JP3938133B2 - Information processing apparatus and power supply control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus connected to an external apparatus via a network, and relates to the power supply control how.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a mechanism for remotely monitoring the power supply state of an image forming apparatus and remotely controlling power ON / OFF with a power supply control technique related to the image forming apparatus.

  Further, a mechanism is known in which only a local part of the image forming apparatus is instructed to control power ON / OFF (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, a so-called multi-function digital copying machine is known as an image processing apparatus for inputting and outputting images. This multi-function digital copier is a scanner that reads an original image recorded on paper or the like, a printer that outputs the read image or an image sent from a host computer to a medium such as paper, and the operation of these scanner and printer A device controller that performs various image processing, an operation unit that provides the user with operation of the device, a memory that stores image data and a processing program temporarily or permanently, a hard disk, and the like.

In the multi-function digital copying machine having the above-described configuration, not only the original image is copied, but also the image data read by the scanner is transferred to the host computer via the LAN (network), or conversely, on the host computer with a word processor, It is also possible to print out the created document with a printer. It is also known to have various functions such as a facsimile transmission function for transmitting a document image to a remote facsimile machine.
JP-A-6-183102

  However, according to the prior art, although it was possible to instruct the image forming apparatus to turn on / off the power from a remote location, it is instructed to turn on / off the power of the entire image forming apparatus. It was not possible to control the power supply according to the user's request.

  For example, in a multi-function digital copying machine, there is a problem in that power relating to a facsimile is supplied even if a power-on instruction is issued when only the print function is to be used.

  In addition, when the power source for printing is to be turned off, the power source for the facsimile function is also turned off. When the user wishes to use the facsimile, the power source has to be turned on again.

  Furthermore, since functions are complicated in multi-function digital copiers, etc., it is necessary to specify which part of the power control should be performed in order to turn on / off the power desired by the user. There was a problem that it would accompany.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, and a power supply control how the user can supply power only to the desired function .

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus connected to an external device via a network and having a plurality of functional units for executing a plurality of functions , First information for displaying the power supply state related to the functional unit on the display unit of the external device and second information for displaying on the display unit a setting screen for setting at least the power supply state of the plurality of functional units generating means for generating a file containing the via transmitting means for transmitting the file in which the generating means has generated to the external device, a setting screen displayed on the display unit based on the second information more receiving means for receiving function information from said external device to indicate that even without inside or al low features one function selected for, when the receiving means the least indicate the functional information received is A power supply control means for controlling the power state of the functional unit corresponding to one function, and having a.

The information processing apparatus of claim 2, selected in the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whether the setting screen shifts the at least one function the function information indicating the power status of any kind The receiving means receives from the external device type information indicating the type of power supply state selected via the setting screen, and the power control means is configured to receive the at least one function information indicated by the function information . the power state of the functional unit corresponding to the function, and controls so as to shift to a power state in which the species-specific information received by the receiving unit indicates.

The information processing apparatus of claim 3, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the generating means, said file in response to a browse request of the file in which the generating means generates received from the external device Is generated.

The information processing device according to claim 4 is the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the file is described in a markup language, and the external device is described in the markup language. It has a browser means for browsing the read file through the display unit.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the plurality of functions include at least two of a print function, a facsimile function, a copy function, and a scanner function. It is characterized by that.

The power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 6 is a power control method for an information processing apparatus that is connected to an external device via a network and has a plurality of functional units for executing a plurality of functions. First information for displaying the power supply state related to the functional unit on the display unit of the external device and second information for displaying on the display unit a setting screen for setting at least the power supply state of the plurality of functional units A generation step for generating a file including the transmission step, a transmission step for transmitting the file generated in the generation step to the external device, and a setting screen displayed on the display unit based on the second information. A receiving step of receiving from the external device function information indicating that at least one function has been selected from the functions; and at least the function information received by the function information received by the receiving step A power supply control step of controlling the power state of the functional unit corresponding to one function, and having a.

Power supply control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 7, in the power supply control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the setting screen, the at least one power state of any type of function wherein the function information indicating The reception step receives type information indicating the type of the power supply state selected via the setting screen from the external device, and the power control step includes the function information and controlling so as to shift the power supply state of the functional unit corresponding to the at least one function indicated, the power state indicated by the species-specific information received in the reception step.

