JP2020142531A - Printing apparatus, printing system, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of the power saving by properly allocating a printing apparatus that is always connected to a cloud service.SOLUTION: A compound machine 106, when establishing communication with a cloud print service 102, becomes the communication state that is always connected for alive monitoring or the like from the cloud print service 102, when trying to shift into the power-saving mode without receiving an instruction of a printing request or the like, requests another compound machine 106 to substitute for such communication state, when the other compound machine 106 that can substitute exists, transmits credential information for communication with the cloud print service 102 to the target compound machine 106, cuts off communication with the cloud print service 102 and shifts to the power-saving mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to communication control relating to a printing apparatus.

Recently, a print service that links a printing device and a cloud service is being used for the purpose of improving convenience.

In this print service, the administrator registers the printing device with the print service, and the user connects to the print service of the cloud service via a browser using the terminal, and the PDF file is sent to the printing device registered in the print service. And data such as images are sent to generate a print job.

Then, the print service converts the data received from the terminal into a data format (PDF or the like) that can be used by the printing device, and notifies the printing device that the data exists to the event.

The printing device acquires the ID for data download from the received event, acquires the actual data from the print service, and the printing device executes printing while updating the status of the print job on the print service.

Communication between this cloud service and the printing device uses methods such as WebSocket and XMPP.

Both communication means are premised on constant connection between the cloud service and the printing device, and the printing device cannot transition to the power saving mode because the cloud service side regularly monitors the life and death of the printing device. ..

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, a printing device that always connects to a cloud service that takes the place of another printing device is determined, and the other printing device transitions to the sleep state and always connects. When the printing device is notified that a printing job of another printing device has been submitted, the printing device that is always connected notifies the other printing device to that effect, and the printing device that receives the notification is notified. , There is a technique for releasing the sleep state and printing the print job (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-20084

However, the invention of Patent Document 1 determines whether or not to use itself as a constantly connected printing device by observing the connection status between another printing device in the LAN and the cloud service when registering the printing device in the cloud service. Is judging.

Therefore, there is a risk that the printing devices that are always connected will be determined in the order in which the printing devices are registered in the cloud service, and the printing devices that are not normally used are determined as the printing devices that are always connected. It is inefficient because power saving should be actively carried out.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing device, a printing system, a control method, and a program capable of improving the efficiency of power saving by appropriately allocating a printing device that is always connected to a cloud service. And.

The present invention for achieving the above object is a printing device that is always connected to an information processing device, and is a transition means for transitioning the printing device to a normal mode and a power saving mode that is a mode that saves more power than the normal mode. And, when transitioning to the power saving mode by the transition means, a confirmation means for confirming another printing device capable of performing communication with the information processing device on behalf of the transfer means, and a proxy confirmed by the confirmation means. A printing device capable of communicating includes a communication means that is always connected to the information processing device on behalf of the printing device that transitions to the power saving mode.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power saving by appropriately allocating a printing device that is always connected to the loud service.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a printing system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware configuration of a multifunction device. It is a block diagram which shows the function of a multifunction device. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of a power saving mode transition of a multifunction device. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power saving mode restoration of a multifunction device. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the data structure which transmits to another multifunction device at the time of transition of a power saving mode. It is a block diagram which shows the function of a multifunction device. It is a flowchart which shows the process of canceling the proxy communication in the power saving mode of a multifunction device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the service selection screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a job list screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the setting information table.

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

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the printing system according to the present embodiment, and the printing system 100 is composed of a cloud print service 102, a LAN 104, a multifunction device 106, and a WAN 108.

The cloud print service 102 has a function of communicating with the multifunction device 106, issuing an event related to life-and-death determination and printing of the multifunction device 106, converting the data format into a data format that can be output by the multifunction device 106, and transmitting a print job.

The LAN 104 is a network in which a plurality of multifunction devices 106 exist, and two or more multifunction devices 106 are required to carry out the present invention.

