to the main CPU 31, the input / output I / F unit 34, the ROM 32, and the hard disk device 45 is stopped in the sleep state. In this state, the power supply to the RAM 33 is continued, the OS is in an OS management state, and when the main CPU 31 is activated after the power state is restored to the normal state, the normal operation is immediately restored based on the information stored in the RAM 33. can do.

  In shutdown, power supply to the ROM 32 is also stopped. Even in the shutdown, power is supplied to the sub CPU 41, the memory 42, the nonvolatile memory 43, and the network I / F unit 44 unless a main power switch (not shown) is turned off or supply of commercial power is stopped. In order to return from the shutdown state to the normal operation state, the main CPU 31 starts from the startup of the OS, that is, the initialization.

  In the terminal device 30, the sub CPU 41 is operating even in the shutdown state. If the sub CPU 41 is in operation, access to the memory 42 and the nonvolatile memory 43 and communication by the network I / F unit 44 can be performed. That is, the network I / F unit 44 is routed by the sub CPU 41 and can communicate with an external apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 10 via the network 2 without depending on software on the OS.

  Next, an operation related to the transition of the power state of the image processing apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a terminal management list 50 that is created by the main CPU 11 and the sub CPU 21 of the image processing apparatus 10 and stored and updated in the nonvolatile memory 23 (or the hard disk device 25). In the terminal management list 50, information related to job reception histories from each terminal device 30 connected to the network 2, the power supply state of each terminal device 30, and the like is registered. Each record (one horizontal line in the figure) of the terminal management list 50 is provided with fields (items) of terminal name, IP address, job, last use history, number of times, average interval, monitoring target, and power supply state. In the terminal management list 50, one record is created for each combination of terminal device (IP address) and job. For example, in FIG. 4, a record with a job type (Scan color) and a record with a job type (FAX color) are created for the same terminal device “PC1”.

  The terminal name is a name assigned to each terminal device 30 by a network administrator or the like. The IP address is an IP address in the network 2 of the terminal device. In the job item, the type of the received job is registered. In the last use history item, the date and time when the type of job (specified job) indicated by the job item is last received from the corresponding terminal device 30 is registered. In the item of the number of times, the total number of times of receiving the specific job from the corresponding terminal device 30 is registered. In the item of average interval, an average value of time intervals at which specific jobs are received from the corresponding terminal device 30 is registered.

  In the monitoring target item, information indicating whether or not the corresponding terminal device 30 is a monitoring target of the power state regarding the specific job is registered. In the example of FIG. 4, ◯ indicates that it is a monitoring target, and x indicates that it is not a monitoring target. The power supply state of the terminal device 30 is registered in the power supply state item. Specifically, the power status indicated by the power status response recently received from the terminal device 30 is registered.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of operations performed by the sub CPU 41 of the terminal device 30 that has received the power state acquisition request from the sub CPU 21 of the image processing apparatus 10. When receiving the power status acquisition request (step S101; Yes), the sub CPU 41 of the terminal device 30 acquires the current power status of the device itself (step S102). For example, when the main CPU 31 changes the power supply state, the main CPU 31 stores information indicating the changed power supply state in the nonvolatile memory 43, and the sub CPU 41 determines the current own device (terminal device) from the information stored in the nonvolatile memory 43. 30) is acquired. Then, the sub CPU 41 creates a response packet including the information indicating the acquired power state and the individual information (for example, IP address) of the own device, and transmits this to the transmission source of the power state acquisition request received earlier ( Step S103).

  FIG. 6 shows the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 that has received a job from the terminal apparatus 30. When the sub CPU 21 of the image processing apparatus 10 receives any job such as a scan job or a print job from the terminal device 30 (step S201), the sub CPU 21 updates the corresponding part of the terminal management list 50 (step S202). More specifically, the record in the terminal management list 50 is specified using the combination of the received job type and the terminal device 30 as the transmission source as a key, and the last use history, the number of times, and the average interval of the record are updated. If the corresponding record is not registered, it is newly registered. In this case, the terminal name, the IP address, the job, the last use history, and the number of times (once) are registered, and the items of the average interval, the monitoring target, and the power supply state are registered as, for example, indefinite.

