JP5246419B2 - Communication system, processing device, processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a processing device, and a processing program.

  Conventionally, electronic devices such as image forming devices achieve power savings (energy savings) when they are in an operating state (normal usage state) but have not been used for a predetermined time. In order to achieve this, there is a transition to a power saving state (power saving mode) that reduces power consumption and waits until a factor of power saving recovery (return from power saving mode) occurs.

  As an image forming apparatus that shifts from an operating state to a power saving state, those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known.

  In Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, when a preset condition is reached for each unit in the image forming apparatus, the unit is set in a power saving state.

  In Patent Document 3, when an image input device and an image output device are connected to a network and used, when the image output device is not used, the image output device is set in a power saving state from the image input device side.

JP 07-271244 A JP 2003-263075 A JP 2002-033865 A

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system, a processing apparatus, and a processing program that can save power in a processing apparatus connected to a communication line.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that a first processing device and a second processing device that form a composite device in cooperation with each other are connected via a communication line. And each of the first processing device and the second processing device includes a communication unit that controls communication with an external device via the communication line, and Control means for controlling a state of power supplied to the communication means, and the control means of the first processing device and the second processing device is for the communication means related to one of the processing devices. A power saving state in which a specified power required for communication by the communication unit is supplied and power lower than the specified power is supplied to the communication unit related to the other processing device. When the data is transmitted from the external device to the other processing device, the communication means of the other processing device via the communication path Requesting to place the communication means of the one processing device in the power saving state or the power stop state, receive the data, and prioritize the transmission rate of the data from the external device If there is, the communication means of the first processing device and the second processing device is set to the power supply state via the communication path, and the data is divided to the first processing device. And receiving by the second processing device .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, comprising: a first communication unit that controls communication with the other processing apparatus that forms a composite apparatus in cooperation with each other via a communication line; A second communication unit that controls communication with the other processing device, and a control unit that controls a state of power supplied to the first communication unit. When the communication device is in a power supply state in which specified power necessary for communication by the communication device is supplied, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the control device are The control means of the other processing apparatus has a power saving state in which power lower than the specified power is supplied to the communication means of the other processing apparatus via the communication path, or power supply Control to make the power stop state to be stopped, before When data is transmitted from an external device to the other processing device, the communication unit of the own device is set to the power saving state or the power stop state via the communication path, and the other processing device is used. The communication means is set to the power supply state and the other processing device is controlled to receive the data, and when there is a request from the external device to prioritize the transmission speed of the data, the communication path Then, the communication means of the own apparatus and the other processing apparatus is set to the power supply state, and the data is divided and controlled to be received by the own apparatus and the other processing apparatus .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing program according to a first communication means for controlling communication with the other processing device forming a composite device in cooperation with each other via a communication line, via a dedicated communication path. A power supply state in which when the second communication unit that controls communication with the other processing apparatus is included, a predetermined power required for the communication unit to communicate is supplied to the first communication unit; The communication means of the other processing apparatus via the communication path to the control means of the other processing apparatus having the first communication means, the second communication means and the control means. The other processing device by causing the computer to execute a first control processing step for controlling the power supply to be in a power saving state in which power lower than the prescribed power is supplied or in a power stop state in which power supply is stopped Towards the outside When data is transmitted from a device, the communication unit of the own device is set to the power saving state or the power stop state via the communication path, and the communication unit of the other processing device is set to the power supply state. If the computer executes the second control processing step for controlling the other processing device to receive the data, and there is a request from the external device to prioritize the transmission speed of the data, Third control processing for controlling the communication means of the own device and the other processing device to be in the power supply state via the communication path and dividing the data so as to be received by the own device and the other processing device It is characterized by having a computer execute the process .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save power of the processing device connected to the communication line.

Further , according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save power by the amount of power consumed by the communication means of the first processing device or the second processing device.

Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, communication can be performed using the communication means of the first processing device or the second processing device according to the capability of the communication means.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the communication means of the first processing device and the second processing device are operated in a coordinated manner, so that data can be saved as compared with the case where each processing device receives data. Electricity can be achieved.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to save power of the processing device connected to the communication line.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save power by the amount of power consumed by the communication means of the first processing device or the second processing device.

Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, communication can be performed using the communication means of the first processing device or the second processing device according to the capability of the communication means.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication means of the first processing device and the second processing device are operated in a coordinated manner, so that data can be saved as compared with the case where each processing device receives data. Electricity can be achieved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide software capable of reducing the power consumption of the processing device connected to the communication line.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save power by the amount of power consumed by the communication means of the first processing device or the second processing device.
Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, communication can be performed using the communication means of the first processing device or the second processing device according to the capability of the communication means.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the communication means of the first processing device and the second processing device are operated in a coordinated manner, so that data can be saved as compared with the case where each processing device receives data. Electricity can be achieved.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which a communication system according to a first embodiment is applied. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of data reception processing of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining data reception processing of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. 3 is a diagram for explaining data transmission processing of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image input apparatus in an image forming system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the data reception process of the image forming system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of data reception processing of the image forming system according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  (First embodiment)

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image forming system to which the communication system according to the first embodiment is applied.