The multifunction device 106 communicates with the cloud print service 102, receives a life-and-death determination, and executes printing based on an event. A plurality of multifunction devices 106 may exist on the LAN 104.

The WAN 108 enables communication between the cloud print service 102 and the multifunction device 106.

Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the multifunction device 106 as the information processing device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction device 106 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 216 is a controller unit, which is connected to a scanner unit 214 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 212 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, LAN 104 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (for example, LAN 104 shown in FIG. 1). For example, by connecting to WAN108) (for example, PSTN or ISDN shown in FIG. 1), image data and device information can be input / output.

In the controller unit 216, 201 is a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. Reference numeral 202 denotes a RAM, which is a system work memory for operating the CPU 201, a program memory for recording a program, and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a ROM, which stores a system boot program and various control programs. Reference numeral 204 denotes an external storage device (hard disk drive (HDD)), which stores various programs, image data, and the like for controlling the system.

Reference numeral 207 is an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F), which is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 208, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 208 to the operation unit 208.

Further, the operation unit I / F 207 plays a role of transmitting information (for example, user information and the like) input by the system user from the operation unit 208 to the CPU 201.

The operation unit 208 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by the user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a network interface (Network I / F), which connects to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. Reference numeral 206 denotes a modem (MODEM), which is connected to a public line to input / output data such as transmission / reception of FAX.

Reference numeral 218 is an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE1394, a printer port, and RS-232C, and a card reader 219 for reading an IC card required for authentication. It is connected to an external I / F 218.

Then, the CPU 201 controls the reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 219 via the external I / F 218, and can acquire the information read from the IC card.

The storage medium is not limited to the IC card and may be a storage medium capable of identifying the user. In this case, the storage medium stores identification information for identifying the user. This identification information may be a serial number of a storage medium or a user code given by the user in the company.
The above devices are arranged on the system bus 209.

Reference numeral 220 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 209 and the image bus 215 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

The image bus 215 is composed of a PCI bus or IEEE 1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 215.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a raster image processor (RIP), which expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a printer interface (printer I / F), which connects the printer unit 212 and the controller unit 216 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. Further, 213 is a scanner interface (scanner I / F), which connects the scanner unit 214 and the controller unit 216 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

Reference numeral 217 is an image processing unit, which corrects, processes, and edits the input image data, and corrects, converts the resolution, and the like on the print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 217 performs compression / decompression processing of image data, JPEG for multi-valued image data, and JBIG, MMR, MH, etc. for binary image data.

The scanner unit 214 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor to convert it into an electric signal as raster image data. The manuscript paper is set in the tray of the manuscript feeder, and when the user of the device gives an instruction to read and start from the operation unit 208, the CPU 201 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 214, and the feeder feeds the manuscript paper one by one and reads the manuscript image. Do the action.

The printer unit 212 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper, and the method is an electrophotographic method using a photoconductor drum or a photoconductor belt, and ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array and directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used.

The start of the print operation is started by the instruction from the CPU 201. The printer unit 212 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding to the plurality of paper feed stages.

The operation unit 208 has an LCD display unit, a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD, displays the operation screen of the system, and when the displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F207. Is transmitted to the CPU 201 via.

Further, the operation unit 208 includes various operation keys such as a start key, a stop key, an ID key, and a reset key.

Here, the start key of the operation unit 208 is used when starting the reading operation of the original image. In the center of the start key, there is a two-color LED of green and red, and the color indicates whether the start key is ready for use.

Further, the stop key of the operation unit 208 functions to stop the operation during operation. Further, the ID key of the operation unit 208 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used to initialize the settings from the operation unit.

The card reader 219 reads the information stored in the IC card (for example, Sony's FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 201, and reads the read information via the external I / F 218. Notify the CPU 201.

FIG. 3 shows a block of each function of the multifunction device 106 in the present embodiment, and the multifunction device 106 mainly includes a cloud print service communication function 400 and a cloud print service communication proxy function 401. Each function will be described together with a flowchart described later.