The power control method for the information processing device according to claim 8 is the power control method for the information processing device according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the generation step sends a browsing request for the file generated in the generation step from the external device. The file is generated in response to reception.

The power control method for the information processing device according to claim 9 is the power control method for the information processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein the file is described in a markup language, and the external device Has a browser step for browsing a file described in the markup language via a display unit.

The power control method for the information processing apparatus according to claim 10 is the power control method for the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , wherein the plurality of functions include a print function, a facsimile function, a copy function, and the like. At least two of the scanner functions are included.

According to the present invention, the power state of the function unit corresponding to each function of the information processing apparatus having a plurality of functions is determined according to the content selected via the setting screen displayed on the display unit of the external device. Each can be controlled appropriately.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a remote control system incorporating an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a communication network such as the Internet. Reference numeral 102 denotes a hardware or software support center. Reference numeral 103 denotes a hardware or software sales company. A web server 104 is connected to the Internet and provides specific services to Internet users. Reference numeral 105 denotes an electronic money server that performs a settlement process between the financial institution 106 and a client (terminal) that is a consumer. A service provider 107 performs a connection process between the personal user terminal and the Internet 101.

  The client as a terminal device is a personal computer 112, and includes various peripherals such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a non-volatile storage unit such as a RAM and a hard disk, a display / keyboard / mouse, etc. It is assumed that an input / output unit for inputting / outputting information to / from a device, a communication unit such as a modem, and the like are provided, and display control of each flowchart and screen display described later is performed according to each configuration.

  A firewall 108 connects the Internet 101, which is an external communication network, to the LAN 121, and performs security management. Reference numeral 109 denotes a device management server that performs management of each device such as a file server 110, a mail server 111, a personal computer (PC) 112, and a printer 113 connected to a LAN (network) 121, user management, data management of billing information, and the like. is there. A file server 110 performs data management and the like, and outputs data to the multifunction digital copier 200 and the printer 113 as necessary.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction digital copying machine 200 which is an information processing apparatus. This multi-function digital copier (simply called MFP) 200 outputs a scanner 202 that reads a document image recorded on paper or the like, and outputs the read image or an image sent via the LAN 121 to a medium such as paper. A printer 203 that transmits an image to an external terminal, a device controller 204 that controls operations of the scanner 202, the printer 203, and the fax 209, or performs various image processing, and inputs operation instructions for the device. The operation unit 201, a memory 205 for temporarily or permanently storing image data and a processing program, a hard disk 206, and the like. The device controller 204 includes a CPU 207 that executes programs stored in the memory 205 and the hard disk 206, a communication control unit 208 that controls communication between the devices 201 to 206 and 209 connected to the device controller 204 and the LAN 121 and the CPU 207. It has. The MFP 200 includes a power supply unit 210 that supplies power to the devices 201 to 209, and the power supply unit 210 is connected to the device controller 204. The MFP 200 is not limited to a specific network (LAN) at the present time when the Internet has spread, and is widely connected to networks all over the world through a firewall 108. That is, the MFP 200 can be managed and controlled not only from a specific network but also from terminals connected to networks all over the world. In the MFP 200, the copy function is realized by combining the scanner 202 and the printer 203.

  FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the structure of the MFP 200. The MFP 200 includes a reader unit 220 and a printer unit 230. The document feeder 301 of the reader unit 220 feeds documents one by one on the platen glass 302 sequentially from the last page, and discharges the documents on the platen glass 302 after the document reading operation is completed. When the original is conveyed onto the platen glass 302, the lamp 303 is turned on, and the movement of the scanner unit 304 is started to expose and scan the original.

  At this time, the reflected light from the document is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 309 by mirrors 305, 306, 307 and a lens 308. The image of the original scanned in this way is read by the CCD 309. Image data output from the CCD 309 is transferred to the printer unit 230 after being subjected to predetermined processing.

  The laser driver 310 of the printer unit 230 drives the laser light emitting unit 311 and causes the laser light emitting unit 311 to emit light corresponding to the image data output from the reader unit 220. The laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 312, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 312. A developer adheres to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 312 by the developing device 313. Then, at the timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation, the recording paper is fed from one of the cassettes 314 and 315 and conveyed to the transfer unit 316, and the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 312 is transferred to the recording paper.

