JP5316001B2 - Proxy processing device, network system, proxy processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a proxy processing device for performing a process to be performed by an information processing apparatus when the information processing apparatus is in a power saving state, and improving the power saving efficiency of the information processing apparatus, and a network including the proxy processing apparatus The present invention relates to a system, a proxy processing method using the proxy processing apparatus, and a computer-readable program for realizing the method.

  An information processing device connected to a network such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) or a PC, when not in operation for a long time, stops energization of each device in the device and enters an energy saving mode. There are an increasing number of things with

  However, even in this energy saving mode, the main CPU of the control unit included in the apparatus continues to operate to process inquiries received from the network. In order for the main CPU to accept an inquiry, obtain the result for the inquiry, and return the result to the PC that issued the inquiry, supply power to all devices, communicate with each device, and send the inquiry. You must get results for

  In this case, every time an inquiry is received, all devices must be energized or always energized, which conflicts with recent energy savings. Therefore, a technology has been proposed in which the interface control unit that receives an inquiry from the network includes a sub CPU, and the sub CPU performs power supply control to the main CPU to suppress power consumption (see Patent Document 1). ).

  With this technology, when shifting from the normal mode to the energy saving mode, the main CPU instructs the sub CPU to shift to the energy saving mode, and the sub CPU performs transmission / reception control without stopping the data transfer to the main CPU based on this transition instruction. Can be kept under self-management, minimizing the power consumption of the main CPU during energy saving mode. Further, when data to be processed by the sub CPU is not transferred for a predetermined time, the sub CPU also shifts to the energy saving mode, so that the power consumption of the entire device can be minimized.

  Further, an image processing apparatus capable of obtaining a sufficient energy saving effect by exchanging additional information in the energy saving state via the network without energizing the main configuration of the apparatus that performs the original image processing operation. It has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

  In this technology, setting information related to the exchange of additional information in the main unit via the network is notified to the sub unit when the energy saving state is transferred, and the network setting in the main unit is transferred to the sub unit. In the energy saving state, the sub-device unit can perform the exchange with the information network.

JP 2005-267099 A Japanese Patent No. 2005-45301

  As described in Patent Document 1 above, in a device including a main CPU and a sub CPU, a technology for extending the energy saving time of the main CPU by automatically responding some packets by the sub CPU in the energy saving mode has already been proposed, It has been commercialized. However, if the types of protocols that can be automatically responded by this sub CPU are not increased, the main CPU will frequently return due to various status inquiry packets such as broadcast packets, multicast packets, and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) that flow over the network. There is a problem that it ends up.

  In addition, when using a protocol such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) that requires periodic update of the address lease record on the server, the server periodically recovers from the power saving state and leases an IP address to the DHCP server. It was necessary to send an extended packet. Similarly, there are a plurality of protocols that require packet transmission to the network at certain intervals as packet specifications.

  Thus, there is a problem that the energy saving function does not work in an actual network environment because it is necessary to restore the main CPU and transmit a packet due to factors outside and inside the device.

  In the technology described in Patent Document 2, the transmission / reception of the network packet is performed by the sub device unit. However, since the device having the energy saving mode is provided with the sub device unit, processing for a specific packet is performed. If it is desired to change the device, it is necessary to introduce or change the design of a mechanism for processing and acting on the packet directly for the device. In addition, when there are a plurality of target devices, all the devices need to be changed in the same manner.

  If the packets flowing on the network differ depending on the network environment, it was necessary to redesign the proxy function according to the environment. In this regard, it can be avoided by strengthening the proxy function in the sub-device unit, but if the proxy function is strengthened, the number of processes and resources to be operated increases, and the originally intended energy-saving effect is reduced. There is a problem of end.

  In addition, since the packets flowing on the network change with the times, there is also a problem that a design change is required each time.

  Therefore, it has been desired to provide an apparatus and a method that can improve the power saving efficiency in the power saving state while eliminating the trouble of changing the design of each device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention substitutes a proxy processing device provided as a separate device for periodic packet transmission and responses to various inquiries during the power saving state of the information processing device. Thereby, the power saving state of the information processing apparatus can be kept as long as possible, and it is possible to eliminate the trouble of changing the design of each apparatus and improve the power saving efficiency.

  This proxy processing device is a device that performs the processing that the information processing device should perform while the information processing device connected to the network is in the power saving state, and is used for other devices connected to the network. Device setting information used to create responses and requests to be received from the information processing device, information storage unit for storing device setting information, and notification of transition from the information processing device to the power saving state. A response to a response to the transition notification to the processing device, a notification response unit for shifting the information processing device to the power saving state, and a request to be made to other devices based on the device setting information while the information processing device is in the power saving state And a proxy processing unit that creates and sends a response to the inquiry when an inquiry from another device is received.

  All of the above inquiries, responses, requests, and device setting information can be transmitted and received as packets. When an external proxy processing device performs packet transmission on behalf of the information processing device, the information processing device cannot easily transmit. Returning from the power saving state can be avoided.

  In response to the notification response unit receiving a return notification from the power saving state from the information processing device, the proxy processing unit can end the processing performed on behalf of the information processing device.

  Packet processing in the proxy processing device can be controlled by using the status notification of the information processing device as a trigger, and the proxy processing device can perform packet processing only when necessary.

  A plurality of information processing devices may be connected to the network. In this case, the information storage unit corresponds to the device setting information received from each information processing device together with identification information for identifying each information processing device. Store with attachments.

  As a result, the proxy processing device can manage the device setting information of a plurality of information processing devices by a single unit in the network, and the cost performance is good, and even when the response packet design is changed, the proxy processing device Since it is possible to cope with the problem only by correcting the program to be executed, the maintenance cost is also good.