  In the image forming system 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the image input apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200 are connected via a communication line 300, and the image input apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200 are connected via a communication path 400. Connected through. An information processing apparatus 500 is connected to the communication line 300.

  An image input apparatus 100 as a processing apparatus (first processing apparatus) is, for example, a scanner apparatus, and includes a control unit 110, a network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F”) 120 as an external input / output interface, and a local. An interface (hereinafter referred to as “local I / F”) 130 and an image reading unit 140 are included.

  The control unit 110 has a function of a control unit and controls the state of power (power supply voltage) supplied to the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100, as will be described in detail later.

  In addition, the control unit 110 includes a data transfer unit 111. The data transfer unit 111 has a function of a transfer unit and is read by the data received by the network I / F 120 or the image reading unit 140. The image data corresponding to the document image is transferred to a locally connected external device such as the image output device 200 via the local I / F 130.

  Further, the control unit 110 comprehensively controls the entire image input apparatus 100.

  The network I / F 120 has a function of a communication unit, and manages communication with an external device connected to the network, for example, the image output device 200 or the information processing device 500 via the communication line 300.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network I / F 120 and the control unit 110 are connected via a power line 121 and a control line 122. That is, the power supply voltage for the network I / F 120 (not shown) in the control unit 110 is supplied to the network I / F 120 via the power line 121.

  In addition, the control unit 110 controls the power state of the network I / F 120 by controlling the power supply voltage (power) from the power line 121 supplied to the network I / F 120 via the control line 122. Specifically, regarding the network I / F 120, the control unit 110 is supplied with a power supply state in which specified power necessary for the network I / F 120 to communicate and power lower than the specified power are supplied. Control to shift to a power saving state in which power supply is stopped or a power stop state in which power supply is stopped.

  The local I / F 130 is a serial interface or a parallel interface for connecting to an external device, and controls communication with a locally connected external device such as the image output device 100 via the communication path 400. The local I / F 130 is also supplied with a prescribed power necessary for the local I / F 130 to communicate from a local I / F 130 power source (not shown) in the control unit 110.

  The image reading unit 140 optically reads a document and converts it into image data, and outputs the image data to the control unit 110.

  An image output apparatus 200 as a processing apparatus (second processing apparatus) is, for example, an image forming apparatus, and includes a control unit 210, a network I / F 220 and a local I / F 230 as external input / output interfaces, and an image reading unit 240. And have.

  The control unit 210 has a function of a control unit and controls the state of power supplied to the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200, which will be described in detail later.

  In addition, the control unit 210 includes a data transfer unit 211. The data transfer unit 211 has a function of a transfer unit, and receives data received by the network I / F 220 via the local I / F 230. Data is transferred to an external device connected locally, for example, the image input device 100.

  Further, the control unit 210 comprehensively controls the entire image output apparatus 200.

  The network I / F 220 has a function of a communication unit, and manages communication with an external device such as the image input device 100 or the information processing device 500 that is connected to the network via the communication line 300.

  The network I / F 220 and the control unit 210 are connected via a power line 221 and a control line 222. That is, a power supply for the network I / F 220 (not shown) in the control unit 210 is supplied to the network I / F 220 via the power line 221.

  Further, the control unit 210 controls the power state of the network I / F 220 by controlling the power supply voltage (power) from the power line 221 supplied to the network I / F 220 via the control line 222. Specifically, regarding the network I / F 220, the control unit 210 is supplied with a power supply state in which specified power necessary for the network I / F 220 to communicate and power lower than the specified power is supplied. Control to shift to a power saving state in which power supply is stopped or a power stop state in which power supply is stopped.

  The local I / F 230 is a serial interface or a parallel interface for connecting to an external device, and manages communication with a locally connected external device such as the image input device 100 via the communication path 400. The local I / F 140 is also supplied with specified power necessary for the local I / F 230 to communicate from a local I / F 230 power source (not shown) in the control unit 210.

  The printing unit 240 performs a printing process based on the image data output from the control unit 210.

  The communication line 300 includes a local area network (LAN = Local Area Network), a wired communication line such as a telephone line, a wireless communication line such as a wireless LAN, and a combination of these communication lines. Here, the communication line 300 is a network 300 such as a LAN.

  The communication path 400 is a transmission medium (communication medium) such as a communication cable conforming to a serial interface or a parallel interface.

  The information processing apparatus 500 transmits print data to the image output apparatus 200 and acquires scan data (image data read by the image reading unit 140) from the image input apparatus 100.

