JP2023109526A - Printer and printing control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent excessive electric power from being consumed when printing data is not stored in a master machine.SOLUTION: A printer executes processing of at least either a master machine which provides printing data to an external printer, or a slave machine which acquires printing data from an external printer and prints the data. The printer comprises: a data storage part for storing printing data; a power saving control part for causing migration from a normal mode to a power saving mode when a migration condition is satisfied, and causing restoration to the normal mode when a restoration condition is satisfied; a communication circuit to which power supply is provided during the power saving mode, and which is restored to the normal mode when a query is received from the slave machine related to printing data and transmits a receipt notification to the power saving control part; and a printing control part which returns a response to the query. In the printer, when the power saving control part receives a query from the slave machine in migrating to the power saving mode in a state that printing data is not stored in the data storage part, the communication circuit is set to return a prescribed response instead of the receipt notification to the slave machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention has a function of performing processing of at least one of a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices and a child device that acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints them. The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing control method.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a printing system that eliminates the need for a dedicated print server by operating any one of them as a print server in an environment in which a plurality of printing apparatuses are communicably connected. A printing system that eliminates the need for a dedicated print server by operating any of the communicatively connected printing devices as a print server (master device) as described above is also called a print release function in this specification.

The flow of printing using the print release function is, for example, as follows. One of the plurality of printing apparatuses is set in advance as a parent machine. A user creates data to be printed with an information device. When the information device performs printing using the print release function, it sends the created print data (also called a print release job) to the parent device. The parent device receives the print release job sent from the information device and stores it in memory. As described above, after the print release job is stored in the printing device set as the parent device, the user goes to the printing device (slave device) that can output the print release job stored in the parent device. Then, the user selects a print release job to be printed using the operation unit of the slave device, and instructs execution of printing.

The slave device accesses the master device, acquires the print release job stored in the memory of the master device, and prints it. If the child machine is the same printing device as the parent machine, it prints the print release job stored in its own memory. As described above, by storing the print release job in the master device, it is possible to output the printout from any of the plurality of communicatively connected printing devices.

In addition, due to growing awareness of energy problems and the global environment, there is a demand for power saving in printing apparatuses, which are one type of electronic equipment. Along with the power saving of each element related to printing, the auto power shut-off function has become commonplace. The auto power shut-off function cuts off the power supply to each part of the printer, except for some parts, when the printer is not used for a specified period of time (for example, 5 minutes) to reduce power consumption in the standby state. It is a function to suppress. In addition, when the user's approach is detected, an operation on the operation unit is detected, or a document is set, power supply is started (restarted) and printing can be started from the power saving mode in normal mode. It is a function to shift to

However, if there is a function to print in cooperation with an external printing device, such as the print release function, it is possible to switch from normal mode to power saving mode, or from power saving mode to normal mode based only on the status of the machine itself. It becomes impossible to control the transition of Therefore, when an inquiry about a print release job that can be output from the master machine to the slave machine is made from the slave machine to the master machine, the master machine switches from the power saving mode to the normal mode and responds to the inquiry. is being done.
The following are known regarding transition from normal mode to power saving mode and return from power saving mode to normal mode.

For example, the present invention relates to a pull print method related to a pull print server communicably connected to an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus via a network. The pull-print server has print job storage means for storing print jobs transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and transmits the print jobs stored in the print job storage means to the image processing apparatus based on requests from the image processing apparatus. . Then, the image processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target when the print job is stored in the print job storing means, and the information processing apparatus is specified as a monitoring target when the print job is not stored in the print job storing means. After that, the activation state of the information processing device or image processing device specified as the monitoring target is monitored. A pull-print server is shifted from a normal power-on state to a power saving state based on the activation state of an information processing apparatus to be monitored (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, a printing device operable in multiple power states, the printing device comprising communication means for transmitting and receiving data over a network and control means for processing data received by the communication means. Then, when the packet received in the first power state in which power can be supplied to the control means is of the first type, a second power state in which higher voltage power is supplied is set. If the received packet is of the second type, the third power state is set in which higher voltage power is supplied. In this manner, a transition to a different power state is made according to the type of received packet (see Patent Document 2, for example).

JP 2013-045136 A JP 2018-165055 A

In the conventional print release function, when multiple parent devices are set for a child device, information is obtained by inquiring about print release jobs that are stored in the memory of each parent device and can be printed by the child device. Then, based on the acquired information, options are presented on the operation unit of the child device and the user's instructions are accepted. However, when the parent device is in power saving mode, it is necessary to return from power saving mode to normal mode in order to reply to an inquiry from the child device. This is because the power supply to the circuit that performs the processing related to the reply is cut off during the power saving mode.

However, even if a print release job that can be printed by the child machine is not stored in the memory of the parent machine, the parent machine returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode and responds to the inquiry every time an inquiry is received from the child machine. It was necessary and power was wasted. If the parent machine is in power saving mode, no new print release jobs will be stored in its memory. Therefore, in response to an inquiry from the child device, it is sufficient to return a predetermined response that the relevant print release job is not stored.
The present invention has been devised in consideration of the circumstances described above. If a print release job that can be printed by the slave machine is not stored in the memory of the master machine, extra power is consumed to respond. to prevent

This invention
(1) A printing device that performs at least one of a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices and a child device that acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints the data. a data storage unit that stores print data to be provided to the slave unit as a master unit; and a power saving mode that shuts off power supply to a predetermined circuit from a normal mode in which printing can be started when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied. mode, and returns to the normal mode when a predetermined return condition is satisfied; Communication for receiving an inquiry from a child device during the power saving mode, giving a trigger for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode using receipt of the inquiry as the return condition, and sending a receipt notification related to the inquiry to the power saving control unit. and a print control unit that returns a reply to the inquiry, and the power saving control unit is configured to operate when shifting to the power saving mode in a state where print data to be provided to the child device is not stored in the data storage unit. (1) provides a printing apparatus in which the communication circuit is set so that the communication circuit returns a predetermined response to the child machine instead of the receipt notification when the inquiry from the child machine is received.