The cloud print service communication function 400 includes a cloud print service communication start unit 402 and a cloud print service communication end unit 403.

The cloud print service communication start unit 402 has a function of establishing communication between the cloud print service 102 and the multifunction device 106, and this function enables transmission / reception of events and transmission / reception of print jobs between the two parties. Become.

The cloud print service communication termination unit 403 has a function of terminating the communication between the cloud print service 102 and the multifunction device 106.

The cloud print service communication proxy function 401 includes a proxy start request transmission unit 404, a proxy start request reception unit 405, a proxy communication information transmission unit 406, a proxy communication information reception unit 407, a proxy communication unit 408, and a power saving mode recovery unit 409. I have.

The proxy start request transmission unit 404 has a function of transmitting a packet to all the devices and the like existing in the same LAN 104 in order to search for the multifunction device 106 that can be in charge of communication with the cloud print service 102 on behalf of the proxy.

The proxy start request receiving unit 405 receives the request from the proxy start request transmitting unit 404, and returns to the transmission source that the communication with the cloud print service 102 can be represented.

Since this function may be received by each of a plurality of multifunction devices 106, a mechanism may be adopted in which a reply is sent after a random second after receiving the request in order to avoid traffic concentration.

The proxy communication information transmitting unit 406 operates when receiving a reply from the proxy start request receiving unit 405, and has a function of transmitting the credential information (details described later) necessary for communicating with the cloud print service 102.

If the multifunction device 106 is already in charge of communication with another multifunction device 106, the number of credential information to be transmitted may be plural.

Further, in order to keep the credential information securely, the public key may be set inside the reply of the proxy start request receiving unit 405, and this function may transmit the encrypted credential information using the public key.

The proxy communication information receiving unit 407 receives the request from the proxy communication information transmitting unit 406, analyzes the credential information, and prepares to proxy the communication with the cloud print service 102.

The proxy communication unit 408 has a function of actually communicating with the cloud print service 102. If this function cannot substitute for communication due to some kind of failure, a request for restoring the power saving mode of the multifunction device 106 to the normal mode may be sent to the source of the substitute start request.

The power saving mode means to maintain a state in which power consumption in the multifunction device 106 is suppressed as compared with the normal mode.

The power saving mode recovery unit 409 has a function of recovering from the power saving mode to the normal mode when receiving a communication having a predetermined structure, and a function of requesting recovery from another multifunction device 106, and has a power saving mode. After the restoration, the cloud print service communication start unit 402 enables the acquisition of events and print jobs again.

The event analysis unit 410 analyzes the content of the event received from the cloud print service 102, and analyzes whether the print request is made to itself or the other multifunction device 106. ..

The processing at the time of transition to the power saving mode of the multifunction device 106 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this process, it is assumed that the multifunction device A shifts to the power saving mode and the multifunction device B communicates with the cloud print service 102 on behalf of the device B.

In step S101, after the startup of the multifunction device A is completed, the cloud print service communication start unit 402 establishes communication with the cloud print service 102.

In step S102, the multifunction device A prepares for transitioning to the power saving mode when printing or an operation is not performed on the operation unit 208 for a certain period of time.

In this step, those that do not involve the voluntary operation of the multifunction device such as the life-and-death determination from the cloud print service 102 may be excluded.

In step S103, the multifunction device A confirms whether or not there is a multifunction device 106 that can be substituted on the same LAN 104 by the proxy start request transmission unit 404.

For example, confirmation is performed for each multifunction device 106 existing on the same LAN 104 by a communication method such as broadcast.

In step S104, after receiving the proxy request by the proxy start request receiving unit 405, the multifunction device B waits for a certain period of time in order to avoid concentration of traffic. Generates a public / private key that can communicate with the multifunction device A during standby.

In step S105, the multifunction device B communicates with the multifunction device A by setting the public key by the proxy start request receiving unit 405, and notifies the multifunction device A that the proxy is possible.