  In the image forming system 1 configured as described above, a network I / F (communication) related to one of the image input device 100 as the first processing device and the image output device 200 as the second processing device. With respect to the means), the network I / F is in a power supply state in which specified power necessary for communication is supplied, and the network I / F related to the other processing apparatus is more than the specified power. A power saving state in which low power is supplied or a power stop state in which power supply is stopped is set.

  That is, in one processing apparatus, for example, the image input apparatus 100 of the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200, when the control unit 110 is in a power supply state to the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100, Then, the control unit 210 of the image output apparatus 200 is controlled to set the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 to the power saving state or the power stop state via the communication path 400.

  Further, when the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 that is in the power supply state is set to the power saving state or the power stop state, the control unit 110 communicates with the control unit 210 of the image output apparatus 200 through a communication path. The network 1 / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 that is in the power saving state or in the power stop state is controlled to be in the power supply state via 400.

  Further, the control unit 110 is configured so that the data addressed to the image output device 200 is transmitted to the image output device 200 via the communication path 400 by the data transfer unit 111 of the image input device 100. When it is determined that the processing speed is higher in the case of being received by the I / F 220, the control unit 210 of the image output apparatus 200 is in a power saving state or a power stop state via the communication path 400. The network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 is controlled to be in the power supply state, and the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 in the power supply state is set to the power saving state or the power stop state.

  On the other hand, when one processing apparatus is the image output apparatus 200, in the image input apparatus 200, when the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 is in the power supply state, the control unit 210 performs image processing. The control unit 110 of the input device 100 is controlled to set the network I / F 20 of the image input device 100 to the power saving state or the power stop state via the communication path 400.

  In addition, when the control unit 210 sets the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 in the power supply state to the power saving state or the power stop state, the control unit 210 communicates with the control unit 110 of the image input apparatus 100 through a communication path. The network 1 / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 that is in the power saving state or the power stop state is controlled to be in the power supply state via the network 400.

  Furthermore, the control unit 210 has a network I of the image input device 100 as compared with the case where the data addressed to the image input device 100 is transferred to the image input device 100 via the communication path 400 by the transfer unit 211 of the image output device 200. When it is determined that the processing speed is faster when received by / F120, the control unit 110 of the image input apparatus 100 is in the power saving state or the power stop state via the communication path 400. The network I / F 120 of the image input device 100 is controlled to be in a power supply state, and the network I / F 220 of the image output device 200 that is in the power supply state is set in a power saving state or a power stop state.

  Next, data reception processing of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the image input apparatus 100 is a scanner, and the image output apparatus 200 is a printer.

  In the image input device 100, when the main power of the image input device 100 is turned on (when the main power is turned on), the control unit 110 connects the image input device 100 and the image output device via the communication path 400. It is determined whether or not a composite device having the image input device 100 and the image output device 200 is obtained due to the local connection with the device 200 (step S101).

  When the main power supply of the image input apparatus 100 is turned on, the power supply voltage (power) corresponding to each of the network I / F 120 and the local I / F 130 is supplied. That is, in any case, the power supply state is established.

  Similarly, in the image output device 200, when the main power of the image output device 200 is turned on (when the main power is turned on), the control unit 210 communicates with the image input device 100 via the communication path 400. It is determined whether or not a composite device having the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200 is obtained due to the local connection with the image output apparatus 200 (step S201).

  When the main power supply of the image output apparatus 200 is turned on, the power supply voltage (power) corresponding to each of the network I / F 220 and the local I / F 230 is supplied. That is, in any case, the power supply state is established.

  When the image input apparatus 100 determines that it is a composite device in step S101 and the image output apparatus 200 determines that it is a composite device in step S201, the image system 1 controls the control unit of the image input apparatus 100. 110 and the control unit 210 of the image output apparatus 200 communicate with each other via the respective network I / F and the communication line 300, or via the respective local I / F and the communication path 400. The network I / F of the device 100 or the image output device 200 is determined (step S102).

  In this case, the network I / F 120 or the network I / F 220 is determined depending on the use application of the network I / F. Here, it is assumed that the network I / F 120 is used.

  As described above, when it is determined that the network 120 of the image input device 100 is to be used by communication between the control unit 110 of the image input device 100 and the control unit 210 of the image output device 200, the control unit 110 of the image input device 100 Maintains the power supply state for the network I / F 120 (step S103), and in the image output apparatus 200, the control unit 210 controls the power state of the network I / F 220 via the control line 222. Thus, the network I / F 220 is shifted from the power supply state to the power saving state or the power stop state (step S202).

  When printer data (print data) addressed to the image output apparatus 200 transmitted from the information processing apparatus 500 connected to the communication line 300 is transmitted to the communication line 300 from such a state, the image input apparatus The network I / F 120 of 100 receives the printer data in place of the network I / F 220 in the power saving state or the power stop state (step S104), and outputs the printer data to the control unit 110.

