JP2013045136A - Pull-print server, pull-print system, pull-print method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently save power consumption of a pull-print server.SOLUTION: When a print job storage part 15a stores a print job, a pull-print server 2 specifies an image processing apparatus 5 as a monitoring object and, when the print job storage part 15a stores no print job, specifies an information processing device 3 as a monitoring object, such that one of the information processing device 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 that has a high possibility of transmitting/receiving the print job is specified. The pull-print server 2 shifts an energizing state from a regular energizing state to a power saving state on the basis of a booting state of the information processing device 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 that has the high possibility of transmitting/receiving the print job.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pull print server, a pull print system, a pull print method, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for shifting an energized state of a pull print server from a normal energized state to a power saving state.

  In a general office or the like, a plurality of printing apparatuses and a plurality of computers are often connected to be communicable via a network. In such a case, centralized management of print jobs may be performed by the print server.

  The print server distributes a print job transmitted from a computer to each printing apparatus and arranges a printing order. Such a print server is configured to store a print job. Therefore, the user can temporarily store the print job in the print server by operating the computer. Thereafter, the user moves to the installation location of the printing apparatus and performs operations on the printing apparatus, thereby accessing the print server from the printing apparatus, obtaining a print job stored in the print server, and performing print output. Is possible. Such an output form is generally called “pull print”, and a print server that supports pull print may be called a “pull print server”.

  The print server as described above receives a print job irregularly from a computer and also receives a print job acquisition request from a printing apparatus irregularly. For this reason, the conventional print server is always in a standby state in which it is always in a normally energized state so that data communication can be performed with both the computer and the printing apparatus at any time. Therefore, there is a problem that the power consumption of the print server is large conventionally.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151858 discloses a technique for monitoring the activation state of a computer and shifting the printing device to a power saving state when the printing device is activated when the computer is not activated. As a result, the energized state of the printing apparatus shifts to the power saving state, so that power consumption is reduced.

JP 2009-282816 A

  By the way, for example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 may be applied to a print server to shift the energization state of the print server from the normal energization state to the power saving state based on the activation states of both the computer and the printing apparatus. It is done. However, in such a configuration, if it is attempted to control the energization state based solely on the activation states of both the computer and the printing apparatus, there is a further problem that power consumption cannot be efficiently saved. For example, since the print server receives a print job from a computer and also receives a print job acquisition request from the printing apparatus, if the printing apparatus is activated even if the computer is not activated, the printing apparatus There is a possibility that a print job acquisition request is received from. If the print server is shifted to the power saving state because the computer is not activated, the print server receives the print job acquisition request from the activated printing apparatus to change the energized state from the power saving state. The normal energization state is restored. That is, in this case, extra power accompanying the return is consumed. On the other hand, if the print server is shifted to the power saving state because the printing apparatus is not activated, the same problem as described above occurs because the computer may be activated.

  It is also conceivable to shift the print server to the power saving state when both the computer and the printing apparatus are not activated. However, in such a case, while either one of the computer and the printing apparatus is activated, the print server cannot be shifted to the power saving state, and wasteful standby power is consumed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pull print server, a pull print system, a pull print method, and a program that can efficiently save power consumption. .

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is a pull print server that is communicably connected to an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus via a network, and prints transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Print job storage means for storing a job, output control means for transmitting a print job stored in the print job storage means to the image processing apparatus based on a request from the image processing apparatus, and the print job storage means Management means for specifying the image processing apparatus as a monitoring target when a print job is stored in the print job, and specifying the information processing apparatus as a monitoring target when no print job is stored in the print job storage means; Based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus specified as the monitoring target by the management unit, the energization state is normally set. A construction which is characterized in that it comprises a current supply control means for shifting to the power saving state from the conducting state.

  According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to efficiently save the power consumption of the pull print server. In other words, the pull print server determines whether the energization state is to be shifted from the normal energization state to the power saving state, based on whether the print job is stored, either the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus. It is the structure narrowed down to either.

  In other words, depending on whether a print job is stored in the print job storage unit, which is more likely to be a print job from the information processing device or a pull print request from the image processing device? Can be judged. For example, if the print job is not yet stored in the pull print server, no pull print request is received from the image processing apparatus. In this case, the possibility that a print job is transmitted from the information processing apparatus is higher than the possibility that pull-printing is requested from the image processing apparatus. On the other hand, if the print job is already stored in the pull print server, the user is expected to perform pull printing at a relatively early timing, and therefore the image processing apparatus requests pull printing until a certain time. It is considered that the possibility is higher than the possibility that the print job is transmitted from the information processing apparatus that is irregularly performed.

  Considering the startup state of the information processing device and the image processing device, which is less likely to send and receive print jobs, pull printing will continue as long as the less likely one is running. It becomes a state where the energized state of the server cannot be shifted to the power saving state. In this case, the pull print server consumes standby power unnecessarily. According to the present invention, since only the one of the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus that is more likely to perform transmission / reception of a print job is considered and the other activation state is not considered, standby power is wasted. It is possible to prevent consumption. Further, according to the above configuration, since the energized state is shifted from the normal energized state to the power saving state based on the activation state that is more likely to be transmitted / received, the transition to the power saving state and the normal energized state It is possible to reduce the possibility of repeating the return to. Accordingly, the pull print server can save extra power associated with returning the energized state to the normal energized state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the pull print server according to the first aspect, the energization state of the pull print server is a normal energization state based on a startup state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus to be monitored. Further comprising a setting means for setting a waiting time until the power saving state is shifted from the power saving state, and the energization control unit saves the energizing state from the normal energizing state as the standby time set by the setting means elapses. It is the structure characterized by making it transfer to an electric power state.

  According to such a configuration, since the energized state shifts to the power saving state after the standby time elapses, the pull print server also shifts to the power saving state for a long time as the startup time of the monitored device becomes longer. It can be prevented that it becomes impossible. As a result, standby power of the pull print server can be saved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the pull print server according to the second aspect, the setting unit obtains the number of activated information processing apparatuses or image processing apparatuses to be monitored, and waits based on the number of activated apparatuses. In this configuration, time is set.

  According to such a configuration, the pull print server can set the standby time appropriately in accordance with the number of activated monitoring target devices.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the pull print server according to the third aspect, wherein the setting means sets a longer standby time as the number of activated units increases.

  According to such a configuration, power consumption can be efficiently saved. For example, if the number of monitored devices is small, the number of print job transmission / receptions performed by the pull print server per unit time is generally considered to be small. In other words, the time interval at which the pull print server transmits / receives a print job tends to increase as the number of monitoring target devices decreases. In such a case, if the standby time is lengthened, a period in which standby power is consumed wastefully without transmitting / receiving a print job in the pull print server may occur. According to the above configuration, since the standby time is set shorter as the number of monitored devices starts, the pull print server consumes standby power unnecessarily without sending or receiving a print job. Can be prevented.

