JP3483511B2 - Image forming system, server terminal device, control method in image forming system, storage medium, and management computer - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system,
Server terminal device, control method in image forming system,
The present invention relates to a storage medium and a management computer, and more particularly to an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network and a computer that manages each image forming apparatus and a management method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method of automatically turning on or off a power source of a device connected to a network via the network is widely known. Further, network utility software for obtaining status information of an image forming apparatus connected to a network and having a plurality of power sources turned on and managing the acquired status information on a computer connected to the same network is also known.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned known prior art, the OFF / ON status of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected on the network is not centrally managed and controlled.

For this reason, the power supply information of all (or some) image forming apparatuses connected to the network cannot be obtained all at once, and the use status of each image forming apparatus cannot be managed in real time. was there.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to enable real-time management of the usage status of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network.

[0006]

An image forming system according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus including at least one server terminal device connected to a network, a plurality of client terminal devices, and a plurality of image forming devices. In the system, the communication means communicates with the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus, and acquires the login status information of the client terminal apparatus to the network and the power supply status information of the image forming apparatus, and the communication means. The server terminal device includes a power supply state control means for switching and controlling the power supply state of the image forming apparatus based on the power supply state information, and the client terminal device login state obtained by the communication means to the network. In the information, the number of client terminal devices above a predetermined number When logged into the network, it is characterized by changing a part or all of the power state of the image forming apparatus. Another feature of the present invention is that in an image forming system including at least one server terminal device connected to a network, a plurality of client terminal devices, and a plurality of image forming devices, Communication means for communicating with the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus to obtain login status information of the client terminal device to the network and power supply status information of the image forming apparatus; and power supply status information acquired by the communication means. The server terminal device is equipped with a power supply state control means for switching and controlling the power supply state of the image forming apparatus, and the power supply state control means is the network of the client terminal device obtained by the communication means. In the login status information to the client terminal device of a predetermined number or more If you are not logged into the network it is characterized by changing a part or all of the power state of the image forming apparatus. Another feature of the present invention is that an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices connected to a network and a plurality of image forming devices, and at least one image forming group connected to the network. In an image forming system including one server terminal device, a communication unit that communicates with each of the client terminal device and the image forming device in the group, and a power supply state control unit that switches the power supply state of the image forming device in the group The server terminal device has, and the power supply state control means is configured so that, in the login state information to the network of the client terminal device obtained by the communication means, a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are predetermined. If you are logged in to the network, some of the image forming devices Others are characterized by varying the total power state in groups. Another feature of the present invention is that an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices connected to a network and a plurality of image forming devices, and at least one image forming group connected to the network. In an image forming system including one server terminal device, a communication unit that communicates with each of the client terminal device and the image forming device in the group, and a power supply state control unit that switches the power supply state of the image forming device in the group And the server terminal device has
The power supply state control means, in the login status information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by the communication means, when a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are not logged in to the network. The power supply state of some or all of the image forming apparatuses is changed in group units. In addition, other features of the present invention include:
In a server terminal device used by being connected to a network in which a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices are connected, the client terminal device communicates with the client terminal device and the image forming device. Communication means for acquiring login status information to the network and power status information of the image forming apparatus,
The power supply state control means is configured to communicate with the client terminal device and the image forming device, and in a case where a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are logged in to the network as a result of communication with the image forming device. It is characterized by changing the power supply state of some or all of them.

A server terminal device of the present invention is a server terminal device which is used by being connected to a network to which a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices are connected. A communication unit that communicates with the forming apparatus to acquire login status information of the client terminal apparatus to the network and power supply status information of the image forming apparatus, and the image based on the power supply status information acquired by the communication unit. A power source state control unit for switching and controlling the power source state of the forming apparatus, wherein the power source state control unit is a result of performing communication with the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus,
When a predetermined number of client terminal devices or more, which have been determined in advance, are not logged in to the network, the power state of some or all of the image forming apparatuses is changed. Another feature of the present invention is that the server terminal device is used by being connected to a network to which an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices is connected. In a power source state for switching and controlling the power source state of the image forming apparatus based on communication means for communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus in the image forming group, and power source state information acquired by the communication means. A power supply state control means for switching the power supply state of the image forming apparatus in the group, wherein the power supply state control means is connected to the network of the client terminal device obtained by the communication means. In the login status information of the above, a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are connected to the network. If you are in it is characterized by changing in groups some or all of the power state of the image forming apparatus. Another feature of the present invention is that the server terminal device is used by being connected to a network to which an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices is connected. In the image forming group, a communication means for communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus in the image forming group, and a power supply state control means for switching the power supply state of the image forming apparatus in the group. Is
In the log-in state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by the communication means, if a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are not logged in to the network, among the image forming apparatuses, The power supply state of some or all of the above is changed by the power supply state control means in group units.

A control method in an image forming system according to the present invention is an image forming system including at least one server terminal device connected to a network, a plurality of client terminal devices, and a plurality of image forming devices. In the control method, a first processing step of communicating with the client terminal device and the image forming device to obtain login status information of the client terminal device to the network and power supply status information of the image forming device; A second processing step for controlling the switching of the power supply state of the image forming apparatus based on the information obtained in the first processing step. In the second processing step, the communication is obtained. In the login status information of the client terminal device to the network, it is determined in advance. Was when a predetermined number or more of the client terminal is not logged into the network is characterized by performing a process in which some or alter all of the power state of the image forming apparatus.
Another feature of the present invention is that an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices connected to a network and a plurality of image forming devices, and at least one of the image forming groups connected to the network. In a control method in an image forming system including one server terminal device, a first processing step of communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming device in the group, and a power supply state of the image forming device in the group. In the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained in the first processing step, the predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are predetermined. If you are logged in to some of the above image forming devices. It is characterized by performing the process of changing the whole power state in groups. Also,
Another feature of the present invention is a control method in an image forming system including at least one server terminal device connected to a network, a plurality of client terminal devices, and a plurality of image forming devices. A first processing step of communicating with the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus to obtain login status information of the client terminal apparatus to the network and power status information of the image forming apparatus; A second processing step for controlling the switching of the power supply state of the image forming apparatus based on the power supply status information acquired by the step, and logging in the network of the client terminal device obtained by performing the communication. In the status information, a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are If you are not logged into Ttowaku it is characterized by changing a part or all of the power state of the image forming apparatus. Also,
Another feature of the present invention is that an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices connected to a network and a plurality of image forming devices, and at least one server connected to the network. In a control method in an image forming system including a terminal device, a first processing step of communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming device in the group, and switching a power state of the image forming device in the group A second processing step, and in the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by performing the communication, a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices log in to the network. If not, some or all of the above-mentioned image forming apparatuses are It is characterized by performing the process of changing the power state in groups. Another feature of the present invention is a control method in an image forming system which is used by being connected to a network in which a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices are connected. A first processing step of communicating with the client terminal device and the image forming device to obtain login status information of the client terminal device to the network and power supply status information of the image forming device; and the client terminal device and the image forming device. As a result of communicating with the device, when a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices have logged in to the network, the power supply state of some or all of the plurality of image forming devices is changed. And a second processing step for changing. Another feature of the present invention is a control method in an image forming system which is used by being connected to a network in which a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices are connected. The communication means for communicating with the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus to obtain the login status information of the client terminal apparatus to the network and the power supply status information of the image forming apparatus, and the power supply status control means are the client terminal. As a result of communicating with the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus, if a predetermined number or more of client terminal apparatuses are not logged in to the network, a power source of a part or all of the image forming apparatus is supplied. It is characterized by changing the state. Another feature of the present invention is that the image forming system is used by being connected to a network to which an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices is connected. In the control method in 1, the first processing step of communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus in the image forming group, and the second processing step of switching the power state of the image forming apparatus in the group are included. Then, in the login status information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by performing the communication, the image formation is performed when a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are logged in to the network. It is characterized by changing the power status of some or all of the devices in group units. To have. Also,
Another feature of the present invention is a control in an image forming system used by being connected to a network to which an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices is connected. The method has a first processing step of communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus in the image forming group, and a second processing step of switching a power state of the image forming apparatus in the group, In the log-in status information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by performing the communication, when the predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are not logged in to the network, Characterized by changing the power status of some or all of them in group units That.

A computer-readable storage medium of the present invention is characterized by storing a program of a procedure for causing a computer to execute any one of the control methods described above.

The management computer of the present invention is a management computer capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of client terminal apparatuses via a network, and the number of client terminal apparatuses participating in and connected to the network is determined. It has an investigation means for investigating and an adjusting means for adjusting the number of image forming apparatuses whose power sources are activated in accordance with the number of client terminal devices investigated by the investigating means, and the adjusting means includes the investigating means. The number of image forming apparatuses to be activated is adjusted based on a ratio of the number of image forming apparatuses activated by the power supply to the number of client terminal apparatuses connected to the network investigated by the means and a predetermined criterion. In order to do so, the power supply of the image forming apparatus is controlled. Another feature of the present invention is that the adjusting means leaves the color image forming apparatus and the monochrome image forming apparatus when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off in order to adjust the number of image forming apparatuses. It is characterized by doing so.