  In the control unit 110, the data transfer unit 111 transfers the printer data from the network I / F 120 to the image output apparatus 200 via the local I / F 130 (step S105).

  That is, in the state of the image forming system 1 described so far, the printer data addressed to the image output apparatus 200 is received by the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. Further, the data is transferred by the data transfer unit 111 to the image output apparatus 200 via the local I / F 130. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the communication line 300 is the network 300.

  The control unit 110 transferring the printer data to the image output apparatus 200 via the local I / F 130 is a first processing speed when transferring the printer data to the image output apparatus 200 via the local I / F 130. It is determined whether the (transfer speed) is slower than the second processing speed (transmission speed) when the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 receives directly (step S106).

  If the control unit 110 determines in step S106 that the first processing speed (transfer speed) is slower than the second processing speed (transmission speed), the control unit 110 instructs the control unit 210 of the image output apparatus 200 to The network I / F 220 that is in the power saving state or the power stop state is controlled to be in the power supply state via the local I / F 130 (step S107), and the image input apparatus 100 in the power supply state is controlled. The network I / F 120 is set to a power saving state or a power stop state (step S108).

  Meanwhile, when the control unit 110 determines in step S106 that the first processing speed (transfer speed) is higher than the second processing speed (transmission speed), the control unit 110 returns to step S105.

  When step S108 is completed, the processing in the image input device 100 ends.

  In step S101, when the control unit 110 determines that the device is not a composite device including the image input device 100 and the image output device 200, the image input device 100 performs a normal operation ( Step S109).

  By the way, in the image output apparatus 200 that has finished step S202, the local I / F 230 receives the printer data from the local I / F 130 of the image input apparatus 100 via the communication path 400 (step S203), and receives the printer data. Output to the controller 210.

  Based on the printer data from the local I / F 230, the control unit 210 determines whether or not reception of all printer data has been completed (step S204). As a result of the determination, reception of all printer data has been completed. If not, it is determined whether or not an instruction for setting the network I / F 220 from the control unit 110 of the image input apparatus 100 to the power supply state is obtained via the local I / F 230 (step S205).

  If it is determined in step S205 that the command has not been acquired by the control unit 210, the process proceeds to step S203.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 210 determines in step S205 that the command has been acquired, the control unit 210 controls the power supply voltage (power) from the power line 221 supplied to the network I / F 220 via the control line 222. Thus, the network I / F 220 in the power saving state or the power stop state is shifted to the power supply state (step S206).

  The network I / F 220 that is in the power supply state in this way receives the printer data addressed to the image output apparatus 200 (step S207).

  That is, in the state of the image forming system 1 described so far, the printer data addressed to the image output apparatus 200 is received by the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 as shown in FIG. . In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the communication line 300 is the network 300.

  If all the printer data has been received in step S207, the processing in the image output apparatus 200 ends.

  In step S201, if the control unit 210 determines that the composite device does not include the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200, the image output apparatus 200 performs a normal operation ( Step S208).

  Next, data transmission processing of the image forming system 1 when data (job) is transmitted from the image input apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 500 connected to the communication line 300 will be described.

  When the communication between the control unit 110 of the image input device 100 and the control unit 210 of the image output device 200 is determined to use the network 120 of the image input device 100 in the process corresponding to the process of step S102 in FIG. In the image input device 100, the control unit 110 maintains the power supply state for the network I / F 120, and in the image output device 200, the control unit 210 controls the control line 222 for the network I / F 220. By controlling the power state of the network I / F 220 via the power supply state, the power supply state is shifted to the power saving state or the power stop state.

  In the image input device 100, the control unit 110 transmits, for example, scan data (image data read by the image reading unit 140) to the information processing device 500 via the network I / F 120 and the communication line 300. FIG. 4A shows how the scan data is transmitted in this case. In this example, the communication line 300 is the network 300.

  In this case, when the control unit 110 determines that the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 has sufficiently higher performance (such as transmission speed) than the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100, the control unit 110 controls the image output apparatus 200. The unit 210 controls the network I / F 220 in the power saving state or the power stop state to be in a power supply state via the local I / F 130, and the image input apparatus in the power supply state 100 network I / Fs 120 are set to a power saving state or a power stop state.

  Then, in the control unit 110 of the image input device 100, the data transfer unit 111 transfers the scan data to the image output device 200 via the local I / F 130. In the image output apparatus 200, the control unit 210 transmits scan data received from the image input apparatus 100 via the local I / F 230 to the information processing apparatus 500 via the network I / F 220 and the communication line 300. To do. FIG. 4B shows how the scan data is transmitted in this case. In this example, the communication line 300 is the network 300.