  FIG. 7 shows the monitoring target update process performed by the sub CPU 21 of the image processing apparatus 10. The sub CPU 21 of the image processing apparatus 10 performs this process for each record in the terminal management list 50. When a certain period or more has elapsed since the date and time registered in the last use history item (step S221; No), the registered content of the monitoring target item of the record is “not monitored” (× in FIG. 4). (Step S222). On the other hand, when a certain period or more has not elapsed since the date and time registered in the last usage history item (step S221; Yes), the registration content of the monitoring target item of the record is set to “monitoring target” (in FIG. (Step S223). For example, the set period can be changed to an arbitrary period such as one month.

  FIG. 8 shows another example of the monitoring target update process. The sub CPU 21 of the image processing apparatus 10 performs this process for each record in the terminal management list 50. Whether the number of times registered in the item of the number of times in the target record is a specified number of times or more (for example, twice) and the time registered in the item of the average interval is within a specified time (for example, 12 hours) Determine whether. When the condition is not satisfied (step S231; No), the registered content of the monitoring target item of the record is set to “not monitoring target” (× in FIG. 4) (step S232). If the condition is satisfied (step S231; Yes), the registered content of the monitoring target item of the record is set to “monitoring target” (◯ in FIG. 4) (step S233). The specified number of times and the specified time can be set and changed in an arbitrary period. The conditions are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, a condition relating to the elapsed time from the last use history may be used in combination.

  FIG. 9 shows a flow of a power supply state change process in which the sub CPU 21 of the image processing apparatus 10 determines the power supply state that should be provided for each functional unit of the image processing apparatus 10 and changes the power supply state of each functional unit to the power supply state. Yes. The sub CPU 21 of the image processing apparatus 10 performs the following processing at regular time intervals T (step S241; Yes). The fixed time T can be arbitrarily changed. For example, it is set to 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc. The sub CPU 21 performs the monitoring target update process shown in either FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 (step S242). Subsequently, a power supply status acquisition request is transmitted to the terminal device 30 registered as a monitoring target (O in FIG. 4) in the terminal management list 50 (step S243). At this time, even if the same terminal device 30 is registered in two records, the transmission of the power status acquisition request to the terminal device 30 is performed once.

  Next, the power status of each terminal device 30 registered in the terminal management list 50 is updated based on the power status response received from each terminal device 30 that is the transmission destination of the power status acquisition request (step S244). At this time, if the same terminal device 30 is registered in two records, the power state of each record is updated.

  The updated terminal management list 50 is searched and the following processing is performed. When all the power statuses of the monitored terminal devices (job item is color or monochrome print and the monitored item is “O” record) that has a print job usage history are shutdown (step S245; Yes) Then, the power state of the printer function unit 15 is completely turned off (step S246), and the process proceeds to step S249.

  If even one power supply state of the monitored terminal device having the print job usage history is not shut down (step S245; No), the power supply state is the normal state in the monitored terminal device having the print job usage history. It is checked whether there is at least one device (step S247). If there is no device in the normal state, that is, if there is at least one terminal device in the sleep state and the other terminal devices are shut down (step S247; No), the power state of the printer function unit 15 is set to one. Part off state (step S248), the process proceeds to step S249. For example, the power supply of the fixing device and the polygon is turned off, and the power supplies of other parts are turned on or in a power saving state.

  If at least one of the monitored terminal devices having a print job usage history is in a normal power state (step S247; Yes), the process proceeds to step S249.

  In step S249, if all of the power statuses of the monitoring target terminal devices (the job item is color or monochrome scanning and the monitoring target item is “O”) having the scan job usage history are shutdown (step S249). (S249; Yes), the power state of the scanner function unit 14 is turned off (step S250), and the process proceeds to step S253.