The control method in the image forming system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a plurality of client terminal apparatuses,
A control method in an image forming system comprising a management computer capable of communicating with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network, the surveying step of surveying the number of client terminal apparatuses participating in the network and being connected, An adjusting step of adjusting the number of image forming apparatuses whose power sources are activated according to the number of client terminal apparatuses investigated by the examining step, wherein the adjusting step is conducted by the examining step. An image forming apparatus for adjusting the number of image forming apparatuses to be activated based on a ratio of the number of image forming apparatuses whose power is activated to the number of client terminal apparatuses connected to the network and a predetermined criterion. It is characterized by controlling the power supply of. Another feature of the present invention is that the adjusting step leaves the color image forming apparatus and the monochrome image forming apparatus when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off to adjust the number of image forming apparatuses. It is characterized by doing so. Further, the storage medium of the present invention is characterized in that a program for executing the control method described above is stored so that it can be read by a computer.

Since the present invention has the above-mentioned technical means, it becomes possible to centrally manage and control the power-off / on status of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and to control the power-on / off status in a centralized manner. Controlling the power supply status of the image forming apparatus to OFF / ON, or preferentially starting or starting a predetermined image forming apparatus according to the number of logged-on users and the status of peripheral terminal devices. It is possible to perform centralized management such as limiting the number of the image forming devices, which makes it possible to provide an image forming system capable of saving energy in the entire network.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an image forming system, a server terminal device, a control method in an image forming system, a storage medium and a management computer of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment <Outline of System> FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, 101 is a network, and a plurality of network devices are connected via the network 101.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a computer connected to the network 101, which operates as a server terminal device.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a computer connected to the network 101, and the clients 103 are connected on the same network as shown in 103a to 103b of FIG. Only 103 is shown. This client 1
03 operates as a client terminal device.

Each client terminal device logs in to the network 101 by executing a predetermined login procedure with respect to the management server of the network 101, and becomes in a state in which various shared resources on the network 101 can be used.

Further, by executing a predetermined logout procedure for the management server, the network 101
Log out, and the shared resource on the network 101 cannot be used. In this embodiment, the server terminal device 102 also serves as the management server.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a network device connected to the network 101, which is an MFP (Multi Function P
eripheral) is a multipurpose image forming apparatus and operates as an image forming terminal apparatus. The image forming apparatus,
Like the client terminal device, the same network 10
1 are connected to each other, and 104a and 10 of FIG.
4b, 104c, ... Are represented by 104 as a representative. Further, other network devices such as a printer and a FAX (not shown) may be connected to the network 101.

Here, the computer 102 (or 10)
3) On the above, so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) application software is operated to create or edit various documents and figures. Then, the various documents and figures created or edited above are displayed in the PDL language (Page Descrip
conversion language (page description language), and is sent to the MFP 104 via the network 101 and output.

On the other hand, the MFP 104 is the computer 10
It has a communication interface for exchanging information with the 2 (or 103) side via the network 101.
The information and status of P104 are stored in the computer 102 (or 1
It is configured to sequentially notify the 03) side.

Further, the computer 102 (or 10)
3) has the utility software that operates by receiving such information, and the MFP 104 (104
a, 104b, 104c, ...) is the computer 1
It is centrally managed under 02 (or 103).

<MFP 104> Next, the configuration of the MFP 104 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP 104. As illustrated, the MFP 104 includes a scanner unit 201 that reads an image, a scanner IP unit 202 that performs image processing on the read image data,
A NIC (Netw) that exchanges image data and device information using a network with a FAX unit 203 that transmits and receives images using a telephone line such as a facsimile.
page description language (P) sent from the computer via the ork Interface Card) unit 204 and the NIC unit 204.
PDL unit 20 for developing (DL) into a bitmap image
5, a core unit 206 that temporarily stores an image signal and determines a route according to the usage of the MFP 104, and a core unit 20.
A printer that applies image processing to the image data output from 6
P that performs pulse width modulation (PWM) via the IP unit 207
A WM unit 208, a printer unit 209 for forming an image,
And a finisher unit 210 that performs output finishing processing for the sheet.

<Scanner Unit 201> Next, the scanner unit 2
The configuration and operation of 01 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the scanner unit 201.

First, in copying a document as a copying machine, the document 302 to be read on the platen glass 301.
Is placed. The original 302 is illuminated by an illumination 303, passes through mirrors 304, 305, 306, and an optical system 307.
Thus, an image is formed on the CCD 308. Further, the motor 309 mechanically drives the first mirror unit 310 including the mirror 304 and the illumination 303 at the speed v in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the second mirror unit 311 including the mirrors 305 and 306 moves the arrow in the figure. The original 302 is scanned at a speed of 1/2 v in the direction, and the entire surface of the original 302 is scanned.

<Scanner IP Unit 202> Next, the scanner IP unit 202 will be described. 4 (a) and (b)
4A and 4B are block diagrams showing the configuration of the scanner IP unit 202. FIG. 4A is for a color scanner, and FIG. 4B is for a monochrome scanner.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the case of a color scanner, the input optical signal is the CCD sensor 30.
It is converted into an electric signal by 8. This CCD sensor 30
Reference numeral 8 denotes an RGB line color sensor, which is input to the A / D conversion unit 401 as RGB image signals.

Here, after gain adjustment and offset adjustment, each color signal is converted into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, B0 by an A / D converter. After that, the shading correction circuit 402 performs known shading correction using the read signal of the reference white plate for each color. Further, since the respective color line sensors of the CCD sensor 308 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit (line interpolation unit) 403 corrects the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction.

Next, the input masking section 404 uses the CCD.
The read color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the sensor 308 is converted to the standard color space of NTSC, and various characteristics including the sensitivity characteristics of the CCD sensor 308 / spectral characteristics of the illumination lamp are considered. A 3 × 3 matrix operation using device-specific constants is performed, and the input luminance signal (R0, G0, B0) is converted into a standard luminance signal (R,
G, B).

Further, a brightness / density converter (LOG converter)
Reference numeral 405 is composed of a look-up table (LUT), and is converted so that RGB luminance signals become C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.

On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome scanner, CC
D308, A / D conversion unit 401, shading unit 40
The image signal is sent to the core unit 206 via only the two.

<FAX Unit 203> Next, the FAX unit 203
Will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the FAX unit 203.

First, at the time of reception, the NCU unit 501 receives the data sent from the telephone line, converts the voltage, and the demodulation unit 504 in the modem unit 502 performs A / D conversion and demodulation operation, and then expands the data. The unit 506 develops raster data.

Generally, the run length method or the like is used for compression / expansion by FAX, but since it is well known, its explanation is omitted here. The image converted to raster data is
The image data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507, and after confirming that the image data has no transfer error, the image data is sent to the core unit 206.

Next, at the time of transmission, the compression unit 50 applies to the image signal of the raster image transferred from the core unit 206.
In step 5, the run-length method is used for compression, and the modem unit 502
After the D / A conversion and the modulation operation are performed in the modulation unit 503 therein, the data is sent to the telephone line through the NCU unit 501.

<NIC Unit 204> Next, the NIC unit 204
The configuration of will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the NIC unit 204 and the PDL unit 205.

The NIC unit 204 provides an interface function for the network 101 shown in FIG. 1, and obtains information from the outside by using an Ethernet cable such as 100Base-TX or the like, It plays the role of passing information to the outside.

Ethernet is a standard relating to a LAN transmission line and is almost synonymous with the standard of the transmission rate of 10 Mbps of the IEEE 802.3 standard (also a registered trademark). What kind of cable is used to connect computers and how These signals determine how to interact.

When information is obtained from the outside, the voltage is first converted by the transformer unit 601 and sent to the LAN controller unit 602. The LAN controller unit 602 is
A first buffer memory (not shown) is provided inside it, and after determining whether the information is necessary information, the second buffer memory (not shown) is used.
To the buffer memory (not shown) of the PDL unit 205.
Output signal to.

Next, when providing information to the outside, P
Information required by the LAN controller unit 602 is added to the data sent from the DL unit 205, and the transformer unit 60
1 to the network.

<PDL section 205> Next, referring to FIG.
The DL unit 205 will be described.

The image data created by the application software operating on the computer is composed of data such as a document, a figure, and a photograph. Each of the image description elements is a character code, a figure code and raster image data. Made of combinations.

This is the so-called PDL (Page Descrip).
tion Language: page description language), which is represented by the PostScript (registered trademark) language of Adobe Systems Incorporated. This page description language supports both text and graphics, and has the advantage that characters, graphics, images, etc. can be output in high quality regardless of the resolution of the printer, etc. Used in printers and high resolution imagesetters,
It has become the de facto industry standard.

Here, the PDL section 205 is a section representing the conversion processing from the above PDL data to raster image data, and the PDL data sent from the NIC section 204 is C
Hard disk (HDD) once via PU603
Is stored in the large-capacity memory 604, and is managed and saved for each job here.

Next, the CPU 603 executes the RIP if necessary.
Raster image processing called (Raster Image Processing) is performed to develop the PDL data into a raster image. The raster image data thus expanded is stored in a memory 6 such as a DRAM that can be accessed at high speed for each CMYK color component.
05 is stored page by page for each job.
The CPU 603 to the core unit 20 again according to the situation of 08.
Sent to 6.