  Next, another example of data transmission processing of the image forming system 1 will be described.

  First, as a premise, when receiving printer data addressed to the image output apparatus 200, the image forming system 1 performs data reception processing in the form of network connection in the example shown in FIG. It is assumed that the data reception process in the form of network connection in the example shown in (b) is performed and the printer data reception process is completed.

  Next, a data transmission process of the image forming system 1 when the image input apparatus 100 transmits data (job) to the information processing apparatus 500 connected to the communication line 300 will be described.

  At this time, the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 is in the power saving state or the power stop state, while the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 is in the power supply state.

  In this case, in the control unit 110 of the image input device 100, the data transfer unit 111 transfers all the scan data to the image output device 200 via the local I / F 130. In the image output apparatus 200, the control unit 210 transmits scan data received from the image input apparatus 100 via the local I / F 230 to the information processing apparatus 500 via the network I / F 220 and the communication line 300. To do.

  However, if the control unit 110 of the image input apparatus 100 determines that the performance is affected by transferring the scan data via the local I / F 130, the first part of the scan data is the local I / F. Data is transferred to the image output apparatus 200 via F130. In the image output apparatus 200, the control unit 210 transmits scan data received from the image input apparatus 100 via the local I / F 230 to the information processing apparatus 500 via the network I / F 220 and the communication line 300. (See FIG. 4B).

  Then, the control unit 110 of the image input apparatus 100 sets the network I / F 120 that is in the power saving state or the power stop state to the power supply state during the data transfer, and also via the local I / F 130. The control unit 210 of the image output apparatus 200 is controlled so that the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 in the power supply state is in a power saving state or a power stop state. Further, when the network I / F 120 is shifted to the power supply state, the control unit 110 transmits the scan data to the information processing apparatus 500 via the network I / F 120 and the communication line 300 (FIG. 4). (See (a)).

  In the first embodiment described above, the image input device and the image output device are connected via a communication line (for example, a network) and connected via a dedicated communication path (for example, a communication cable). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be as follows.

  That is, for example, the first and second image output apparatuses are connected via a communication line (for example, a network) and also connected via a dedicated communication path (for example, a communication cable).

  Printer data addressed to the first image output device when the network I / F of the first image output device is in the power saving state or the power stop state and the network I / F of the second image output device is in the power supply state Are transferred to the first image output device via the network I / F and the local I / F of the second image output device. In this case, the data transfer unit of the second image output device transfers the printer data to the first image output device.

  On the other hand, when the network I / F of the first image output device is in the power supply state and the network I / F of the second image output device is in the power saving state or the power stop state, the second image output device The addressed printer data is transferred to the second image output device via the network I / F and the local I / F of the first image output device. In this case, the data transfer unit of the first image output device transfers the printer data to the second image output device.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, power saving (power saving) corresponding to the power consumption consumed by the network I / F of the image input device or the image output device is achieved.

  In addition, in the image forming system, any one of the two network I / Fs is used in consideration of the capability and data transfer amount of each network I / F of the image input device and the image output device. By determining whether to switch the network I / F used during data transfer (data transmission), the time required for data transfer (data transmission) processing is shortened.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image input apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image input device 100 includes a CPU 101, a storage device 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, an operation panel 105, a scanner 106, and communication I / Fs 107 and 108. These components 101 to 108 are connected to the system bus 109.

  The storage device 102 is, for example, a hard disk, software (program) for realizing the functions of the control unit 110 (including the data transfer unit 111) shown in FIG. 1, and the data reception processing procedure shown in FIG. Various installed programs such as software (program) corresponding to the processing procedure (steps S101 to S109) on the image input apparatus side and the processing program 102A are stored.

  The processing program 102A includes at least the following processing steps.

  When the first processing device (image input device) and the second processing device (image output device) are connected via a communication line, the communication means (network I / F) of the first processing device On the other hand, when the power supply state is such that the prescribed power necessary for the communication means to communicate is supplied, the control means (network I / F) of the other processing device (image output device) is dedicated. Control for controlling the communication means of the other processing apparatus to be in a power saving state in which power lower than the specified power is supplied or in a power stopped state in which power supply is stopped via the communication path of Processing process.

  The ROM 103 is a read-only memory and stores communication protocol information and the like.

  The RAM 104 is a read / write memory as needed, and stores various programs (processing program 102A and the like) read from the storage device 102 and communication protocol information read from the ROM 103.

  The RAM 104 stores data (printer data) received via the network I / F 120, data (scan data) transmitted to an external device via the network I / F 120, and the like.

  The operation panel 105 has an input function for inputting input information such as a document reading instruction (copy start instruction), and a display function for displaying display information such as a message to the user.

  The scanner 106 functions as the image reading unit 120 shown in FIG. 1 and optically reads a document and converts it into image data.