  On the other hand, when the number of monitored devices increases, the number of print job transmission / receptions performed by the pull print server per unit time is generally considered to increase. In other words, as the number of monitored devices increases, the time interval at which the pull print server transmits and receives print jobs tends to be shorter. In such a case, if the standby time is shortened, the energized state is shifted to the power saving state or returned to the normal energized state while the print job is frequently transmitted and received in the pull print server. The operation is repeated, and a situation may occur in which a large amount of power is consumed particularly when the power saving state is restored to the normal energization state. According to the above configuration, since the standby time is set longer as the number of monitored devices increases, the pull print server suppresses frequent return operations and uses unnecessary power for recovery. Can be prevented from being consumed frequently. Thereby, the pull print server can efficiently save power consumption.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the pull print server according to the third or fourth aspect, the setting unit changes to the number of activated units after the standby time is set and before the standby time elapses. If this occurs, the waiting time is reset based on the number of activated units after the change.

  According to such a configuration, after the standby time is once set based on the number of activated units, if the number of activated units changes, the standby time is reset based on the activated state after the change. Can set an appropriate waiting time according to the situation change.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the pull print server according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the management unit performs the printing after the standby time has been set and before the standby time has elapsed. When a change occurs in the presence or absence of a print job in the job storage unit, the monitoring target is changed from one of the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus to the other, and the setting unit The standby time is reset based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus to be monitored later.

  According to such a configuration, after the standby time is once set, the monitoring target is changed and the standby time is reset as the presence or absence of the print job in the print job storage unit is changed. The server can set an appropriate waiting time according to the situation change.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the pull print server according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the image data storage means for storing the image data transmitted from the image processing device and the request from the information processing device And an image output means for transmitting the image data stored in the image data storage means to the information processing apparatus.

  According to such a configuration, when the pull print server has a configuration for storing image data, it is possible to efficiently save the power consumption of the pull print server.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a pull print system configured by connecting an information processing device, an image processing device, and a pull print server via a network so that they can communicate with each other. Storage control means for storing a print job to be transmitted in a predetermined storage device; output control means for causing the image processing device to execute a print job stored in the storage device based on a request from the image processing device; The image processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target when a print job is stored in the storage device, and the information processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target when no print job is stored in the print job storage unit Based on the activation state of the management means and the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus specified as the monitoring target by the management means, And energization control means to shift the energization state of the pull-print server from the normal conducting state to the power saving state, a structure characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to such a configuration, the information processing apparatus and the image are determined based on whether or not the print job is stored, based on whether or not the print job is stored. Since it is narrowed down to any one of the processing devices, the pull print system can efficiently save the power consumption of the pull print server.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a pull print method executed in a pull print server communicably connected to an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus via a network, wherein the pull print server includes the information processing apparatus. Print job storage means for storing a print job transmitted from the apparatus; and output control means for transmitting a print job stored in the print job storage means to the image processing apparatus based on a request from the image processing apparatus. In this pull printing method, (a) when a print job is stored in the print job storage unit, the image processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target, and the print job is stored in the print job storage unit. A step of identifying the information processing apparatus as a monitoring target if not, and (b) the monitoring target by the step (a) Monitoring the activation state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus specified in step (c), and (c) shifting the energized state from the normal energized state to the power saving state based on the step (b). It is the structure characterized by this.

  According to such a configuration, the information processing apparatus and the image are determined based on whether or not the print job is stored, based on whether or not the print job is stored. Since it is narrowed down to any one of the processing apparatuses, the pull print server can efficiently save power consumption.

The invention according to claim 10 is a program executed in a pull print server that is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus via a network, and the pull print server is connected to the information processing apparatus. Storage control means for storing a print job to be transmitted in a predetermined storage device, output control means for transmitting a print job stored in the storage device to the image processing device based on a request from the image processing device, A management unit that identifies the image processing apparatus as a monitoring target when a print job is stored in the storage device, and that identifies the information processing apparatus as a monitoring target when the print job is not stored in the storage device;
According to a configuration in which the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus specified as a monitoring target by the management means functions as an energization control unit that shifts from a normal energization state to a power saving state. is there.

  According to such a configuration, the information processing apparatus and the image are determined based on whether or not the print job is stored, based on whether or not the print job is stored. Since it is narrowed down to any one of the processing apparatuses, the pull print server can efficiently save power consumption.

  According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target when a print job is stored in the print job storage unit, and an information processing apparatus is monitored as a monitoring target when the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit Therefore, it is possible to identify the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus that are more likely to transmit / receive a print job. Since the energized state is shifted from the normal energized state to the power saving state based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus or image processing apparatus that is highly likely to transmit / receive the print job, the pull print server consumes less power efficiently. Can be saved.

It is a figure which shows the example of whole structure of a pull print system. It is a figure which shows the concept of a pull print. It is a figure which shows the basic concept of the process performed by a pull print system. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a pull print server. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the control part in a pull print server. It is a figure which shows typically the process performed by the control part of a pull print server. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information memorize | stored in the pull print server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence performed in a pull print server. It is a figure which shows typically the effect acquired by the structure with which a pull print server is provided. It is a figure which shows typically the process performed in 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pull print system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the pull print system 1, a pull print server 2, an information processing device 3 (3 a to 3 c) that issues a print job, and an image processing device 5 (5 a to 5 c) having a print function are mutually connected via a network 7. In this configuration, data communication is possible. The network 7 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed in a general office. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the network 7 may be a complex communication network including a wide area communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network). Further, it is sufficient that at least one information processing device 3 and one image processing device 5 are prepared, and the number is not limited to the exemplified number.

  The pull print server 2 is a print server configured to be able to perform pull printing. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the concept of pull printing. That is, the pull print server 2 receives and stores the print job 25 transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3, and transmits the print job 25 to the image processing apparatus 5 when receiving a transmission request from the image processing apparatus 5. Then, the image processing apparatus 5 performs print output based on the print job 25 received from the pull print server 2. Therefore, by performing a direct operation on the image processing apparatus 5, the user can fetch the print job 25 stored in the pull print server 2 into the image processing apparatus 5 and perform printout. According to such an output form, the user can obtain the printed material safely without the third party reading the printed material. Further, by storing the print job 25 in the pull print server 2, print output based on the print job 25 can be performed from any of the plurality of image processing apparatuses 5a to 5c, which is convenient. There are also benefits.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the pull print server 2 also has a function as a general print server. For example, the pull print server 2 distributes the print job 25 transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3 to the image processing apparatuses 5a to 5c, or a plurality of print jobs 25 are simultaneously transmitted to the same image processing apparatus 5. In some cases, the execution order of the print jobs 25 is arranged. Therefore, in the pull print system 1, the print job 25 output from the information processing apparatus 3 is not directly transmitted to the image processing apparatus 5 but is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 5 via the pull print server 2.