<Core Unit 206> Next, the core unit 206 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the core unit 206.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bus selector section 701 in the core section 206 plays a role of traffic control in using the MFP 104. That is, the bus is switched according to various functions in the MFP 104 such as a copy function as a stand-alone, network scan, network print, facsimile transmission / reception, or display display.

To be more specific, the following functions can be considered.・ Stand-alone copy: Scanner 201 → Core 206
→ printer 208 ・ network scan: scanner 201 → core 206
→ NIC section 204 ・ Network print: NIC section 204 → Core 206
→ printer 208 ・ facsimile transmission function: scanner 201 → core 206
-> FAX unit 203-Facsimile receiving function: FAX unit 203-> Core 206
→ printer 208

Next, the image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is processed by the compression unit 702 and the hard disk (HD
A memory unit 703 including a large-capacity memory such as D);
It is sent to the printer unit 208 or the display unit 210 through the decompression unit 704. The compression method used here may be a general one such as JPEG, JBIG or ZIP.

Next, the compressed image data is managed for each job and stored together with additional data such as a file name, creator, creation date and time, and file size. Further, by providing a job number and password and storing them together, the personal box function can be supported. This is a confidential function in which data can be temporarily stored and can be printed out (read out from the HDD) only by a specific person.

When each job stored is called by designating a job, the password is authenticated and then called from the HDD to decompress the image into a raster image. It is returned and sent to the printer unit 207.

Next, the color printer IP section will be described with reference to FIG. Output masking / UCR circuit unit 72
Reference numeral 1 is a portion for converting the M1, C1, Y1 signals into Y, M, C, K signals which are toner colors of the image forming apparatus by using a matrix calculation, and is based on the RGB signals read by the CCD sensor 308. The C1, M1, Y1, and K1 signals are corrected to C, M, Y, and K signals based on the spectral distribution characteristics of the toner and output.

Then, a look-up table (LUT) in consideration of various tint characteristics of the toner in the gamma correction unit 722.
Is converted into C, M, Y, and K data for image output, and after being sharpened or smoothed by the spatial filter 723, the image signal is sent to the PWM unit 208.

Similarly, FIG. 8B shows a monochrome printer IP section, which includes a gamma correction section 722 and a spatial filter 72.
After passing 3, the well-known dither method, error diffusion method, density preservation method, etc. are used in the binarization circuit 724, and the PWM unit 20
Sent to 8.

<PWM section 208> Next, the PWM section 208
Will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the PWM unit 208 and pulse width modulation (PWM).

First, the image data separated from the four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the core unit 206 is output to each printer IP unit 207 and PWM. An image is formed through the unit 208.

In FIG. 9A, reference numeral 801 is a triangular wave generating section, which generates a triangular wave. Reference numeral 802 denotes a D / A conversion unit that converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal. Reference numeral 803 denotes a comparator, which compares the triangular wave 811 with the image signal 812 and outputs a PWM signal 813 as illustrated. Reference numeral 804 denotes a laser driving unit, which outputs the PWM signal 8 from the comparator 803.
ON / OFF of each CMYK laser according to 13.
To control. Reference numeral 805 denotes a CMYK semiconductor laser, which emits a laser beam.

Then, a polygon scanner 913 described later
Then, the respective laser beams are scanned and irradiated onto the respective photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, 929.

<Color Printer Unit 209> Next, the color printer unit 209 will be described. FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the printer unit 209.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 913 denotes a polygon mirror, which is a laser beam emitted from four semiconductor lasers 805.
Receive the laser light (CMYK) of the book. Among them, yellow (Y) scans the photosensitive drum 917 via the mirrors 914, 915, and 916. The next magenta (M) is the mirror 91
Scan the photosensitive drum 921 via 8, 919, 920,
The next cyan (C) scans the photosensitive drum 925 via the mirrors 922, 923, 924, and the next black (K) scans the photosensitive drum 929 via the mirrors 926, 927, 928.

On the other hand, reference numeral 930 is a developing device for supplying yellow (Y) toner, which follows the photosensitive drum 9 according to the laser beam.
A developing device that forms a yellow toner image on 17 and supplies magenta (M) toner 931 forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 921 according to the laser beam.

A developing device 932 supplies cyan (C) toner to the photosensitive drum 92 in accordance with the laser beam.
5 is a developing device for forming a cyan toner image and 933 for supplying black (K) toner. The developing device 933 forms a black toner image on the photosensitive drum 929 according to the laser beam. As described above, the toner images of four colors (Y, M, C, K) are transferred onto the paper, and a full-color output image can be obtained.

Paper fed from any of the paper cassettes 934 and 935 and the manual feed tray 936 is adsorbed on the transfer belt 938 via the registration rollers 937 and conveyed. Further, in synchronization with the feeding timing, the toners of the respective colors have been developed on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 in advance, and the toners are transferred onto the sheet as the sheet is conveyed.

The sheet on which the toners of the respective colors have been transferred is separated, conveyed by the conveying belt 939, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 940.

The four photosensitive drums 917, 921,
925 and 929 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d, and the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyor belt 939. This timing synchronization is performed, and the four semiconductor lasers 805 are Driven.

<Monochrome printer unit 209> FIG.
The general view of a monochrome printer part is shown. In FIG.
1013 is a polygon mirror, and four semiconductor lasers 80
5 receives the laser light emitted. The laser light scans the photosensitive drum 1017 via the reflection mirrors 1014, 1015, 1016. On the other hand, 1030 is a developing device for supplying black toner, which forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the laser beam, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet, so that an output image can be obtained.

A sheet fed from any of the sheet cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 is adsorbed on the transfer belt 1038 via the registration roller 1037 and conveyed. Toner is developed on the photosensitive drum 1017 in advance in synchronization with the feeding timing, and the toner is transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet onto which the toner is transferred is separated, and the fixing device 1040 fixes the toner on the sheet.

The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 1040 is the flapper 10
The trailing edge of the seat is temporarily guided downward by 50 and the flapper
After exiting 1050, switch back and eject. As a result, the sheets are ejected in a face-down state, and when printed in order from the first page, the correct page order is obtained.

<Finisher Portion 210> Next, the finisher portion 210 will be described. FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the finisher portion 210.

The sheet that has exited the fixing section 940 of the printer section 208 is input to the finisher section 209. As shown in FIG. 12, the finisher unit 209 is provided with a sample tray 1101 and a stack tray 1102, and the sheets are discharged according to the type of job and the number of sheets to be discharged.

The sorting system includes a bin sorting system having a plurality of bins and sorting the bins into each bin, an electronic sorting function to be described later, and a bin (or tray) being shifted in the front and rear direction so that output sheets are output for each job. There is a shift sort method of allocating, and sorting can be performed.

Here, the electronic sort function is called collate, and if the large capacity memory described in the above-mentioned core unit 206 is provided, this buffer memory is used to change the buffered page order and the discharge order. The so-called collate function can be used to support the electronic sorting function.

Further, in contrast to the above-described sorting for each job, it also has a group function for classifying for each page. Further, when the sheets are discharged to the stack tray 1102, it is possible to store the sheets before the sheets are discharged for each job and bind them by the stapler 1105 immediately before the sheet is discharged.

In addition, a Z-folding machine 1104 for folding the paper into a Z-shape and a puncher 1 for punching two (or three) holes for files to reach the above-mentioned two trays.
106, each processing is performed according to the type of job. Further, the inserter 1103 is used for performing the insertion function, and it is possible to put a sheet for insertion in the tray 1110, and the inserted sheet is conveyed by the conveyance roller. In addition, saddle stitcher 1107
Is used to fold a piece of paper in booklet form and bind the middle. In this case, the booklet tray 1108 is discharged.

<Network> Network 10 of FIG.
1 is actually 101a, 101b,
As shown in 101c, a plurality of routers 1201 to 1201
4 are connected to each other via a first LAN (Local Area)
Network) 1206, and is connected to the router 1205 to which the network 101d is connected to connect to the second LA.
N1207 is configured, and the first LAN 1206 and the second L
The AN 1207 is connected to each other via a dedicated line 1208.

In the network 101 having such a connection form, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, the data 1321 of the source device 1320a (device A) is transmitted.
Regardless of whether it is image data, PDL data, or program data.
When transferring to 320b (device B), first, the data 1321 is subdivided to obtain division group data 1322.

Next, the individual divided data 1323, 13
24, 1326, the destination address (or the destination IP address when the TCP / IP protocol is used) is added to the header 1325, and packets 1327 to 1332 are added.
Then, the data is sent to the network 101 as 30. Then, the address of the device 1320b and the packet 133
When the header 1331 of 0 matches, the data 1332 is separated and is reproduced in the data state of the device 1320a as indicated by data 1333-1336.

<Description of Network Utility Software> Now, returning to FIG. 1, the utility software operating on the client 103 will be described.

The network interface unit (NIC unit 204 + PDL unit 205) in the MFP 104 has MI
A standardized database called B (Management Information Base) has been built, and SNMP (Simple
By communicating with a computer on a network via a network management protocol called Network Management Protocol, it is possible to manage the MFP 104 and other printers, fax machines, etc. connected to the network.