  The communication I / F 107 performs the function of the network I / F 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 and performs communication with an external device such as the image output device 200 or the information processing device 500 via the communication line 300.

  The communication I / F 108 performs the function of the local I / F 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 and performs communication with an external apparatus, for example, the image output apparatus 200 (see FIG. 1) via the communication path 400.

  The CPU 101 is a central processing unit, and implements the functions of the control unit 110 (including the data transfer unit 111) described above by reading and executing a program including the processing program 102A from the storage device 102 to the RAM 104. The processing function corresponding to the processing program 102A is realized.

  In addition, the CPU 101 comprehensively controls the respective constituent elements 102 to 108 and controls the entire image input apparatus 100.

  In the specification of the present application, the processing program is described as an embodiment of recording in a storage device such as a hard disk as a recording medium. However, the processing program may be provided as follows.

  That is, the processing program may be stored in the ROM, and the CPU may load the processing program from the ROM to the main storage device and execute it.

  The processing program may be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, MO (magneto-optical disk), or flexible disk. In this case, after the processing program recorded on the recording medium is installed by the image input device (processing device), the CPU executes the processing program. Examples of the installation destination of the processing program include a memory such as a RAM and a storage device (recording medium) such as a hard disk. Then, the image input device (processing device) loads the processing program stored in the storage device into the main storage device and executes it as necessary.

  Furthermore, the image input device (processing device) is connected to a server device or a host computer via a communication line (for example, the Internet), and the image input device (processing device) is connected to the processing program from the server device or the host computer. After downloading, this processing program may be executed. In this case, examples of the download destination of the processing program include a memory such as a RAM and a storage device (recording medium) such as a hard disk. Then, the image input device (processing device) loads the processing program stored in the storage device into the main storage device and executes it as necessary.

  (Second Embodiment)

  The image forming system to which the communication system according to the second embodiment is applied has the same configuration as that of the image forming system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Here, the communication line 300 is a network 300.

  In the image forming system according to the second embodiment, the following processes (1) to (4) are performed.

  (1) The image input device 100 and the image output device 200 form a composite device, and the information processing device 50 is notified that the composite device is the composite device.

  That is, when the local I / F 130 of the image input apparatus 100 and the local I / F 230 of the image output apparatus 200 are connected via the communication path 400 (local connection), the fact that these apparatuses exist as a composite apparatus, A device (image input device 100 or image output device 200) having a network I / F in a power supply state notifies information processing device 500.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the IP address “129.249.125.001” is assigned to the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100, and the network I / F 120 of the image output apparatus 200 is assigned. If the IP address “129.249.125.002” is assigned, the IP address “129.249.125.001” on the network 300 and the IP address “129.249.125.002” are supplied with power. A device having a network I / F in a state is notified to the information processing device 500 and is recognized by a host driver that operates on the information processing device 500. Thereby, it is recognized that it is a composite apparatus.

  (2) The image input device 100 and the image output device 200 negotiate to determine a network I / F to be used. In this case, the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200 determine which network I / F to use in consideration of log situations used in the past. For example, the determination is made based on the number of jobs per day, and the network I / F of the device having the larger number of jobs per day for each of the image input device 100 and the image output device 200 is used.

  (3) When transmitting data to a device having a network I / F in a power saving state or a power stop state, the information processing device uses a command (for example, a switching command) for switching the network I / F, The data is transmitted toward a device having the network I / F in the supply state, and data is transmitted after the network I / F in the power saving state or the power stop state is shifted to the power supply state.

  (4) When a speed priority mode command is transmitted from the host driver in the information processing apparatus 500, the network I / Fs of the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200 are set in a power supply state. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 500 can divide the data to be transmitted into data addressed to the image input apparatus 100 and data addressed to the image output apparatus 200, and transmit the data to each apparatus (apparatus through two paths). It becomes possible. In this case, since the energization time to the network I / F is shortened, there is a case where the power saving effect of the image input device 100 and the image output device 200 becomes larger when data is transmitted in the speed priority mode. is there.

  Next, data reception processing of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the image input apparatus 100 is a scanner, and the image output apparatus 200 is a printer.

  In the image input device 100, when the main power of the image input device 100 is turned on (when the main power is turned on), the control unit 110 connects the image input device 100 and the image output device via the communication path 400. It is determined whether or not a composite device having the image input device 100 and the image output device 200 is obtained due to the local connection with the device 200 (step S301).

  When the main power supply of the image input apparatus 100 is turned on, the power supply voltage (power) corresponding to each of the network I / F 120 and the local I / F 130 is supplied. That is, in any case, the power supply state is established.

  Similarly, in the image output device 200, when the main power of the image output device 200 is turned on (when the main power is turned on), the control unit 210 communicates with the image input device 100 via the communication path 400. It is determined whether or not a composite device having the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200 is obtained due to the local connection with the image output apparatus 200 (step S301).