(2) A printing device that serves as a child device that acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints the data, and optionally serves as a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices, the child device a history storage unit for storing a history of inquiries related to print data stored in an external parent device as a reference; a print control unit that preferentially inquires the parent machine that is likely to Provided is a printing device provided with a print control unit that is presented to a user and receives selection of print data to be obtained from the presented print data.

Also, from a different point of view, this invention
(3) Control of a printing device that performs at least one of a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices and a child device that acquires and prints print data from one or more external printing devices a step of storing print data to be provided to a slave device as a master device by using a data storage unit; a step of switching to a power saving mode to cut off; and a communication in which power is supplied even in the power saving mode when an inquiry from a child device relating to print data stored as a parent device is received during the power saving mode. receiving a trigger for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by a circuit, returning to the normal mode, receiving a receipt notification relating to the inquiry; returning a reply to the inquiry; When shifting to the power saving mode in a state in which the data is not stored in the data storage unit, the communication circuit returns a predetermined response to the child device instead of the receipt notification when receiving the inquiry from the child device. and setting the communication circuit as follows.

(4) A control unit of a printing device that serves as a child device that acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints them, and that optionally serves as a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices. a step of storing a history of inquiries related to print data stored in an external parent device as a device; a step of inquiring with priority to a parent device that is highly likely to be in use, and generating a list of print data stored in the parent device based on the reply from the parent device that made the inquiry and presenting it to the user. and receiving a selection of print data to be obtained from the presented print data.

In the printing apparatus of (1) according to the present invention, when the power saving control unit shifts to the power saving mode in a state in which print data to be provided to the child device is not stored in the data storage unit, Since the communication circuit is set so that when an inquiry is received, the communication circuit returns a predetermined response to the child device instead of the receipt notification, print data that the child device can acquire and print is stored in the memory. It is possible to prevent non-parent devices from consuming extra power for replying.
In the printing apparatus of (2) according to the present invention, when the print control unit makes a new inquiry to the parent device, the history of the history storage unit is referred to, and the print data is likely to be stored in the parent device. Since the inquiry is given with priority, as with the printing device in (1), the print data that the child device can obtain and print is not stored in the memory. can be reduced.
The print control method of (3) above according to the present invention has the same effects as the printing apparatus of (1) above.
The printing control method of (4) above according to the present invention has the same effects as the printing apparatus of (2) above.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a multi-function machine, which is one aspect of a printing apparatus in this embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing movement of data to be printed and notification of print completion information in this embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of settings for sending print data to a master device by a print instruction device in this embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the data configuration of print data related to the print release function in this embodiment; FIG. 10 is a first explanatory diagram of an operation screen related to printing using the print release function displayed on the operation unit of the slave device in this embodiment; FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram of an operation screen related to printing using the print release function displayed on the operation unit of the slave device in this embodiment; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when the control unit of the parent device shifts to power saving mode in this embodiment. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when a packet control unit of a communication circuit of a parent device receives a packet from a child device in this embodiment. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing in which the control unit of the slave device causes the operation unit to display a list of print release jobs of the master device and receives a selection in this embodiment. (first half processing) 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing in which the control unit of the slave device causes the operation unit to display a list of print release jobs of the master device and receives a selection in this embodiment. (second half processing)

The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
(Embodiment 1)
<<Configuration of printing device with print release function>>
First, the configuration of a printing apparatus having a print release function will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a multi-function machine provided with a finisher, which is one aspect of a printing apparatus, in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 100 according to this embodiment includes a finisher 106 and an operation unit 30. As shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 100 includes a control section 10, a data storage section 20, an operation unit 30, a communication circuit 40, an image forming unit 50, and a paper transport mechanism 60. FIG.
The control unit 10 mainly includes a processor and memory, and includes a user interface control unit 12 , an image formation control unit 14 and a power saving control unit 16 . It also optionally includes an authentication processor.
The data storage unit 20 is configured to be accessible by the control unit 10 and is a storage device in which a RAM and a non-volatile memory are combined. A DDR SDRAM (Double-Data-Rage Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) such as DDR4 or DDR5 may be applied to the RAM. An SSD (Solid State Disk) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) may be applied to the nonvolatile memory. Data store 20 optionally includes history store 22 . The history storage unit 22 stores a history of jobs executed by the MFP 100 .

