JP4999659B2 - Power supply control system, image processing apparatus, power supply control method, and power supply control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply control system, an image processing apparatus, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program that can control power supply of an image processing apparatus installed in the system by remote control.

  Conventionally, the power source of a printer is manually turned on / off using a switch on the printer main body. For this reason, in an image forming system in which a plurality of printers are connected to a network, the user must manually turn on / off the power of each printer. This operation is complicated for the user. In such a situation, when forgetting to turn off the power occurs, there arises a problem that wasteful power is consumed.

  In order to solve the above problem, a technique for automatically turning on / off the printer according to the operation status of an information processing terminal (PC: Personal Computer) connected to a network to which the printer is connected has been proposed. Yes. For example, as a conventional technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer system in which a plurality of client PCs and a single network printer connectable to the plurality of client PCs are connected via a server. Power control means for controlling power on / off by remote control from a client PC, and when a power-off instruction is issued from one client PC among a plurality of client PCs by the power control means, A connection status confirmation unit that confirms a connection status with a client PC other than the instructed client PC, and the power control unit can turn off the power based on the connection status information confirmed by the connection status confirmation unit It is disclosed to control to turn off the power when judged to be in the state That.

As another conventional technique, Patent Document 2 discloses that a network printer that is connected to a plurality of PCs via a network and performs printing processing while permitting only access from a specific PC among the plurality of PCs permits access. Detecting means for detecting the power on / off state of the PC to be turned on, power on / off means for turning on / off the power of the network printer, and detecting means for detecting that all of the PCs permitted to access are in the power off state. In this case, it is disclosed that the power on / off means includes a control means for turning off the power. Patent Document 3 discloses a printer system which has a notification means for instructing start / stop of printer power from all PCs and automatically powers off the printer for the first time when a power-off request is received from all PCs. ing.
JP 2000-20179 A JP 2002-630006 A JP 2006-1146 A

  However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the power is automatically turned on / off (automatic power control means) and the power is manually turned on / off from the image processing apparatus main body. Problems that occur when the means (power switch) operate simultaneously are not considered. That is, in the image processing apparatus, a power switch attached to the apparatus main body is indispensable in order to obtain apparatus settings and functions of the apparatus alone. The presence of the power switch attached to the main body, automatic power control means, and a plurality of power switching means simultaneously causes the following problems.

  First of all, in a situation where a plurality of users are using the same image processing apparatus, a specific user is in charge of the image processing apparatus main body even though the optimum power state is controlled using the automatic power control means. When the power is turned off, another user cannot use the functions of the image processing apparatus such as printing, and the optimum power state cannot be maintained.

  Further, when a predetermined printing process is reserved by a specific user, such as confidential printing or time-designated printing (timer printing), another user turns off the image processing apparatus main body, There is a problem that reserved printing cannot be performed.

  Furthermore, in a home network environment in which a plurality of PCs and image processing apparatuses that are shared and used by the PCs are connected via a network, the image processing apparatuses and the PCs may be installed in different spaces. For example, the image processing apparatus and the PC are set on the first floor and the second floor, or in separate rooms. In such a situation, since the user using the image processing apparatus is in a place where it cannot be seen from the position where the image processing apparatus is installed, can the image processing apparatus main body be turned off? It is difficult to judge whether or not.

  However, just because of the above problems, it is not possible to turn off the power of the image processing apparatus main body (the power switch attached to the main body is turned off) during automatic power control. This is inconvenient for the administrator who maintains the image processing apparatus, and causes a problem that the image processing apparatus consumes power wastefully. In addition, there are various problems with the conventional power management method, such as the fact that the image processing apparatus may not actually be used even if the optimal power state is controlled using the automatic power control means. Exists.

  An example of the prior art that solves the above problems is disclosed in Patent Document 3. In this conventional technique, an image processing apparatus and a PC connected to the same network are regarded as one aggregate, and a power on / off state desired by a plurality of PCs for a specific image processing apparatus is stored as predetermined information. Since the image processing apparatus is managed as a storage means to be managed, and the power of the image processing apparatus cannot be turned off unless a power-off request is issued from all PCs, the image processing apparatus is inadvertent This is a technique for preventing a decrease in convenience due to a power off.

  However, since the power supply state of the image processing apparatus is automatically determined by the user who uses the PC and is determined by the consensus of the user who uses the PC, the power-off state may be caused, for example, in the office environment when leaving the office. It can only function in a large business cycle.

  Recent image processing devices have a faster power recovery time (time from the power-off state to the on-state and the device can be used) due to user convenience and energy-saving support. Immediately after the power is turned on There are many things that can be used. For this reason, turning off the power as frequently as possible produces the best energy saving effect. However, in order to automatically turn the power on / off, a signal for controlling the power on / off from an external device such as a PC is received. Therefore, a network interface controller (NIC: Network Interface Controller) provided in the image processing apparatus is provided. It must always be on standby. For this reason, the power consumption during standby of the image processing apparatus cannot be reduced below the power required to operate the communication I / F (a certain level).

  As described above, in the conventional image processing apparatus, optimal power on / off control is performed by a control command transmitted from an external device such as a PC in a state in which standby power consumption is reduced below a certain level. There is a problem that can not be.

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, it is possible to realize an apparatus standby state in which power consumption capable of optimal power control by remote operation is reduced to a minimum level in an image processing apparatus to be controlled. An object of the present invention is to provide a power control system, an image processing apparatus, a power control method, and a power control program.

In order to achieve the above object, a power control system according to the present invention includes an information processing apparatus that performs bidirectional data communication with an electronic device other than the information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on input data, and A power control system comprising a remote control device for performing bidirectional data communication via a wireless line and remotely controlling the image processing device, wherein the image processing device performs bidirectional data communication with the information processing device. The first communication means to perform and a second power source that is supplied from a second power source that is different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus, and operates with less power than the first communication means. A control unit configured to control a power source of the image processing apparatus in accordance with a request from the information processing apparatus. Sends a command to the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus, wherein the control command transmitted from a remote control device, received by the second communication means, by the power control unit, the second communication When the control command received by the means is a command for instructing the first power-off , the first power-on is turned on based on an operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation status of an operation to be performed in the future. Controlling off / off.

  In order to achieve the above object, the power control system of the present invention is configured such that the image processing apparatus turns off the first power supply based on an operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation status of an operation to be performed in the future. And determining means for determining whether or not to permit the operation, and in the power supply control means, the control command received by the second communication means is a command for instructing the first power off. In addition, the first power supply is turned off based on a determination result of the determination means.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the power supply control system according to the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes holding means for collecting state information of the image processing apparatus and holding it in a predetermined storage area. When the control command received by the communication means is a command requesting acquisition of the status information, the status information held by the holding means is responded to the acquisition request source according to the control command. Features.

  In order to achieve the above object, the power supply control system of the present invention transmits, in the remote control device, the control command based on communication partner identification information for identifying a communication partner transmitted from the information processing device. Communication with the image processing apparatus to be controlled is established.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the power supply control system of the present invention, the remote control device has management information for managing the communication partner identification information, and acquisition of the status information is requested from the information processing device. In this case, the status information acquired from the image processing apparatus based on the management information is returned to the information processing apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the power control system according to the present invention provides the control received by the second communication means when the first power is turned off and in the standby state in the image processing apparatus. In accordance with a command, the first power source is turned on by the power source control means, the input data transmitted from the information processing apparatus is received by the first communication means, and the predetermined image processing is executed. It is characterized by doing.

  As a result, the power supply control system of the present invention includes, for example, a low-power wireless communication device that can operate with less power consumption than a communication device that performs data communication such as input data having a large amount of data during normal operation. An image processing apparatus that performs bidirectional data communication with an external device only by a low-power wireless communication apparatus, and a remote command that transmits a control command for controlling power supply of the image processing apparatus to the low-power wireless communication apparatus included in the image processing apparatus A control device and an information processing device that instructs the remote control device to transmit a control command. The remote control device turns on the image processing device according to the control command transmission instruction from the information processing device. The control command to be turned off / off is transmitted, the control command is received by the low-power wireless communication device included in the image processing apparatus, and By controlling the, in the image processing apparatus to be controlled, it is possible to realize a device standby state of being reduced to a possible power consumption optimum power control by remote control to the minimum level.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on input data, and that performs two-way data communication with an electronic device other than the image processing apparatus. And a second communication unit that is supplied with power from a second power source different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus and operates with less power than the first communication unit. , received by the second communication means, according to the control command for controlling the power supply of the image processing apparatus, have a power supply control means for controlling said first power on / off, the power supply control unit, When the control command received by the second communication means is a command for instructing the first power-off, based on an operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation status of an operation to be performed in the future, 1 And controlling the power on / off.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image processing apparatus turns off the first power supply based on an operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation status of an operation to be performed in the future. And determining means for determining whether or not to permit the operation, and in the power supply control means, the control command received by the second communication means is a command for instructing the first power off. In addition, the first power supply is turned off based on a determination result of the determination means.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a holding unit that collects status information of the image processing apparatus and holds it in a predetermined storage area. When the control command received by the communication means is a command requesting acquisition of the status information, the status information held by the holding means is responded to the acquisition request source according to the control command. Features.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a low-power wireless communication apparatus that can operate with less power consumption than a communication apparatus that performs data communication such as input data having a large amount of data during normal operation. Image to be controlled by turning on / off the device according to a control command received by the low-power wireless communication device in a configuration in which bidirectional data communication with an external device at that time is performed only by the low-power communication device In the processing apparatus, the power supply of the apparatus can be controlled in a state where the standby power consumption is reduced to the minimum level.