  When the main power supply of the image output apparatus 200 is turned on, the power supply voltage (power) corresponding to each of the network I / F 220 and the local I / F 230 is supplied. That is, in any case, the power supply state is established.

  When the image input apparatus 100 determines that it is a composite device in step S301 and the image output apparatus 200 determines that it is a composite device in step S401, the image forming system 1 controls the image input apparatus 100. The unit 110 and the control unit 210 of the image output apparatus 200 communicate with each other through the network I / F and the communication line 300, or through the local I / F and the communication path 400, respectively. It is determined which of the device 100 and the image output device 200 the network I / F is to be used (step S302).

  In this case, the network I / F 120 or the network I / F 220 is determined depending on the use application of the network I / F. Here, it is assumed that the network I / F 120 is used.

  As described above, when it is determined that the network I / F 120 of the image input device 100 is to be used by communication between the control unit 110 of the image input device 100 and the control unit 210 of the image output device 200, the image input device 100 performs control. The unit 110 maintains the power supply state for the network I / F 120 (step S303), and in the image output apparatus 200, the control unit 210 transmits the network I / F 120 via the control line 222. By controlling the power state of the network I / F 220, the power supply state is shifted to the power saving state or the power stop state (step S402).

  From such a state, in the image input apparatus 100, the control unit 110 indicates that the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200 are a composite apparatus, and two IP addresses, that is, IP addresses “129.249.125. 001 ”and the IP address“ 129.249.125.002 ”and the IP address“ 129.249.125.001 ”corresponding to the network I / F 120 in the power supply state via the network I / F 120. It transmits toward the processing apparatus 500 (step S304).

  As a result, in the information processing apparatus 500, the host driver recognizes that the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200 are complex apparatuses, and the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 is being activated. Recognizing that the network I / F 230 of the output device 200 is stopped.

  Then, the host driver of the information processing apparatus 500 sends the network I / F to the image input apparatus 100 in order to transmit the printer data (print data) to the image output apparatus 200 having the network I / F 220 in the power stop state. A command for switching, for example, a printer net activation command as a switching command is transmitted. This printer network activation command means a command to activate the network I / F of the image output apparatus (printer).

  In the image input apparatus 100, when the control unit 110 receives the printer net activation command via the network I / F 120 (step S305), the control unit 110 transmits the printer net activation command to the image output apparatus via the local I / F 130. 200 is transmitted to the control unit 210 (step S306), and then the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 in the power supply state is set to the power saving state or the power stop state (step S307).

  In the image output apparatus 200, when the control unit 210 receives a printer net activation command from the control unit 110 of the image input apparatus 100 via the local I / F 230 (step S403), the control unit 210 performs a network via the control line 222. By controlling the power supply voltage (power) from the power line 221 supplied to the I / F 220, the network I / F 220 in the power saving state or the power stop state is shifted to the power supply state (step S404).

  In this way, when the network I / F 220 that has been in the power saving state or the power stop state is shifted to the power supply state, the information processing apparatus 500 transmits the printer data to the image output apparatus 200.

  In the image output apparatus 200, the network I / F 220 in the power supply state receives printer data addressed to the image output apparatus 200 (step S405).

  Then, the host driver of the information processing apparatus 500 transmits a speed priority mode command to the image output apparatus 200 having the network I / F 220 in the power supply state.

  In the image output apparatus 200, when the control unit 210 receives the speed priority mode command via the network I / F 220 (step S406), the control unit 210 sends the speed priority mode command via the local I / F 230 to the local I / F 230. Is transmitted to the control unit 110 of the image input apparatus 100 (step S407), and then the power supply state relating to the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 is maintained (step S408).

  In the image input apparatus 100, when the control unit 110 receives the speed priority mode command via the network I / F 120 (step S308), the network I / F 120 in the power saving state or the power stop state. Is in a power supply state (step S309).

  When the network I / Fs of the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200 are in a power supply state in this way, the information processing apparatus 500 transmits the printer data to the data addressed to the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200. And is transmitted to the IP address corresponding to each device (device through two routes).

  That is, when step S309 is completed and step S408 is completed, in the image forming system, each of the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 and the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200 is addressed to its own IP address. Printer data is received (step S310).

  In step S310, when all the printer data is received by the network I / F 120 of the image input apparatus 100 and the network I / F 220 of the image output apparatus 200, the process in the image input apparatus 100 and the process in the image output apparatus 200 are performed. Each will end.

  In step S301, when the control unit 110 determines that the device is not a composite device including the image input device 100 and the image output device 200, the image input device 100 performs a normal operation ( Step S311).