For example, the multifunction device for which a proxy is requested is mainly the one in the normal mode, but the one that prints within a predetermined time by looking at the print history of the self-confidence, and others. The printing frequency information may be acquired from the multifunction device that can be represented by the above, and the multifunction device 106 having the highest printing frequency may be used as a proxy.

Further, since the storage area shown in FIG. 6 to be described later has a capacity limit, it is possible to notify that the proxy is not possible if the storage area exceeds or is close to the limit.

In step S106, after receiving the communication that can be represented by the multifunction device B, the multifunction device A collects the credential information for having the communication with the cloud print service 102 performed on behalf of the storage area (FIG. 6).

In step S107, the multifunction device A transmits the credential information to the multifunction device B by the proxy communication information transmission unit 406. If the public key can be obtained at the timing of step S105, the credential information to be transmitted may be encrypted.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a storage area for storing credential information received by communicating with other devices in each multifunction device 106, and this storage area has, for example, a queue-like structure. ..

This storage area has, for example, a structure in which processing is performed in order from the previously stored information, and this information includes authentication information for communicating with the cloud print service 102 and a host name (IP) of the multifunction device 106 for communicating. Credential information including address) and printer ID (described later) is stored.

When the multifunction device 106 communicates with the cloud print service 102 on behalf of the other multifunction device 106, the multifunction device 106 also receives the communication with the other multifunction device 106 and stores it in this storage area.

Then, when it receives information such as a print request for the other multifunction device 106, it requests the other multifunction device 106 to recover from the power saving mode, and when it detects that the recovery has been performed, the request is made. Delete the credential information from the storage area.

Further, when the device itself transitions to the power saving mode, the transition is performed after transmitting the credential information stored in all the storage areas to the other multifunction device 106. In this step, all the credential information stored in its own storage area is transmitted to the multifunction device B.

The credential information for communicating with the cloud print service 102 by itself is stored in another storage area.

In step S108, the multifunction device A disconnects the communication with the cloud print service 102 by the cloud print service communication end unit 403. By performing such processing, the cloud print service 102 recognizes that the multifunction device A is in the offline state.

In step S109, the multifunction device A transitions to the power saving mode. If a response cannot be obtained from another multifunction device 106 for a certain period of time after the confirmation is performed in step S103, the transition to the power saving mode may not be performed.

In step S110, the multifunction device B uses the proxy communication information receiving unit 407 to decrypt the content encrypted with the public key received from the multifunction device A with the private key.

In step S111, the multifunction device B receives the credential information of the multifunction device A, and the cloud print service communication start unit 402 starts communication with the cloud print service 102 on behalf of the device B. As a result, the cloud print service 102 establishes proxy communication regarding the multifunction device A to the multifunction device B.

The process at the time of restoration of the power saving mode of the multifunction device 106 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this process, it is assumed that the multifunction device B recovers the multifunction device A from the power saving mode by using the event from the cloud print service 102 as a key.

In step S201, the proxy communication unit 408 of the multifunction device B receives the event from the cloud print service 102.

In step S202, the event analysis unit 410 of the multifunction device B analyzes the event received by the proxy communication unit 408.

In step S203, the event analysis unit 410 of the multifunction device B determines whether the content of the analyzed event is a print request to the multifunction device A communicating on behalf of the device, and if it is determined that the event is a print request to the multifunction device A, the event analysis unit 410 determines. The process proceeds to step S204, and if it is not determined that the print request is for the multifunction device A, the process ends.

For example, in the case of using a communication means such as XMPP (eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), a printer issued when the multifunction device 106 is registered in the cloud print service 102 in order to uniquely identify the multifunction device 106. Since the message including the ID is transmitted, it is possible to identify the multifunction device 106 for which the printing request has been made.

In step S204, the power saving mode recovery unit 409 of the multifunction device B communicates with the power saving mode recovery unit 409 based on the host name (IP address) of the multifunction device A, and transmits a request for recovery from the power saving mode. To do.

In step S205, the multifunction device B disconnects the proxy communication with the multifunction device A by the cloud print service communication termination unit 403. In addition, the credential information of the multifunction device A held inside the multifunction device B is deleted.