In order to achieve the above object, a power control method of the present invention includes an information processing apparatus that performs bidirectional data communication with an electronic device other than the information processing apparatus, and a first communication that performs bidirectional data communication with the information processing apparatus. And second communication means that is supplied with power from a second power source different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus and operates with less power than the first communication means, A power source in a power control system comprising: an image processing device comprising a power control means for controlling a power source of the image processing device; and a remote control device that performs two-way data communication via a wireless line and remotely controls the image processing device In the control method, the remote control device transmits a control command for controlling the power source of the image processing device to the image processing device according to a request from the information processing device, and the image processing device Processing apparatus, the control command transmitted from the remote control device, received by the second communication means, by the power control unit, wherein the control command received by the second communication means is the first In the case of a command for instructing to turn off the power, on / off of the first power is controlled based on an operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation status of an operation to be performed in the future .

  Thus, according to the power control method of the present invention, the remote control device transmits a control command for turning on / off the power to the image processing device according to the control command transmission instruction from the information processing device, and the image processing device includes By receiving the control command by the low-power wireless communication device and controlling the power supply of the image processing device, the power consumption that can be controlled optimally by remote operation is reduced to the lowest level in the image processing device to be controlled It is possible to realize the device standby state.

In order to achieve the above object, a power supply control program in an image processing apparatus of the present invention performs an interactive data communication with an information processing apparatus that performs bidirectional data communication with an electronic device other than the information processing apparatus. Second communication that is supplied with power from a first power source and a second power source different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus and operates with less power than the first communication unit. And a power control means for controlling the power supply of the image processing apparatus, and a power supply comprising a remote control device for performing bidirectional data communication via a wireless line and remotely controlling the image processing apparatus A power supply control program for a control system, wherein the remote control device controls a power supply of the image processing device according to a request from the information processing device. It transmits a control command to the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus, the control command transmitted from the remote control device, received by the second communication means, by the power control unit, the second When the control command received by the communication means is a command for instructing the first power off, based on the operation status of the image processing apparatus or the reservation status of operations to be performed in the future , Run to control on / off.

  Thus, the power control program in the image processing apparatus of the present invention can cause the computer to function to turn on / off the power of the apparatus according to the control command received by the low power wireless communication apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, a power control program in a remote control device of the present invention is a power control program in an image processing device that performs predetermined image processing on input data. Power is supplied from a first communication unit that performs bi-directional data communication with an electronic device, and a second power source that is different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus, as compared with the first communication unit. A second communication unit that operates with low power, and a power control unit that controls on / off of the first power source in accordance with a control command for controlling the power source of the image processing apparatus received by the second communication unit. It was functional, by the power control unit, when the control command received was a command for the first power supply off by the second communication means, before Operation status of the image processing apparatus, or based on the reservation status of operations performed next, is executed to control the first power on / off.

  As a result, the power control program in the remote control device of the present invention transmits a control command for performing power control of the image processing apparatus even when the computer is in a standby state in which the image processing apparatus has reduced power to the minimum level. It can be made to function so that bidirectional data communication can be performed.

  Therefore, the power supply control program of the present invention can realize an apparatus standby state in which the power consumption enabling optimal power supply control by remote operation is reduced to the minimum level in a computer.

  According to the present invention, in an image processing apparatus to be controlled, a power supply control system, an image processing apparatus, and a power supply that realize an apparatus standby state in which power consumption capable of optimal power supply control by remote operation is reduced to a minimum level A control method and a power supply control program can be provided.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
First, the system configuration of the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a power supply control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the power supply control system 1 according to this embodiment includes an image processing apparatus 100 having an image forming function for printing (outputting) a received print job (input data) on a recording sheet (printing sheet). And an information processing apparatus 300 that generates a print job and transmits the print job to the image processing apparatus 100 in a state where bidirectional data communication is possible via a wired and wireless line. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 300 and the image processing apparatus 100 include a first communication device for performing bidirectional data communication via a wired line and a second communication device for performing bidirectional data communication via a wireless line. ing.

  For example, the first communication device is a device that performs data communication between devices via a data transmission path 90 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or a network cable.

  The second communication device is a device that performs data communication between the devices using infrared rays or weak radio waves. For this reason, the second communication device is capable of data communication as compared with the first communication device described above (for example, “communication distance”, “maximum amount of data that can be communicated per unit time”, etc.) .) Is limited, but can operate with less power consumption than the first communication device. As an example of the second communication apparatus, the image processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a built-in low-power wireless communication apparatus (for details, refer to the low-power wireless communication unit illustrated in FIG. 2). The information processing apparatus 300 includes a remote controller 200 that is a low-power wireless communication apparatus that can be externally connected by a predetermined connection cable.

  As described above, in the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, bidirectional data communication is performed between the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 300 using communication apparatuses having different characteristics. Therefore, in the power supply control system 1, for example, during a normal operation of the image processing apparatus 100 such as when a predetermined image processing is requested (when a print job is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 300 to the image processing apparatus 100). Since the amount of data to be communicated is large, data communication is performed using the first communication device, and when the image processing apparatus 100 is in a standby state such as when a return from the standby state to the usable state is requested (information processing) Since the amount of data to be communicated is small in a scene in which a control command for instructing power-on is transmitted from the apparatus 300 to the image processing apparatus 100), the image communication is performed by performing data communication using the second communication apparatus. The processing device 100 realizes a standby state with low power consumption (power consumption reduced to the lowest level) compared to when the first communication device is operated and is on standby. As it is to provide a system capable of optimal power control by the remote control among.

  Here, the power supply control system 1 according to this embodiment will be supplemented. The power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which the devices are connected in a one-to-one relationship via the data transmission path 90 as illustrated in FIG. 300 may be connected via a network (data communication network) such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). In the above description, the first communication device is a device that performs bidirectional data communication via a wired line. For example, the first communication device is a communication device that can transmit and receive more data than a second communication device via a wireless line. Also good. In the following, a communication device using a wired line that is normally installed in the image processing apparatus 100 or the information processing apparatus 300 will be described as a first communication apparatus.

<Hardware configuration>
The hardware configurations of the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 300 (including the connected remote controller 200) of the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<< Image processing device (printer) >>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 104, and the like. , Network I / F 105, video writing processing circuit 106, LD control unit 107, LD 108, operation panel 109, power supply circuit 110, and low-power wireless communication unit 120 (the second described in FIG. 1). And a built-in low-power wireless communication device).

  In the image processing apparatus 100, a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an ASIC 104, a network I / F 105, and a video writing processing circuit 106 are connected to each other via a bus 111.

  The CPU 101 executes a program read from the ROM 102 onto the RAM 103. For example, when the apparatus receives a print job from the information processing apparatus 300 via the network I / F 105, the CPU 108 can interpret a PDL (Page Description Language) read from the ROM 102 onto the RAM 103 (hereinafter referred to as a program). , “PDL parser”) is executed, the received data is interpreted, and then a bitmap image is generated on the RAM 103 (a print image is formed). The ROM 102 stores programs and various data related to system control executed when the apparatus is activated, and programs and various data related to the power control function according to the present embodiment. The RAM 103 temporarily stores various programs and data (including not only reference data but also intermediate data being processed) read from the ROM 102.

  The ASIC 104 is designed according to a specific application such as memory control of the RAM 103, screen display of the operation panel 109, notification of input information to the CPU 101, interface control of the network I / F 105, image data transfer to the video writing processing circuit 105, and the like. The predetermined processing is executed by the circuit thus configured. The network I / F 105 is an interface for performing bidirectional data communication between the apparatus and the information processing apparatus 300 via a wired line such as the data transmission path 90. The network I / F 105 corresponds to the first communication apparatus described in the image processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG.