  The recording paper to which the developer is attached is conveyed to the fixing unit 317, and the developer is fixed to the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 317. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 317 is discharged by the discharge roller 318, and the sorter 321 stores the recording paper in the uppermost pin 322 when the sorting is not set. If double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 318, and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 318 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 320 by the flapper 319. When multiple recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the refeed conveyance path 320 by the flapper 319 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 318. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path is fed to the transfer unit 316 at the above timing.

  In MFP 200 having the above configuration, the user operates from operation unit 201, and scanner 202 inputs an image in accordance with an instruction from operation unit 201 or personal computer 112. The printer 113 prints data from the personal computer 112 or the file server 110.

  The device controller 204 performs input / output control of image data with the scanner 202, printer 203, memory 205, hard disk 206, or personal computer 112 in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 201 or the personal computer 112. For example, control is performed such that image data captured from the scanner 202 is stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206 as necessary, output to the personal computer 112, or printed by the printer 203.

  The printer 113 prints image data from the personal computer 112 or the file server 110 on a recording sheet. The personal computer 112 is connected to the LAN 121 as a terminal device, and browses information provided from the web server 104 via the Internet 101 and outputs image data to the MFP 200 and the printer 113. The personal computer 112 is connected to the Internet 101 via the firewall 108, but may be connected to the Internet 101 via the service provider 107.

  When the MFP 200 is remotely controlled via a network under such an environment, a method using a dedicated line or a telephone line can be cited as a remote control method. In this embodiment, a case where the Internet is used will be described. . As described above, the MFP 200 exists on the LAN 121 and has an IP (Internet Protocol) address. When the MFP 200 is regarded as a Web server and the MFP 200 executes a script language or the like, the device management server 109 and the personal computer 112 can access the MFP 200 using a Web browsing tool. Here, as the script language, Java (registered trademark) Script (registered trademark) of Sun Microsystems, Inc. can be cited. Further, examples of the Web browsing tool include Microsoft Internet Explorer (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation and Netscape Navigator of Netscape Corporation.

  By using such a web browsing tool, the MFP 200 can be remotely controlled without depending on the platform. For example, the MFP 200 can be operated from a terminal that operates on any OS such as Windows (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation, MacOS (registered trademark) of Apple Corporation, or Unix (registered trademark). That is, by not depending on the platform, it is possible not only to control from the specific device management server 109 but also to control setting / cancellation of the MFP 200 on the browsing screen described later from all computers (terminals) on the LAN 121. It is.

In the following description, an MFP according to an electrophotographic method is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes, for example, an MFP including an inkjet image forming unit, Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to an electrophotographic printer having a plurality of predetermined functions, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or the like.
Furthermore, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to a single function machine having any of a printer function, a facsimile function, and a copy function that are communicably connected on a network. In this case, a device constituting the MFP corresponding to each function described later corresponds to an apparatus having each function.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a power supply control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server. A program for executing this processing is stored in the hard disk 206 in the MFP 200, read by the CPU 207 in the device controller 204, and executed via the communication control unit 208. Note that the communication control unit 208 included in the device controller 204 has a function of performing transmission / reception of a markup language such as HTML or XML in accordance with the HyperText Transfer Protocol. In the following description, HTML will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to various markup languages such as XML.

  First, it waits for a request for browsing the window screen from a terminal such as the PC 112 connected to the LAN 121 (step S1), and when there is a browsing request, it detects the power state of each device (each block in FIG. 2) of the MFP 200. Is generated, and information on the window screen file according to HTML based on the detected power state is generated, and the window screen file is transmitted to the terminal that has requested browsing (step S2). Note that the detection of the power state in step S2 may be detected every time there is a browsing request from the terminal, or information indicating the power state detected in advance at a predetermined timing is stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206. Alternatively, when there is a browsing request from the terminal, the CPU 207 may read out the stored information indicating the power state. Further, the detection of the power supply state here may be a detection of the power supply state based on a value detected from a predetermined sensor (not shown), or in response to a power control instruction to each device by the CPU 207. Accordingly, the power state may be detected by examining the history of the power control instruction stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206 by the CPU 207 itself.

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a change request (for example, a power-on request in FIG. 16) on the window screen from the terminal (client) (step S3). If there is no change request, the process returns to step S1. Note that the window screen in the present embodiment means a setting screen on which various settings including at least a power control instruction for the MFP 200 can be made.