In step S206, the multifunction device A detects communication with the power saving mode recovery unit 409, and transitions from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

In step S207, the multifunction device A resumes communication with the cloud print service 102 by the cloud print service communication start unit 402.

In step S208, the multifunction device A acquires information about the print job from the cloud print service 102 and executes printing.

[Modification example]
Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described. In the modified example, when a processing instruction is directly given to the cloud print service 102 in the multifunction device in the power saving mode, the mode of canceling the proxy communication and communicating with the cloud print service 102 by itself will be described. Do.

In the modified example, since the same configuration and processing as the configuration and processing of the embodiment are performed, detailed description of the same processing and configuration is omitted by using the same reference numerals, and only different ones are described in detail. Give an explanation.

In this process, a processing instruction is given to the multifunction device A, which is in the power saving mode, and the proxy communication with the cloud print service 102 related to the multifunction device A is canceled in the multifunction device B communicating on the proxy. Is assumed.

FIG. 7 shows blocks for each function of the multifunction device 106, which is an improvement of the block diagram shown in FIG. Each function will be described together with a flowchart described later.

The multifunction device 106 includes a print function 500, and the print function 500 includes an authentication unit 501, a job information request unit 502, a storage unit 503, a display unit 504, and a print control unit 505.

The authentication unit 501 authenticates whether or not the user who uses the multifunction device 106 has the authority to use the multifunction device 106.

For example, authentication is performed by reading information that identifies a user from an IC card held by a card reader 219 and matching it with information of an available user provided by the card reader 219.

Alternatively, the authentication is performed by matching the information for identifying the user input by the operation unit 208 with the information of the available user provided in the operation unit 208.

If the authentication unit 501 authenticates and the user can use the multifunction device 106, and if the user is in the power saving mode, the power saving mode recovery unit 409 restores the power saving mode to the normal mode to save power. After the power mode is restored, the cloud print service communication start unit 402 enables the acquisition of events and print jobs again.

The job information request unit 502 establishes communication with the cloud print service 102 by the cloud communication start unit 402 when the mode for using the cloud print service is a list display among the setting information stored by the storage unit 503. Then, the cloud print service 102 is requested to have the print job information of the user authenticated by the authentication unit 501.

The storage unit 503 stores information regarding each set value for the multifunction device 106, and is configured to include, for example, the setting information table shown in FIG.

The setting information table is configured to include a setting key name indicating a key for identifying a setting value and a set setting value.

As an example of the set value, as a mode for using the cloud print service 102, when a print request is made to the cloud print service 102, a print job is sent to the output compound machine 106 to print. Direct printing to be performed, a list of print jobs stored in the cloud print service 102, a list display in which the user selects a print job displayed in the list and gives a print instruction, and use of the cloud print service 102. There is a mode such as invalid to stop.

These modes are set by the service selection screen (see FIG. 9) displayed on the operation unit 208 of the multifunction device 106, or when the communication with the cloud print service 102 is disconnected in step S108. Set invalid.

The service selection screen 600 is a screen for setting a mode for using the cloud print service 102, and is pressed when setting the selection field 601 to be pressed when setting direct printing as a setting value and the list display. It is provided with a selection field 602 for the purpose and a selection field 603 for pressing when setting invalidity, and it is possible to select one of the selection fields and press the setting button 604 to set. ..

The display unit 504 displays various screens on the operation unit 208, and receives an operation instruction from the user via these screens.

The print control unit 505 prints and outputs the print job submitted to itself to a recording medium such as paper by the printer unit 212.

Next, using the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, a process at the time of restoration of the power saving mode by operating the multifunction device 106 in the present embodiment will be described.

In step S301, the authentication unit 501 in the multifunction device A determines whether or not the multifunction device 106 can be used by the user, and if it is determined that the user can use the multifunction device 106, the user is made to log in.