  The video write processing circuit 106 converts the bitmap data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 transferred by the ASIC 104 via the bus 111 into a blinking signal of the LD 108 by the LD control unit 107. As a result, the apparatus causes the LD 108 to emit light according to the blinking signal, forms a latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor (not shown), develops the formed latent image by applying toner, and then passes through a predetermined conveyance path. An image forming operation is performed in which a toner image is transferred from a paper feed tray (not shown) to printing paper carried into the apparatus and fixed on the printing paper by a fixing device (not shown).

  The operation panel 109 is composed of a hardware key and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc., and each operation signal is input to the device by the hardware key, and the device, for example, status information (status information) of the device is input by the LCD. Displays various information about. The power supply circuit 110 supplies necessary power to the device from an external power supply.

  The low-power wireless communication unit 120 is a communication device for performing bidirectional data communication between the device and the information processing device 300 via a wireless line. The low-power wireless communication unit 102 corresponds to the second communication device (built-in low-power wireless communication device) described in the image processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG.

  The low-power wireless communication unit 120 includes a low-power wireless communication circuit 121 that performs bidirectional data communication over a wireless line that can operate with low power such as infrared rays and weak radio waves, and various types of functions necessary for realizing the functions of the unit. An NV-RAM (Non Volatile RAM) 122 storing information is included.

  The low-power wireless circuit 121 performs bidirectional data communication via a wireless line, and controls switching control of the power supply circuit 110 according to a control command received through data communication, that is, power on / off.

  The NV-RAM 122 stores various information used in power control performed in the low-power wireless circuit 121 in a predetermined storage area. For example, status information of the image processing apparatus 100 used when performing power control is written by the ASIC 104.

  The low-power wireless communication unit 120 including the above device is necessary for operation from a power source (first power source) that supplies power to the image processing apparatus 100 via the power circuit 110 and a power source (second power source) that is separate from the power source. Power is supplied. FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which power is supplied to the low power wireless communication unit 120 by the battery pack 131 (second power supply).

<< Information processing device (PC) >>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment includes an input device 301, a display device 302, a drive device 303, a ROM 305, a RAM 306, a CPU 307, a network I / F 308, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 309, The external device I / F 310 is connected to each other via a bus.

  The input device 301 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is used to input each operation signal to the device. The display device 302 is configured with a display or the like, and displays various types of information such as status information acquired from the image processing device 100, for example. The network I / F 308 is an interface for performing bidirectional data communication between the apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 via a wired line such as the data transmission path 90. The network I / F 308 corresponds to the first communication apparatus described in the information processing apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. The HDD 309 stores an OS (Operating System) that is basic software and programs and data having various functions related to external device control including, for example, a power control function and a print request function according to the present embodiment. In addition, the HDD 309 manages various data including communication partner identification information for specifying a partner of data communication via a wireless line used for the power control function according to the present embodiment by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base). ing.

  Various control programs including the power control function according to the present embodiment are provided to the apparatus by a recording medium 304 such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), or downloaded through a network that is the data transmission path 90. The The recording medium 304 is set in the drive device 303 and the program is installed from the recording medium 304 to the HDD 309 via the drive device 303.

  The ROM 305 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) program executed when the apparatus is activated and various data. The RAM 306 temporarily stores various programs and data read from the ROM 305 and the HDD 309. The CPU 307 executes a program temporarily stored in the RAM 306.

  The external device I / F 310 is an interface for performing bidirectional data communication between the device and a device that can be externally connected by a predetermined connection cable. In FIG. 3, a remote controller 200 is connected as a device that can be externally connected to the apparatus according to the present embodiment to perform bidirectional data communication between the apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 via a wireless line. The configuration that is shown is shown. The remote controller 200 corresponds to the second communication apparatus (low power wireless communication apparatus that can be connected externally) described in the information processing apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG.

  The power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the following procedure for the image processing apparatus 100, the remote controller 200, and the information processing apparatus 300 that are configured by the hardware described with reference to FIGS. The power control of the image processing apparatus 100 is performed by operating according to the above. The operation procedure shown below is an example in the case of performing power control for returning the image processing apparatus 100 from the standby state to the usable state.

(Procedure 1) Request for transmission of control command The information processing apparatus 300 requests the connected remote controller 200 to transmit a control command instructing power-on.

(Procedure 2) Transmission of Control Command The remote controller 200 transmits a control command for turning on the power to the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 in accordance with the transmission request.

(Procedure 3) Execution of power control The image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command transmitted from the remote controller 200 by the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100, and turns on the power of the apparatus according to the received control command. To do.

  Thus, the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment realizes a “power supply control function” by remote operation according to the above operation procedure.

<Power control function>
Next, the configuration of the “power control function” included in the power control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the power supply control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<< Summary of functions >>
The “power control function” according to the present embodiment will be briefly described.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 100 realizes a standby state with lower power consumption (power consumption reduced to the lowest level) compared to when the first communication apparatus is operated and is in standby, and among them, Bidirectional data of control commands exchanged between the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 300 in order to provide power control of the image processing apparatus 100 in order to provide a system capable of optimal power control by remote control. The communication is not performed by the first communication device used when transmitting and receiving the print job as in the conventional system, and the low power wireless communication unit 120 and the information processing provided in the image processing apparatus 100 that is supplied with power from the battery pack 131 and operates. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 can be connected to a remote controller 200 that is externally connected to the apparatus 300. Even when power is not supplied from the external power supply via the power supply circuit 110, the power control of the image processing apparatus 100 is performed according to the power supply control command transmitted from the remote controller 200 in response to the transmission request from the information processing apparatus 100. Realizes a “power control function” by remote control.

<< Overview of functional configuration >>
The power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a first communication unit 31 (first communication unit) included in the image processing apparatus 100 that performs bidirectional data communication between the apparatus and the information processing apparatus 300. ), A second communication unit 32 (second communication unit) that performs bidirectional data communication between the apparatus and the remote controller 200, and the apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 included in the information processing apparatus 300. A first communication unit 21 that performs bidirectional data communication between the information processing device 300 and a remote controller 200 that is externally connected to the information processing device 300. The second communication unit performs bidirectional data communication between the device and the image processing device 100. Communication unit 22. Below, each said function part is demonstrated.

  The first communication units 21 and 31 have a function of transmitting and receiving data between the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 300 connected via the data transmission path 90. The first communication units 21 and 31 are communication functions used when the image processing apparatus 100 is in a normal operation (for example, during a printing operation). For example, the frequency of data communication such as print data generated by the information processing apparatus 100 Send and receive data with a large amount of data. The first communication units 21 and 31 are functions that the network I / Fs 105 and 308 included in the information processing apparatus 300 and the image processing apparatus 100 have.

  The second communication units 22 and 32 have a low power wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving data between the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 300 using infrared rays or weak radio waves. The second communication units 22 and 32 are communication functions used by the image processing apparatus 100 during standby (for example, when shifting to the energy saving mode). For example, data with a small amount of data, such as a control command for power control requested to be transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100, is transmitted / received. The second communication unit 22 is a function of the low-power wireless communication device provided in the remote controller 200 that is externally connected to the information processing device 300, and the second communication unit 32 is a low-power wireless communication provided in the image processing device 100. This is a function of the unit 120.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, appropriate power control in the image processing apparatus 100 is realized by using the difference in characteristics between the first communication units 21 and 31 and the second communication units 22 and 32. That is, the data communication when the image processing apparatus 100 is on standby is performed using a communication unit that consumes less power than the communication unit used during normal operation.

  Further, the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 includes a determination unit 32a (determination unit) that determines whether or not the power of the image processing apparatus 100 may be turned off. The image processing apparatus 100 includes a power control unit 32b (power control unit) that controls the power supply, and a holding unit 32c (holding unit) that stores various types of information related to the image processing apparatus 100.

  The determination unit 32a has a function of determining whether or not to turn off the power according to the operation status of the image processing apparatus 100 or a reserved operation status (hereinafter referred to as “operation reservation status”). is there. In the image processing apparatus 100, for example, an operation status such as “printing”, “receiving a print job”, and “writing data to the storage device”, a reservation operation status such as “reserved at a specified time”, etc. There is a case where power-off according to the received control command cannot be permitted. In particular, when power control is performed by remote operation, it is assumed that the operation status of the image processing apparatus 100 to be controlled cannot be visually confirmed by the user who is performing the remote operation. It is necessary to automatically determine in Therefore, the determination unit 32a functions when the control command received by the image processing apparatus 100 during normal operation is a “command for instructing power off”.