  On the other hand, when there is a change request, processing according to the change request is executed (step S4). For example, as shown in FIG. 16, each device of the MFP 200 is activated, and a status display unit 704 indicating that the device is being activated is displayed. Then, the window screen file is changed, and the changed window screen file is transmitted to the terminal (step S5). Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

  Hereinafter, a case of controlling power OFF / ON via a network will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a window screen for power control. It is possible to control the MFP 200 connected to the LAN 121 from this screen. Each window screen in FIGS. 5 to 24 is described in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or the like.

  5 to 24 is information stored in the memory 205 and the hard disk 206 of the MFP 200 or displayed on the MFP 200 from the terminal. It is generated each time a request is made, and the display screen as shown in FIGS. 5 to 24 is displayed in accordance with the HTML information received from the MFP 200 at the terminal that issued the request.

  The window screen in FIG. 5 shows a device name 401 to be controlled, an installation location 402, and the like. Various buttons 403 to 407 are provided, and function settings and job management can be performed. The device button 403 is used for viewing the operating status of the device and controlling the device. A job button 404 is used for viewing a history of a print job, a copy job, a fax job, and the like. A box button 405 is used for viewing and managing user data stored in the hard disk 206 in the MFP. The user can print or fax this data or send it to another MFP, computer, or the like as necessary. The address button 406 is used to set and register a destination for sending a scanned image or faxing. A specification setting button 407 is used to perform basic settings, network settings, transmission / reception settings, and the like of the MFP.

  The main window screen usually shows the last update time 408 and the operating status 409 of the device. The operating status of the printer, scanner, fax, and copy during normal operation is shown in FIG. As described above, the operation status of the MFP 200 can be confirmed from the Web even at a remote location.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing a window screen of the MFP 200 in a power-off state. The device status of the MFP 200 in the power-off state can be viewed from the Web. In FIG. 6, the facsimile function (fax 209) is in a sleep state for reception and is always in a receivable state, but the other devices are in a power-off state. In this situation, the MFP 200 is turned on according to an instruction from a terminal on the Web to be usable.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a window screen when the device button 403 is selected. When the device button 403 is selected, the button display is reversed and various device settings are displayed. Specifically, a power OFF button 602, a power ON button 603, a sleep button 604, a sleep release button 605, and a timer setting button 606 are displayed. In the present embodiment, power OFF / ON and sleep setting / cancellation timer settings are shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. When starting the MFP 200 in the power OFF state, the power ON button 603 may be selected.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a window screen when the power ON button 603 is selected. The selected power ON button 603 indicates that the character portion has been selected by displaying the character portion in bold or color characters, and issues an activation instruction to the MFP 200 to display the activation status. At this time, the time required for activation is displayed on the status display unit 704, and the time to be counted down is displayed. For example, in order to correct the startup time that varies depending on the installation environment of the MFP 200, the startup time is updated at predetermined time intervals as necessary, and the corrected startup time is displayed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a window screen when each device is completely activated. When each device is completely activated, the activation status of each device is displayed. In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes the activation status of each device, and the characters “Activated” are displayed on the status display portion 802.

  Next, a case where the MFP 200 in the sleep state is activated will be described. The device status of the MFP 200 in the sleep state can also be viewed on the Web. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a window screen when each device is in a sleep state. In response to an instruction from a terminal on the Web, the sleep state of each device is canceled to make it usable.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a window screen when the device button 403 is selected. When the device button 403 is selected, the button display is reversed and various device settings are displayed. When the MFP 200 in the sleep state is activated, the sleep cancel button 605 may be selected.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a window screen when the sleep release button 605 is selected. The selected wake-up button 605 clearly indicates that the character portion is displayed in bold text or is displayed in color characters, instructs the MFP 200 to wake up, and displays the activation status. At this time, the time required for activation is displayed on the status display unit 1104, and the time to be counted down is displayed. If necessary, for example, in order to correct the changing startup time according to the installation environment of the MFP 200, the startup time is updated at a predetermined time interval, and the corrected startup time is displayed. When fully activated, a window screen similar to that shown in FIG. 9 is displayed and the activation status of each device is displayed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, power OFF / ON control and sleep control are performed via the network, particularly on the Web, and the status is displayed, so that the user can control MFP 200 even in a remote place. it can. As a result, the power can be turned off and the sleep state can be kept as much as possible for an unnecessary time, which can contribute to energy saving. In addition, by displaying the time on the Web, it is possible to perform operations such as copying in accordance with the activation status of the MFP 200, so that it is possible to save time for the user such as waiting until the MFP 200 is activated. This is particularly effective when the MFP 200 is installed in a large office and the installation location is away from the user or on another floor.