As an example of the authentication method in this step, the identification information and ID stored in advance using the identification information recorded on the IC card for identifying the user and the user ID and password input by the operation unit 208 are used. And check the password, and if it matches, log in. However, the method is not limited to such an authentication method, and any mode may be used as long as the user is authenticated and logged in.

In step S302, the power saving mode recovery unit 409 in the multifunction device A transitions from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

In step S303, it is determined whether or not the display instruction of the service selection screen 600 has been accepted with respect to the menu screen or the like (not shown) displayed on the display unit 504 of the multifunction device A, and if it is determined that the instruction has been accepted, step S303. Proceed to process to S304.

In step S304, the service selection screen 600 is displayed by the display unit 504 in the multifunction device A, and in step S305, the selection field selected for the service selection screen 600 by the display unit 504 in the multifunction device A sets the list display. It is determined whether or not the selection field 602 is to be pressed at the time of pressing, and if it is determined to be the selection field 602, a list display is set for the print service use mode of the setting information table, and the process proceeds to step S306. If the process proceeds and the selection field 602 is not determined, the process proceeds to step S303.

In step S306, the power saving mode recovery unit 409 in the multifunction device A indicates to the multifunction device B that is performing proxy communication of the multifunction device A that the multifunction device A has recovered from the power saving mode to the normal mode. To send.

As an example of the method of specifying the multifunction device performing proxy communication, there is a method of specifying from the setting value for the multifunction device information being substituted in the setting information table, and this setting value can be substituted in step S106. Information that identifies the multifunction device that requests proxy communication is stored.

In step S307, the power saving mode recovery unit 409 in the multifunction device B receives the information transmitted from the multifunction device A in step S306.

In step S308, the cloud print service communication termination unit 403 of the multifunction device B stops the communication of the multifunction device A that received the request for canceling the proxy communication in step S307 to the cloud print service 102. In addition, the credential information of the multifunction device A held inside the multifunction device B is deleted.

In step S309, the cloud print service communication start unit 402 in the multifunction device A resumes communication with the cloud print service 102.

In step S310, the job information requesting unit 502 in the multifunction device A requests the cloud print service 102 for print job information of the user who logged in in step S301.

In step S311, the display unit 504 on the multifunction device A displays the job information received from the cloud print service 102 on the job list screen (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the job list screen 700, and corresponds to each print job among the print jobs displayed in the list display unit 701 and the list display unit 701 that display a list of print job information. A job selection field 702 for selecting a print job to be printed is provided. When the job selection field 702 is selected and the print button 703 is pressed, the print job for which the job selection field 702 is selected is printed.

In step S312, when the display unit 504 of the multifunction device A detects that the print button 703 is pressed on the job list screen 700, the print control unit 505 of the multifunction device A selects the job selection field 702. Print the print job on a recording medium.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power saving by appropriately allocating the printing device that is always connected to the cloud service.

The structure and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the structure and contents are various depending on the intended use and purpose.

Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a method, a program, a recording medium, or the like.

Further, the program in the present invention is a program in which a computer can execute the processing method of the flowchart shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device shown in FIG. 7.

As described above, a recording medium on which a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is recorded is supplied to the system or device, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device stores the program in the recording medium. Needless to say, the object of the present invention can be achieved by reading and executing.

In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

Recording media for supplying programs include, for example, flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, DVD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, EEPROMs, and silicon. A disk, solid state drive, etc. can be used.

Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the function of the above-described embodiment is realized, but also the OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer is actually operated based on the instruction of the program. Needless to say, there are cases where a part or all of the processing is performed and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment.

Further, the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then the function expansion board is based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that there are cases where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment.

It goes without saying that it can also be applied when it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or device. In this case, by reading the recording medium in which the program for achieving the present invention is stored into the system or device, the system or device can enjoy the effect of the present invention.

Further, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, or the like on the network by a communication program, the system or device can enjoy the effect of the present invention.

It should be noted that all the configurations in which each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof are combined are also included in the present invention.