  In addition, the determination unit 32a performs determination based on information (signal indicating the state) regarding the operation state or the reservation operation state of the image processing apparatus 100 transferred from the ASIC 104 included in the image processing apparatus 100 to the low power wireless communication unit 120. . Therefore, in order to determine which state should not permit power-off, the determination unit 32a stores in advance information related to the operation status and reservation operation status in which power-off is not permitted in the holding unit 32c. Store it in the area and refer to it at the time of determination. When it is determined that the power can be turned off, the determination unit 32a instructs the power control unit 32b to turn off the power.

  The power control unit 32b has a function of controlling the power circuit 110 included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the received control command, and turning on / off the power. When the received control command is “a command to turn on the power”, the power control unit 32 b transmits a control command to instruct the power on to the power supply circuit 110. Further, when the control command is “a command to turn off the power”, the power supply control unit 32b transmits a control command to instruct the power supply circuit 110 to turn off the power according to the determination result of the determination unit 32a.

  The determination unit 32a and the power supply control unit 32b are functions of the low power wireless circuit 121 included in the low power wireless communication unit 120.

  The holding unit 32c is referred to by the determination unit 32a, such as information related to an operation status that does not permit power-off or a reserved operation status, status information of the image processing device 100 that responds in response to an acquisition request from the information processing device 300, and the like. This is a function for storing and holding various types of information in a predetermined storage area. The status information of the image processing apparatus 100 is transferred from the ASIC 104 to the low-power wireless communication unit 120 when the image processing apparatus 100 shifts from a normal operation state to a standby state, and is transferred to the holding unit 32c. Written. The holding unit 32c is a function of the NV-RAM 122 included in the low power wireless communication unit 120.

<< Overview of functional operation >>
Based on the three operation scenes, how the “power control function” of the power control system 1 according to the present embodiment operates according to the configuration of each functional unit described so far. To do.

[Operation Scene 1] Operation when Power-On is Instructed As an example of the operation scene, an operation when power-on is instructed from the information processing apparatus 300 to the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of power control by remote operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention (when power-on is instructed). FIG. 5 shows an example in which a print job is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100 in a standby state, which is assumed as a scene in which power-on is instructed, and printing is performed.

(Operation 1) Transmission of Control Command First, the information processing device 300 performs communication partner identification information (for example, ID information) for identifying a communication partner and device activation with respect to the second communication unit 22 of the remote controller 200. The control command to be instructed (instructed to turn on the power) is passed, and the control command is requested to be transmitted to the low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100.

  The remote controller 200 uses the second communication unit 22 to communicate with the second communication unit 32 of the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 to be controlled in accordance with a transmission request from the information processing apparatus 300. The identification information and a control command for instructing power-on are transmitted ((1) in the figure).

At this time, the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 and the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 establish communication using a wireless line according to the following procedure. .
(Communication Procedure 1) Searching for a Communication Partner The second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 transmits communication partner identification information (for example, ID information) for identifying the communication partner, and is operating in a range where wireless communication is possible. The low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 is searched.
(Communication procedure 2) Identify communication partner The low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 uses the second communication unit 32 in response to an inquiry from the remote controller 200 and the received identification information. Responds when matches (when it corresponds as a communication partner). The second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 identifies the low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 that has responded to the transmission of the communication partner identification information as the communication partner.
(Communication Procedure 3) Establishing Data Communication The second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 establishes bidirectional data communication via a wireless line with the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the identified image processing apparatus 100. .

  As described above, the remote controller 200 and the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 perform communication settings while exchanging information such as a communication speed when two devices establish communication. Perform “negotiation” to determine and establish data communication between each other. This method establishes communication in the same procedure in other operation scenes to be described later.

  After the communication is established by the above procedure, the remote controller 200 transmits a control command for instructing power-on to the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 by the second communication unit 22.

(Operation 2) Activation of Image Processing Device The low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing device 100 receives a control command by the second communication unit 32. In accordance with the received control command, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 controls the power supply circuit 110 so that the power supply is turned on by the power supply control unit 32b included in the second communication unit 32. (Waiting for job reception). Thereafter, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 responds to the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 by the second communication unit 32 with a power control result (indication of completion of return to the usable state) (FIG. (2)).

(Operation 3) Transmission of Print Job Based on the power control result received by the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200, the information processing apparatus 300 uses the first communication unit 21 to control the first information processing apparatus 100. The print job is transmitted to the first communication unit 31 ((3) in the figure). At this time, when the information processing apparatus 300 and the image processing apparatus 100 are connected to a network such as a LAN via the network I / F 105, the information processing apparatus 300 specifies the IP address of the image processing apparatus 100. Send a print job.

  As described above, in the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 100 in the standby state is returned to a usable state by the energy saving mode or the like, and printing is performed.

[Operation Scene 2] Operation when Status Notification is Requested As an example of the operation scene, an operation when a status notification is requested from the information processing apparatus 300 to the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the status information 41 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an operation example of power control by remote operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention (status notification). FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example in which a status notification is requested to the image processing apparatus 100 in a standby state.

  First, the state information 41 to which the image processing apparatus 100 responds in response to a request will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the state information 41 is information regarding the state of the apparatus at the time when an information notification request is made to the image processing apparatus 100. For example, information on error statuses such as “no paper” or “paper jam”, information on paper tray statuses such as “paper size”, “paper type”, and “paper remaining”, and “duplex unit” For example, information on the mounting state of the optional device such as “mounted”. The information processing apparatus 300 acquires the state information 41 as a character string.

(Operation 1) Transmission of Control Command First, the information processing apparatus 300 instructs the second communication unit 22 of the remote controller 200 to instruct a request for communication partner identification information for identifying a communication partner and state information 41. The control command is transmitted to the low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 and requested to be transmitted.

  The remote controller 200 uses the second communication unit 22 to communicate with the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 to be acquired in accordance with a transmission request from the information processing apparatus 300. A control command for instructing a request for identification information and status information 41 is transmitted ((1) in the figure).

  At this time, the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 and the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 are connected to each other through the communication establishment procedure described above. Establish communication by.

(Operation 2) Acquisition of Status Information The low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command by the second communication unit 32. The subsequent operation related to the status notification response is performed according to the status of the image processing apparatus 100 when the control command is received.
When the image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command during standby The low-power wireless communication unit 120 is stored in the holding unit 32c of the same function unit by the second communication unit 32 according to the received control command Information 41 is acquired ((2) in the figure).
When the image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command during normal operation The low-power wireless communication unit 120 acquires the state information 41 transferred from the ASIC 104 by the second communication unit 32 according to the received control command (FIG. (2)).

(Operation 3) Response of status information The low-power wireless communication unit 120 generates a response message (for example, predetermined character string data) of the status notification based on the information acquired from the holding unit 32c by the second communication unit 32. To do. Thereafter, the low power wireless communication unit 120 transmits the generated response message to the second communication unit 22 of the remote controller 200 by the second communication unit 32 ((3) in the figure).

  As described above, in the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, even in the image processing apparatus 100 in the standby state due to the energy saving mode or the like, the state of the image processing apparatus 100 is started without returning the apparatus main body to the usable state. Information 41 is returned to the request source.

[Operation Scene 3] Operation when Power-Off is Instructed As an example of the operation scene, an operation when power-off is instructed from the information processing apparatus 300 to the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of power control by remote control according to the first embodiment of the present invention (when power-off is instructed). FIG. 8 shows an example of instructing power-off to the image processing apparatus 100 in a usable state, which is assumed as a scene in which power-off is instructed.

(Operation 1) Transmission of Control Command First, the information processing apparatus 300 sends communication partner identification information for identifying a communication partner and a control command for instructing power off to the second communication unit 22 of the remote controller 200. The control command is transmitted to the low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 and requested to be transmitted.

  The remote controller 200 uses the second communication unit 22 to communicate with the second communication unit 32 of the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 to be controlled in accordance with a transmission request from the information processing apparatus 300. The identification information and a control command for instructing to stop the apparatus (instructing power off) are transmitted ((1) in the figure).

  At this time, the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 and the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 are connected to each other through the communication establishment procedure described above. Establish communication by.

(Operation 2) Determination of permission to stop image processing apparatus The low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command by the second communication unit 32. The low power wireless communication unit 120 is stored in the holding unit 32c based on the information about the operation status or the reservation operation status of the image processing apparatus 100 transferred from the ASIC 104 by the determination unit 32a included in the second communication unit 32. If there is no matching information (if it can be stopped), the power control unit 32b is instructed to turn off the power according to the received control command. (2) in the figure).