The operation unit 30 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Cristal Display) or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display) that displays information related to the state of the MFP 100 and operations, and an input detection device such as a touch panel that detects operations. consists of Further, as shown in FIG. 1 , the operation unit 30 includes a [Power Save] button 31 .
The communication circuit 40 is responsible for communication with an external device such as a multi-function peripheral connected via a network, and is composed of a communication circuit such as Ethernet. Communication circuit 40 includes a packet control unit 42 that performs predetermined processing according to the content of the received packet and the packet provided from control unit 10 .
The image forming unit 50 reads a document, performs processing relating to a print job acquired from an external device via the communication circuit 40, and performs processing for printing or outputting to an external device. The image forming unit 50 includes mechanisms, devices, sensors, circuits, and the like related to image processing. The multi-function device 100 according to this embodiment uses an image sensor to read an image of a document, forms an image by electrophotography, and prints it on paper.

The paper conveying mechanism 60 feeds the paper on which the image formed by the image forming unit 50 is printed when printing, transfers the formed image, and conveys it to the discharge section, and related devices, sensors, and the like. It is composed of circuits, etc.
The user interface control unit 12 of the control unit 10 is an element that provides information to the user via the operation unit 30 and performs processing related to the function of accepting user operations.

The image formation control section 14 of the control section 10 is an element that executes processing related to control and printing of the image forming unit 50 and the sheet conveying mechanism 60 .
The power saving control unit 16 of the control unit 10 is an element that executes processing related to transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode and from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Along with the mode transition, the power saving control unit 16 controls the power supply circuit 102 to supply or cut off power from the power supply circuit 102 to each component of the MFP 100 . It also executes processing related to detection of a trigger for switching to the normal mode during the power saving mode.
The authentication processing unit 18

<<Procedure for printing using the print release function>>
3 to 7 are explanatory diagrams explaining printing using the print release function in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing movement of data to be printed and notification of print completion information in this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, MFPs 100, 200, 201 and 202, a notebook computer 210 and a desktop computer 211 are connected to a network 213. In the example shown in FIG. The MFPs 200, 201, and 202 all have the same configuration as the MFP 100 shown in FIGS. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the user has created content to be printed, ie print data, on the notebook computer 210, for example. In that case, the user transmits the created print data to master device 100 via network 213 (see arrow (1) shown in FIG. 3).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of settings for transmitting print data to the parent machine in the notebook computer 210. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an example of a pop-up window displayed by the printer driver installed in the notebook computer 210. FIG. The same is true when the desktop computer 211 transmits print data to the parent machine.
When performing printing, the user logs in using a login name and password corresponding to the user, if necessary, on the "job handling" screen of the "print settings" window 220 of the printer driver shown in FIG.

The screen of the "print setting" window 220 shown in FIG. Assume that the user has checked the “authentication” check box 221 and selected user authentication by “login name/password” from the drop-down list of the authentication method selection list 222 . Further, it is assumed that the login name corresponding to the user has been entered in the login name entry field 223 and the password has been entered in the password entry field 224 . In response, the printer driver of notebook computer 210 performs processing assuming that normal printing has been selected. That is, print job data to be provided to the MFP 100, for example, data related to the print job described in PDL (page description language) or the like is generated. Then, it is sent to the MFP (MFP 100, 200, 201 or 202) selected on the printer driver screen (not shown). The image forming control unit 14 of the MFP that received the data performs printing based on the data received from the notebook computer 210 as a print job for the registered user associated with the login name and password entered in the login name entry field 223. .

A "print release" check box 225 is provided as a choice of whether or not to print using the print release function. When the user checks the "print release" check box 225, the printer driver of the notebook computer 210 determines that printing using the print release function is instructed instead of normal printing. Then, data relating to the registered user's print job is sent to the multi-function device 100 set in advance as the parent device (see arrow (1) shown in FIG. 3). It should be noted that which multifunction device on the network is to be set as the master device can be individually set for the notebook computer 210 and the desktop computer 211 .

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the data configuration of print data (print release job) relating to the print release function, which is transmitted to the multifunction device 100 in which the notebook computer 210 is set as the parent device in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, a print release job 300 includes print type data 301 indicating that the print release function is used instead of normal printing, and a print instruction device that identifies the notebook computer 210 as the print instruction device. It contains identification information 302 .

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the print type data 301 is a flag indicating that the print release job 300 should be held in the parent machine. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the print instruction device identification information 302 is the IP address of the print instruction device. However, any information that allows the MFPs 100 , 200 , 201 and 202 to identify the print instruction device on the network 213 may be used instead of the IP address. For printing with user authentication, print release job 300 also includes a user-specified login name and password.
The control unit 10 of the multifunction device 100 as a master device that has received the print release job 300 from the notebook computer 210 stores the received print release job 300 in the data storage unit 20 of its own device.

The above is the operation procedure performed by the user to print using the print release function on the notebook computer 210 . However, when executing printing using the print release function, the user also needs to operate the child device.
The user goes to the place where the multifunction machine (multifunction machine as a slave machine) to output the print release job 300 is installed, operates the operation unit 30 of the multifunction machine, and selects the print release job 300 to be output. Make the child machine print. Any one of the multifunction devices 100 , 200 , 201 and 202 may be the child device. Here, it is assumed that the MFP 200 is used as a child device to execute printing.