  The information processing apparatus 3 is, for example, a general personal computer. The information processing apparatus 3 generates a print job 25 based on an operation instruction from the user, designates a transmission destination of the print job 25, and outputs it. When pull printing is performed, a predetermined storage area of the pull print server 2 is designated as the transmission destination of the print job 25. When the pull print server 2 receives the print job 25 designated with its own storage area as the transmission destination, the pull print server 2 stores the print job 25 in the storage area.

  The image processing apparatus 5 is, for example, a general multifunction peripheral, and includes various functions such as a scanning function in addition to a printing function. Further, when performing pull printing, the image processing apparatus 5 sends a transmission request for the print job 25 stored in the pull print server 2 to the pull print server 2 based on an instruction operation by the user. Is configured to accept a print job 25 transmitted from the printer and print it out. Note that the image processing device 5 may be configured to transmit image data obtained by scanning to the information processing device 3 via the pull print server 2.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a concept of processing executed by the pull print server 2 in the present embodiment. The pull print server 2 has a function of saving power consumption by shifting the energized state from the normal energized state to the power saving state. The normal energization state is an operation mode in which power is supplied to each unit so that various operations can be performed in the pull print server 2. The power saving state is an operation mode in which power supply to some circuits is left and power supply to other circuits is restricted.

  The pull print server 2 in the present embodiment monitors the activation state of either the information processing device 3 or the image processing device 5 and shifts the energized state from the normal energized state to the power saving state based on the activated state. It is. More specifically, the pull print server 2 narrows down the devices to be monitored to either the information processing device 3 or the image processing device 5 based on whether or not the print job 25 is stored. In this configuration, the narrowed-down monitoring target device is monitored. That is, depending on whether or not the print job 25 is stored in the storage device 15, there is a possibility that the print job 25 is transmitted from the information processing device 3 and a possibility that a pull print is requested from the image processing device 5. Which is higher can be determined.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the print job 25 is not stored in the storage device 15, a pull print request is not received from the image processing device 5. Therefore, the pull print server 2 determines that the possibility that the print job 25 is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3 is higher than the possibility that the image processing apparatus 5 requests pull printing. When the print job 25 is not stored in the storage device 15, the pull print server 2 detects only the activation state of the information processing device 3 and the information processing device 3 is not in the activation state. The energized state is shifted from the normal energized state to the power saving state.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the print job 25 is already stored in the storage device 15, the user may perform pull printing at a relatively early timing. In this case, it is considered that the possibility that pull printing is requested from the image processing apparatus 5 is higher than the possibility that the print job 25 is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3 that is irregularly performed. Therefore, when the print job 25 is stored in the storage device 15, the pull print server 2 detects only the activation state of the image processing device 5. The pull print server 2 shifts the energized state from the normal energized state to the power saving state as the image processing apparatus 5 is not in the activated state. That is, when the image processing apparatus 5 is not in the activated state, there is no possibility that a pull print request is made immediately, so that the energized state of the pull print server 2 is shifted to the power saving state.

  As described above, the pull print server 2 changes the energization state from the normal energization state to the power saving state based only on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 that is more likely to transmit / receive the print job 25. This is a configuration for shifting to a state. Thereby, the pull print server 2 can efficiently save power consumption. Hereinafter, the pull print server 2 that operates as described above will be described in detail.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the pull print server 2. The pull print server 2 includes a control unit 10 that controls the operation of the pull print server 2, a network interface 11 for communicating with the information processing device 3 and the image processing device 5 via the network 7, and power to each unit. A power supply unit 12 that controls supply and a storage device 15 that stores various types of information are provided, and are connected to each other via a bus 20 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU 10a and a memory 10b, and controls the operation of each unit. The CPU 10a reads and executes the program 16 and the like stored in the storage device 15. The program 16 is a program for causing the control unit 10 to function as various processing units described later. The memory 10b stores temporary data associated with the execution of the program by the CPU 10a.

  The network interface 11 is for connecting the control unit 10 to the network 7. Thus, the control unit 10 is connected to the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 through the network interface 11 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The network interface 11 may be wired with respect to the network 7 or may be wirelessly connected.

  The power supply unit 12 shifts the energization state of the pull print server 2 from the normal energization state to the power saving state based on an instruction from the control unit 10, or conversely restores the pull print server 2 from the power saving state to the normal energization state. It is a processing unit that controls the power supply circuit so as to be.

  The storage device 15 is composed of, for example, a hard disk device. The storage device 15 also includes a print job storage unit 15a as a storage area for storing the print job 25. That is, when the print job storage unit 15a is designated as the transmission destination of the print job 25 output from the information processing apparatus 3, the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a. When the energized state of the pull print server 2 shifts to the power saving state, power supply to the storage device 15 is cut off. Therefore, in the power saving state, various information cannot be written to or read from the storage device 15. Therefore, when the control unit 10 performs a write operation or a read operation on the storage device 15 in the power saving state, first, a process of returning the energized state from the power saving state to the normal energized state is performed. .

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 10 in the present embodiment. The control unit 10 functions as the management unit 31, the energization control unit 33, and the output control unit 34 when the above-described CPU 10 a executes the program 16. The management unit 31 includes a setting unit 32. In the control unit 10, at least the management unit 31 and the energization control unit 33 are configured to be able to operate even when the energization state of the pull print server 2 is the power saving state. Hereinafter, the configuration of each processing unit will be described.

  The management unit 31 is a processing unit that manages the received print job 25. For example, when the transmission destination of the received print job 25 is the print job storage unit 15a, the management unit 31 stores the print job 25 in the print job storage unit 15a. On the other hand, when the destination of the received print job 25 is the predetermined image processing apparatus 5, the management unit 31 outputs the print job 25 to the output control unit 34. The management unit 31 also performs processing related to setting of a standby time until the energization state of the pull print server 2 shifts from the normal energization state to the power saving state. This process will be described later.

  The energization control unit 33 is a processing unit that gives various instructions to the power supply unit 12 (FIG. 4). For example, when the energization state of the pull print server 2 is the normal energization state, the energization control unit 33 shifts the energization state from the normal energization state to the power saving state as a preset standby time elapses. Instruct the power supply unit 12 as follows. The energization control unit 33 receives the print job 25 from the information processing apparatus 3 when the energization state of the pull print server 2 is the power saving state, or from the image processing apparatus 5. By receiving the pull print request, the power supply unit 12 is instructed to return the energized state from the power saving state to the normal energized state.