(Operation 3) Stop of Image Processing Device The low-power wireless communication unit 120 controls the power supply circuit 110 so that the power is turned off by the power supply control unit 32b included in the second communication unit 32, and the usable state (printing) Transition from the job reception wait state to the standby state. Thereafter, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 responds to the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 by the second communication unit 32 with a power control result (indication of completion of transition to the standby state) (in the drawing). (3)).

  As described above, the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment shifts from the usable state to the standby state by the energy saving mode or the like according to the operation state or the reservation operation state of the image processing apparatus 100.

  Three operation scenes have been described so far. Among the above, communication partner identification information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 300 to the remote controller 200 is always transmitted from the information processing apparatus 300 to the remote controller 200. The communication partner identification information may be stored in advance in the storage device provided in the remote controller 200.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can operate with less power consumption than the first communication unit 31 that performs data communication such as a print job with a large amount of data during normal operation. The communication unit 32 has a configuration in which bidirectional data communication with an external device during standby is performed only by the second communication unit 32, and the power supply of the device is controlled according to the control command received by the second communication unit 32 By doing so, it is possible to control the power supply of the apparatus in a state where the power consumption during standby is reduced to a minimum level.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the remote controller 200 having the second communication unit 22 capable of bidirectional data communication with the second communication unit 32 included in the image processing apparatus 100 is externally connected. As a result, even when the image processing apparatus 100 is in a standby state in which the power is reduced to the minimum level, bidirectional data communication including transmission of a control command for controlling the power supply of the image processing apparatus 100 can be performed.

  As described above, the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment is controlled from the information processing apparatus 300 by the function units of the image processing apparatus 100, the remote controller 200, and the information processing apparatus 300 described above. In accordance with a command transmission instruction, the remote controller 200 transmits a control command for turning on / off the power to the image processing apparatus 100, and the image processing apparatus 100 includes a low-power wireless device that consumes less power than a conventional communication apparatus. By receiving the control command by the communication unit 120 and controlling the power supply of the image processing apparatus 100, the power consumption capable of optimal power control by remote operation in the image processing apparatus 100 to be controlled is reduced to the minimum level. It is possible to realize the device standby state.

<Processing procedure>
A specific processing procedure of the “power control function” according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Operation scene 1] Operation when power on is instructed (information processing device)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when the power is turned on) of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus 300 waits until a print request is received from a print application such as an installed printer driver (when step S101 is NO).

  When the information processing apparatus 300 receives the print request, the information processing apparatus 300 notifies the connected remote controller 200 of notification partner identification information for identifying the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 300 to be controlled (step S102). Then, it waits until the notification of negotiation completion (communication OK) from the remote controller 200 is responded (when step S103 is NO).

  When the notification of negotiation completion is responded (when step S103 is YES), the information processing apparatus 300 sends to the remote controller 200 communication partner identification information that has been negotiated and an activation command (a control command that instructs power-on). (Step S104), and waits until a notification of activation completion by power-on from the remote controller 200 is responded (when step S105 is NO).

  When the activation completion notification is responded (when step S105 is YES), the information processing apparatus 300 transmits a print job to the network I / F 105 included in the image processing apparatus 100 via the data transmission path 90 (step S106). ).

(Remote controller)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure (when the power is turned on) of the remote controller 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The remote controller 200 waits until there is data communication from the information processing device 300 via the connection cable (when step S201 is NO).

  When the remote controller 200 receives communication from the information processing apparatus 300 (when step S201 is YES), the remote controller 200 waits until it receives communication partner identification information for identifying the image processing apparatus 100 that is the control target (NO at step S202). If).

  When the remote controller 200 receives the communication partner identification information (when step S202 is YES), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 that is operating within the wireless communication range of the received notification partner identification information. (Step S203), and waits for a response (negotiation completion) from the low-power wireless communication unit 120 corresponding to the communication partner (matching the transmitted communication partner identification information) (when step S204 is NO).

  When there is a response from the low-power wireless communication unit 120 (when step S204 is YES), the remote controller 200 notifies the information processing apparatus 300 to that effect (step S205).

  The remote controller 200 waits until it receives communication partner identification information and an activation command from the information processing apparatus 300 (step S206).

  When the remote controller 200 receives the communication partner identification information and the activation command (YES in step S206), the remote controller 200 transmits the received data to the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 after the negotiation. (Step S207) Waits for a notification of activation completion (when Step S208 is NO).

  When the remote controller 200 responds from the low-power wireless communication unit 120 to the completion of activation of the image processing apparatus 100 (when step S208 is YES), the remote controller 200 notifies the information processing apparatus 300 to that effect (step S209). .

  Among the processing procedures described above, the procedure in which bidirectional data communication is performed via a wireless line between the remote controller 200 and the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 includes steps S203 and S204, and step S207. And S208 (broken line P in the figure).

(Image processing device: Low-power wireless communication unit)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure (when the power is turned on) of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The low-power wireless communication unit 120 provided in the image processing apparatus 100 responds to the remote controller 200 that it has received the notification partner identification information from the remote controller 200 (when step S301 is YES) (step S302). .

  After negotiating with the remote controller 200, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 waits again until it receives notification partner identification information and an activation command from the remote controller 200 (step S303).

  When the low-power wireless communication unit 120 receives the notification partner identification information and the activation command (when step S303 is YES), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 instructs the power supply circuit 110 included in the image processing apparatus 100 to turn on the power according to the received activation command ( Step S304) and wait until the image processing apparatus 100 completes the transition from the standby state to the usable information (when Step S305 is NO).

  When the transition to the usable state is completed (when Step S305 is YES), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 responds to the remote controller 200 that the activation is complete (Step S306).

  The image processing apparatus 100 waits until it receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 300 via the data transmission path 90 (while step S307 is NO).

  When the image processing apparatus 100 receives a print job (YES in step S307), the image processing apparatus 100 performs a predetermined image forming operation on the received print job to perform printing (step S308).

  Among the processing procedures described above, the procedure in which bidirectional data communication is performed via a wireless line between the remote controller 200 and the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 includes steps S301 to S303 and steps S306. (Broken line P in the figure).

[Operation scene 2] Operation when requesting status notification (information processing device)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention (when requesting a status notification).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the processing procedure of “when a status notification is requested” in the information processing apparatus 300 is to accept the status notification request in step S401 and to notify the externally connected remote controller 200 in step S404. 9 in the procedure other than the point of transmitting the request command for requesting, waiting for reception of the state information 41 from the remote controller 200 in step S405, and displaying the received state information 41 in step S406. The process is performed by the same procedure as that described above.

(Remote controller)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when a status notification is requested) of the remote controller 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the processing procedure of “when state notification is requested” in the remote controller 200 is the processing procedure described with reference to FIG. 10 in the procedure other than steps S506 to S509 shown below. The same procedure is executed. Therefore, description of the processing procedure from step S501 to S505 is omitted.

  The remote controller 200 waits until it receives communication partner identification information and a status notification request command from the information processing device 300 (step S506).

  When the remote controller 200 receives the communication partner identification information and the status notification request command (when step S506 is YES), the remote controller 200 sends the received data to the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 after the negotiation. Transmit (step S507) and wait until the status information 41 is received (if step S508 is NO).

  When receiving the status information 41 of the image processing apparatus 100 from the low-power wireless communication unit 120 (when step S508 is YES), the remote controller 200 transmits the acquired status information 41 to the information processing apparatus 300 (step S509). .

(Image processing device: Low-power wireless communication unit)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when a state notification is requested) of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the processing procedure of “when state notification is requested” in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 is the same as the procedure shown in FIG. 11 except for steps S603 to S606 described below. This is executed by the same procedure as that described with reference to FIG. Therefore, description of the processing procedures of steps S601 and S602 is omitted.

  After negotiating with the remote controller 200, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 waits again until it receives notification partner identification information and a status notification request command from the remote controller 200 (step S603).

  When the low-power wireless communication unit 120 receives the notification partner identification information and the state notification request command (when step S603 is YES), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 stores the NV-RAM 122 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 according to the received state notification request command. The stored state information 41 is read (step S604), and the process waits until the stored state information 41 is acquired (NO in step S605).

  When the acquisition of the state information 41 is completed (when Step S605 is YES), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 notifies the remote controller 200 of the acquired state information 41 (Step S606).

  Further, in the processing procedure of step S604, an example in which the image processing apparatus 100 is in a standby state has been shown. However, in a usable state, the state information 41 transferred from the ASIC 104 is notified to the remote controller 200. .