  In the above embodiment, an MFP that performs digital processing is shown. However, even if an MFP performs analog processing, the above-described processing is the same as long as a device controller having a network interface is installed. Applicable.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17 together with FIGS.

  The second embodiment is applied to a remote control system capable of performing power OFF / ON control, sleep setting / cancellation timer setting, and time display. Since the configuration of the remote control system is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the case of the MFP 200 in the sleep state, its operating status can be viewed on the Web as shown in FIG. When this MFP 200 is released from sleep, the time can be set as a timer.

  When the device button 403 is pressed, the device button 403 is inverted and a submenu is displayed (see FIG. 11). When the timer setting button 606 is selected, time setting can be performed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a window screen when the timer setting button 606 is selected. When the radio button 1503 is selected, it can be activated at what time and in minutes. In this case, “hour” is set by the time setting unit 1504, and “minute” is set by the minute setting unit 1505. When the execution button 1509 is selected and pressed, the “hour” data set by the time setting unit 1504 and the “minute” data set by the minute setting unit 1505 are transmitted to the MFP 200.

  When the radio button 1506 is selected, activation can be performed by a method of activating it after a few minutes. In this case, “hour” is set by the time setting unit 1507, and “minute” is set by the minute setting unit 1508. When the execute button 1509 is selected and pressed, the “hour” data set by the time setting unit 1507 and the “minute” data set by the minute setting unit 1508 are transmitted to the MFP 200. When a cancel button 1510 is selected and pressed, the contents set by the timer are canceled.

  Specifically, a case where the MFP 200 is activated after 10 minutes will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a window screen when the minute setting unit 1508 performs time setting. When the button “▼” of the minute setting unit 1508 is selected, a preset time is displayed as a menu. If there is a desired time in it, select it. On the other hand, when there is no desired time, the desired time is input to the minute setting unit 1508 from the keyboard. Here, since there is a desired time in the menu, the menu of “10 minutes” is selected. When a selection is made, the menu characters are reversed and the radio button 1506 is automatically selected. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a window screen when a desired time in the menu is selected.

  When the execute button 1509 is pressed, an activation instruction is issued to the MFP 200 to activate 10 minutes after the timer setting, and the activation status is displayed. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a window screen when the execution button 1509 of FIG. 15 is pressed. The activation time at this time may be counted by the user terminal (personal computer) or by the MFP 200. When the count is started, a time required to start up is displayed on the status display unit 1804, and a countdown is displayed. If necessary, in order to correct the startup time that varies depending on the installation environment of the MFP, the startup time is updated at predetermined time intervals, and the corrected startup time is displayed. When each device is completely activated, the activation status of each device is displayed. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a window screen when each device is completely activated. In the figure, reference numeral 1901 indicates the activation status of each device, and the status display portion 1902 displays the characters “activated”.

  When setting the activation time, it is not possible to set a time longer than the minimum time required for the MFP 200 to sleep. When the user forcibly sets a time longer than the minimum required time, the minimum required time is further reset and displayed on the status display unit 1902 while counting down from the value set by the user.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, power OFF / ON control and sleep control are performed via the network, particularly on the Web, and the status is displayed, so that the user can control MFP 200 even in a remote place. it can. As a result, the power can be turned off and the sleep state can be kept as much as possible for an unnecessary time, which can contribute to energy saving. In addition, by setting the activation time to be activated, the activation time is displayed and the activation status is displayed, so that it is possible to eliminate the waste of user time such as waiting until the MFP 200 is activated. This is particularly effective when the MFP 200 is installed in a large office and the installation location is away from the user or on another floor.

  In the above embodiment, the case where 10 minutes later is designated is shown, but the setting of starting at what hour and how many minutes can be performed by the same method. Further, although the case where each device of the MFP 200 in the sleep mode is activated is shown, the same applies to the case where each device of the MFP 200 that is powered off is activated. Furthermore, although the case of an MFP that performs digital processing has been shown, the above-described processing can be similarly applied to an MFP that performs analog processing as long as a device controller including a network interface is installed.