6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams of operation screens related to printing using the print release function displayed on the operation unit 30 of the multifunction device 200 set as a child device for the multifunction device 100, which is the master device. The operation screen is displayed on the operation unit 30 by the user interface control section 12 . The following operations are performed using the MFP 200, which is a child device, as an example. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed on the operation unit 30 of the MFP 200 as a child machine. The user goes to the place where the MFP 200 to output the print release job 300 is installed, and uses the screen displayed on the operation unit 30 to issue an instruction regarding printing.
When the user touches the [Print Release] key 231 displayed on the home screen 230 shown in FIG. 6, the control section 10 of the multi-function device 200 causes the operation unit 30 to display the print instruction screen 233 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 10 causes the print instruction screen 233 to display a list of print release jobs (job list 234) stored in the data storage unit 20 of the MFP 100, which is the parent device. The job list 234 includes, for each print release job stored in the data storage unit 20 of the master device, items of a file name, a login name related to the print data, and a date when the print data was generated. In order to display the job list 234 on the print instruction screen 233 , the control unit 10 of the slave device accesses the multifunction device 100 set as the master device, makes an inquiry, and obtains print data stored in the data storage unit 20 . Get information about print release job data.

The control unit 10 of the MFP 200 serving as a child device accepts a user's selection of a print release job displayed in the job list 234 . When any print release job is touched by the user, in response to the operation, the control unit 10 assumes that the touched print release job is selected and displays it so as to distinguish it from other print release jobs. . In the example of FIG. 7, the second print release job (file A4_03P.pdf) from the top is selected as print target data. In the job list 234, the print target data 235 selected by the user is displayed with a gray background and a check mark at the left end.

With any print release job selected from the job list 234 shown in FIG. Accepts checkbox settings. Then, when the "print" key 237 on the lower right is touched, in response to the operation, the control unit 10 accesses the multifunction device 100 as the master device and prints the print release job stored in the data storage unit 20. Requests transmission of the print release job 300 selected from among. In response to the request, the print release job 300 is sent from the master multifunction device 100 to the slave multifunction device 200 (see arrow (2) in FIG. 3). Upon receiving the print release job 300, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 200, which is a slave device, causes the image forming unit 50 to print and output the received print release job 300. FIG.

An example in which printing is performed using the print release function using the multifunction device 100 as the parent device and the multifunction device 200 as the child device has been described above. The operation procedure and processing are the same when printing is performed using the MFP 100, 201, or 202 as a child device. However, when the MFP 100 is used as the child machine, the master machine and the child machine are the same MFP. Therefore, the print release jobs stored in the data storage unit 20 of the own machine are displayed as the job list 234 and selected. Acquire the print release job and print it. Therefore, the process of acquiring information related to the print release job stored in the data storage unit 20 of the master device to display the job list 234 and the process of acquiring the print release job selected using the job list 234 are , is performed within the MFP 100 and does not involve communication via the network 213 .

≪Response processing during power saving mode on the main unit≫
Next, a case where the MFP as a master device shifts to the power saving mode and processing during the shift will be described.
When the standby state continues in the normal mode without any operation on the parent device for a predetermined period of time, or when the [power saving] button on the operation unit 30 is operated in the normal mode, the power saving control unit 16 switches the power saving control unit 16 from the normal mode. Perform processing to shift to power mode. For this reason, the power saving control unit 16 of the parent device determines whether or not the conditions for intermittently executing transition processing to the power saving mode in the normal mode are satisfied. Then, when the conditions for shifting to the power saving mode are satisfied as described above, the transition processing described below is executed.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when the power saving control unit 16 of the parent device shifts to the power saving mode in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the power saving control unit 16 determines whether or not its own device is set as the parent device for the print release function (step S11). If it is not set as a parent device (No in step S11), the power saving control unit 16 advances the process to step S17 and performs a predetermined process for switching from the normal mode to the power saving mode.
If the machine itself is set as the parent machine for the print release function (Yes in step S11), the power saving control unit 16 further determines whether or not one or more print release jobs are stored in the data storage unit 20. (step S13).

If one or more print release jobs are stored in the data storage unit 20 (No in step S13), the power saving control unit 16 advances the process to step S17 described above.
On the other hand, if the print release job is not stored in the data storage unit 20 (Yes in step S13), the power saving control unit 16 sets the packet control unit 42 of the communication circuit 40 to make a reply as a proxy (step S15). This is a response returned by the packet control unit 42 on behalf of the power saving control unit 16 to the effect that there is no stored job when receiving an inquiry about the print release job stored in the slave unit. Then, the process proceeds to step S17. In this embodiment, the packet control unit 42 is composed of circuits centering on logic circuits, microprocessors, etc., and has an extremely limited ability to execute predetermined processing compared to the control unit 10 .

In step S17, the power saving control unit 16 performs a predetermined process for shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode. The process includes a process of cutting off power supply from the power supply circuit 102 to circuits other than a part of the machine. Some circuits to which power supply is exceptionally continued include the communication circuit 40, the operation detection circuit of the [Power Save] button 31, the self-lighting lamp, and the like. The power saving control unit 16 stops its own operation immediately before the power supply to the control unit 10 is cut off to prevent runaway. During the power saving mode in which the power supply from the power supply circuit 102 is cut off, the processing of the control unit 10 including the power saving control unit 16 is stopped. However, power is continuously supplied to the communication circuit 40, and the packet control unit 42 performs predetermined processing when a packet is received. Details of the predetermined processing will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of processing executed by the packet control unit 42 when the packet control unit of the communication circuit of the parent device receives a packet from the child device in this embodiment. In the power saving mode, the control unit 10 is powered off and stops processing. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is processing executed by the packet control unit 42 of the communication circuit 40 .
As shown in FIG. 9, when the packet control unit 42 receives a packet from an external device, the content of the packet is sent from the slave device referring to the print release job stored in the data storage unit 20 of the master device (own device). (step S21).