[Operation scene 3] Operation when power off is instructed (information processing device)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when the power is turned off) of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the “procedure for instructing power off” in the information processing apparatus 300 is the same as the procedure described with reference to FIG. 9 in the procedures other than steps S703 to S706 described below. The same procedure is executed. Therefore, description of the processing procedures of steps S701 and S702 is omitted.

  When the negotiation completion notification is responded (when step S702 is YES), the information processing apparatus 300 sends the communication partner identification information and the power-off request command (control command for instructing power-off to the remote controller 200) ) Is transmitted (step S703).

  The information processing apparatus 300 ends the process when a notification of power-off completion is responded from the remote controller 200 (when step S704 is YES).

  Further, when the notified response is a notification of power-off rejection indicating that the power could not be turned off (when step S704 is NO and step S705 is YES), the information processing apparatus 300 The fact that the power could not be turned off is displayed on the display device 302 (step S706).

  When there is no response from the remote controller 200 (when both steps S704 and S705 are NO), the information processing apparatus 300 waits until a response is notified.

(Remote controller)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when the power is turned off) of the remote controller 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the processing procedure of “instructing power-off” in the remote controller 200 is the same as the processing procedure described with reference to FIG. 10 in the procedure other than steps S806 to S811 shown below. The same procedure is executed. Therefore, description of the processing procedure from step S801 to S805 is omitted.

  The remote controller 200 waits until it receives communication partner identification information and a power-off request command from the information processing apparatus 300 (step S806).

  When the remote controller 200 receives the communication partner identification information and the power-off request command (when step S806 is YES), the remote controller 200 sends the received data to the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 after the negotiation. It transmits (step S807) and waits for notification of completion of power-off due to power-off (when step S808 is NO).

  When the low-power wireless communication unit 120 responds to the power-off completion notification of the image processing apparatus 100 (when step S808 is YES), the remote controller 200 notifies the information processing apparatus 300 that the power-off is complete. (Step S809).

  When the notified response is a notification of power-off rejection indicating that the power could not be turned off (when step S808 is NO and step S810 is YES), The information processing apparatus 300 is notified of the power-off rejection (step S811).

  When there is no response from the low-power wireless communication unit 120 (when both steps S808 and S810 are NO), the remote controller 200 waits until a response is notified.

(Image processing device: Low-power wireless communication unit)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when the power is turned off) of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the processing procedure of “when power-off is instructed” in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 is the same as the procedure shown in FIG. 11 except for steps S903 to S910 described below. The process is performed by the same procedure as that described above. Therefore, description of the processing procedures of steps S901 and S902 is omitted.

  After negotiating with the remote controller 200, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 waits again until it receives notification partner identification information and a power-off request command from the remote controller 200 (step S903).

  When the low-power wireless communication unit 120 receives the notification partner identification information and the power-off request command (YES in step S903), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 operates or reserves such as whether the image processing apparatus 100 is printing or has been reserved for printing. Based on the operation status, it is determined whether or not the power supply can be turned off by referring to the information on the operation status that is not permitted to be turned off and the reserved operation status stored in the NV-RAM 122 (step S904).

  If it is determined that power-off may be permitted (if step S904 is YES), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 turns off the power to the power supply circuit 110 included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the received power-off request command. (Step S905), and waits until the image processing apparatus 100 completes the transition from the standby state to the usable information (when Step S906 is NO).

  When the transition to the usable state is completed (when Step S906 is YES), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 responds to the remote controller 200 that the power-off is completed (Step S907).

  If it is determined that power-off cannot be permitted (step S904 is NO), the low-power wireless communication unit 120 responds to the remote controller 200 that the power-off is rejected (step S908).

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the power supply control system 1 according to this embodiment, according to the control command transmission instruction from the information processing apparatus 100, the remote controller 200 controls the image processing apparatus 100. On the other hand, a control command for turning on / off the power is transmitted, and the control command is received by the low-power wireless communication unit 120 with which the image processing apparatus 100 is provided with less power consumption than the conventional communication apparatus. Control the power supply.

  Accordingly, the power control system 1 according to the present embodiment can perform optimal power control by remote operation, and can realize a standby state in which the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 is reduced to the minimum level. A control function "can be provided.

  Therefore, the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment can realize a standby state of the image processing apparatus 100 with less power consumption than before, and can provide a user with a highly convenient power supply control function.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the power supply control system 1 is described in which the information processing apparatus 300 instructing power supply control and the image processing apparatus 100 to be controlled are configured by one. In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the system configuration is closer to the user environment. That is, the power supply control system 1 includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses 300 and image processing apparatuses 100.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the power supply control system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 300n and a plurality of image processing apparatuses 100n are connected via a data transmission path 90 such as a network cable via a HUB 400 that is a line concentrator. A remote controller 200 that remotely controls the image processing apparatus 100 in accordance with a request from the information processing apparatus 300 is also connected to the HUB 400 via the data transmission path 90.

  The power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment realizes a “power supply control function” capable of controlling the power supply of the plurality of image processing apparatuses 100 with such a system configuration.

  Hereinafter, the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described, but the description of the same technical matters as those described in the first embodiment will be omitted.

<Power control management>
Next, the configuration of the “power control function” included in the power control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration included in the power supply control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

<< Overview of functional configuration >>
The power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a first communication unit 31 (first communication unit) included in the image processing apparatus 100 that performs bidirectional data communication between the apparatus and the information processing apparatus 300. ), A second communication unit 32 (second communication unit) that performs bidirectional data communication between the apparatus and the remote controller 200, and the apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 included in the information processing apparatus 300. A first communication unit 21 that performs two-way data communication between them, and a second communication unit 22 that the remote controller 200 has and performs two-way data communication between the device and the image processing apparatus 100. ing. The second communication unit 32 included in the image processing apparatus 100 includes a determination unit 32a (determination unit) that determines whether or not the power of the apparatus may be turned off, and power control that controls the power of the apparatus. It has a unit 32b (power supply control means) and a holding unit 32c (holding means) for storing various information related to the device.

  As described above, the functional configuration according to the present embodiment is the same as the functional configuration described in the first embodiment. However, the following points are different.

(Remote controller)
The second communication unit 22 of the remote controller 200 has management information (hereinafter referred to as “communication”) for managing a plurality of communication partner identification information for identifying a plurality of image processing apparatuses 100n (communication partners) in a range where wireless communication is possible. Called "partner identification management information").

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of communication partner identification information 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 20, communication partner identification information for identifying the low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100, which is ID information necessary for establishing communication via a wireless line, is managed in a predetermined data format. An example is shown. Such communication partner identification management information 51 is stored and held in, for example, a non-volatile storage device provided in the low-power wireless communication device. In addition to the functions described in the first embodiment, the second communication unit 22 refers to the communication partner identification management information 51 and periodically receives a status from each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses 100n to be controlled. It has a function of acquiring information 41.

  In addition, the remote controller 200 includes a first communication unit 23 that performs bidirectional data communication between the apparatus and the information processing apparatus 300.

<< Overview of functional operation >>
How the “power control function” of the power control system 1 according to the present embodiment operates will be described based on two operation scenes.

[Operation Scene 1] Operation when Power-On is Instructed As an example of the operation scene, an operation when power-on is instructed from the information processing apparatus 300 to the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are diagrams showing an example of power control operation (when power-on is instructed) by remote operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate an example in which a print job is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100 in a standby state, which is assumed as a scene in which power-on is instructed, and printing is performed.

(Operation 1) Transmission of Control Command First, the information processing apparatus 300 instructs the second communication unit 22 of the remote controller 200 to communicate with other party identification information (ID: 1000) for identifying the other party of communication and start the apparatus. The control command is transmitted (instructed to turn on the power), and the control command is requested to be transmitted to the low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100. At this time, the information processing apparatus 300 designates the IP address (192.168.xxx.xxx) of the remote controller 200 by the first communication unit 21, and transmits the information and the command to the remote controller 200 (FIG. 21). (A) (1)). As a result, the remote controller 200 receives the information and command from the information processing apparatus 300 by the first communication unit 23 and transfers the information and command to the second communication unit 22.

  The remote controller 200 uses the second communication unit 22 to communicate with the second communication unit 32 of the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 to be controlled in accordance with a transmission request from the information processing apparatus 300. The identification information and a control command for instructing power-on are transmitted.

  At this time, the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 and the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 establish the communication described in the first embodiment. Establish communication over the wireless line using the same procedure.

