JP3597385B2 - Communication system and communication line connection device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, together with performing facsimile communication via a public line, a LAN connection device or the like that controls the data communication and a communication line such as a communication device and b over local area network such as a facsimile apparatus having a saving features (LAN) The present invention relates to a communication line connection device and a communication system including the communication device and the communication line connection device .
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a facsimile apparatus having an energy-saving energy-saving function for controlling power supply to a main part in the apparatus in accordance with various signals (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-214096).
Further, there has been a facsimile apparatus in which a facsimile controller controls a power supply of a system controller (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-298618).
[0003]
Further, in the energy saving mode, the power is turned on in response to a request from an external device, and when the power is in a stable state, a notification to that effect is given. Facsimile machine (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-56526).
[0004]
When the facsimile apparatus as described above is connected to a LAN, the facsimile apparatus can be connected to the LAN via a LAN connection device, and e-mail communication can be performed using a server on the LAN.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the above-described conventional facsimile apparatus is connected to a LAN via a LAN connection apparatus, main power must be supplied from the facsimile apparatus to the LAN connection apparatus. However, there is a problem that the main power must be continuously supplied by connecting the LAN connection device, and the energy saving function of the facsimile device does not work.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to enable the use of the energy saving function even when a line connection device for connecting to a communication line such as a LAN is connected.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides means for performing data communication via a public line, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, shuts off supply of main power to each main part in the apparatus and shifts to an energy saving mode. At the same time, the operating state information of each of the main parts is monitored by the standby power, and when the operating state information satisfies a specific condition, the supply of the main electric power to each of the main parts is restarted, and the normal operation is performed from the energy saving mode. A communication device having control means for returning the device to a state, and a communication line connected between the communication device and a communication line such as a local area network, receiving the standby power from the communication device, When the communication device is in the energy saving mode when the input of the specific information from the communication device is detected, the control unit is caused to return from the energy saving mode to a normal state. A communication system comprising a communication line connection device which includes a control means for outputting the null instructions to the control means of the communication line connection device, polls the server to send and receive e-mail via the communication line which is the communication device upon detection of the incoming e-mail if the energy-saving mode, is provided a control means for outputting a return instruction to return from the power saving mode to the normal state with respect to said control means of said communication device Te It is .
[0008]
Also, means for performing data communication via a public line, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, shuts off supply of main power to each main part in the apparatus and shifts to an energy saving mode. Control means for monitoring the operation state information of the unit, and when the operation state information satisfies a specific condition, restarts the supply of the main power to each of the main parts and returns the device from the energy saving mode to a normal state. A communication line connection device connected between a communication device having a communication line and a communication line such as a local area network receives the standby power supply from the communication device and detects an input of specific information from the communication line. If the communication device when the energy-saving mode, and outputs a return instruction to return from the power saving mode to the normal state with respect to the control means, the upper When the communication device is in the energy saving mode when detecting the arrival of the email by polling the server that transmits and receives the email via the communication line, the control unit of the communication device is switched from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Provided is a communication line connection device including a control unit that outputs a return command for returning to a state .
[0010]
Furthermore, the communication device may be provided with means for supplying a reset signal generated by the standby power to the communication line connection device.
[0011]
The communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention and the communication line connecting device according to the second aspect of the present invention are configured as described above so that a communication device such as a facsimile device having an energy saving mode can be replaced with a communication line connecting device such as a LAN connecting device. it is connected to the LAN via a can enable the energy-saving function of the communication device, may be returned to the communication device from the power saving mode to the normal state when necessary from the communication line connection device, a communication line connecting device Accordingly, when the communication device is in the energy saving mode, the communication device can be returned from the energy saving mode to a normal state only when necessary, such as when an e-mail is received from a server on the LAN.
[0014]
According to the communication line connection device of the third aspect of the present invention, the communication line connection device can be prevented from being reset every time the communication device is activated by an incoming e-mail or the like.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016]
The facsimile apparatus (communication apparatus) 100 outputs main power M and standby power S from the power supply 1.
Normally, main power M is supplied to the main parts such as the main CPU 2, the operation unit 4, the reading unit 5, and the network control unit (NCU) 6, and in the energy saving mode, the sub CPU 3 and the operation unit 4, the reading unit 5, The standby power S is supplied to each unit of the network control unit (NCU) 6.
[0017]
The main CPU 2 instructs the sub CPU 3 to shift to the energy saving mode when an operation input instruction to shift to the energy saving mode is input from the operation unit 4 or when a predetermined time period has elapsed in the standby state.
[0018]
When the sub CPU 3 receives the instruction to shift to the energy saving mode from the main CPU 2, it turns off the switch SW and cuts off the supply of the main power M from the power supply 1 to the main CPU 2, the operation unit 4, the reading unit 5, and the NCU 6. Then, the apparatus enters the energy saving mode by supplying the standby power S from the power supply 1 to the sub CPU 3, the operation unit 4, the reading unit 5, and the NCU 6.