If it is not an inquiry from a child device related to a print release job (No in step S21), normal packet reception processing is performed (step S23). That is, the process of handing over the received packet to the control unit 10 is performed. During the power saving mode, in addition to the processing, it is necessary to output a trigger signal for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode. That is, it is necessary to give a trigger for starting power supply to each circuit in the machine to the power supply circuit 102 to start the processing of the control unit 10 .

Note that the control unit 10 may be configured to set and reset a flag that informs the packet control unit 42 of which mode, so that the packet control unit 42 can recognize whether it is in the power saving mode or the normal mode. . Alternatively, the packet control unit 42 may give a trigger to return to the normal mode when a packet is received without distinguishing between the power saving mode and the normal mode. In this case, if the power supply circuit 102 or the control unit 10 that receives the trigger related to return performs processing related to return to the normal mode if it is in the power saving mode, it does nothing in response to the trigger if it is in the normal mode. may be configured. In the normal mode, the control unit 10 processes received packets passed from the packet control unit 42 .

If it is determined in step S21 that the packet received from the child device is an inquiry from the child device regarding a print release job, the packet control unit 42 determines that there is no print release job stored in the data storage unit 20. It is determined whether or not it is set so that a reply to that effect is made by proxy (by proxy). The settings related to the proxy response are made in step S15 of FIG. Further, the process of canceling the setting related to the proxy response is included in the initialization process immediately after the power is supplied from the power supply circuit 102 to the control unit 10 and the control unit 10 starts processing (see FIGS. 8 and 8). 9).

If it is set to make a proxy response (Yes in step S25), that is, if it is in the power saving mode, the packet control unit 42 returns a packet with predetermined contents as a response to the child device that made the inquiry. . The packet returned as a reply notifies the child device that there is no print release job stored in the data storage unit 20 . However, the packet control unit 42 does not determine whether or not the print release job is stored in the data storage unit 20 . The packet control unit 42 executes a process of returning a packet of a predetermined pattern when a packet of a predetermined pattern is received.

If it is determined in step S25 that proxy response is not set (No in step S25), that is, in the normal mode, the packet control unit 42 outputs a trigger signal for returning to the normal mode (step S29). Then, the received packet is transferred to the control unit 10 (step S31). When the control unit 10 as the image formation control unit 14 returns to the normal mode and starts processing, it performs processing based on the passed packet. That is, the data storage unit 20 is searched to check whether or not the print release job related to the inquiry is stored. Then, in order to send the result as a reply to the child device, the control section 10 as the image formation control section 14 passes the packet to be transmitted to the packet control section 42 . After receiving the reply packet, the packet control unit 42 sends the received packet to the child device in question (step S33).
The above is an example of processing executed by the packet control unit 42 of the parent device in response to an inquiry from the child device regarding the print release job.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment, processing on the side of the child device that makes an inquiry about a print release job will be described. If it is possible to narrow down the target parent device for the inquiry on the side of the child device, when looking at the entire print release job, the parent device will return from the power saving mode just to respond to the inquiry and will not be redundant. power consumption can be suppressed.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of processing in which the control unit of the child machine causes the operation unit to display a list of print release jobs of the parent machine and accept selection in this embodiment. A description will be given below along the flowchart.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the [Print Release] key 231 of the operation unit 30 is touched, the control section 10 of the slave device displays a job list 234 of print release jobs as shown in FIG. In order to display the job list 234, the control unit 10 of the child device sends an inquiry about the print release job to one or more set parent devices, and sends the print release job stored in the data storage unit 20 of the parent device. Request job information. The inquiry is the object of determination in the process of step S21 in FIG.
10 and 11 relate to the processing when sending the inquiry to the parent device. Prior to sending the inquiry, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the own device is included in the set parent devices (step S41). If the timing is included (Yes in step S41), the print release job stored in the data storage unit of the own machine is also included in the job list 234 (step S43).

Subsequently, the control unit 10 determines whether the setting of the child device is a mode in which user authentication is required when the user operates the child device or a mode in which the child device can be operated without user authentication (step S45). ). Note that user authentication is processing executed by the authentication processing unit 18 .
If the slave device can be operated without user authentication (No in step S45), the history of jobs (print release jobs) processed by the slave device does not include information identifying the user. Therefore, when a plurality of parent devices are set, the control unit 10 refers to the history storage unit 22 and checks the history of print release jobs in the most recent predetermined period. Then, among the set master devices, the master device specified most during the period is specified.

The designated parent device is the parent device that stores the print target data 235 selected by the user in the job list 234 shown in FIG. Here, the users are all users who have performed an operation related to the print release job on the target child device during that period. Then, the identified parent device is selected as an inquiry target (step S47). Then, the process proceeds to step S51, which will be described later.
Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 10 of the child machine does not simultaneously send inquiries regarding print release jobs to all of the set parent machines. Based on the history of the print release jobs of the child devices, one of the parent devices that is highly likely to be specified by the user is specified, and inquiries are sent in order from the most likely parent device.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S45 that the user is authenticated and the child machine can be operated (Yes in step S45), the user is identified in the history of jobs (print release jobs) processed by the child machine. contains information to Therefore, when a plurality of parent devices are set, the control unit 10 refers to the history storage unit 22 to determine whether the logged-in user (authenticated user) who has operated the child device during the most recent predetermined period has Examine the history of print release jobs that were created. Exclude the history of print release jobs for other users. Then, among the set master devices, the master device most frequently specified by the logged-in user during the period is specified. Then, the identified parent device is selected as an inquiry target (step S49).