  If even one of the monitored terminal devices having a scan job usage history is not shut down (step S249; No), the monitored terminal device having the scan job usage history is in a normal state. It is checked whether there is at least one device (step S251). If there is no device in the normal state, that is, if there is at least one terminal device in the sleep state and the other terminal devices are shut down (step S251; No), the power state of the scanner function unit 14 is set to one. Part off state (step S252), the process proceeds to step S253. For example, power supply to the light source, the line image sensor (CCD), and the conveyance system motor in the scanner function unit 14 is stopped, and the power of other parts is turned on or in a power saving state.

  If there is at least one of the monitored terminal devices with the scan job usage history in the normal power state (step S251; Yes), the process proceeds to step S253.

  In step S253, if all of the power statuses of the monitoring target terminal devices having the FAX job usage history (the job item is a color or monochrome FAX and the monitoring item is “O” record) are shut down (step S253). (S253; Yes), the power supply state of the FAX function unit 16 is turned off (step S254), and the process is terminated. However, power is supplied to the part related to ring reception.

  If even one of the monitored terminal devices with a FAX job usage history is not shut down (step S253; No), the monitored terminal device with a FAX job usage history is in a normal power state. It is checked whether or not there is at least one device (step S255). If there is no device in the normal state, that is, if there is at least one terminal device in the sleep state and the other terminal devices are shut down (step S255; No), the power state of the FAX function unit 16 is set to one. The part is turned off (step S256), and the process is terminated. For example, in the FAX function unit 16, the power supply of the I / F unit with the main board side (main CPU 11 side) is turned off, and the power supply of other parts is turned on or in a power saving state.

  If at least one of the monitored terminal devices having a FAX job usage history is in a normal power state (step S255; Yes), the process is terminated.

  In this way, the power supply state of the monitoring target terminal device having the usage history of the specific type of job (specific function) is checked, and the power supply state of the portion related to the execution of the specific type of job is controlled according to the power supply state. That is, since the power state of the portion related to the function is controlled based on the power state of the terminal device having a history of use of the job related to the function for each function, the power state is controlled in units of the image processing apparatus 10 as a whole. Compared with the case where it does, it can control a power supply state finely and can save power more efficiently. In particular, since the power state of the terminal device 30 is classified into three states, that is, a normal state, a sleep state, and a power-off state, the power state of each functional unit is changed according to the power state of the terminal state. Can do.

  In addition, the processing of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 excludes the terminal device 30 having a low use frequency of the specific function from the judgment material when changing the power state of the part related to the specific function. It is possible to prevent the power supply state from becoming inappropriate depending on the power supply state of the terminal device that is unlikely to use the specific function.

  In the power state change process shown in FIG. 9, the color job and the monochrome job are not distinguished from each other, but the color job and the monochrome job may be distinguished. For example, FIG. 10 shows a power state change process related to the printer function unit 15 when a color print job and a monochrome print job are distinguished.

  In FIG. 10, when all the power states of the monitoring target terminal devices having the use history of the color print job (the job item is color print and the monitoring target item is “◯”) are shut down (step S301; Yes), it is checked whether or not all of the power statuses of the monitoring target terminal devices having the usage history of the monochrome print job (records whose job item is monochrome print and whose monitoring target item is “◯”) are shutdown (step S304). ). When all the monochrome images are shut down (that is, when both color and monochrome images are shut down) (step S304; Yes), the power state of the printer function unit 15 is turned off for both the color and monochrome portions (step S305). .

  If even one of the monitored terminal devices with a monochrome print job usage history is not shut down (step S304; No), the power status is in the monitored terminal device with a monochrome print job usage history. It is checked whether at least one unit in the normal state exists (step S306). If there is no device in the normal state, that is, if there is at least one terminal device in the sleep state and the other terminal devices are shut down (step S306; No), among the printer function unit 15, C, For the parts related to M and Y, the power supply state is set to the all-off state, and the power supply state of the K part is set to the part-off state (step S307). For example, power supply control is performed such that power supply to the C, M, and Y image forming units is stopped and polygons are stopped for the K image forming units.