  However, in the case of the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, unlike the system configuration shown in the first embodiment, there are a plurality of image processing devices 300 to be controlled, and therefore image processing specified by the information processing device 300 is specified. Device 100 must be identified. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 21B, the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 uses the communication partner identification information (ID: 1000) received from the information processing apparatus 100 as a basis. Communication via a wireless line is established by a predetermined communication establishment procedure (transmitting communication partner identification information is transmitted to all devices within a wireless communicable range to identify matching devices). Furthermore, since the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 according to the present embodiment does not perform wireless data communication with the specific image processing apparatus 100n, the second communication unit 22 holds communication partner identification information determined internally. It is not possible to deal with the configuration that says. Therefore, the second communication unit 22 is configured to establish communication with the image processing apparatus 100 using the communication partner identification information received from the information processing apparatus 300.

  After the communication is established by the above method, the remote controller 200 transmits a control command for instructing power-on to the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 by the second communication unit 22 ( (2) in FIG.

(Operation 2) Activation of Image Processing Device The low-power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing device 100 receives a control command by the second communication unit 32. In accordance with the received control command, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 controls the power supply circuit 110 so that the power supply is turned on by the power supply control unit 32b included in the second communication unit 32. The process shifts to (job reception waiting state) ((3) in FIG. 21A). Thereafter, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 responds to the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 by the second communication unit 32 with a power control result (indication of completion of return to the usable state) (FIG. 21 (a) (4)).

(Operation 3) Transmission of Print Job Based on the power control result received by the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200, the information processing apparatus 300 uses the first communication unit 21 to control the first information processing apparatus 100. The print job is transmitted to the first communication unit 31 ((5) in FIG. 22). At this time, the information processing apparatus 300 specifies the IP address of the image processing apparatus 100 and transmits a print job.

  As described above, in the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 100 in the standby state is returned to the usable state by the energy saving mode or the like and printing is performed ((6) in FIG. 22).

[Operation Scene 2] Operation when a Status Notification is Requested As an example of the operation scene, an operation when a status notification is requested from the information processing apparatus 300 to the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. To do.

  FIG. 23 to FIG. 25 are diagrams showing an operation example of power control by remote operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention (when a state notification is requested). FIG. 23 shows an example in which a status notification is requested to the image processing apparatus 100 in a standby state. FIG. 25 shows an example in which a status notification is requested to the remote controller 200.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, in the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, image processing is performed by two methods of “a method of obtaining from the image processing apparatus 100” and “a method of obtaining from the remote controller 200”. The status information 41 of the device 100 can be acquired.

  First, the operation of “a method of obtaining from the image processing apparatus 100” will be described.

(Operation 1) Transmission of Control Command First, the information processing apparatus 300 instructs the second communication unit 22 of the remote controller 200 to instruct a request for communication partner identification information for identifying a communication partner and state information 41. The control command is transmitted to the low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 and requested to be transmitted. At this time, the information processing apparatus 300 designates the IP address (192.168.xxx.xxx) of the remote controller 200 by the first communication unit 21 and transmits the information and command to the remote controller 200 (FIG. 23). (1)). As a result, the remote controller 200 receives the information and command from the information processing apparatus 300 by the first communication unit 23 and transfers the information and command to the second communication unit 22.

  The remote controller 200 uses the second communication unit 22 to communicate with the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 to be acquired in accordance with a transmission request from the information processing apparatus 300. A control command for instructing a request for the identification information and the state information 41 is transmitted ((2) in FIG. 23).

  At this time, the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 and the second communication unit 32 included in the low-power wireless communication unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 100 establish the communication described in the first embodiment. Establish communication over the wireless line using the same procedure.

(Operation 2) Acquisition of Status Information The low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command by the second communication unit 32. The subsequent operation related to the status notification response is performed according to the status of the image processing apparatus 100 when the control command is received.
When the image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command during standby The low-power wireless communication unit 120 is stored in the holding unit 32c of the same function unit by the second communication unit 32 according to the received control command Information 41 is acquired ((3) in FIG. 23).
When the image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command during normal operation The low-power wireless communication unit 120 acquires the state information 41 transferred from the ASIC 104 by the second communication unit 32 according to the received control command (FIG. 23 (3)).

(Operation 3) Response of status information The low-power wireless communication unit 120 generates a response message (for example, predetermined character string data) of the status notification based on the information acquired from the holding unit 32c by the second communication unit 32. To do. Thereafter, the low-power wireless communication unit 120 transmits the generated response message to the second communication unit 22 included in the remote controller 200 by the second communication unit 32 ((4) in FIG. 23). Thereafter, the remote controller 200 transmits the response message received by the second communication unit 22 to the first communication unit 21 included in the information processing apparatus 300 by the first communication unit 23 ((5) in FIG. 23). ).

  As described above, in the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, even in the image processing apparatus 100 in the standby state due to the energy saving mode or the like, the state of the image processing apparatus 100 is started without returning the apparatus main body to the usable state. Information 41 is returned to the request source.

  Next, the operation of “a method of obtaining from the remote controller 200” will be described. The difference from the operation of the “method of acquiring from the image processing apparatus 100” described above is “(operation 2) acquisition of state information” and “(operation 3) response of state information”.

(Operation 2) Acquisition of Status Information The low power wireless communication unit 120 included in the image processing apparatus 100 receives a control command by the second communication unit 32. All operations related to the status notification response thereafter are performed by the remote controller 200.

  FIG. 24 shows an example in which the remote controller 200 acquires the state information 41 from the image processing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 24, the remote controller 200 periodically transmits the status information 41 from the plurality of image processing apparatuses 100n to be controlled by the second communication unit 22 based on the communication partner identification management information 51. Get in. As a result, the remote controller 200 stores and holds the acquired state information 41 for each image processing apparatus 100n in a predetermined storage area of the storage device by the second communication unit 22 ((2) in FIG. 25).

(Operation 3) Response of status information The remote controller 200 uses the first communication unit 23 to notify the first communication unit 21 of the information processing apparatus 300 based on the state information 41 held. A response message (for example, predetermined character string data) is generated, and the generated response message is transmitted ((3) in FIG. 25). Thereafter, the remote controller 200 transmits the response message received by the second communication unit 22 to the first communication unit 21 included in the information processing apparatus 300 by the first communication unit 23 ((5) in FIG. 23). ).

  As described above, in the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the remote controller 200 that is commonly used by the plurality of information processing apparatuses 300n that request the state notification responds with the state information 41 instead of the image processing apparatus 100. To do. Accordingly, even in the image processing apparatus 100 in the standby state by the energy saving mode or the like, the status information 41 of the image processing apparatus 100 is responded to the request source without accessing the low power wireless communication unit 120. Therefore, the time required for the negotiation performed between the remote controller 200 and the low-power wireless communication unit 120 can be shortened and a quick response can be made.

<Processing procedure>
In the “power control function” according to the present embodiment described above, a specific processing procedure of the remote controller 200 in “operation scene 2” will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when a status notification is requested) of the remote controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In response to the request from the information processing apparatus 300, the remote controller 200 determines whether it is a status notification request (step S1001).

  If the request is a status notification (YES in step S1001), the remote controller 200 reads the status information 41 for each image processing apparatus 100 that has been acquired from the image processing apparatus 100 and stored in the storage device in advance (step S1001). 1002), the read state information 41 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 300 (step S1003). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1001.

  Further, if the request is not a status notification (NO in step S1001), the remote controller 200 determines whether a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed (step S1004).

  If the remote controller 200 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S1004), the communication partner identification management information 51 held in the nonvolatile storage device and the status notification request command are negotiated. It transmits to the low-power wireless communication unit 120 provided in the image processing apparatus 100 (step S1005) and waits until the status information 41 is received (when step S1006 is NO).

  When the remote controller 200 receives the status information 41 of the image processing apparatus 100 from the low-power wireless communication unit 120 (when step S1006 is YES), the remote controller 200 stores the acquired status information 41 in the storage device (step S1007). The process proceeds to S1001. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (NO in step S1004), the remote controller 200 proceeds to the processing procedure in step S1001.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the power supply control system 1 according to this embodiment is a system including a plurality of information processing devices 300n and a plurality of image processing devices 100n. The remote controller 200 transmits a control command for turning on / off the power to the image processing apparatus 100 in accordance with the control command transmission instruction of the information processing apparatus 300, and is consumed as compared with the conventional communication apparatus provided in the image processing apparatus 100. The control command is received by the low-power wireless communication unit 120 with low power, and the power supply of the image processing apparatus 100 is controlled.