100 Printing system 102 Cloud print service 104 LAN
106 Multifunction device 108 WAN

Claims (10)

A printing device that is always connected to an information processing device.
A transition means for transitioning the printing apparatus to the normal mode and the power saving mode, which is a power saving mode from the normal mode, and
A confirmation means for confirming another printing device capable of performing communication with the information processing device on behalf of the transition means when transitioning to the power saving mode by the transition means.
A printing device capable of proxy communication confirmed by the confirmation means always connects to the information processing device on behalf of the printing device transitioning to the power saving mode.
A printing device characterized by being equipped with. The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the confirmation means is confirmed after a random time has elapsed from each of the other printing devices capable of communicating with the information processing device on behalf of the information processing device. Printing equipment. When the printing device that is always connected to the information processing device as the proxy shifts to the power saving mode by the transition means, the printing device that can perform proxy communication confirmed by the confirmation means is saved. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing device transitioning to the power mode always connects to the information processing device on behalf of the printing device including the printing device that has performed proxy communication. A receiving means for receiving an operation instruction when communication is represented by the other printing device, and
When the operation instruction is received by the reception means, the instruction means for instructing the other printing device communicating on behalf of the printing device to always disconnect the connection, and
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the printing apparatus is provided with. When the processing performed by the operation instruction by the reception means performs processing that requires communication with the information processing apparatus, the instruction means always connects to the other printing apparatus communicating on behalf of the information processing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing device is instructed to be released. A printing system consisting of a printing device that is always connected to an information processing device.
The printing device is
A transition means for transitioning the printing apparatus to the normal mode and the power saving mode, which is a power saving mode from the normal mode, and
A confirmation means for confirming another printing device capable of performing communication with the information processing device on behalf of the transition means when transitioning to the power saving mode by the transition means.
A printing device capable of proxy communication confirmed by the confirmation means always connects to the information processing device on behalf of the printing device transitioning to the power saving mode.
A printing system characterized by being equipped with. A control method for a printing device that is always connected to an information processing device.
The printing device is
A transition step for transitioning the printing device to the normal mode and the power saving mode, which is a power saving mode from the normal mode, and
A confirmation step for confirming another printing device capable of communicating with the information processing device on behalf of the user when the transition to the power saving mode is performed by the transition step.
A communication step in which the printing device capable of proxy communication confirmed by the confirmation step always connects to the information processing device on behalf of the printing device transitioning to the power saving mode.
A method of controlling a printing apparatus, which comprises executing. A program that can be read and executed by a printing device that is always connected to an information processing device.
The printing device
A transition means for transitioning the printing apparatus to the normal mode and the power saving mode, which is a power saving mode from the normal mode, and
A confirmation means for confirming another printing device capable of performing communication with the information processing device on behalf of the transition means when transitioning to the power saving mode by the transition means.
A printing device capable of proxy communication confirmed by the confirmation means always connects to the information processing device on behalf of the printing device transitioning to the power saving mode.
A program to make it work. A control method for a printing system consisting of a printing device that is always connected to an information processing device.
The printing device is
A transition step for transitioning the printing device to the normal mode and the power saving mode, which is a power saving mode from the normal mode, and
A confirmation step for confirming another printing device capable of communicating with the information processing device on behalf of the user when the transition to the power saving mode is performed by the transition step.
A communication step in which the printing device capable of proxy communication confirmed by the confirmation step always connects to the information processing device on behalf of the printing device transitioning to the power saving mode.
A method of controlling a printing system, characterized by the execution of. A program that can be read and executed by a printing system consisting of a printing device that is always connected to an information processing device.
The printing device
A transition means for transitioning the printing apparatus to the normal mode and the power saving mode, which is a power saving mode from the normal mode, and
A confirmation means for confirming another printing device capable of performing communication with the information processing device on behalf of the transition means when transitioning to the power saving mode by the transition means.
A printing device capable of proxy communication confirmed by the confirmation means always connects to the information processing device on behalf of the printing device transitioning to the power saving mode.
A program to make it work.

Images