[0019]
In the energy saving mode, the sub-CPU 3 switches the switch SW when any one of the activation instruction operation input from the operation unit 4, the detection of the original by setting the original in the reading unit 5, and the detection of the incoming call from the NCU 6 connected to the PSTN line occurs. To start the supply of the main power M from the power supply 1 and, at the same time, notify the main CPU 2 of the factor information of the return (return factor information).
[0020]
Then, the main CPU 2 performs a process according to the return factor from the sub CPU 3, and the facsimile machine 100 returns from the energy saving mode.
Further, the reset generation unit 7 receives the supply of the standby power S from the power supply 1, detects the rise and fall thereof, generates a reset signal (RESET signal) based on the standby power S, and sends the reset signal to the LAN connection device 200. Send out.
[0021]
On the other hand, the LAN connection device (line connection device) 200 receives the standby power S from the power supply 1 from the facsimile device 100 and inputs the reset signal generated by the reset generation unit 7.
The CPU 8 converts facsimile data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 100 into an e-mail format when transmitting e-mail to a server on the LAN, and transmits the data to the server on the LAN by the LAN controller 10.
[0022]
When receiving an e-mail from a server on the LAN, the LAN controller 10 converts the e-mail data received from the server into a facsimile data format and sends it to the facsimile apparatus 100.
The CPU 8 controls the conversion of the data type and controls the entire LAN connection device 200, and also performs a process of sending a return command to the facsimile device 100.
[0023]
Further, the main CPU 2 of the facsimile apparatus 100 and the CPU 8 of the LAN connection apparatus 200 transmit information of commands, responses, and operation states via the shared memory 9 provided in the LAN connection apparatus 200.
The LAN controller 10 is connected to the LAN and controls electronic mail communication between a server on the LAN and the facsimile machine 10.
[0024]
When the facsimile device 100 is in the energy saving mode, the CPU 8 of the LAN connection device 200 outputs a return command to the sub CPU 3 of the facsimile device 100 when polling a server on the LAN and detecting the arrival of an e-mail.
Then, the sub CPU 3 of the facsimile apparatus 100 connects the switch SW, starts the supply of the main power M from the power supply 1, and simultaneously notifies the main CPU 2 of the return factor information (return factor information). Performs a process according to the return factor from the sub CPU 3, and the facsimile apparatus 100 returns from the energy saving mode.
[0025]
That is, the NCU 6 functions as means for performing data communication via a public line such as PSTN. When the sub CPU 3 or the like satisfies a predetermined condition , the supply of the main power M to each main unit including the main control unit (corresponding to the main CPU 2) in the apparatus is cut off, and the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode . The operating state information of each of the main parts is monitored by the standby power S, and when the operating state information satisfies a specific condition, the supply of the main power M to each of the main parts is restarted, and the main CPU 2 is in the energy saving mode. The function of the control means is to return the device from the normal state to the normal state.
[0026]
Further, when the CPU 8 or the like is connected between a communication device and a communication line such as a local area network, receives the supply of the standby power from the communication device, and detects an input of specific information from the communication line, If the communication apparatus is in power saving mode, performs the function of control means for outputting a return instruction to return from the power saving mode to said control means of the upper Symbol communication device to a normal state.
[0027]
Further, the shared memory 9 corresponds to a shared memory that shares operating state information of the communication device with the communication device.
Further, the CPU 8 polls a server that sends and receives e-mails via the communication line and detects the arrival of e-mails. When the communication device is in the energy saving mode, the control unit of the communication device Also functions as a control unit for outputting a return command for returning from the energy saving mode to the normal state.
Further, the reset generation means 7 functions as a means for supplying a reset signal generated by the standby power S to the communication line connection device.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process related to the energy saving mode of the main CPU 2.
When the main power supply to the main CPU is turned on in step (indicated by “S” in the figure) 1, that is, when the supply of the main power M by the power supply 1 is started in step (indicated by “S” in the figure), the main CPU 2 proceeds to step 2 and The output factor information is analyzed, and the process proceeds to step 3 to determine whether to return from the energy saving mode.
If it is determined in step 3 that the operation is not returning from the energy saving mode, the process proceeds to step 8 to perform a normal power ON process.
[0029]
If it is determined in step 3 that the operation mode is to return from the energy saving mode, the process proceeds to step 4 to analyze the factor, and performs a process according to the factor. Then, the process proceeds to step 5 to perform a shift instruction operation to the energy saving mode or a preset operation. It is determined whether or not the time-out condition by the timer has been satisfied. If the above-mentioned operation or the time-out condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 6 and notifies the CPU 8 of the LAN connection device 200 of shifting to the energy saving mode. Then, an instruction is issued to the sub CPU 3 to shift to the energy saving mode, and the process ends.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process related to the energy saving mode of the sub CPU 3.