In this case as well, the control unit 10 of the child device does not simultaneously send an inquiry regarding the print release job to all of the set parent devices. Based on the history of the print release jobs of the child devices, one of the parent devices that is highly likely to be specified by the logged-in user is specified, and inquiries are sent in order from the most likely parent device.
After selecting the parent device to be inquired with the highest priority, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the selected parent device is the own device (step S51). If the selected master device is the own device (Yes in step S51), the control unit 10 acquires the print release job stored in the data storage unit 20 of the own device. Then, the control unit 10 as the user interface control unit 12 causes the operation unit 30 to display the print instruction screen 233 shown in FIG. 7, and displays the acquired print release jobs of its own machine as the job list 234 (step S59). If the job list 234 is already displayed, the print release job is added to the already displayed print release job and displayed. Then, the process proceeds to step S71 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, it is determined whether or not there is an error state in which an answer to the inquiry cannot be obtained from the selected parent device in the determination of step S51 (step S53). If the selected parent machine is in some error state and information about the print release job cannot be obtained from the parent machine (No in step S53), the control unit 10 advances the process to step S77 shown in FIG.
On the other hand, if the information on the print release job can be obtained from the selected parent device (Yes in step S53), the control unit 10 inquires about the print release job to the selected parent device (step S55). Then, a reply from the parent device to the inquiry is obtained (step S57). If one or more print release jobs are stored in the data storage unit 20 of the parent device, the reply includes information related to the print release jobs.

After acquiring a reply from the parent machine that made the inquiry, the control unit 10 determines whether the content of the reply indicates whether or not one or more print release jobs are stored in the data storage unit 20 of the parent device. It is determined whether or not the print release job is stored (step S61 shown in FIG. 11). Note that when the parent machine that made the inquiry is in the power saving mode and the print release job is not stored in the parent machine, the packet control unit 42 of the parent machine makes a proxy response as shown in FIG. there is a possibility. However, the slave device performs processing based on the content of the response regardless of whether it is a proxy response or not.
If the content of the reply is that the print release job is not stored in the parent machine (No in step S61), the control unit 10 advances the process to step S77 in FIG. 11, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the content of the reply is that one or more print release jobs are stored in the parent machine (Yes in step S61), the control section 10 as the user interface control section 12 instructs the operation unit 30 to to display the print instruction screen 233 shown. Then, the information relating to the print release job included in the reply from the inquiring parent machine is displayed as the job list 234 (step S63). If the job list 234 is already displayed, the print release job is added to the already displayed print release job and displayed. Then, the process proceeds to step S71 shown in FIG.

In step S71, the control unit 10 waits for the user to designate any of the print release jobs displayed as the job list 234 (loop returning to step S71 via No in step S71 and No in step S75).
If any of the print release jobs displayed in the job list 234 is specified (Yes in step S71), the control section 10 as the user interface control section 12 terminates the display of the print instruction screen 233 shown in FIG. Then, the data of the substance of the designated print release job is requested from the target parent device and acquired. Then, the print job related to the acquired print release job is executed (step S73). That is, the printing related to the acquired print release job is performed.

On the other hand, if a predetermined period of time has elapsed while waiting for the designation of the print release job in step S71 (Yes in step S75), the control unit 10 advances the process to step S77.
In step S77, the control unit 10 sends an inquiry about the print release job to all of the set masters that have not been inquired about and have not obtained information about the print release job. (step S77). Of the masters to which the inquiry was made, responses are obtained from all the masters except for those in an error state, and the obtained print release job is added to the job list 234 and displayed (step S79). Then, it waits for any one of the displayed print release jobs to be specified (No in step S81, No in step S83, loop returning to step S81).

If any of the print release jobs displayed in the job list 234 is specified (Yes in step S81), the control section 10 as the user interface control section 12 advances the process to step S73. That is, the entity of the designated print release job is acquired from the parent machine and the print job is executed.
On the other hand, if the print release job is canceled while waiting for the designation of the print release job in step S81 (Yes in step S83), the control unit 10 as the user interface control unit 12 displays the print instruction screen 233. is ended (step S85). Then, the process related to the print release job is stopped, and the process ends.
The above is an example of the processing performed by the control unit 10 on the slave device side.

(Embodiment 3)
In both the processes of steps S47 and S49 in FIG. 10 in the second embodiment, the parent device most frequently specified by users or logged-in users during the most recent predetermined period is selected as an inquiry target.
In this embodiment, instead, the most recently designated parent device is selected. For example, in step S47 of FIG. 10, the parent machine storing the most recent print release job selected by the user from the job list 234 shown in FIG. 7 is selected. Similarly, in step S49 of FIG. 10, the parent machine storing the most recent print release job selected by the logged-in user in the job list 234 shown in FIG. 7 is selected.