  In the above embodiment, the timer setting for starting from the power-off state or the sleep state is shown, but the timer setting for turning on the power from the shutdown can also be set.

  The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The third embodiment is applied to a remote control system capable of performing power OFF / ON control and sleep setting / release. Since the configuration of the remote control system is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a window screen when the display mode is changed.

  When the specification setting button 407 shown in FIG. 18 is selected, menus such as basic settings and network settings are displayed. When display setting 1801 is selected from the menu, a device-specific display button 1802 and a function-specific display button 1803 are displayed. In FIG. 18, display by device is selected. Here, the device-specific display button 1802 is shown in bold, but color character display or reverse display may be used.

  When the function-specific display button 1803 is selected, the button becomes bold, and the function-specific display becomes possible as shown in FIG. At this time, the device button 403 in FIG. 18 is changed to the function button 1901, and the character display on the window screen is also changed from the device display to the function display. In the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments described above, power control such as power ON / OFF and sleep transition for the device is performed not only by direct instructions to the device but also described below. As described above, it is possible to indirectly change to the mode instructed to the device by designating the function on the setting screen of FIG. 19, and to perform power control by function.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a window screen for performing power control by function.

  When the function button 1901 is selected, a print function button 2001, a scan function button 2002, a fax function button 2003, a copy function button 2004, and a power control type 2005 are displayed. The current status of each function is displayed in the window screen. This status may include not only the power state but also error information and information on the remaining amount of consumables such as paper / toner. In such a case, information on various statuses is sent from the MFP 200 via the LAN 121 to the terminal. Will be notified. The power control type 2005 includes control setting items of power OFF, power ON, sleep, sleep release, and timer setting.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a power supply control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server. 25 is assumed to be realized by the CPU 207 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206.

  First, when the user desires to use the print function, if “cannot print” is displayed on the window screen of the terminal, the user selects the power ON from the power control type 2005, and A print function button 2001 may be selected. When an instruction to select the print function button 2001 in FIG. 20 is input to the terminal, a command indicating the instruction input to the MFP 200 is sent from the terminal (the personal computer 112 in FIG. 1) via the LAN 121 (step S6).

  In the following description, the power supply ON (startup) in the MFP 200 will be described as an example. A power control instruction including information on the type of power control and information on the function of the designated MFP 200 is sent from the terminal to the MFP 200, and the MFP 200 that receives the power control instruction receives the power control instruction. The power control based on the information of the included power control type (2005) and the information of the functions (2001 to 2004) is executed.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a window screen when power control of the print function is instructed. As shown in FIG. 21, the print function button 2001 is displayed in bold to indicate that it has been selected, and the status display unit 2104 displays the time required for activation, and the countdown of that time is displayed.

  At this time, the CPU 207 discriminates between the instructed power control type information and the function information (steps S7 to S9), and specifies the power control type and function (steps S15 and S10). Next, the power supply unit 210 is instructed to perform power supply control according to the specified type and function of the power supply control (step S11). In this case, the power source of each device necessary for printing is activated (energized) (step S7—YES, step S15, step S11).

  Here, since the print function is instructed, energization to the printer 203, the device controller 204, the memory 205, and the hard disk 206 necessary for executing the print processing is performed. Further, power is not supplied to devices unnecessary for the printing process such as the scanner 202, the operation unit 201, and the facsimile unit 209.

  Next, the CPU 207 determines whether or not the power state of the device has changed (step S12). In this case, it is determined whether or not each device necessary for printing is in a standby state. This is performed, for example, by determining whether or not an elapsed time since the power supply unit 210 is instructed to supply power has passed a predetermined time (a time required to enter a standby state).

  When each device necessary for printing is in the standby state, the MFP 200 generates information indicating that the device required for the print function instructed from the terminal is in the standby state (step S13) and the generated information. Information is notified to the terminal (step S14).

  Then, the terminal device that has received the communication information from the MFP 200 displays a printable message on the status display unit 2204 as shown in FIG. 22 in response to the reception of the information.

  In steps S12 to S14 described above, the terminal is notified when the power supply state changes to standby. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of types of power supply state changes are further described. Is detected by the CPU 207 (step S12), a markup language based on the detected type of change in the power state is generated (step S13), and the generated information is notified to the terminal (step S14). May be. The display indicating that printing is possible may be displayed not only on the screen of the terminal device but also on the operation unit 201 of the MFP 200.