The sub CPU 3 proceeds to step 12 after the main power M by the power supply 1 is supplied in step 11 and then supplies the standby power S. In step 13, the sub CPU 3 receives an instruction to shift to the energy saving mode from the main CPU 2. Determine whether or not.
[0031]
Upon receiving an instruction to shift to the energy saving mode from the main CPU 2 in step 13, the process proceeds to step 14 to turn off the switch SW to cut off the supply of the main power M, and proceeds to step 15 to operate the operation unit 4 and the reading unit 5. , NCU 6 or the LAN connection device 200 is determined, and if so, the process proceeds to step 16 where the switch SW is turned on to restart the supply of the main power M, and the process proceeds to step 17. The return factor information is output to the main CPU 2 and the process returns to step S13.
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process when the CPU 8 cancels the energy saving mode of the facsimile machine 100.
The CPU 8 of the LAN connection device 200 periodically detects an incoming e-mail at a preset cycle in the LAN server, and determines in step 21 whether or not the server has an incoming e-mail to the facsimile device 100. I do.
[0033]
If there is an e-mail in the determination of step 21, the process proceeds to step 22 to determine whether or not the facsimile machine (FAX) 100 is in the energy saving mode. A return instruction is output to CPU3.
[0034]
Proceeding to step 24, it is determined whether the facsimile apparatus 100 has returned from the energy saving mode. If it is confirmed that the facsimile apparatus 100 has returned from the energy saving mode, the processing proceeds to step 25, where the e-mail received from the server on the LAN is converted into a facsimile type. Then, the data is sent to the facsimile machine (FAX) 100.
[0035]
In this manner, in this communication system, the LAN connection device 200 knows that the facsimile device 100 will enter the energy saving mode based on the notification from the facsimile device 100, and sends out a return command when necessary to activate the facsimile device 100. However, the power saving mode can be enabled by enabling the energy saving mode of the facsimile machine.
[0036]
Further, since the LAN connection device 200 can grasp the operation state based on the operation state information of the facsimile device 100 via the shared memory 9, there is no need to add a new signal for energy saving control.
Further, since the LAN connection device 200 supplies the main power M only when the facsimile device 100 is to be activated, such as when an e-mail is received from a server on the LAN, when the facsimile device 100 is in the energy saving mode, power consumption can be reduced. It becomes.
[0037]
Furthermore, the facsimile apparatus 100 creates a reset signal from the standby power S to the LAN connection apparatus 200 and sends it out, so that the facsimile apparatus 100 returns when a reset signal is generated from the main power M. It is possible to prevent the LAN connection device 200 from being reset every time.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the communication system of the present invention, the energy saving function can be used even when a line connection device for connecting to a communication line such as a LAN is connected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process related to an energy saving mode of a main CPU 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process related to an energy saving mode of a sub CPU 3 illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing when the CPU 8 shown in FIG. 1 cancels the energy saving mode of the facsimile apparatus 100.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Power supply 2: Main CPU
3: Sub CPU 4: Operation unit 5: Read unit 6: NCU
7: Reset generation means 8: CPU
9: Shared memory 10: LAN controller 100: Facsimile device 200: LAN connection device

Claims (3)

Means for performing data communication via a public line, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, shutting off the supply of main power to each main part in the apparatus and shifting to an energy saving mode, and standby power consumption for each of said main parts. Control means for monitoring the operation state information, and when the operation state information satisfies a specific condition, restarts supply of main power to each of the main parts and returns the device from the energy saving mode to a normal state. A communication device with
The communication device is connected between the communication device and a communication line such as a local area network, receives the standby power from the communication device, and detects an input of specific information from the communication line. In the case of the mode, a communication system comprising a communication line connection device having a control unit that outputs a return command for returning to the normal state from the energy saving mode to the control unit ,
When the communication device is in the energy saving mode when the control means of the communication line connection device polls a server that sends and receives e-mail via the communication line and detects the arrival of the e-mail, the communication device A communication means for outputting a return command to the control means for returning from the energy saving mode to a normal state. Means for performing data communication via a public line, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, shutting off the supply of main power to each main part in the apparatus and shifting to an energy saving mode, and standby power consumption for each of said main parts. Control means for monitoring the operation state information, and when the operation state information satisfies a specific condition, restarts supply of main power to each of the main parts and returns the device from the energy saving mode to a normal state. A communication line connection device connected between a communication device provided and a communication line such as a local area network
Receiving the supply of the standby power from the communication device, when the communication device is in the energy saving mode when the input of the specific information from the communication line is detected, the control unit is switched from the energy saving mode to a normal state. When the communication device is in the energy saving mode when a return command for returning is output and polling is performed on a server that transmits and receives e-mail via the communication line and the arrival of e-mail is detected, the control of the communication device is performed. A communication line connection device, comprising: a control unit that outputs a return instruction to return to a normal state from the energy saving mode . The communication system according to claim 1,
A communication system, wherein the communication device includes means for supplying a reset signal generated by the standby power to the communication line connection device.

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