As mentioned above,
(i) A printing apparatus according to the present invention includes at least one of a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices and a child device that acquires and prints print data from one or more external printing devices. A printing device that performs processing, and includes a data storage unit that stores print data to be provided to a child device as a parent device, and a power supply to a predetermined circuit from a normal mode that allows printing to start when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied. A power saving control unit that shifts the mode to a power saving mode that cuts off the supply and returns to the normal mode when a predetermined return condition is satisfied, and a power saving control unit that supplies power even during the power saving mode and stores it as a master When an inquiry from the child device regarding the print data that is being processed is received during the power saving mode, a trigger for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode is given as the return condition, and the inquiry is sent to the power saving control unit. and a print control unit that returns a reply to the inquiry, wherein the power saving control unit operates when the print data to be provided to the child device is not stored in the data storage unit. The communication circuit is set so that, when shifting to the power saving mode, the communication circuit returns a predetermined response to the child device instead of the receipt notification when the inquiry is received from the child device. and

In the present invention, the printing device communicates and cooperates with an external printing device, and performs processing as a master device. Furthermore, it may optionally perform processing as a child device.
Also, the data storage unit stores print data that can be provided to an external printing device as a child device. Specific examples thereof include non-volatile data storage units such as hard disk devices and SSDs (Solid State Disks).
Furthermore, the power saving control unit and the print control unit are circuits mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware resources, and their functions are realized by the processor executing a processing program stored in the memory. It is a thing. In the power saving mode, the power to the circuit is cut off and the processing of the processor is stopped. The controller in the above embodiment corresponds to a circuit including the power saving controller and the print controller of this invention.

In the present invention, the communication circuit is a circuit for the printing apparatus to communicate with external equipment. The communication circuit is supplied with power even during the power saving mode, and upon receiving an inquiry from the child device, the reception is used as a trigger to return from the power saving mode to the normal mode. As a result, the power saving control unit is configured to send a response to the inquiry by sending a receipt notification, or to return a predetermined response to the predetermined data to the slave unit when predetermined data is received. there is

Further, one aspect of the present invention is
(ii) A printing device that serves as a child device that acquires and prints print data from one or more external printing devices and optionally serves as a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices, a history storage unit for storing a history of inquiries related to print data stored in an external parent device as a reference; a print control unit that preferentially inquires the parent machine that is likely to It includes a printing device provided with a print control unit that is presented to a user and receives selection of print data to be obtained from among the presented print data.

Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(iii) The parent machine that is likely to store the print data is the parent machine from which the number of print data acquired by the child machine within the latest predetermined period is the largest, or the print data was acquired by the child machine most recently. It may be a parent device that has been
According to this aspect, it is possible to acquire print data by sending an inquiry preferentially to a parent machine that is likely to store print data based on the history within the most recent predetermined period or the most recent history. It is possible to suppress inquiries to the base unit with low sensitivity.

(iv) further comprising a history storage unit that stores a history of inquiries related to print data in an external parent device as a child device, and an authentication processing unit that performs login processing for user authentication, wherein the print control unit is , when making a new inquiry, refer to the history in the history storage unit, make an inquiry regarding the print data to the parent machine from which the logged-in user has obtained the print data most frequently, present the list to the user, and acquire it. A selection of print data to be printed may be accepted.
According to this aspect, an authenticated user who has logged in to the printing apparatus preferentially sends an inquiry to the parent machine from which print data has been acquired most frequently, and accepts the selection of the print data, thereby obtaining the print data. It is possible to suppress inquiries to the parent machine that are unlikely to be obtained.

(v) Instead of the parent device from which the print data was obtained most frequently, the inquiry may be made to the parent device from which the print data was most recently obtained by the child device.
According to this aspect, by sending an inquiry preferentially to a parent device that is likely to store print data based on the most recent history, an inquiry is sent to a parent device that is unlikely to acquire print data. can be suppressed.

(vi) If print data is not stored in the inquired parent device, the print control unit further refers to the history in the history storage unit, and the frequency with which the logged-in user acquires print data is the next highest. Alternatively, an inquiry about print data may be made to the parent device, a list may be presented to the user, and selection of print data to be acquired may be accepted.
According to this aspect, when the print data is not stored in the parent device with which the logged-in user has obtained the print data with high frequency, the user can inquire the parent device in order of the frequency with which the user has obtained the print data. By doing so, it is possible to suppress inquiries to the parent machine, which is unlikely to acquire print data.

(vii) When the print control unit accepts an instruction to select another parent device even if print data is stored in the parent device that made the inquiry, or does not accept the selection of print data within a predetermined period. Alternatively, the logged-in user may inquire about the print data to the parent machine with the next highest print data acquisition frequency, present the list to the user, and accept the selection of the print data to be acquired.
According to this aspect, when an explicit instruction not to select the print data of the inquired parent device is received, or when the selection of the print data stored in the parent device is not accepted within a predetermined period, Inquiries can be made to the parent device with the next highest frequency of acquisition of print data by the user, and inquiries to the parent device with a low possibility of acquiring print data can be suppressed.

(viii) One aspect of the present invention provides at least one of a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices, and a child device that acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints. a step in which a control unit of a printing device that performs processing stores print data to be provided to a slave device as a master device using a data storage unit; a step of switching the mode to a power saving mode for cutting off the power supply to the circuit of the main device; a step of receiving a trigger for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by a communication circuit to which power is also supplied, returning to the normal mode, receiving a receipt notification related to the inquiry; returning a reply to the inquiry; When the print data to be provided to the machine is not stored in the data storage unit and the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, when the inquiry from the child machine is received, the communication circuit is sent to the child machine in place of the reception notification. setting the communication circuit to return a predetermined response to the machine.