  If at least one of the monitored terminal devices having a monochrome print job usage history is in the normal power state (step S306; Yes), the C, M, and Y portions of the printer function unit 15 Sets the power supply state to the all-off state, and sets the power supply state of the portion necessary for monochrome printing to the all-on state (step S308).

  If even one of the monitored terminal devices with a color print job usage history is not shut down (step S301; No), the power status is in the monitored terminal device with a color print job usage history. It is checked whether at least one device in the normal state exists (step S302). When there is no device in the normal state, that is, when there is at least one terminal device in the sleep state and the other terminal devices are shut down (step S302; No), the color portion (including the monochrome portion) is related. The power state of the printer function unit 15 is partially turned off (step S303). For example, power supply control is performed such that power supply to the polygons of the C, M, Y, and K image forming units and the fixing device is stopped.

  In this way, color jobs and monochrome jobs are distinguished from each other, and the power status of the color and monochrome portions is controlled based on the power status of the terminal device having a history of their use, so that further power saving can be achieved.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the embodiment, when all the terminal devices to be monitored that have a history of use of a specific type of job (specific function) are shut down, at least one of the functional units related to the specific function is turned off. Although a part of the sleep state is shifted to the off state when the others are shut down in the sleep mode, the classification criterion of the transfer destination is not limited to this. For example, the power state of the transfer destination may be determined according to the number of terminals in the shutdown state, the number of terminals in the sleep state, the distribution state of the number of terminals in the normal state, and the like. For example, for each monitored terminal device 30 having a print job usage history, a score is given such that 3 points if the power state is normal, 2 points if the sleep state, 0 points if the power is off, and the total points Alternatively, the power state of the transfer destination of the print function unit is determined according to the ratio of the total points to the total maximum points (in this case, 3 points × number of terminals) when all target terminal devices are in the normal state. May be.

  In addition, as the power state of the part related to execution of a specific type of job (specific function), three states of fully off state, partially off state, and all on state are provided, but even if the power state is divided more finely Or, conversely, it is possible to have two states, that is, an all-on state and only an all-off state. For example, if the migration destination is sorted based on the total points or the total / total maximum points described above, it is possible to deal with cases where the migration destination is in four states or more and in two states. .

  Further, the power supply state for each functional unit is not limited to all off, some off, and all on. For example, instead of partially turning off, the processing capability may be reduced (standby state). For example, the heater temperature of the fixing device is lowered than usual, or the rotational speed of the polygon is lowered.

  In the embodiment, when at least one terminal device to be monitored having a history of use of a specific function is in a normal state (step S247 in FIG. 9; Yes, S251; Yes, S255; Yes), Although the transition control is not performed, the control may be performed to shift the corresponding functional unit to the all-on state. In addition, the control to turn off partly (steps S248, S252, S256, etc.) is performed only when shifting from the fully on state to partly off (when power consumption is reduced). The control for shifting to OFF may not be performed, or both cases may be shifted.

  In the embodiment, the specific function is associated with the job type, but the specific function is not limited to this. For example, it may be a part of functions constituting a job. In the case of a print job, the post-processing device may be one specific function.

  Note that when the image processing apparatus 10 acquires and recognizes the power supply state of each terminal device 30, the power supply state may be adopted only when the same power supply state continues for a certain period of time. For example, when a power status confirmation request is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 10 to the monitored terminal device 30 at regular time intervals, a response indicating the same power status can be obtained twice from the same terminal device. The power state may be adopted. Thus, by confirming that it has continued for a certain period of time, the power state of each terminal apparatus 30 can be confirmed more reliably.