On the other hand, the computer 102 (or 10
In 3), a software program called utility software operates, and necessary information can be exchanged using the MIB by using the above-mentioned SNMP via the network. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment <Outline of System> FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration of a system in the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, 10
Reference numeral 1 is a network, and a plurality of network devices are connected via a network 101.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a computer connected to the network 101, which operates as a server terminal device.

Reference numeral 103 is a computer connected to the network 101, and the client 103 is connected on the same network as shown in 103a to 103b in FIG. Only 103 is shown. This client 1
03 operates as a client terminal device.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a network device connected to the network 101, which is an MFP (Multi Function P
eripheral) is a multipurpose image forming apparatus and operates as an image forming terminal apparatus. The image forming apparatus,
Like the client terminal device, the same network 10
1 are connected to each other, and 104a and 10 of FIG.
4b, 104c, ... Are represented by 104 as a representative. Further, other network devices such as a printer and a FAX (not shown) may be connected to the network 101.

Here, the computer 102 (or 10)
3) On the above, so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) application software is operated to create or edit various documents and figures. Then, the various documents and figures created or edited above are displayed in the PDL language (Page Descrip
conversion language (page description language), and is sent to the MFP 104 via the network 101 and output.

On the other hand, the MFP 104 is the computer 10
It has a communication interface for exchanging information with the 2 (or 103) side via the network 101.
The information and status of P104 are stored in the computer 102 (or 1
It is configured to sequentially notify the 03) side.

Further, the computer 102 (or 10)
3) has the utility software that operates by receiving such information, and the MFP 104 (104
a, 104b, 104c, ...) is the computer 1
It is centrally managed under 02 (or 103).

<MFP 104> Next, the configuration of the MFP 104 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP 104. As illustrated, the MFP 104 includes a scanner unit 201 that reads an image, a scanner IP unit 202 that performs image processing on the read image data,
A NIC (Netw) that exchanges image data and device information using a network with a FAX unit 203 that transmits and receives images using a telephone line such as a facsimile.
page description language (P) sent from the computer via the ork Interface Card) unit 204 and the NIC unit 204.
PDL unit 20 for developing (DL) into a bitmap image
5, a core unit 206 that temporarily stores an image signal and determines a route according to the usage of the MFP 104, and a core unit 20.
A printer that applies image processing to the image data output from 6
P that performs pulse width modulation (PWM) via the IP unit 207
A WM unit 208, a printer unit 209 for forming an image,
And a finisher unit 210 that performs output finishing processing for the sheet.

<Scanner Unit 201> Next, the scanner unit 2
The configuration and operation of 01 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the scanner unit 201.

First, in copying an original as a copying machine, the original 302 to be read on the original table glass 301.
Is placed. The original 302 is illuminated by an illumination 303, passes through mirrors 304, 305, 306, and an optical system 307.
Thus, an image is formed on the CCD 308. Further, the motor 309 mechanically drives the first mirror unit 310 including the mirror 304 and the illumination 303 at the speed v in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the second mirror unit 311 including the mirrors 305 and 306 moves the arrow in the figure. The original 302 is scanned at a speed of 1/2 v in the direction, and the entire surface of the original 302 is scanned.

<Scanner IP Unit 202> Next, the scanner IP unit 202 will be described. 4 (a) and (b)
4A and 4B are block diagrams showing the configuration of the scanner IP unit 202. FIG. 4A is for a color scanner, and FIG. 4B is for a monochrome scanner.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the case of a color scanner, the input optical signal is the CCD sensor 30.
It is converted into an electric signal by 8. This CCD sensor 30
Reference numeral 8 denotes an RGB line color sensor, which is input to the A / D conversion unit 401 as RGB image signals.

Here, after gain adjustment and offset adjustment, each color signal is converted into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, B0 by the A / D converter. After that, the shading correction circuit 402 performs known shading correction using the read signal of the reference white plate for each color. Further, since the respective color line sensors of the CCD sensor 308 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit (line interpolation unit) 403 corrects the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction.

Next, the input masking section 404 uses the CCD
The read color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the sensor 308 is converted to the standard color space of NTSC, and various characteristics including the sensitivity characteristics of the CCD sensor 308 / spectral characteristics of the illumination lamp are considered. A 3 × 3 matrix operation using device-specific constants is performed, and the input luminance signal (R0, G0, B0) is converted into a standard luminance signal (R,
G, B).

Further, a brightness / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit)
Reference numeral 405 is composed of a look-up table (LUT), and is converted so that RGB luminance signals become C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.

On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome scanner, CC
D308, A / D conversion unit 401, shading unit 40
The image signal is sent to the core unit 206 via only the two.

<FAX Unit 203> Next, the FAX unit 203
Will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the FAX unit 203.

First, at the time of reception, the data sent from the telephone line is received by the NCU section 501, the voltage is converted, and the demodulation section 504 in the modem section 502 performs A / D conversion and demodulation operation, and then expanded. The unit 506 develops raster data.

Generally, the run length method or the like is used for compression / expansion by FAX, but since it is well known, its explanation is omitted here. The image converted to raster data is
The image data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507, and after confirming that the image data has no transfer error, the image data is sent to the core unit 206.

Next, at the time of transmission, the compression unit 50 applies to the image signal of the raster image transferred from the core unit 206.
In step 5, the run-length method is used for compression, and the modem unit 502
After the D / A conversion and the modulation operation are performed in the modulation unit 503 therein, the data is sent to the telephone line through the NCU unit 501.

<NIC Unit 204> Next, the NIC unit 204
The configuration of will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the NIC unit 204 and the PDL unit 205.

The NIC section 204 provides an interface function for the network 101 shown in FIG. 1, and obtains information from the outside by using an Ethernet cable such as 100Base-TX or the like, It plays the role of passing information to the outside.

Ethernet is a standard relating to a LAN transmission line and is almost synonymous with the standard of the transmission rate of 10 Mbps of the IEEE 802.3 standard (also a registered trademark). What kind of cable is used to connect computers and how These signals determine how to interact.

When information is obtained from the outside, the voltage is first converted by the transformer unit 601 and sent to the LAN controller unit 602. The LAN controller unit 602 is
A first buffer memory (not shown) is provided inside it, and after determining whether the information is necessary information, the second buffer memory (not shown) is used.
To the buffer memory (not shown) of the PDL unit 205.
Output signal to.

Next, when information is provided to the outside, P
Information required by the LAN controller unit 602 is added to the data sent from the DL unit 205, and the transformer unit 60
1 to the network.

<PDL section 205> Next, referring to FIG.
The DL unit 205 will be described.

The image data created by the application software operating on the computer is composed of each data such as a document, a figure, and a photograph, and each of the elements of the image description by the character code, the figure code and the raster image data. Made of combinations.

This is the so-called PDL (Page Descrip).
tion Language: page description language), which is represented by the PostScript (registered trademark) language of Adobe Systems Incorporated. This page description language supports both text and graphics, and has the advantage that characters, graphics, images, etc. can be output in high quality regardless of the resolution of the printer, etc. Used in printers and high resolution imagesetters,
It has become the de facto industry standard.

Here, the PDL section 205 is a section representing the conversion process from the above PDL data to raster image data, and the PDL data sent from the NIC section 204 is C
Hard disk (HDD) once via PU603
Is stored in the large-capacity memory 604, and is managed and saved for each job here.

Next, if necessary, the CPU 603 makes the RI.
Raster image processing called P (Raster Image Processing) is performed to develop the PDL data into a raster image. The raster image data thus expanded is stored in a memory 6 such as a DRAM that can be accessed at high speed for each CMYK color component.
05 is stored page by page for each job.
The CPU 603 to the core unit 20 again according to the situation of 08.
Sent to 6.

<Core Unit 206> Next, the core unit 206 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the core unit 206.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bus selector unit 701 in the core unit 206 plays a role of traffic control in using the MFP 104. That is, the bus is switched according to various functions in the MFP 104 such as a copy function as a stand-alone, network scan, network print, facsimile transmission / reception, or display display.

To be more specific, the following functions can be considered.・ Stand-alone copy: Scanner 201 → Core 206
→ printer 208 ・ network scan: scanner 201 → core 206
→ NIC section 204 ・ Network print: NIC section 204 → Core 206
→ printer 208 ・ facsimile transmission function: scanner 201 → core 206
-> FAX unit 203-Facsimile receiving function: FAX unit 203-> Core 206
→ printer 208

Next, the image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is processed by the compression unit 702 and the hard disk (HD
A memory unit 703 including a large-capacity memory such as D);
It is sent to the printer unit 208 or the display unit 210 through the decompression unit 704. The compression method used here may be a general one such as JPEG, JBIG or ZIP.

Next, the compressed image data is managed for each job and is stored together with additional data such as a file name, creator, creation date and time, and file size. Further, by providing a job number and password and storing them together, the personal box function can be supported. This is a confidential function in which data can be temporarily stored and can be printed out (read out from the HDD) only by a specific person.

When the stored job is called by designating a job, the password is authenticated, and then the HDD is called to decompress the image to a raster image. It is returned and sent to the printer unit 207.