  The output control unit 34 is a processing unit that distributes the print job 25 to each information processing apparatus 3 and transmits it. That is, when the output control unit 34 receives the print job 25 from the management unit 31, the output control unit 34 transmits the print job 25 to the designated transmission destination. When the output control unit 34 receives a pull print request from the image processing apparatus 5 in the case where the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the print job stored in the print job storage unit 15a. 25 is specified, and the print job 25 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 5.

  The storage device 15 is provided with the above-described print job storage unit 15a. Further, the storage device 15 stores setting information 17 recorded when setting the standby time. This setting information 17 will be described later. Hereinafter, processing executed by each processing unit will be described.

  The control unit 10 performs processing for setting a standby time as the energization state of the pull print server 2 returns from the power saving state to the normal energization state. When the energization state of the pull print server 2 returns from the power saving state to the normal energization state, the management unit 31 first functions. The management unit 31 starts processing for specifying one of the information processing device 3 and the image processing device 5 as a monitoring target. That is, when the print job 25 is not yet stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the management unit 31 specifies the information processing apparatus 3 as a monitoring target, and the print job 25 is already stored in the print job storage unit 15a. If it is, the image processing device 5 is specified as a monitoring target. As a result, it is possible to identify one of the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 that is more likely to transmit / receive the print job 25.

  When the monitoring target is specified by the management unit 31, the setting unit 32 included in the management unit 31 functions next. The setting unit 32 is a processing unit that sets a standby time. That is, in this embodiment, the standby time is set based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored. As a result, the energized state of the pull print server 2 cannot be shifted to the power saving state for a long time as the startup time of the information processing apparatus 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored extends for a long time. Can be prevented. For example, when the information processing apparatus 3 is the monitoring target, the pull print server 2 cannot shift to the power saving state at any time while the information processing apparatus 3 is in the activated state, and the standby power for a long time. Will be consumed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the above problems by shifting the energized state of the pull print server 2 to the power saving state after the standby time has elapsed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the standby time is not set and the information processing apparatus 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored is simply not activated, the energization state of the pull print server 2 is changed from the normal energization state. You may make it transfer to a power saving state.

  Prior to setting the standby time, the setting unit 32 first acquires the number of information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored as described below. For example, when the monitoring target is the information processing device 3, the setting unit 32 determines whether or not a communication connection is established with each information processing device 3 at regular intervals, and the communication connection is established. The IP address of the information processing apparatus 3 is registered in a predetermined table. The setting unit 32 acquires the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 by referring to the table.

  The setting unit 32 can perform the same processing as described above when acquiring the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5. Further, for example, the setting unit 32 may periodically transmit status information regarding the activation state from each image processing apparatus 5 and obtain the number of activated units by receiving the status information. Further, the following configuration is also possible. For example, in a general office, an authentication server for performing user authentication for the image processing apparatus 5 may be installed. The authentication server normally stores authentication information such as a password for each user, and logs in the image processing apparatus 5 by comparing the authentication information with authentication information input to the image processing apparatus 5. Allow. Therefore, the management unit 31 periodically queries the authentication server for the login state, and when there is an image processing apparatus 5 in the login state, the management unit 31 determines that the image processing apparatus 5 is in the activated state, and the image processing apparatus The number of 5 is acquired as the startup number. However, the method for acquiring the number of activated devices is not limited to the above example, and other methods may be used.

  When the number of activated devices to be monitored is acquired as described above, the setting unit 32 sets the standby time based on the number of activated devices. At this time, the present embodiment is configured to increase the standby time as the number of monitored devices increases, and to shorten the standby time as the number of monitored devices decreases. For example, when the number of times the pull print server 2 transmits / receives a print job 25 to / from the one monitoring target device is N times as an expected value per unit time while one monitoring target device is activated In a state where M devices (where M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) are activated, the number of times the pull print server 2 performs transmission / reception of the print job 25 per unit time is (M × N) times. Become.

  Therefore, the smaller the number of monitored devices that are activated, the smaller the number of transmissions / receptions of the print job 25 that the pull print server 2 performs per unit time. In other words, the time interval at which the pull print server 2 transmits and receives the print job 25 tends to increase as the number of monitoring target devices decreases. In such a case, if the standby time is lengthened, a period in which standby power is consumed wastefully without transmission / reception of the print job 25 in the pull print server 2 may occur. For this reason, in this embodiment, by setting the standby time to be shorter as the number of monitored devices starts up, standby power is consumed wastefully without the print job 25 being transmitted and received in the pull print server 2. To prevent it.

  On the other hand, when the number of monitoring target devices increases, the number of times of transmission / reception of the print job 25 performed by the pull print server 2 per unit time also increases. In other words, as the number of monitored devices increases, the time interval at which the pull print server 2 transmits and receives the print job 25 tends to be shorter. In such a case, if the waiting time is shortened, the energized state is shifted to the power saving state or returned to the normal energized state while the pull print server 2 frequently transmits and receives the print job 25. In other words, a large amount of power may be consumed when returning from the power saving state to the normal energization state. For this reason, in this embodiment, by setting the standby time longer as the number of monitored devices increases, it is possible to suppress frequent return operations in the pull print server 2 and to waste the return. Prevents excessive power consumption.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the standby time is increased or decreased based on the number of information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored, so that the above-described problems can be avoided efficiently. Power consumption can be saved. However, it is not always necessary to determine the length of the standby time in proportion to the number of activated units. For example, if the number of activated units exceeds a certain number, the first waiting time is set. It may be a binary setting such as setting a second waiting time shorter than the time.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the energized state of the pull print server 2, the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3, and the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5 in time series. Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit 10 will be described in accordance with this time series with specific examples. For example, when the information processing device 3 is specified as a monitoring target, the setting unit 32 acquires the number of information processing devices 3 started as described above, and then performs the following processing. In FIG. 6, the timing at which the setting unit 32 acquires the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 is assumed to be timing T1. At timing T1, the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 is two in the illustrated example. When the setting unit 32 acquires the number of activated information processing devices 3, the setting unit 32 records the detection result in the setting information 17 stored in the storage device 15.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting information 17 recorded by the setting unit 32. The setting information 17 is information in which the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored and the standby time are recorded. That is, by referring to the setting information 17, the energization control unit 33 can acquire the standby time. In the setting information 17, only information regarding any one of the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored is recorded, and information regarding the other is not recorded. In FIG. 7, since the case where the monitoring target is the information processing apparatus 3 is illustrated, information regarding the image processing apparatus 5 is not recorded. Therefore, when the monitoring target is the image processing apparatus 5, the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5 and the standby time are recorded, and information regarding the information processing apparatus 3 is not recorded.