  Thereby, the power supply control system 1 according to the present embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

  So far, the present invention has been described based on the first and second embodiments, but the “power control function” of the power control system 1 according to each embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9 to 17. Each processing procedure and each processing procedure shown in FIG. 26 are performed by a computer as a program coded in a programming language suitable for each operating environment (platform) of the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 300 according to the above embodiments. It can be realized by executing. Therefore, the power supply control program according to each embodiment of the present invention can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium 304 or the like.

  Therefore, the power supply control program according to the present embodiment can be read by storing the storage medium 304 in a recording medium 304 such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, CD (Compact Disc), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It can be installed in the information processing device 300 from the recording medium 304 connected to the drive device 303. In addition, since the image processing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 300 have network I / Fs 105 and 308, respectively, the power control program can be downloaded and installed via an electric communication line such as the Internet. .

  In the first and second embodiments, a printer (an image processing apparatus having an image forming function) has been described as an example of the image processing apparatus 100. However, the present invention is limited to a printer. It is not a thing. For example, a device having only one of a scanner function, a FAX function, and a copy function, or a device in which these functions and a printer function are combined and mounted may be used.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the power supply control system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the function structure which the power supply control system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows the operation example (when power-on is instruct | indicated) by the remote operation which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the status information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example (when notification of a state is requested | required) of the power supply control by remote operation which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example (when power-off is instruct | indicated) by the remote control which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (when turning on a power supply) of the process sequence of the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (when turning on a power supply) of the process sequence of the remote controller which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when power is turned on) of the image processing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (when requesting a status notification) of the processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (when requesting a status notification) of the processing procedure of the remote controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when a status notification is requested) of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (when powering off) of the process sequence of the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (when turning off a power supply) of the process sequence of the remote controller which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure (when the power is turned off) of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the power supply control system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the function structure which the power supply control system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication other party identification information which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example (when power on is instruct | indicated: the 1) by remote operation which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example (when power-on is instruct | indicated: the 2) by remote control which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example (when status notification is requested | required: the 1) of the power supply control by the remote operation which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example (when notification of a state is requested | required: the 2) of the power supply control by the remote operation which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example (when status notification is requested | required: the 3) of the power supply control by the remote operation which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (when requesting a status notification) of the processing procedure of the remote controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 power supply control system 21 1st communication part (information processing apparatus side)
22 Second communication unit (remote controller side: low power wireless communication function)
23 First communication unit (on the remote controller side)
31 1st communication part (image processing apparatus side)
32 Second communication unit (image processing apparatus side: low-power wireless communication function)
32a determination unit 32b power supply control unit 32c holding unit 41 status information 51 communication partner identification management information 90 data transmission path (for example, network)
100 Image processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 ASIC
105 Network I / F (wired)
106 Video writing processing circuit 107 LD control unit 108 LD
109 Operation Panel 110 Power Supply Circuit 111 Bus 120 Low Power Wireless Communication Unit 121 Low Power Wireless Circuit 122 NV-RAM
131 Battery Pack 200 Remote Controller 300 Information Processing Device 301 Input Device 302 Display Device 303 Drive Device 304 Recording Medium 305 ROM
306 RAM
307 CPU
308 Network I / F (wired)
309 HDD
310 External device I / F
400 HUB (Concentrator)
P Processing procedure for data communication via wireless line

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus that performs bidirectional data communication with an electronic device other than the information processing apparatus;
An image processing apparatus for performing predetermined image processing on input data;
A power supply control system comprising a remote control device for performing bidirectional data communication via a wireless line and remotely controlling the image processing device,
The image processing apparatus includes:
First communication means for performing bidirectional data communication with the information processing apparatus;
A second communication unit that is supplied with power from a second power source different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus, and operates with less power than the first communication unit;
Power control means for controlling the power of the image processing apparatus,
The remote control device transmits a control command to control the power supply of the image processing device to the image processing device in accordance with a request from the information processing device;
The image processing device receives the control command transmitted from the remote control device by the second communication means,
When the control command received by the second communication unit is a command for instructing the first power off by the power control unit, the operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation of an operation to be performed in the future A power supply control system for controlling on / off of the first power supply based on a situation . The image processing apparatus is
A determination unit that determines whether to permit the first power supply to be turned off based on an operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation status of an operation to be performed in the future;
The power control means includes
When the control command received by the second communication means is a command for instructing the first power off,
The power supply control system according to claim 1, wherein the first power supply is turned off based on a determination result of the determination unit. The image processing apparatus is
Holding means for collecting state information of the image processing apparatus and holding it in a predetermined storage area;
When the control command received by the second communication means is a command requesting acquisition of the status information,
3. The power supply control system according to claim 1, wherein the status information held by the holding unit is returned to an acquisition request source in accordance with the control command. The remote control device is:
4. The communication with the image processing apparatus for transmitting and controlling the control command is established based on communication partner identification information for identifying a communication partner transmitted from the information processing apparatus. The power supply control system according to any one of the above. The remote control device is:
Management information for managing the communication partner identification information,
When acquisition of the state information is requested from the information processing apparatus,
5. The power supply control system according to claim 1, wherein the status information acquired from the image processing apparatus based on the management information is returned to the information processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes:
When the first power source is turned off and in a standby state,
According to the control command received by the second communication means, the power supply control means turns on the first power supply,
The power management system according to claim 1, wherein the input data transmitted from the information processing apparatus is received by the first communication unit and the predetermined image processing is executed. An image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on input data,
A first communication means for performing bidirectional data communication with an electronic device other than the image processing apparatus;
A second communication unit that is supplied with power from a second power source different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus, and operates with less power than the first communication unit;
Received by the second communication means, according to the control command for controlling the power supply of the image processing apparatus, have a power supply control means for controlling said first power on / off,
The power control means includes
When the control command received by the second communication means is a command for instructing the first power-off, based on an operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation status of an operation to be performed in the future, An image processing apparatus that controls on / off of a power source of 1 . The image processing apparatus
A determination unit that determines whether to permit the first power supply to be turned off based on an operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation status of an operation to be performed in the future;
The power control means includes
When the control command received by the second communication means is a command for instructing the first power off,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first power supply is turned off based on a determination result of the determination unit. The image processing apparatus includes:
Holding means for collecting state information of the image processing apparatus and holding it in a predetermined storage area;
When the control command received by the second communication means is a command requesting acquisition of the status information,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the status information held by the holding unit is returned to an acquisition request source according to the control command. An information processing apparatus that performs bidirectional data communication with an electronic device other than the information processing apparatus;
First communication means for performing bidirectional data communication with the information processing apparatus;
A second communication unit that is supplied with power from a second power source different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus, and operates with less power than the first communication unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a power supply control unit configured to control a power supply of the image processing apparatus;
A power control method in a power control system configured to perform bidirectional data communication via a wireless line and to remotely control the image processing apparatus,
The remote control device transmits a control command to control the power supply of the image processing device to the image processing device in accordance with a request from the information processing device;
The image processing device receives the control command transmitted from the remote control device by the second communication means,
When the control command received by the second communication unit is a command for instructing the first power off by the power control unit, the operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation of an operation to be performed in the future A power supply control method for controlling on / off of the first power supply based on a situation . An information processing apparatus that performs bidirectional data communication with an electronic device other than the information processing apparatus;
First communication means for performing bidirectional data communication with the information processing apparatus;
A second communication unit that is supplied with power from a second power source different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus, and operates with less power than the first communication unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a power supply control unit that controls a power supply of the image processing apparatus;
A power supply control program in a power supply control system configured with a remote control device that performs bidirectional data communication via a wireless line and remotely controls the image processing device,
On the computer,
The remote control device transmits a control command to control the power supply of the image processing device to the image processing device in accordance with a request from the information processing device;
The image processing device receives the control command transmitted from the remote control device by the second communication means,
When the control command received by the second communication unit is a command for instructing the first power off by the power control unit, the operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation of an operation to be performed in the future A power supply control program executed to control on / off of the first power supply based on a situation . A power supply control program in an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on input data,
On the computer,
A first communication means for performing bidirectional data communication with an electronic device other than the image processing apparatus;
A second communication unit that is supplied with power from a second power source different from the first power source that supplies power to the main body of the image processing apparatus, and operates with less power than the first communication unit;
In accordance with a control command for controlling the power supply of the image processing apparatus received by the second communication means, the power control means for controlling on / off of the first power supply is caused to function ,
When the control command received by the second communication unit is a command for instructing the first power off by the power control unit, the operation status of the image processing apparatus or a reservation of an operation to be performed in the future A power supply control program in an image processing apparatus that is executed to control on / off of the first power supply based on a situation .

Images