Next, the color printer IP section will be described with reference to FIG. Output masking / UCR circuit unit 72
Reference numeral 1 is a portion for converting the M1, C1, Y1 signals into Y, M, C, K signals which are toner colors of the image forming apparatus by using a matrix calculation, and is based on the RGB signals read by the CCD sensor 308. The C1, M1, Y1, and K1 signals are corrected to C, M, Y, and K signals based on the spectral distribution characteristics of the toner and output.

Then, a look-up table (LUT) in consideration of various tint characteristics of the toner in the gamma correction unit 722.
Is converted into C, M, Y, and K data for image output, and after being sharpened or smoothed by the spatial filter 723, the image signal is sent to the PWM unit 208.

Similarly, FIG. 8B shows a monochrome printer IP section, which includes a gamma correction section 722 and a spatial filter 72.
After passing 3, the well-known dither method, error diffusion method, density preservation method, etc. are used in the binarization circuit 724, and the PWM unit 20
Sent to 8.

<PWM section 208> Next, the PWM section 208
Will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the PWM unit 208 and pulse width modulation (PWM).

First, the image data separated from the core section 206 into four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) is output to the respective printer IP sections 207 and PWM. An image is formed through the unit 208.

In FIG. 9A, reference numeral 801 denotes a triangular wave generator, which generates a triangular wave. Reference numeral 802 denotes a D / A conversion unit that converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal. Reference numeral 803 denotes a comparator, which compares the triangular wave 811 with the image signal 812 and outputs a PWM signal 813 as illustrated. Reference numeral 804 denotes a laser driving unit, which outputs the PWM signal 8 from the comparator 803.
ON / OFF of each CMYK laser according to 13.
To control. Reference numeral 805 denotes a CMYK semiconductor laser, which emits a laser beam.

Then, a polygon scanner 913 described later
Then, the respective laser beams are scanned and irradiated onto the respective photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, 929.

<Color Printer Section 209> Next, the color printer section 209 will be described. FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the printer unit 209.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 913 denotes a polygon mirror, which is a laser beam emitted from four semiconductor lasers 805.
Receive the laser light (CMYK) of the book. Among them, yellow (Y) scans the photosensitive drum 917 via the mirrors 914, 915, and 916. The next magenta (M) is the mirror 91
Scan the photosensitive drum 921 via 8, 919, 920,
The next cyan (C) scans the photosensitive drum 925 via the mirrors 922, 923, 924, and the next black (K) scans the photosensitive drum 929 via the mirrors 926, 927, 928.

On the other hand, reference numeral 930 is a developing device for supplying yellow (Y) toner, which follows the photosensitive drum 9 according to the laser beam.
A developing device that forms a yellow toner image on 17 and supplies magenta (M) toner 931 forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 921 according to the laser beam.

Further, 932 is a developing device for supplying cyan (C) toner, which follows the photosensitive drum 92 in accordance with the laser beam.
5 is a developing device for forming a cyan toner image and 933 for supplying black (K) toner. The developing device 933 forms a black toner image on the photosensitive drum 929 according to the laser beam. As described above, the toner images of four colors (Y, M, C, K) are transferred onto the paper, and a full-color output image can be obtained.

The paper fed from any of the paper cassettes 934 and 935 and the manual feed tray 936 is adsorbed on the transfer belt 938 via the registration rollers 937 and conveyed. Further, in synchronization with the feeding timing, the toners of the respective colors have been developed on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 in advance, and the toners are transferred onto the sheet as the sheet is conveyed.

The paper on which the toner of each color has been transferred is separated, conveyed by the conveyor belt 939, and the toner is fixed on the paper by the fixing device 940.

The four photosensitive drums 917, 921,
925 and 929 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d, and the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyor belt 939. This timing synchronization is performed, and the four semiconductor lasers 805 are Driven.

<Monochrome printer unit 209> FIG.
The general view of a monochrome printer part is shown. In FIG.
1013 is a polygon mirror, and four semiconductor lasers 80
5 receives the laser light emitted. The laser light scans the photosensitive drum 1017 via the reflection mirrors 1014, 1015, 1016. On the other hand, 1030 is a developing device for supplying black toner, which forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the laser beam, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet, so that an output image can be obtained.

A sheet fed from any one of the sheet cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 is adsorbed on the transfer belt 1038 via the registration roller 1037 and conveyed. Toner is developed on the photosensitive drum 1017 in advance in synchronization with the feeding timing, and the toner is transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet onto which the toner is transferred is separated, and the fixing device 1040 fixes the toner on the sheet.

The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 1040 is the flapper 10
The trailing edge of the seat is temporarily guided downward by 50 and the flapper
After exiting 1050, switch back and eject. As a result, the sheets are ejected in a face-down state, and when printed in order from the first page, the correct page order is obtained.

<Finisher Portion 210> Next, the finisher portion 210 will be described. FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the finisher portion 210.

The sheet that has exited the fixing section 940 of the printer section 208 is input to the finisher section 209. As shown in FIG. 12, the finisher unit 209 is provided with a sample tray 1101 and a stack tray 1102, and the sheets are discharged according to the type of job and the number of sheets to be discharged.

As the sorting method, a bin sorting method having a plurality of bins and sorting the bins into each bin, an electronic sorting function to be described later and a bin (or tray) are shifted to the front side to output paper for each job. There is a shift sort method of allocating, and sorting can be performed.

Here, the electronic sort function is called collate, and if there is a large-capacity memory described in the above-mentioned core section 206, this buffer memory is used to change the buffered page order and discharge order. The so-called collate function can be used to support the electronic sorting function.

Further, in contrast to the above-described sorting for each job, it also has a group function for classifying for each page. Further, when the sheets are discharged to the stack tray 1102, it is possible to store the sheets before the sheets are discharged for each job and bind them by the stapler 1105 immediately before the sheet is discharged.

In addition, a Z-folding machine 1104 for folding a paper into a Z shape and a puncher 1 for punching two (or three) holes for a file before reaching the above-mentioned two trays.
106, each processing is performed according to the type of job. Further, the inserter 1103 is used for performing the insertion function, and it is possible to put a sheet for insertion in the tray 1110, and the inserted sheet is conveyed by the conveyance roller. In addition, saddle stitcher 1107
Is used to fold a piece of paper in booklet form and bind the middle. In this case, the booklet tray 1108 is discharged.

<Network> The network 10 of FIG.
1 is actually 101a, 101b,
As shown in 101c, a plurality of routers 1201 to 1201
4 are connected to each other via a first LAN (Local Area)
Network) 1206, and is connected to the router 1205 to which the network 101d is connected to connect to the second LA.
N1207 is configured, and the first LAN 1206 and the second L
The AN 1207 is connected to each other via a dedicated line 1208.

In the network 101 having such a connection form, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, the data 1321 of the transmission source device 1320a (device A) is transmitted.
Regardless of whether it is image data, PDL data, or program data.
When transferring to 320b (device B), first, the data 1321 is subdivided to obtain division group data 1322.

Next, the individual divided data 1323, 13
24, 1326, the destination address (or the destination IP address when the TCP / IP protocol is used) is added to the header 1325, and packets 1327 to 1332 are added.
Then, the data is sent to the network 101 as 30. Then, the address of the device 1320b and the packet 133
When the header 1331 of 0 matches, the data 1332 is separated and is reproduced in the data state of the device 1320a as indicated by data 1333-1336.

<Description of Network Utility Software> Now, returning to FIG. 1, the utility software operating on the client 103 will be described.

The network interface unit (NIC unit 204 + PDL unit 205) in the MFP 104 has MI.
A standardized database called B (Management Information Base) has been built, and SNMP (Simple
By communicating with a computer on a network via a network management protocol called Network Management Protocol, it is possible to manage the MFP 104 and other printers, fax machines, etc. connected to the network.

On the other hand, the computer 102 (or 10
In 3), a software program called utility software operates, and necessary information can be exchanged using the MIB by using the above-mentioned SNMP via the network.

Specifically, in the configuration as shown in FIG. 15, there are a server 102, clients 103a and 103b, and MFPs 104a, 104b and 104c, each of which has an IP address.
Assume that the address is 192.168.1.XXX, the respective XXX values are, for example, 11, 51, 52, 101, 102 and 103, and the subnet masks are all set to 255.255.255.0.

At this time, the server 102 is the network 1
01 to the MIB using the address 192.168.1.255
Broadcast the object as in C1401. In FIG. 15, a MIB object for inquiring about the location of a device, such as "sysLocation", is broadcast, and the MFP 104a sends a C140 to the C140.
2, the location registered by the user is returned as a MIB value, for example, "BuildingA_3F_DivX1".

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the exchange of this MIB. When starting the network utility software, the server 102 first broadcasts a required MIB object in step S1501 (step S1501) and obtains the MIB value from each device (step S1502).

For example, as the equipment information of the MFP 104,
The MIB is used to detect whether or not the finisher unit 210 is connected, to detect whether or not printing is currently possible as status information, or to obtain the name or installation location of the MFP 104. As a result, the information can be read by each client, and sometimes the data can be written when the data needs to be corrected. However, database management is difficult if all users are allowed to write data. Therefore, for example, it is possible to give read / write authority only to an administrator.

Therefore, by using the above-mentioned functions, it becomes possible to obtain all kinds of information such as equipment information of the MFP 104, device status, network settings, job history, usage status management, control, etc. Then, the information obtained from each device is managed as a database (step S1505).