  When the setting unit 32 records the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3, the setting unit 32 calculates a standby time based on the number of activated information processing units and further records it in the setting information 17. The standby time for the number of activated units is determined in advance, for example, 5 minutes per unit. Accordingly, when two information processing apparatuses 3 are activated, the setting unit 32 calculates the standby time as 10 minutes and records the calculation result in the setting information 17. Thereby, the standby time is set. It should be noted that how to determine the standby time per number of activated units is arbitrary, but if it is too long, the set standby time is long and the pull print server 2 consumes much standby power. It is preferably about 1 to 10 minutes per vehicle. Further, the standby time per unit may be different between the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the standby time is set at the timing T1 as described above, the setting unit 32 functions again and the energization control unit 33 functions. The setting unit 32 monitors whether or not a change occurs in the number of information processing devices 3 to be monitored. On the other hand, the energization control unit 33 monitors whether the standby time has elapsed. That is, the energization control unit 33 monitors the setting information 17 stored in the storage device 15 in the normal energization state, and when the standby time is newly written in the setting information 17 by the setting unit 32, the standby time is set. A time counting operation for counting is started, and it is monitored whether or not a standby time has elapsed from the start of the time measuring operation. Such a timing operation is interrupted when the standby time recorded in the setting information 17 is updated by the setting unit 32. Then, the energization control unit 33 restarts the timing operation based on the updated standby time. At this time, the count value up to that time may be reset once, or the time counting operation may be resumed following the previous count value.

  Before the standby time set at timing T1 elapses, at timing T2, the setting unit 32 detects that the number of activated information processing devices 3 has increased from two to five, for example. When detecting the change in the number of activated units, the setting unit 32 updates the setting information 17 by recording the new number of activated units and the standby time in the setting information 17 in the same manner as described above. When setting the standby time at the timing T <b> 2, the setting unit 32 monitors whether or not the activation state of the information processing device 3 is changed again. The energization control unit 33 monitors whether or not the standby time after resetting has elapsed.

  The setting unit 32 updates the setting information 17 not only when the number of activated units increases as described above but also when the number of activated units decreases. For example, before the standby time set at timing T2 elapses, the setting unit 32 detects that the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 has decreased from five to three, for example, at timing T3. In this case, the setting unit 32 updates the setting information 17 in the same manner as described above based on the decreased number of activated units.

  When the standby time is not reset before the standby time set at timing T3 has elapsed, that is, when the number of activated information processing devices 3 to be monitored does not change. The power supply unit 12 is instructed to shift the energization state from the current normal energization state to the power saving state as the standby time elapses. Then, in accordance with the instruction from the energization control unit 33, the power supply unit 12 shifts the energization state of the pull print server 2 from the normal energization state to the power saving state, for example, at timing T4.

  In the above description, the information processing apparatus 3 is taken as an example, and the case where the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 increases and decreases is illustrated. Similarly, when the monitoring target is the image processing device 5, the control unit 10 performs the same processing as described above based on the number of activated image processing devices 5. In the following, with reference to FIG. 6, the image processing device 5 is taken as an example, and processing when the number of activated image processing devices 5 is zero is exemplified. However, even when the monitoring target is the information processing apparatus 3, the control unit 10 performs the same processing as described below.

  For example, it is assumed that the management unit 31 receives a pull print request from the image processing device 5 when the print job 25 is stored and the energization state of the pull print server 2 is in the power saving state. . In this case, first, the energization control unit 33 instructs the power supply unit 12 to return the energization state from the power saving state to the normal energization state. Then, the power supply unit 12 returns the energization state of the pull print server 2 from the power saving state to the normal energization state in accordance with an instruction from the energization control unit 33. As a result, the pull print server 2 returns to the normal energized state.

  When the energization state of the pull print server 2 returns from the power saving state to the normal energization state, the management unit 31 performs processing for specifying the monitoring target. That is, in this case, since the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the management unit 31 specifies the image processing apparatus 5 as a monitoring target. Then, when the image processing apparatus 5 is specified as a monitoring target, the setting unit 32 acquires the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5. At this time, a timing at which the setting unit 32 detects the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5 is defined as a timing T5.

  At timing T5, the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5 is three in the illustrated example. When the setting unit 32 acquires the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5, the setting unit 32 records the number of activated units and the standby time calculated based on the number of activated units in the setting information 17. When the standby time is set at the timing T5 as described above, the setting unit 32 monitors whether or not the activation state of the image processing apparatus 5 is changed. Further, the energization control unit 33 monitors whether or not the standby time has elapsed after the start of the timing operation as the standby time is recorded in the setting information 17.

  At timing T6, when the management unit 31 detects that, for example, the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5 has decreased from 3 to 0, the setting unit 32 sets the setting information 17 based on the detection result. The waiting time is updated to 0 minutes, for example. In this case, the energization control unit 33 determines that the standby time has elapsed and immediately instructs the power supply unit 12 to shift the energization state from the normal energization state to the power saving state. Then, the power supply unit 12 shifts the energization state of the pull print server 2 from the normal energization state to the power saving state. As a result, the energization control unit 33 shifts the energized state to the power saving state at the earliest timing as the monitoring target activation state becomes zero, so that power consumption can be efficiently saved.

  By the way, when the print job 25 is not stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the standby time is set based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 as described above. Once the standby time is set based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3, the print job 25 having the print job storage unit 15a as a transmission destination may be received. In this case, although the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the standby time based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 is set. In other words, the standby time based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 that is unlikely to receive the print job 25 is set, so that a problem may occur.

  As an example, a new print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a in a state in which a waiting time of 5 minutes is set as one information processing apparatus 3 is activated. Assume a case. In this case, if there is no change in the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3, the energized state shifts to the power saving state after 5 minutes. However, if the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5 is five at this time, there is a possibility that a total of five pull prints will be performed from each of all five activated image processing apparatuses 5, for example, once. There is. In this case, if pull printing is not performed all five times within 5 minutes after the standby time elapses, the pull print server 2 returns to the normal energized state again after the normal energized state shifts to the power saving state. Pull printing will be performed. However, it is considered that there is a low possibility that all five pull prints are actually performed within 5 minutes when the standby time elapses. That is, in this case, there is a high possibility that the pull print server 2 consumes extra power associated with returning to the normal energization state.

  Therefore, the control unit 10 performs processing as follows. That is, when the standby time is set based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 and the print job 25 is newly stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the management unit 31 sets the monitoring target as the previous information. The processing device 3 is changed to the image processing device 5. Next, the setting unit 32 acquires the number of activated image processing devices 5 specified as the monitoring target after the change. The setting unit 32 updates the setting information 17 by recording the number of activated units and the standby time calculated based on the number of activated units in the setting information 17. Thereby, an appropriate standby time based on the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5 is reset, so that power consumption can be efficiently saved.