  As a result, the power status of each function of the MFP 200 is displayed on the screen of the terminal device and the operation unit 201 of the MFP 200 according to the type and function of the power control selected by the user, and the power status in which the user can execute the desired function. You can find out if you have become. It should be noted that the same processing (steps S12 to S14) is executed when a function other than the print function is instructed.

  When the user desires to copy, the user selects the copy function button 2004 of the function button 1901. When an instruction to the copy function button 2004 in FIG. 23 is input to the terminal, a command indicating the instruction input to the MFP 200 is sent from the terminal (the personal computer 112 in FIG. 1) via the LAN 121.

  Then, it is determined whether there is an input of a power control instruction from the terminal device (step S6). If there is an input of the power control instruction, the CPU 207 determines the type and function of the instructed power control (step S6). In step S7 to step S10, the device necessary for copying is automatically activated so as to be in a standby state (step S8-YES, step S15, step S11). In this case, since the copy function is instructed, power is supplied to the operation unit 201, the scanner 202, the printer 203, the device controller 204, the memory 205, and the hard disk 206 necessary for executing the copy process. Further, power is not supplied to devices unnecessary for copying such as the fax 209.

  At the same time, as shown in FIG. 23, the copy function button 2004 is displayed in bold to indicate that it has been selected, and the time required for activation is displayed on the status display unit 2304, and a countdown of that time is displayed.

  When the device necessary for the copy function instructed from the terminal enters the standby state (YES in step S12), the CPU 207 displays information indicating that the device necessary for the copy function instructed from the terminal has entered the standby state. At the same time as generating (step S13), the generated information is notified to the terminal (step S14). When the power supply of a device necessary for the copy function is activated, the status display unit 2404 displays that copying is possible as shown in FIG. Further, since the copy function uses the scan function and the print function, it is displayed that both functions can be used for each function.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the function activation control is performed via the network, particularly on the Web, and the status is displayed, so that the user can operate the MFP even in a remote place as well as in the intranet environment. Can be controlled. As a result, the power can be turned off and the sleep state can be kept as much as possible for an unnecessary time, thereby contributing to energy saving. In addition, by displaying the time on the Web, it is possible to perform operations such as copying in accordance with the activation status of the MFP, so that it is possible to save time for the user such as waiting until the MFP is activated. This is particularly effective when the MFP is installed in a large office and the installation location is away from the user or on another floor. In addition, by displaying and controlling each function, the user can supply only the power necessary for the desired function without hesitation, and the user himself / herself determines the device corresponding to the desired function. It is now possible to omit complicated operations such as turning on / off / sleeping the power supply.

  In this embodiment, an MFP having a print function, a scan function, a fax function, and a copy function has been described as an example. However, the function is not limited to this. For example, print data is stored from the terminal to the hard disk of the MFP. It can be applied to various functions such as a box job function.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the fourth embodiment, it has been described that a power control instruction is issued from a terminal (client) that can communicate with the MFP 200 via the LAN 121. However, a window screen as shown in FIGS. It may be displayed on the unit 201 (display operation unit) so that the power supply can be instructed from the operation unit 201 of the MFP 200 main body. The display transition of the window screen is the same as that described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can perform power control of a device corresponding to a desired function via the operation unit 201 of the MFP.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and the like, various power control such as power OFF, power ON, and sleep is assumed as the power control. Further, deep sleep (power consumption is very low, although the power consumption of the MFP) Multiple levels of sleep modes, such as a mode that takes time to return to standby mode, and a shallow sleep mode (which consumes a lot of power but does not require time to return to standby mode) are displayed on the window screen. By doing so, it becomes possible to provide the user with a more detailed power supply control environment. As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the power control in the first to third embodiments is applied not only to a system configured by the terminal-MFP 200 but also to power control by a single image processing apparatus. be able to. Further, the communication between the terminal and the MFP 200 is performed via the server (109 or 110), so that the processing of the terminal device and the MFP 200 described in the first to fourth embodiments is realized. Good.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and any configuration can be applied without departing from the scope of the claims.

  In addition, the present invention may be applied to an apparatus including a single device, or may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.).