More specifically, in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the server 102 first broadcasts the MIB object of the necessary data (C1401, step S1501).
And obtain those MIB values from each device (C14
02, step S1502) and put it in the memory in the server.

This work is performed on the same network (192.168.1.X
XX) Performed for all devices (step S150
3, step S1504), and manage as a database in the server (step S1505). Here, since the information of each device changes from moment to moment, this information is obtained periodically (step S1507), and step S15
It is updated as necessary until the end is detected at 06.

On the other hand, on the client side, when the utility is launched, it periodically looks into the database in the server (C1403, step S1511), and then step S1
At 512, it is determined whether each MIB value satisfies a certain condition.

For example, the same Built as the client 103
If a condition of "BuildingA_3F" is given when searching for the device group 104 on the 3rd floor of dingA, the MIB value starting with BuildingA_3F ... in advance at the time of installation (or after installation) is set among the devices in the network 101. Only those that have been set are selected.

Next, in step S1513, the sort order is determined. According to the client's instruction, if the order is descending, the descending order is sorted (step S1514), and if the order is ascending, ascending order is sorted (step S1515). When sorting, the remaining parameters of sysLocation (_Div
X1) may be used, or the names in that order may be used.

The desired display form is displayed on the utility. That is, the client determines whether to display all devices (step S15).
16), if all are to be displayed, step S1518
Go to and view all devices in sorted order. If not all are displayed, how many are displayed (step S1519) is determined in advance, and only the determined number is displayed.

Next, in step S1520, it is determined whether or not the display is to be ended. If the display is not ended, the process proceeds to step S1521, and if a certain time has elapsed, step S1.
Returning to 511, the above processing is repeated.

<Description of GUI> Next, GUI (Graphic
A screen of utility software called User Interface) that operates on the computer 102 (or 103) will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a screen of the utility software.

First, the computer 102 (or 10)
3) When you start the utility software above,
A screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. Where 160
Reference numeral 1 is a window, and 1608 is a cursor. When the mouse is clicked, another window opens or transitions to the next state.

Reference numeral 1602 is called a title bar, which is used to display the hierarchy and title of the current window. Each of 1603 to 1606 is called a tab and is organized according to each classification, and it is possible to see necessary information and select necessary information.

In the example of FIG. 17, 1603 is called a device list tab, and the existence of a device and its outline can be known. A status tab 1604 allows the user to know the status of each device. A map tab 1605 allows the user to know the location of each device. 1
606 is a setup tab for confirming the installation information of the device,
You can make changes, etc.

<Explanation of Device List Tab> Next, the device tab of the above-mentioned utility software will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the device tab 1603 is clicked, the plurality of MFPs 104 connected to the network are sorted and displayed under predetermined conditions according to the flowchart of FIG.

The contents displayed are the device number 16
11, PWR 1612 that informs whether the device is ON (○) or OFF (●), device name 1613, floor information 1614 indicating the location of the device, and position information 16
15 and automatic device ON time 1616 and automatic device OFF preset on the setup tab described later.
Is displayed in each column of time 1617, and 1618 represents the current time.

<Explanation of Status Tab> Next, when the status tab 1604 is clicked in FIG. 17, a screen shown in FIG. 18 appears. Here, as in FIG. 17, each device status can be asked. For example, you can check the status of all devices by the status of 1707. If you want to know the details of each device, double-click the device column or click the details key 1708, and Fig. 19 appears. You can check whether the status is a paper jam or error, whether it is a service call, or whether the power is off, and you can also display detailed information such as the location of the jam. it can. In FIG. 18, 1709 is an OK button and 1710 is a cancel button.

<Explanation of Map Tab> When the map tab is clicked, a window as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and which devices can be used and their positional relationship are displayed. The example shown in FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the network environment in a three-story building.
F and 3F respectively represent each floor, and DivA1 and DivB
1, etc. indicate the position of the MFP 104 existing on each floor. Note that 1616 shown in FIG. 17 is represented by this symbol.

In FIG. 20, reference numeral 1802 indicates the whereabouts of the client 103 (or server 102) itself, # 01- # 05 ... Represent the respective MFPs 104, and their respective locations become clear from the figure. Also,
By looking at this screen, the client 103 can determine which MF
It is possible to determine whether to output to P104. Further, in FIG. 20, 1801 is the name of the building, 1803
Is a cursor, 1806 is a select button, 1807 is a preview button, and 1808 is a next button.

<Explanation of Setup Tab> Next, when the setup tab 1606 is clicked, the screen shown in FIG. 21 appears. This screen shows the setup tab, you can check the setting information of each device,
It can be changed. For example, the cursor 190
7, selecting device name 1901, location 1902 to 1904, automatic power-on time setting 190
5. Automatic power-off time setting 1906 and the like can be set from this screen. The time is set in 15-minute units here, but it may be set directly by freely inputting it.

<Mechanism of Automatic Power ON / OFF>
With reference to the flow chart of FIG. 22, automatic power ON /
The mechanism of OFF will be described. First, the server 102 (or client 103) that manages the network utility is an M connected to the network 101.
The MIB object is broadcast to know whether the power is ON or OFF to the FP 104 (step S2001).

At this time, one device (probably N)
Returns the power supply status as a reply to it. The power supply status of this device N is determined (step S200
2) As a result of this judgment, when the power supply status is OFF,
The current time and T preset by the above utility
Compare the URN ON times (step S2003),
If it is already time to turn on, the power of the device N is turned on (step S2004).

At this time, the mechanism for turning on the power of the device N is as follows. That is, the device N side has a power supply configuration as shown in FIG.
101 is inserted and the noise filter 21
If the main SW 2103 provided in parallel with 02 is turned on, the system DC power supply 2105 that is always on and the main DC that can be freely turned off / on by a command from the network as described above D
Power is supplied to each control system by the C power supply 2106.

Further, in the case of directly using AC such as the fixing heater, the fixing heater 2114 as shown in FIG.
A door SW 2107 is provided in series with the temperature fuse 2115.

Here, the power supply from the system DC power supply 2105 is an operation unit S which is a push-type SW and can be freely switched ON / OFF inside the device.
There are a W 2108, an operation unit 2109, a system controller unit 2110 that controls them, and a NIC unit 204 that receives an instruction from the network 101 side and transmits it to the system controller unit.

On the other hand, the power supplied from the main DC power supply 2106 includes various input / output units 2112 for operating the MFP 104 such as a motor, a solenoid, and a sensor unit, and a main controller unit 2 for controlling them.
113, and most of the power source of the MFP 104 is an AC centering on the main DC power source 2106 and the fixing heater.
Even if only the system DC power supply 2105 is constantly turned on by being consumed by the control system, its power consumption is extremely small.

OFF received from the network side
The / ON instruction is transmitted from the NIC unit 204 to the system controller unit 2110 and the auto SW 2104 is turned off / on.
Control ON. When turned on, main DC power supply 2106
The AC system such as the fixing heater is turned on, and when it is turned off, they are turned off.

Returning to FIG. 22, again, as a result of the determination in step S2002, if the device N is in the power-on state, the process proceeds to step S2005, and the current time and the preset value are set by the utility. TURN
Compare OFF times. As a result of this comparison, if the time when it should be OFF has already come, the power supply of device N is
It should be set to FF, but if it is turned off suddenly, the user will be in trouble, so the flow advances to step S2006 to confirm whether or not there is a user. Step S2
As a result of the confirmation in 006, if there is no user, the power of the device N is turned off by the above method (step S2007).
To

Whether or not there is a user is determined by the MFP 104.
In, the scanner unit 201, the FAX unit 203, the PDL
It is premised that none of the unit 205, the printer unit 209, and the finisher unit 210 are in operation, and that they are not in a waiting state.

Next, it waits for a reply from the next device broadcast, and if a reply is received, it turns OFF /
ON control is performed. Further, it is determined whether or not a preset polling time (for example, 15 minutes) has elapsed (step S2008), and if it has elapsed, step S20 is performed again.
Returning to 01, the broadcast is repeated to the devices on the network. If the fixed time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S2009 to perform the process of advancing to the next device, and then the process proceeds to step S2002 to repeat the above process.

When the MFPs 104 and 105 are devices of a type in which the fixing heater adopting the On-Dimand fixing method for energy saving is quickly activated, that is, when there is a state called sleep mode in addition to the power ON / OFF. Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

If all the MFPs in the same network are previously registered in the database of the server 102 that broadcasts (step S2401), each device responds to the broadcast.

As a result of this reply, the main SW2 of the device
It is determined whether or not 103 is included (step S2
402). If the result of this determination is that the power supply is off, processing advances to step S2403, and it is determined whether the current time has passed the automatic power supply on time. If the result of this determination is that it has passed, step S2404 is reached and the device is turned on.

Next, in step S2409, it is determined whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed. If the certain period of time has not passed, the process proceeds to step 2410, the power supply status of the next device is searched, and then, Step S240
Returning to step 2, the above-mentioned processing is repeated.

Further, as a result of the judgment in step S2402,
If the power is on, the process advances to step S2405 to determine whether the device has a sleep mode or a fax function. If neither of the functions is provided as a result of this determination, the process advances to step S2406 to determine whether or not the current time has passed the automatic power-off time.