  Contrary to the above, when the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a, after the standby time is set based on the activation state of the image processing apparatus 5, the print job is performed by performing the pull print. The print job 25 stored in the storage unit 15a may be deleted. In such a case, contrary to the above, the standby time based on the activation state of the image processing apparatus 5 is set even though the print job 25 is not stored in the print job storage unit 15a.

  Therefore, the control unit 10 performs processing as follows. In other words, the management unit 31 sets the monitoring target when all the print jobs 25 stored in the print job storage unit 15a are deleted after the standby time is set based on the activation state of the image processing apparatus 5. Is changed to the information processing apparatus 3. The setting unit 32 acquires the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 specified as the monitoring target after the change. The setting unit 32 updates the setting information 17 by recording the number of activated units and the standby time calculated based on the number of activated units in the setting information 17. As a result, an appropriate standby time based on the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 is reset, so that power consumption can be efficiently saved.

  As described above, the management unit 31 changes the presence or absence of the print job 25 in the print job storage unit 15a after the standby time is once set based on the activation state of the information processing device 3 or the image processing device 5 to be monitored. This is a configuration for changing the monitoring target as it occurs. Thereby, the setting unit 32 can set an appropriate standby time according to a change in the situation.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed in the control unit 10. Hereinafter, a processing procedure of processing executed in the control unit 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When power is turned on to the pull print server 2 or the energized state returns from the power saving state to the normal energized state (step S1), the control unit 10 starts processing. First, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a (step S2). When the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a (YES in step S2), the control unit 10 specifies the image processing apparatus 5 as a monitoring target (step S3), and the image processing apparatus 5 Is acquired (step S4). On the other hand, when the print job 25 is not stored in the print job storage unit 15a (NO in step S2), the control unit 10 specifies the information processing device 3 as a monitoring target (step S5), and the information processing device. 3 is acquired (step S6).

  Next, the control unit 10 records the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored in the setting information 17 (step S7). Further, the control unit 10 sets the standby time by calculating the standby time based on the number of activated units and recording it in the setting information 17 (step S8). When the standby time is set, the control unit 10 starts monitoring whether or not the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored changes, and starts a time measuring operation to wait for the standby time. Monitoring of whether or not has elapsed (step S9).

  When a change occurs in the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored (YES in step S10), the control unit 10 returns to step S7. On the other hand, when there is no change in the number of activated units (NO in step S10), the control unit 10 performs processing as follows. That is, the control unit 10 determines whether it is necessary to change the monitoring target from one of the information processing device 3 and the image processing device 5 to the other. That is, when the print job 25 is newly stored in the print job storage unit 15a in a state where the standby time is set based on the activation state of the information processing device 3, or the standby time is based on the activation state of the image processing device 5. If all the print jobs 25 have been deleted from the print job storage unit 15a in the set state, the control unit 10 determines that the monitoring target needs to be changed if any of the cases is satisfied ( YES in step S11). In that case, the control unit 10 returns to step S2.

  Further, the control unit 10 is in a state in which the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored has not changed (NO in step S10), and in a state in which it is not determined that the monitoring target needs to be changed (step S10). (NO in S11), processing is performed as follows. That is, when the standby time set by the setting unit 32 has elapsed (YES in step S12), the control unit 10 shifts the energized state from the normal energized state to the power saving state (step S13). Further, the control unit 10 periodically repeats steps S10 and S11 at a predetermined timing until the standby time elapses (NO in step S12). As described above, the process executed in the control unit 10 ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the pull print server 2 specifies the image processing apparatus 5 as a monitoring target and print job storage unit 15a. When the print job 25 is not stored, the information processing apparatus 3 is specified as a monitoring target. As a result, it is possible to identify one of the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 that is more likely to transmit / receive the print job 25. Since the pull print server 2 shifts the energized state from the normal energized state to the power saving state based only on the activation state that is more likely to be transmitted / received of the print job 25, the power consumption of the pull print server is improved. You can save well.

  That is, when attempting to shift the energization state of the pull print server 2 to the power saving state, it is assumed that the activation state of the information processing device 3 and the image processing device 5 that is less likely to transmit / receive the print job 25 In consideration of this, while the lower possibility is activated, the energized state of the pull print server 2 cannot be shifted to the power saving state for any time. In this case, the pull print server 2 consumes standby power unnecessarily. Therefore, the pull print server 2 considers only the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 that is more likely to transmit / receive the print job 25 and does not consider the other activation state. It is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of standby power.

  Further, since the pull print server 2 shifts the energized state from the normal energized state to the power saving state based on the activation state that is more likely to be transmitted / received of the print job 25, as described below, the power saving state The possibility of repeating the transition to the normal energization state and the return to the normal energized state can be reduced. As a result, power consumption associated with the return of the energized state from the power saving state to the normal energized state can be saved.

  FIG. 9A shows a case where the energized state is shifted from the normal energized state to the power saving state without taking into account the virtually assumed startup state where the transmission / reception of the print job 25 is likely to be performed. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating the power consumption by area ratio, and FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating the power consumption of the pull print server 2 according to the present embodiment by area ratio.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the energized state is shifted from the normal energized state to the power saving state without considering the activation state that is more likely to be transmitted / received of the print job 25, the power saving state is entered. And the return to the normal energized state may be repeated frequently. For example, if the energized state is shifted to the power saving state because the one that is less likely to send / receive the print job 25 is not in the activated state, the print job 25 is transmitted / received from the other in the activated state. Accordingly, the return operation to the normal energized state is frequently performed.

  When returning the energized state from the power saving state to the normal energized state, for example, until the start of the hard disk is completed, a relatively large amount of electric power is consumed at the start of driving the motor, for example, for operating the hard disk. It will be. The power consumption in that case is assumed to be W1, for example. Then, for example, the energized state shifts from the normal energized state to the power saving state in accordance with the fact that the one that is less likely to transmit / receive the print job 25 is not in the activated state. The power consumption in the normal energization state until the transition to the power saving state is, for example, W2. If the transition to the power saving state and the return to the normal energization state are repeated four times at relatively short intervals, power that is four times the power consumption corresponding to W1 and W2 is consumed. It becomes the power consumption of ~ W14.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the pull print server 2 sets the energization state to the normal energization based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 that is more likely to transmit / receive the print job 25. Transition from state to power saving state. As a result, the pull print server 2 is energized when the one that is more likely to perform transmission / reception of the print job 25 is activated regardless of the activation state that is less likely to perform transmission / reception of the print job 25. It is possible not to shift the state to the power saving state for a relatively long time. Therefore, when the print job 25 is transmitted and received in the power saving state as described above, it is not necessary to consume extra power associated with the return of the energized state from the power saving state to the normal energized state. That is, in FIG. 9B, the pull print server 2 can save power consumption by W3, W7, and W11 as compared with the virtual configuration in FIG. 9A. Such a configuration is particularly effective in a case where pull printing is performed a plurality of times in a relatively short time, for example, immediately before a meeting.