  For example, if the terminal device 30 that is in the normal state is restarting when it accidentally sends a power state confirmation request, the terminal device recognizes the power state of the terminal device by a single power state confirmation. Will be recognized as a shutdown state. In response to this recognition, for example, if the power state of the image processing device 10 is changed to all off, the terminal device is returned to the normal state at the next power supply state confirmation request, so the image processing device 10 also returns to the normal state. The power state of the image processing apparatus 10 is frequently changed unnecessarily. Such a situation can be prevented in the configuration in which confirmation is performed a plurality of times (confirmation of continuation for a certain time or more).

  In the embodiment, the case where the image processing apparatus 10 is a multifunction peripheral has been described as an example. However, any apparatus that receives and executes a job from a terminal apparatus may be used. It may be an image processing apparatus of this kind.

  Moreover, the setting reference | standard to monitoring object and the exclusion reference | standard from monitoring object are not limited to what was illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 of embodiment, and may be arbitrary. Further, the terminal device 30 having the usage history of the corresponding type of job at least once in the past may be the monitoring target.

In the embodiment, the power supply state of the terminal device 30 is obtained by distinguishing the three states of the normal state, sleep, and shutdown, but may be more finely distinguished. For example, the power status
S0: Normal operation,
S1: Sleep state for saving power of the main CPU,
S2: Suspended state supported by OS
S3: Suspend-To-RAM, which almost stops power supply to other than the memory
S4: Suspend-To-Disk, in which the memory contents are saved in the hard disk drive and then power to the memory is also stopped.
S5: Shutdown state
When the management is performed separately, the power state is acquired by distinguishing these S0 to S5, and the power state of the image processing apparatus 10 may be controlled by function according to each power state.

  Further, in the embodiment, the configuration in which the image processing apparatus 10 includes the sub CPU 21 is illustrated. However, the main CPU 11 can supply power to the main CPU 11 even in the power saving state, and the main CPU 11 can execute the processing performed by the sub CPU 21 in the embodiment. If so, a configuration without the sub CPU 21 may be adopted.

2 ... Network 5 ... Network system 10 ... Image processing device 11 ... Main CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Scanner function part 15 ... Printer function part 16 ... FAX function part 17 ... Display part 18 ... Operation part 19 ... Image processing part 20 ... Bridge part 21 ... Sub CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Memory 23 ... Non-volatile memory 24 ... Network I / F part 25 ... Hard disk apparatus 28 ... Power supply part 30 ... Terminal device 31 ... Main CPU
32 ... ROM
33 ... RAM
34 ... Input / output I / F unit 35 ... Input device 36 ... Display device 40 ... Bridge unit 41 ... Sub CPU
42 ... Memory 43 ... Non-volatile memory 44 ... Network I / F unit 45 ... Hard disk device 48 ... Power supply unit 50 ... Terminal management list Q ... Power supply status acquisition request R ... Power supply status response

Claims (5)

A communication unit that receives a job from a terminal device that can be connected to a network and can take at least a normal state, a sleep that consumes less power than the normal state, and a power-off power state;
A job execution unit for executing a job received by the communication unit;
A storage unit that stores the function used to execute the received job and the identification information of the terminal device that is the transmission source of the job in association with each other;
A power status acquisition unit for acquiring the power status of the terminal device;
A power control unit that controls a power state of a portion related to the specific function in the job execution unit based on a power state of the terminal device in which a history of using the specific function is stored in the storage unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The power control unit controls the power state of a portion related to the specific function to at least three states based on a power state of the terminal device in which a history of using the specific function is stored in the storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The three states include an all-off state in which all the parts related to the specific function are turned off, and a partially off state in which a part of the parts related to the specific function is turned off. 2. The image processing apparatus according to 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific function includes any one of a color print function, a monochrome print function, a document reading function, and a facsimile function. The power supply control unit excludes a terminal device whose usage frequency of a specific function does not satisfy a predetermined condition from the control target of a part related to the specific function. The image processing apparatus described in one.

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