(ix) One aspect of the present invention is printing as a child device that acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints, and optionally as a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices. a step in which a control unit of an apparatus stores a history of inquiries relating to print data stored in an external parent device as a child device; , a step of inquiring with priority to a parent device having a high possibility of storing print data; and a list of print data stored in the parent device based on a reply from the parent device that made the inquiry. and presenting it to the user; and receiving a selection of print data to be obtained from the presented print data.

Aspects of the present invention also include combinations of any of the aspects described above.
Various modifications of the present invention are possible in addition to the above-described embodiments. Those modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the scope of the claims, the meaning of equivalents, and the scope.

10: control unit 12: user interface control unit 14: image formation control unit 16: power saving control unit 18: authentication processing unit 20: data storage unit 22: history storage unit 30: operation unit 31 : [Power saving] button 40: Communication circuit 42: Packet control unit 50: Image forming unit 60: Paper transport mechanism 100, 200, 201, 202: MFP 102: Power supply circuit 106: Finisher 210: Notebook computer 211: Desktop computer 213: Network 220: "Print settings" window 221: "Authentication" check box 222: Authentication method selection list 223: Login name entry field 224: Password entry field 225 230: Home screen 231: [Print release] key 233: Print instruction screen 234: Job list 235: Data to be printed 236: Copies setting field 237: "Print" key 300: print release job 301: print type data 302: print instruction device identification information

Claims (9)

A printing device serving as a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices and serving as a child device that arbitrarily acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints the data,
a data storage unit that stores print data to be provided to a child device as a parent device;
When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, the mode is shifted from a normal mode in which printing can be started to a power saving mode in which power supply to a predetermined circuit is cut off, and when a predetermined return condition is satisfied, the mode is shifted to the normal mode. a power saving control unit that restores;
Power is supplied even during the power saving mode, and when an inquiry from the child device regarding print data stored as the parent device is received during the power saving mode, the receipt of the inquiry is used as the return condition to switch from the power saving mode to the normal mode. a communication circuit that gives a trigger to return to the power saving control unit and sends a receipt notification related to the inquiry to the power saving control unit;
a print control unit that returns a reply to the inquiry;
When the power saving control unit shifts to the power saving mode in a state in which the print data to be provided to the child device is not stored in the data storage unit, the power saving control unit receives the reception notification when receiving the inquiry from the child device. and setting the communication circuit so that the communication circuit returns a predetermined response to the child device instead of the communication circuit. A printing device that serves as a child device that acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints the data, and that optionally serves as a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices,
a history storage unit that stores a history of inquiries related to print data stored in an external parent device as a child device;
a print control unit that refers to the history of the history storage unit when making a new inquiry to the parent device, and preferentially makes an inquiry to the parent device that is likely to store print data;
generating a list of print data stored in the parent device based on the reply from the parent device to which the inquiry was made, presenting it to the user, and selecting print data to be obtained from the presented print data; A printing device comprising a print control unit that accepts The parent device that is likely to store the print data is the parent device from which the child device obtained the most print data within the most recent predetermined period, or the parent device from which the print data was most recently obtained by the child device. 3. The printing device of claim 2, which is a machine. a history storage unit that stores a history of inquiries related to print data in an external parent device as a child device;
further comprising an authentication processing unit that performs login processing for authenticating a user,
The print control unit refers to the history stored in the history storage unit when making a new inquiry, and inquires about the print data to the parent device from which the logged-in user has obtained the print data most frequently, and provides the list to the user. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, which receives selection of print data to be acquired. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the inquiry is made to a parent device from which the print data was most recently acquired by the child device, instead of the parent device from which the print data was acquired most frequently. If the print data is not stored in the inquired parent device, the print control unit further refers to the history in the history storage unit, and selects the parent device with the next highest frequency of acquisition of print data by the logged-in user. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an inquiry about print data is made, a list is presented to the user, and selection of print data to be acquired is accepted. The print control unit accepts an instruction to select another parent device even if print data is stored in the parent device that made the inquiry, or if the selection of print data is not accepted within a predetermined period of time, the user is logged in. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an inquiry about the print data is made to the parent machine from which the user acquires the print data next most frequently, a list is presented to the user, and selection of the print data to be acquired is accepted. A control unit of a printing device that serves as a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices and that serves as a slave device that optionally acquires print data from one or more external printing devices and prints the data,
a step of storing print data to be provided to a child device as a parent device using a data storage unit;
a step of shifting the mode from a normal mode in which printing can be started when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied to a power saving mode in which power supply to a predetermined circuit is cut off;
When an inquiry about print data stored as a parent machine is received from a sub-machine during power-saving mode, a communication circuit that supplies power even during power-saving mode triggers a return from power-saving mode to normal mode. receiving and returning to normal mode to receive an acknowledgment of receipt of the inquiry;
returning a response to the query;
When the print data to be provided to the child device is not stored in the data storage unit and the power saving mode is entered, the communication circuit is activated instead of the receipt notification when the inquiry from the child device is received. and setting the communication circuit so as to return a predetermined response to the child machine. A control unit of a printing device that serves as a child device that acquires and prints print data from one or more external printing devices and that optionally serves as a parent device that provides print data to one or more external printing devices,
storing a history of inquiries related to print data stored in an external parent device as a child device;
a step of referring to the history stored in the history storage unit when making a new inquiry to the parent device, and giving priority to the parent device in which print data is likely to be stored;
a step of generating a list of print data stored in the parent device based on the reply from the parent device that made the inquiry and presenting it to the user;
and accepting a selection of print data to be obtained from the presented print data.