  In addition, the object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) on which a program code of software as shown in FIGS. 4 and 25 for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus 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 embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code However, it is needless to say that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 25 described above.

  The above-described program only needs to be able to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments by a computer, and the form includes forms such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS. But you can.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, RAM, NV-RAM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, MO, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW), magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, other ROM, etc. may be used as long as they can store the above programs. Alternatively, the program is supplied by downloading from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the remote control system incorporating the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine (MFP) 200 shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of MFP 200. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a power control process procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server. It is a figure which shows the window screen for power supply control. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a window screen of an MFP in a power-off state. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the device button 403 is selected. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the power ON button 603 is selected. It is a figure which shows the window screen when each apparatus starts completely. It is a figure which shows the window screen of a sleep state. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the device button 403 is selected. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the sleep cancellation | release button 605 is selected. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the timer setting button 606 is selected. It is a figure which shows the window screen in the case of setting time by the minute setting part 1508. FIG. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the desired time in a menu is selected. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the execution button 1509 is pushed. It is a figure which shows the window screen when each apparatus starts completely. It is a figure which shows the window screen in the case of changing a display mode. It is a figure which shows the window screen at the time of the display button 1803 classified by function being selected. It is a figure which shows the window screen which can perform the power supply control according to function. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the power supply control of a printing function is instruct | indicated. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the power supply corresponding to a print function starts. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the power supply control of a copy function is instruct | indicated. It is a figure which shows the window screen when the power supply corresponding to a copy apparatus starts. 10 is a flowchart showing a control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

200 Multifunction digital copier (MFP)
201 Operation Unit 202 Scanner 203 Printer 204 Device Controller 205 Memory 206 Hard Disk 207 CPU
208 Communication control unit 209 Fax 210 Power supply unit

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus connected to an external device via a network and having a plurality of functional units for executing a plurality of functions ,
First information for causing the display unit to display power information regarding the plurality of functional units on the display unit and first setting information for setting at least the power states of the plurality of functional units on the display unit. Two generating means for generating a file including information;
Transmitting means for transmitting the file generated by the generating means to the external device;
Receiving function information indicating the fact that even without least et or the plurality of functions through the setting screen displayed on the display unit is one function selected on the basis of the second information from the external device Receiving means;
A power supply control means for controlling the power state of the functional unit corresponding to the at least one function the function information received by the receiving unit indicates,
An information processing apparatus comprising: The setting screen includes a screen for selecting what type of power state to shift the at least one function indicated by the function information ,
The receiving means receives type information indicating the type of power supply state selected via the setting screen from the external device,
It said power supply control means, the power state of the functional unit corresponding to the at least one function the functional information indicates, that performs control so as to shift to the power supply state in which the species-specific information received by the receiving means indicates The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the file in response to receiving a browsing request for the file generated by the generation unit from the external device. The file is written in a markup language,
  The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the external apparatus includes browser means for browsing a file described in the markup language via a display unit. The plurality of function, a print function, a facsimile function, a copy function and an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that includes at least two scanner function. A power control method for an information processing apparatus connected to an external device via a network and having a plurality of functional units for executing a plurality of functions,
First information for causing the display unit to display power information regarding the plurality of functional units on the display unit and first setting information for setting at least the power states of the plurality of functional units on the display unit. A generation step of generating a file including two information;
A transmission step of transmitting the file generated in the generation step to the external device;
A receiving step of receiving, from the external device, function information indicating that at least one function has been selected from the plurality of functions via the setting screen displayed on the display unit based on the second information;
A power control step for controlling a power state of a functional unit corresponding to the at least one function indicated by the received function information;
A power supply control method for an information processing device. The setting screen includes a screen for selecting what type of power state to shift the at least one function indicated by the function information ,
The receiving step receives type information indicating the type of power supply state selected via the setting screen from the external device,
It said power control step, the power state of the functional unit corresponding to the at least one function the functional information indicates, that performs control so as to shift to the power supply state indicated by the species-specific information received in the reception step The power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 6 . The power generation control of the information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the generation step generates the file in response to receiving a browsing request for the file generated in the generation step from the external device. Method. The file is written in a markup language,
  The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the external apparatus includes a browser process for browsing a file described in the markup language via a display unit. Power control method. Wherein the plurality of functions, print function, a facsimile function, a power supply control method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that included at least two of a copy function and a scanner function.

Images