  In step S401, when the control unit 210 determines that the composite device does not include the image input apparatus 100 and the image output apparatus 200, the image output apparatus 200 performs a normal operation ( Step S409).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, power saving (power saving) corresponding to the power consumption consumed by the network I / F of the image input device or the image output device is achieved.

  In addition, in the image forming system, any one of the two network I / Fs is used in consideration of the capability and data transfer amount of each network I / F of the image input device and the image output device. By determining whether to switch the network I / F used during data transfer (data transmission), the time required for data transfer (data transmission) processing is shortened.

  Further, in the image forming system, when the image input device and the image output device are viewed over a network, the image forming system looks the same as a multi-function peripheral, so that user management is facilitated.

  Further, in the image forming system, it is possible to easily operate the network I / Fs of the image input apparatus and the image output apparatus in cooperation with each other. As a result, performance can be improved and data transfer can be performed in a short time. Therefore, power saving (power saving) can be achieved as compared with the case where data is received by the network I / F of the image input device or image output device. Figured.

  The hardware configuration of the image input apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the image input apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment, the embodiment disclosed in this specification is an example in all respects and is limited to the disclosed technology. Should not be considered. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above-described embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications are included without departing from the technical scope equivalent to the described technique and the gist of the claims.

  The present invention is applied to a communication system in which an image forming apparatus having at least one image forming function among a plurality of image forming functions such as a printing function, a copying function, and a scanning function and an image input apparatus are connected via a communication line. be able to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 100 Image input device 101 CPU
102 storage device 102A processing program 103 ROM
104 RAM
107,108 Communication I / F
110, 210 Control unit 111, 211 Data transfer unit 120, 220 Network I / F
121, 221 Power line 122, 222 Control line 130, 230 Local I / F
200 Image output device 300 Communication line 400 Communication path 500 Information processing device

Claims (3)

The first processing device and the second processing device that form a composite device in cooperation with each other are connected via a communication line and are connected via a dedicated communication path,
Each of the first processing device and the second processing device is:
Communication means for controlling communication with an external device via the communication line, and control means for controlling the state of power supplied to the communication means of the own device ,
The control means of the first processing device and the second processing device are:
The communication means related to one of the processing devices is in a power supply state in which specified power required for the communication means to communicate is set, and the specified power is set to the communication means related to the other processing device. A power saving state where lower power is supplied or a power stop state where power supply is stopped,
When data is transmitted from the external device to the other processing device, the communication means of the other processing device is set to the power supply state via the communication path, and the one processing device is used. The communication means of the power saving state or the power stop state to receive the data,
When there is a request from the external device to prioritize the transmission speed of the data, the communication means of the first processing device and the second processing device is set to the power supply state via the communication path. The data is divided and received by the first processing device and the second processing device.
A communication system characterized by the above. A first communication means for controlling communication with the other processing apparatus forming a composite apparatus in cooperation with each other via a communication line;
A second communication means for managing communication with the other processing device via a dedicated communication path;
Control means for controlling the state of power supplied to the first communication means;
Have
The control means includes
The first communication unit, the second communication unit, and the control when the first communication unit is in a power supply state in which a predetermined power required for the communication unit to communicate is supplied. A power-saving state in which power lower than the specified power is supplied to the communication means of the other processing device via the communication path, or to the control means of the other processing device having means Control to be in a power stop state where supply is stopped,
When data is transmitted from an external device to the other processing device, the communication unit of the own device is set to the power saving state or the power stop state via the communication path, and the other processing is performed. Controlling the communication means of the apparatus to be in the power supply state and receiving the data in the other processing apparatus,
When there is a request from the external device to prioritize the transmission speed of the data, the communication means of the own device and the other processing device is set to the power supply state via the communication path, and the data is Control to divide and receive by the own device and the other processing device,
The processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A first communication means for controlling communication with the other processing apparatus forming a composite apparatus in cooperation with each other via a communication line, and a second for controlling communication with the other processing apparatus via a dedicated communication path If you have communication means,
The first communication unit, the second communication unit, and the control when the first communication unit is in a power supply state in which a predetermined power required for the communication unit to communicate is supplied. A power-saving state in which power lower than the specified power is supplied to the communication means of the other processing device via the communication path, or to the control means of the other processing device having means Causing the computer to execute a first control process for controlling the power supply to be stopped so that the supply is stopped;
When data is transmitted from an external device to the other processing device, the communication unit of the own device is set to the power saving state or the power stop state via the communication path, and the other processing is performed. Causing the computer to execute a second control process for controlling the communication means of the apparatus to be in the power supply state and controlling the other processing apparatus to receive the data;
When there is a request from the external device to prioritize the transmission speed of the data, the communication means of the own device and the other processing device is set to the power supply state via the communication path, and the data is Causing the computer to execute a third control processing step of dividing and controlling to be received by the own device and the other processing device;
A processing program characterized by that.

Images