  In this embodiment, the standby time is set based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored. According to such a configuration, since the standby time is considered in addition to the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 or the image processing apparatus 5, the power consumption of the pull print server can be efficiently saved. That is, if an attempt is made to control the energization state of the pull print server 2 based only on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 or image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored, the information processing apparatus 3 or image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored is activated. Even when the operating time is extended for a long time, the normal energization state of the pull print server 2 cannot be shifted to the power saving state. In this case, the pull print server 2 consumes much standby power. According to the above configuration of the present embodiment, the pull print server 2 shifts the energized state to the power saving state after the standby time has elapsed, so that it is possible to prevent the standby power from being consumed for a long time. it can. Such a configuration is particularly effective, for example, when the information processing apparatus 3 performs processing not intended for print output for a long time.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the standby time is set based on the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored. According to such a configuration, the standby time can be appropriately set according to the number of information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the setting unit 32 sets the standby time longer as the number of information processing devices 3 or image processing devices to be monitored increases, and the information processing device 3 or image processing device to be monitored. This is a configuration in which the standby time is set shorter as the number of 5 decreases.

  According to such a configuration, since the standby time is set longer as the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 increases, the information processing apparatus is in the power saving state as described above. 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 can reduce the possibility of requesting transmission / reception of the print job 25. Accordingly, the pull print server 2 can prevent excessive power consumption associated with returning from the power saving state to the normal energization state. Further, since the pull print server sets the standby time to be shorter as the number of information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 decreases, the pull print server 2 consumes standby power unnecessarily as described above. This can be prevented.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a change occurs in the number of activated information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 that are monitored, the pull print server 2 resets the standby time based on the number of activated activations after the change. It is the structure to do.

  According to such a configuration, power consumption can be efficiently saved. For example, the image processing apparatus 5 is activated at a relatively early timing after a standby time of, for example, 25 minutes has been set due to the five activation states of the image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored. Assume that it is detected that the state has decreased to one. In this case, the pull print server 2 resets the waiting time to, for example, 5 minutes based on the number of activated units after the change. As a result, the standby time that was originally 25 minutes is shortened to 5 minutes at a relatively early timing, so that standby power can be saved accordingly.

  In the present embodiment, the management unit 31 prints after the standby time is set based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 to be monitored and before the standby time elapses. When there is a change in the presence or absence of the print job 25 in the job storage unit 15a, the monitoring target is changed from one of the information processing apparatus 3 and the image processing apparatus 5 to the other. The setting unit 32 is configured to reset the standby time based on the activated state of the information processing apparatus 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 after the change.

  According to such a configuration, the pull print server 2 once sets the standby time based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3 or the image processing apparatus 5 specified as the monitoring target, and then prints in the print job storage unit 15a. As the presence or absence of the job 25 changes, the monitoring target is changed and the standby time is reset, so that an appropriate standby time can be set according to the situation change.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating processing executed by the control unit 10 in the second embodiment. In the following description, the description of the same components as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  The pull print server 2 includes an image data storage unit 41a for storing image data 41 in addition to the above-described print job storage unit 15a. In this case, a process opposite to the pull print described above may be performed. That is, when acquiring the image data 41 obtained by scanning, the image processing apparatus 5 transmits the transmission destination of the image data 41 as the image data storage unit 41a based on an instruction from the user. When receiving the image data 41 whose destination is the image data storage unit 41a, the management unit 31 stores the image data 41 in the image data storage unit 41a. When receiving a transmission request for the image data 41 from the information processing apparatus 3, the output control unit 34 transmits the image data 41 to the information processing apparatus 3. In this case, the output control unit 34 functions as an image output unit. In the case of being configured as described above, the management unit 31 specifies the monitoring target as follows.

  When the image data 41 is not yet stored in the image data storage unit 41a, no transmission request for the image data 41 is received from the information processing apparatus 3. Therefore, since the possibility of receiving the image data 41 from the image processing device 5 is higher than the possibility of receiving a transmission request for the image data 41 from the information processing device 3, the standby time is set to the activation state of the image processing device 5. It is preferable to set based on this. In addition, even when the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15 a as described above, the standby time is preferably set based on the activation state of the image processing apparatus 5. Therefore, the management unit 31 sets the image processing apparatus 5 in a state where the image data 41 is not yet stored in the image data storage unit 41a and the print job 25 is already stored in the print job storage unit 15a. Identify as a monitoring target.

  On the other hand, when the image data 41 is already stored in the image data storage unit 41a, it is considered that the user makes a transmission request for the image data 41 from the information processing apparatus 3 at a relatively early timing. That is, in this case, there is a higher possibility of receiving a transmission request for the image data 41 from the information processing device 3 than a possibility of receiving the image data 41 from the image processing device 5 that is irregularly performed within a certain time. it is conceivable that. Therefore, the standby time is preferably set based on the activation state of the information processing device 3. Further, as described above, even when the print job 25 is not stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the standby time is preferably set based on the activation state of the information processing apparatus 3. Therefore, when the image data 41 is already stored in the image data storage unit 41a and the print job 25 is not yet stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the management unit 31 switches the information processing apparatus 3 to the information processing apparatus 3. Identify as a monitoring target.

  By the way, when the image data 41 is not yet stored in the image data storage unit 41a and the print job 25 is not stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the print job 25 is received from the information processing apparatus 3. And the possibility of receiving the image data 41 from the image processing device 5 makes it difficult to attach. Similarly, when the image data 41 is already stored in the image data storage unit 41a and the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the image data 41 is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3. The possibility of receiving a request and the possibility of receiving a request for transmission of a print job 25 from the image processing apparatus 5, that is, a pull print request, are difficult to attach.

  In such a case, the management unit 31 specifies the monitoring target based on whether or not the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a. That is, when the image data 41 is not yet stored in the image data storage unit 41a and the print job 25 is not stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the management unit 31 monitors the information processing apparatus 3. Identify as a target. On the other hand, when the image data 41 is already stored in the image data storage unit 41a and the print job 25 is also stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the management unit 31 stores the image processing device 5 in the state. Identify as a monitoring target. By specifying the monitoring target in this way, the management unit 31 can specify the monitoring target based only on whether or not the print job 25 is stored, regardless of whether or not the image data 41 is stored. become able to. Therefore, for example, the processing becomes simpler than the complicated setting of conditions, and the processing efficiency is improved.