If the result of this determination is that it has passed, step S2407 follows and it is determined whether or not there is a user using the device N. If the result of this determination is that there is no user in use, the flow advances to step S2408 to turn off the device.

By performing such processing, the power supply status can be divided into three types. And if the device has a sleep mode when the power is ON,
If left in the ON state, the device having the sleep mode automatically enters the sleep mode and enters the energy saving mode by itself. As a result, the FA arrives at midnight
It is possible to prepare for X and the like.

Also, it is determined whether or not the device has a FAX, and the device with a FAX waits for 24 hours without turning off the power, or one office on the floor waits for 24 hours in the office where night or early morning work is performed. It is also possible to use in combination with various MIB information and device environment such as provision of a device.

<Automatic power ON / OFF according to the surrounding environment
25. FIG. 25 shows a certain office environment, and is an enlarged view of a certain floor as shown in the map of FIG. 20, for example. In FIG. 25, Div-A, Div-B, D
iv-C is a department or group in the office, respectively, and the server 102, the clients 103a to 103r, and the MFPs 104a to 104e are Hub (250).
1-22503) and connected to the network 101.

However, even if the server 102 is always on, the client 103 and the MFP 104 are not always on. In particular, at times other than the normal working hours (for example, from 9 am to 5 pm), those that are off (marked with the entry prohibition mark) are noticeable as shown in FIG.

There is no problem in a department such as Div-A in which some clients are turned on and the MFP 104a is also turned on. However, even though there are many clients in Div-B, all the MFPs 104 are in operation. It is not easy to use when it is not turned on. On the other hand, unlike Div-C, the situation in which none of the clients are turned on but the MFPs 104 are left on is a problem from the viewpoint of energy saving.

Therefore, if there is at least one client like Div-B, at least one device (for example, the MFP 104b) is turned on.

Further, like Div-C, if all the clients are powered off, the devices (here, the MFPs 104d and 104e) are powered off.
To

Next, referring to the flowchart, FIG.
It becomes like 7. That is, first step S2701
MIB Objec of power ON / OFF status at
broadcast t.

Next, the MFP 104n (where n is a,
b, c ,. ． ． ) Power supply status (step S27)
02), if OFF, the flow advances to step S2703 to determine the status of peripheral clients. As a result of this determination, if there is a client, the power of each device is turned on as necessary (step S2704).

Next, in step S2708, it is determined whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed. If the certain period of time has elapsed, a process of advancing to the next device is performed in step 2709, and then step S2702 is executed. Returning to this, the above-mentioned processing is repeated.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in step S2002,
If the power of the MFP 104n is ON, step S2
Proceeding to 705, the situation of the peripheral clients is judged (step S2705). If the result of this determination is that there is not, it is determined in step S2700 whether or not there is a user who is using the MFP 104n. If there is no user, the process advances to step S2707 to move the MFP 1
Turn off the power of 04n. As described above, check the power supply status of the device one by one, and once it is completed,
This process is repeated for all devices after a certain period of time.

[Second Embodiment] Next, in consideration of actual use in an office, the one shown in FIG. 28 may be considered. That is, during normal working hours (for example, from 9 am to 5 pm), it is often the case that you want to return to work immediately even if there are no people in your room, so you can always turn it on (step S2801 and step S
2802), and otherwise the same as in the first embodiment is performed. The following steps S2803-
The processing of 2811 is the same as steps S2701 to 271 described above.
This is similar to the processing of 09.

Further, if no overtime days or holidays are registered in advance, it is possible to further contribute to energy saving. By combining with the set time of each device as described with reference to FIG. It is also possible to create a comfortable office space.

[Third Embodiment] Furthermore, the number of turned-on clients may be investigated and the number of turned-on devices may be adjusted according to the result of the investigation. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the power supply status of the peripheral clients is checked (step S2903 and step S2).
After 906, it is checked what the ratio of the MFP to the client is (step S2904 and step S2).
909).

At this time, for example, if three MFPs are turned on for one client, it is apparent that there is a useless device. For this criterion, it is necessary to determine the ratio and quantity in advance. Then, depending on whether this ratio is high or low, turn on / off the power.
F.

At this time, in general, each client may use a color MFP and a black-and-white MFP separately. Therefore, when ON / OFF, if one client remains, one color and one black-and-white are used. Power supply OF leaving
You can also register in advance what you want to do. Note that FIG.
Since the processing of each step in steps S2901 to 2912 shown in (1) is substantially the same as the similar processing in each of the flowcharts described above, description thereof will be omitted. According to the present embodiment, centralized management is performed such as preferentially starting up the multi-function peripheral or limiting the number of starting up devices according to the number of logged-on users and the OFF / ON status of peripheral devices. This makes it possible to provide an image forming system in consideration of energy saving in the entire network.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. If all the MFPs in the same network are registered in the database of the server 102 that broadcasts (step S3001) in advance, it is determined whether each device responds to the broadcast (step S3002) and whether the main SW 2103 is turned on. It is possible to judge. Therefore, the power supply status is divided into three types.

That is, the main SW 2103 is turned on, and the auto SW 2104 is also turned on. Main SW2103 is included, but auto SW21
A sleep state in which 04 is turned off. Main SW21
03 is turned off and the power is off.

Then, the display means displays in three states of ON, OFF and sleep. That is, the server 10 in advance
If there is no response from the device although it is registered on the 2 side, the power OFF state is displayed (step S301).
0) Then, if someone is using the device with the sleep mode, or if it is within the automatic power-on time without the sleep function, the power-on state is similarly displayed (step S3006). In other cases, the sleep display is performed (step S3009) by regarding the sleep state.

A broadcast operation is performed periodically (step S3011) at every predetermined time, and the latest information is constantly updated.

Further, in recent years, when the MFP 104 is a device of a type in which a fixing heater adopting an On-Dimand fixing method for quick energy saving is used for energy saving, a state called a sleep mode in addition to turning on / off the power source is used. Exists.

A device having this sleep mode usually enters the sleep mode automatically after a certain period of unused state for a certain period of time, and enters the energy saving mode by itself. This is a method that can be prepared for a fax that arrives at midnight and is quite effective in saving energy.

Therefore, it is judged whether or not the device has a FAX, and the device having a FAX is not turned off without being turned off.
It is also possible to use it in combination with various MIB information and device environment, such as setting up a device that waits for 24 hours on the floor in an office that waits for hours or in the office that works at night or early morning.

According to the above-described embodiment, the power supply information of all (or some) MFP devices connected to the network is acquired all at once, and each device is set to ON / OFF. It becomes possible to provide unified management and control of the usage status in real time.

[0206] Also, by using this, each user is already on their own personality even at late hours or early morning.
It is possible to instantly find and print the device that has been deleted, which not only saves energy in the entire network, but also allows each user to print immediately, enabling smooth device division without waste. To do.

Even when the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (eg, host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.), a device composed of one device (eg, copying machine, facsimile device) Etc.)

Further, the object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium having a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply the storage medium to the computer (CPU or MP) of the system or apparatus.
It goes without saying that U) is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD
-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.

Further, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. It is needless to say that this also includes a case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a case where the CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is also included.

[0213]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to centrally manage and control the OFF / ON status of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network and automatically switch the OFF / ON of each device at different timings.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, the multifunction peripheral is preferentially booted or the number of booted devices is restricted according to the number of logged-on users and the OFF / ON status of peripheral devices. It is possible to perform centralized management of the image forming apparatus, and it is possible to provide an image forming system in consideration of energy saving in the entire network.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, each user can immediately find and print a device which has already been turned on in his / her own surroundings even in the late night or early morning. This makes it possible to save energy in the entire network and to perform smooth device division without waste. Further, according to another feature of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the number of image forming apparatuses whose power is activated with respect to the number of client terminals.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a scanner unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a FAX unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a NIC unit and a PDL unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a core unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration and pulse width modulation of a PWM unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the printer section of the color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the printer unit of the monochrome image forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing a structure of a finisher portion of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network environment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing network data transfer.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of broadcasting.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of acquisition and display of device information.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a device list tab screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a status tab screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a status tab screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a map tab screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a setup tab screen.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of turning the device power OFF / ON.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a power supply system of the device.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of acquisition and display of device information.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a device connection status in the office.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a device power OFF / ON state in the office.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of automatic power OFF / ON.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of automatic power OFF / ON.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of automatic power OFF / ON.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of automatic power OFF / ON.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 network 102 document server computer 103 client computer 104 color MFP 105 monochrome MFP

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI H04N 1/00 107 G06F 1/00 334Q (56) References JP-A-5-165552 (JP, A) JP-A-7-30565 (JP, A) JP 9-134234 (JP, A) JP 11-227296 (JP, A) JP 6-183102 (JP, A) JP 8-25757 (JP, A) Kaihei 8-286786 (JP, A) JP 11-170666 (JP, A) JP 2000-335055 (JP, A) JP 11-219275 (JP, A) JP 11-127251 (JP , A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/12 B41J 29/38 G06F 1/26 H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 107

Claims (22)

(57) [Claims] 1. At least one connected to the network
In an image forming system including one server terminal device, a plurality of client terminal devices, and a plurality of image forming devices, the client terminal device and the image forming device communicate with each other, and the network of the client terminal devices is used. Based on the power supply status information acquired by the communication means and the communication means for acquiring the login status information and the power supply status information of the image forming apparatus,
The server terminal device is equipped with a power supply state control means for switching and controlling the power supply state of the image forming apparatus, and it is predetermined in the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by the communication means. An image forming system, characterized in that when a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are logged in to the network, the power state of some or all of the image forming devices is changed. 2. At least one connected to the network
In an image forming system including one server terminal device, a plurality of client terminal devices, and a plurality of image forming devices, the client terminal device and the image forming device communicate with each other, and the network of the client terminal devices is used. Communication means for acquiring log-in status information and power supply status information of the image forming apparatus; and power supply status control means for switching and controlling the power supply status of the image forming apparatus based on the power supply status information acquired by the communication means. The server terminal device is provided with, and the power supply state control means is characterized in that in the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by the communication means, a predetermined number or more of the client terminal devices are If you are not logged in to the network, Image forming system characterized by changing some or all of the power state. 3. An image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices connected to a network, a plurality of image forming devices, and at least one server terminal device connected to the network. In the image forming system, the server terminal device includes a communication unit that communicates with each of the client terminal device and the image forming device in the group, and a power supply state control unit that switches the power supply state of the image forming device in the group. However, the power supply state control means is such that, in the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by the communication means, a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices have logged in to the network. The power status of some or all of the above image forming devices Image forming system characterized by changing the unit. 4. An image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices connected to a network, a plurality of image forming devices, and at least one server terminal device connected to the network. In the image forming system, the server terminal device includes a communication unit that communicates with each of the client terminal device and the image forming device in the group, and a power supply state control unit that switches the power supply state of the image forming device in the group. However, the power supply state control means is such that, in the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by the communication means, a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are not logged in to the network. The power status of some or all of the above image forming devices Image forming system characterized by varying at up units. 5. A server terminal device, which is used by being connected to a network in which a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices are connected, communicating with the client terminal device and the image forming device. A communication unit that acquires login status information of the client terminal device to the network and power supply status information of the image forming apparatus, and based on the power supply status information acquired by the communication unit,
A power supply state control unit for switching and controlling the power supply state of the image forming apparatus, wherein the power supply state control unit is a predetermined number or more in advance as a result of communication with the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus. The server terminal device changing the power supply state of some or all of the image forming devices when the client terminal device is logged in to the network. 6. A server terminal device, which is used by being connected to a network in which a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices are connected, communicating with the client terminal device and the image forming device. A communication unit that acquires login status information of the client terminal device to the network and power supply status information of the image forming apparatus, and based on the power supply status information acquired by the communication unit,
A power supply state control unit for switching and controlling the power supply state of the image forming apparatus, wherein the power supply state control unit is a predetermined number or more in advance as a result of communication with the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus. When the client terminal device is not logged in to the network, the server terminal device is characterized in that the power state of some or all of the image forming apparatuses is changed. 7. A server terminal device which is used by being connected to a network to which an image forming group composed of a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices is connected. A communication means for communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus, and a power supply state control means for switching the power supply state of the image forming apparatuses in the group are provided, and the power supply state control means is obtained by the communication means. In the login status information of the client terminal device to the network, when a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are logged in to the network, some or all of the image forming devices are A server terminal device, characterized in that the power state of the server is changed in group units. 8. A server terminal device used by being connected to a network to which an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices is connected. A communication means for communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus, and a power supply state control means for switching the power supply state of the image forming apparatuses in the group are provided, and the power supply state control means is obtained by the communication means. In the login status information of the client terminal device to the network, when a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are not logged in to the network, some or all of the image forming apparatuses are A server characterized in that the power supply state is changed in groups by the power supply state control means. Terminal equipment. 9. At least one connected to the network
In a control method in an image forming system including one server terminal device, a plurality of client terminal devices, and a plurality of image forming devices, the client terminal device and the image forming device are communicated with each other. Switching the power supply state of the image forming apparatus based on the first processing step of acquiring the login status information to the network and the power supply status information of the image forming apparatus, and the information acquired by the first processing step. A second processing step for controlling, wherein in the second processing step, in the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by performing the communication, a predetermined number or more is determined. If the client terminal device of is not logged in to the above network, Control method characterized by performing the process of changing the power state of a part or all of the serial image forming apparatus. 10. A control method in an image forming system comprising at least one server terminal device connected to a network, a plurality of client terminal devices, and a plurality of image forming devices, the client terminal device and A first processing step of communicating with the image forming apparatus to acquire login status information of the client terminal apparatus to the network and power status information of the image forming apparatus; and a power status acquired by the first processing step. A second processing step for controlling the switching of the power supply state of the image forming apparatus based on the information, and determining in advance in the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by performing the communication. More than a specified number of client terminal devices are logged to the network If not down, the control method comprising changing a part or all of the power state of the image forming apparatus. 11. An image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices connected to a network, a plurality of image forming devices, and at least one server terminal device connected to the network. In the control method in the image forming system, a first processing step of communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus in the group, and a second processing step of switching the power state of the image forming apparatus in the group In the login state information of the client terminal device to the network obtained in the first processing step, when a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are logged in to the network. The power status of some or all of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is checked. Control method characterized by performing the process of changing in-loop basis. 12. An image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices connected to a network, a plurality of image forming devices, and at least one server terminal device connected to the network. In the control method in the image forming system, a first processing step of communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming apparatus in the group, and a second processing step of switching the power state of the image forming apparatus in the group In the login status information of the client terminal device to the network obtained by performing the communication, in the case where a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are not logged in to the network, The power status of some or all of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is grouped. Control method characterized by performing a process of changing a unit. 13. A control method in an image forming system which is used by being connected to a network to which a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices are connected, the client terminal device and the image forming device being used. In the first processing step of performing communication and acquiring login status information of the client terminal apparatus to the network and power supply status information of the image forming apparatus, and a result of performing communication with the client terminal apparatus and the image forming apparatus. ,
A second processing step of changing the power state of some or all of the plurality of image forming apparatuses when a predetermined number or more of client terminal apparatuses are logged in to the network. A control method characterized by having. 14. A control method in an image forming system which is used by being connected to a network in which a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices are connected, the client terminal device and the image forming device being used. A communication unit that performs communication and acquires login status information of the client terminal apparatus to the network and power status information of the image forming apparatus; and the power status control unit communicates with the client terminal apparatus and the image forming apparatus. As a result of performing, when a predetermined number or more of client terminal devices are not logged in to the network, the power state of some or all of the image forming apparatuses is changed. Control method. 15. A control method in an image forming system which is used by being connected to a network to which an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices is connected. A first processing step of communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming device in the group;
A second processing step for switching the power supply state of the image forming apparatus in the group, and in the login state information of the client terminal apparatus to the network obtained by performing the communication, a predetermined number A control method, characterized in that, when the above client terminal device is logged in to the network, the power state of some or all of the image forming devices is changed in group units. 16. A control method in an image forming system, which is used by being connected to a network to which an image forming group including a plurality of client terminal devices and a plurality of image forming devices is connected. A first processing step of communicating with each of the client terminal device and the image forming device in the group;
A second processing step for switching the power supply state of the image forming apparatus in the group, and in the login state information of the client terminal apparatus to the network obtained by performing the communication, a predetermined number A control method, characterized in that, when the above client terminal device is not logged in to the network, the power state of some or all of the image forming devices is changed in group units. 17. A storage medium, which stores a program of a procedure for executing the control method according to any one of claims 9 to 16 so that the program can be read from a computer. 18. A management computer capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of client terminal apparatuses via a network, and a surveying means for surveying the number of client terminal apparatuses participating in and connected to the network. An adjusting unit that adjusts the number of image forming apparatuses whose power sources are activated according to the number of client terminal devices investigated by the examining unit, and the adjusting unit is examined by the examining unit. An image forming apparatus for adjusting the number of image forming apparatuses to be activated based on a ratio of the number of image forming apparatuses whose power is activated to the number of client terminal apparatuses connected to the network and a predetermined criterion. A management computer characterized by controlling the power supply of. 19. The adjusting means leaves the color image forming apparatus and the monochrome image forming apparatus when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off to adjust the number of image forming apparatuses. The management computer according to claim 18. 20. A control method in an image forming system, comprising: a plurality of image forming apparatuses; a plurality of client terminal apparatuses; and a management computer capable of communicating with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network, the network comprising: A step of investigating the number of connected client terminal devices and adjusting the number of image forming apparatuses whose power supply is activated according to the number of client terminal devices investigated in the above step The adjusting step includes a ratio of the number of image forming apparatuses whose power is activated to the number of client terminal apparatuses connected to the network investigated by the examining step, and a predetermined criterion. The power of the image forming apparatus is controlled to adjust the number of image forming apparatuses to be activated based on A control method characterized by the above. 21. The adjusting step is characterized in that the color image forming apparatus and the monochrome image forming apparatus are left when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off in order to adjust the number of image forming apparatuses. The control method according to claim 20. 22. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 20 or 21.