  When the monitoring target is specified, the setting unit 32 acquires the number of information processing apparatuses 3 or image processing apparatuses 5 to be monitored as described above, and sets the standby time based on the number of startups. Then, when the standby time set by the setting unit 32 has elapsed, the energization control unit 33 shifts the energization state of the pull print server 2 from the normal energization state to the power saving state via the power supply unit 12.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the pull print server 2 includes the image data storage unit 41 a that stores the image data 41 transmitted from the image processing apparatus 5. When the print job 25 is not stored in the print job storage unit 15a and the image data 41 is not stored in the image data storage unit 41a, the management unit 31 specifies the information processing apparatus 3 as a monitoring target. It is the structure to do. The management unit 31 sets the image processing apparatus 5 as a monitoring target when the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a and the image data 41 is stored in the image data storage unit 41a. It is a specific configuration.

  According to such a configuration, the pull print server 2 can shift the energized state to the power saving state even when the pull print server 2 has a configuration for storing the image data 41, thereby saving power consumption. Can do. Further, as described above, the pull print server 2 can specify the monitoring target based on whether or not the print job 25 is stored regardless of whether or not the image data 41 is stored. Processing efficiency is improved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to the content mentioned above, A various modification is applicable.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the print job 25 is stored in the print job storage unit 15a, the length of the standby time is set based on the number of activated image processing apparatuses 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the standby time may be set based on the number of print jobs 25 stored in the print job storage unit 15a. That is, when the number of print jobs 25 stored in the print job storage unit 15a is large, the possibility of receiving a pull print request from the image processing apparatus 5 increases accordingly.

  For example, even when only one image processing apparatus 5 is activated, when a plurality of print jobs 25 are stored in the print job storage unit 15a, a plurality of users from the image processing apparatus 5 There is a possibility of receiving multiple pull print requests. Therefore, by setting the standby time based on the number of print jobs 25 stored in the print job storage unit 15a, a pull print request is received after the pull print server 2 shifts to the power saving state. Can be prevented. Specifically, the setting unit 32 sets the waiting time corresponding to one print job 25 as 1 to 10 minutes, for example. Then, the setting unit 32 monitors whether or not the number of print jobs 25 stored in the print job storage unit 15a is changed. When the number of print jobs 25 is changed, the changed print job 25 is displayed. Reset the waiting time based on the number of. Further, the following configuration is also possible. That is, when the monitoring target is the image processing device 5, the setting unit 32 calculates a standby time based on the number of activated image processing devices 5 and a standby time based on the number of stored print jobs 25. Then, the setting unit 32 selects one of them based on, for example, length, takes an average value, and sets it as the standby time. Even with the above configuration, the power consumption of the pull print server 2 can be efficiently saved.

  Moreover, although the case where the structure which controls the electricity supply state of the pull print server 2 was mounted in the pull print server 2 was illustrated in the said description, it is not restricted to this. That is, the configuration for controlling the energization state of the pull print server 2 only needs to be provided in the pull print system 1, and may be implemented in, for example, the information processing device 3 or the image processing device 5. The information processing device 3 and the image processing device 5 may be mounted on a control device configured as a separate body. The configuration for controlling the energization state of the pull print server 2 may be incorporated in a plurality of devices included in the pull print system 1 in a distributed manner.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pull print system 2 Pull print server 3 Information processing apparatus 5 Image processing apparatus 15 Storage apparatus 15a Print job storage part (print job storage means)
25 Print Job 31 Management Unit (Management Unit, Storage Control Unit)
32 Setting part (setting means)
33 Energization control unit (energization control means)
34 Output control unit (output control means, image output means)
41 image data 41a image data storage unit (image data storage means)

Claims (10)

A pull print server connected to the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus via a network so as to be communicable,
Print job storage means for storing a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Output control means for transmitting a print job stored in the print job storage means to the image processing apparatus based on a request from the image processing apparatus;
The image processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target when a print job is stored in the print job storage unit, and the information processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target when a print job is not stored in the print job storage unit Management means to
An energization control unit that shifts the energization state from a normal energization state to a power saving state based on a startup state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus specified as a monitoring target by the management unit;
A pull print server comprising: And a setting unit configured to set a waiting time until the energization state of the pull print server shifts from a normal energization state to a power saving state based on a startup state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus to be monitored. ,
2. The pull print server according to claim 1, wherein the energization control unit shifts the energized state from a normal energized state to a power saving state as the standby time set by the setting unit elapses.   3. The pull print server according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit acquires the number of activated information processing apparatuses or image processing apparatuses to be monitored, and sets a standby time based on the number of activated apparatuses.   4. The pull print server according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit sets the standby time to be longer as the number of activated units increases.   The setting means resets the waiting time based on the number of activated units after the change, if the number of activated units has changed after the waiting time has been set and before the waiting time has elapsed. 5. The pull print server according to claim 3, wherein the pull print server. The management means sets the monitoring target as the information processing apparatus when a change occurs in the presence or absence of a print job in the print job storage means after the standby time is set and before the standby time elapses. And any one of the image processing devices is changed to the other,
6. The pull according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit resets a standby time based on an activation state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus to be monitored after the change. Print server. Image data storage means for storing image data transmitted from the image processing device;
Image output means for transmitting image data stored in the image data storage means to the information processing apparatus based on a request from the information processing apparatus;
The pull print server according to claim 1, further comprising: An information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and a pull print server are connected via a network so that they can communicate with each other.
Storage control means for storing a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus in a predetermined storage device;
Output control means for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a print job stored in the storage device based on a request from the image processing apparatus;
Management that identifies the image processing apparatus as a monitoring target when a print job is stored in the storage device, and identifies the information processing apparatus as a monitoring target when no print job is stored in the print job storage unit Means,
An energization control unit that shifts the energization state of the pull print server from a normal energization state to a power saving state based on an activation state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus specified as a monitoring target by the management unit;
A pull print system comprising: A pull print method that is executed in a pull print server that is communicably connected to an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus via a network,
The pull print server
Print job storage means for storing a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Output control means for transmitting a print job stored in the print job storage means to the image processing apparatus based on a request from the image processing apparatus;
This pull printing method comprises
(A) The image processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target when a print job is stored in the print job storage unit, and the information processing apparatus is monitored when a print job is not stored in the print job storage unit A step to identify as a target;
(B) monitoring an activation state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus specified as a monitoring target in the step (a);
(C) transitioning the energized state from the normal energized state to the power saving state based on the step (b);
A pull printing method comprising: A program executed in a pull print server communicably connected to an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus via a network, wherein the pull print server is
Storage control means for storing a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus in a predetermined storage device;
Output control means for transmitting a print job stored in the storage device to the image processing device based on a request from the image processing device;
A management unit that identifies the image processing apparatus as a monitoring target when a print job is stored in the storage device, and identifies the information processing apparatus as a monitoring target when the print job is not stored in the storage device;
An energization control unit that shifts the energization state from a normal energization state to a power saving state based on a startup state of the information processing apparatus or the image processing apparatus specified as a monitoring target by the management unit;
A program characterized by functioning as

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