  The information processing apparatus can be an image forming apparatus that processes a print job. In this case, the proxy processing apparatus stores a print job that receives and stores a print job from another device while the information processing apparatus is in a power saving state. Job processing unit that retrieves a print job stored in the print job storage unit and transmits it to the information processing device in response to the notification response unit receiving a return notification from the power saving state from the information processing device And can be further provided.

  By allowing the proxy processing device to have a print server function and store a print job, the power saving state of the information processing device can be maintained, and the print job is restored when returning from the power saving state. By transmitting, the power saving state can be maintained for as long as possible, and as a result, the power saving efficiency can be improved.

  The present invention can provide a network system including the proxy processing device and the information processing device in addition to the proxy processing device.

  In this network system, the information processing apparatus does not return from the power saving state even if it receives an inquiry from another device connected to the network during the power saving state. As a result, high power saving efficiency can be obtained regardless of the difference in traffic in the network environment.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus includes an operation panel for receiving input from the user, and can be an image forming apparatus that processes a print job, and accepts that the user has operated the operation panel during the power saving state. It is possible to return from the power saving state only when the power is lost.

  As described above, when the information processing apparatus is in the power saving state, it can be recovered from the power saving state only by the panel operation. Therefore, high power saving efficiency can be obtained regardless of the traffic in the network environment.

  Furthermore, the information processing apparatus may include a subsystem that accepts only a designated inquiry during a power saving state and transmits a response to the inquiry.

  Since the information processing device can only transmit and receive specific packets during the power saving state, it is possible to exchange information with the proxy processing device even in the power saving state, and the information processing device status confirmation from the proxy processing device is possible. It becomes possible.

  In the present invention, in addition to the above-described proxy processing device and network system, it is also possible to provide a method performed by the proxy processing device and a computer-readable program for realizing the method. Further, it can be provided as a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

The figure which showed the structural example of the network system containing the proxy processing server as a proxy processing apparatus. The figure which illustrated the hardware constitutions of MFP as an information processing apparatus. The figure which illustrated the module structure of MFP as an information processor. The functional block diagram of a proxy processing server. The figure which illustrated the information stored in a proxy processing server. The figure which illustrated the response packet transmitted when a proxy processing server responds on behalf of MFP. The sequence diagram showing one embodiment of processing performed in a network system. The sequence diagram which showed another embodiment of the process performed in a network system.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network system in which two PCs 10 and 11, one MFP 12, one DHCP server 13, and one proxy processing server 14 are connected by a network 15. The PCs 10 and 11 and the MFP 12 are devices having an energy saving mode, and the proxy processing server 14 is a device that performs packet transmission / reception on behalf of the MFP 12 when the MFP 12 is in the energy saving mode.

  The PCs 10 and 11 implement an OS that provides basic functions commonly used by applications and applications as software, and read ROM, RAM, HDD, applications, and OS for storing applications and OSs as hardware Connected to the CPU 15 and the network 15, a LAN I / F and network controller for realizing communication via the network 15, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device such as a display for displaying a created document, etc. It has. These PCs 10 and 11 are both client devices that use the MFP 12 connected to the network 15.

  The MFP 12 is connected to a printer, a copy, a fax, a scanner, a control unit that controls their operation, a network 15, a network controller that realizes communication via the network 15, accepts input of data, etc., and parameter changes, An operation panel for displaying the status, a paper feed tray for supplying paper, a paper discharge tray for discharging printed paper, and the like. The MFP 12 also includes an application for realizing each function and an OS that provides basic functions commonly used for the application.

  When there is no job to be processed, any of these PCs 10 and 11 and the MFP 12 shift to an energy saving state after a predetermined period has elapsed.

  In the energy saving mode, the current setting or the like is held in the memory, and the STR (Suspend To RAM) state in which the power supply to most devices such as the CPU and the HDD is stopped is set. In this state, since the data of the state in which the OS has been started is retained, the OS is not restarted at the time of return, and can return to the state before suspend as it is.

  The DHCP server 13 is a server device that provides a protocol for automatically assigning necessary information such as an IP address to a device temporarily connected to the network 15 such as the Internet. When the device finishes communication, the DHCP server 13 automatically The address is automatically collected and the address is assigned to another device. The DHCP server 13 also includes ROM, RAM, HDD, CPU, LAN I / F, and network controller as hardware, like the PCs 10 and 11 and the MFP 12.

  The proxy processing server 14 is a device that operates in a “promiscuous mode” that also receives packets addressed to other devices, and is capable of receiving packets addressed to the PCs 10 and 11 and transmitting packets instead of the MFP 12. The “promiscuous mode” is a known technique used when sniffing a packet flowing on the network 15.

  As a technique for transmitting a packet instead of the MFP 12, a technique used in a fault tolerant system that can continue operation without stopping even when a failure occurs in one hardware component is adopted. Similarly to the PCs 10 and 11, the MFP 12, and the DHCP server 13, the proxy processing server 14 includes ROM, RAM, HDD, CPU, LAN I / F, and network controller as hardware.

  First, the hardware configuration of the MFP 12 as an information processing apparatus having an energy saving mode will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The MFP 12 includes a main CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an image storage memory, a storage device, a LAN controller, a DCR, a scanner, a plotter, an operation port, and a transformer to realize functions such as a scanner, a fax, a printer, and a copy. And a sub CPU that communicates with the main CPU and enables only transmission and reception of specific packets.

  The main CPU 20 controls the entire MFP 12 and controls the scanner, FAX, copy, printer, and the like. The ROM 21 is a non-writable memory and stores a BIOS for performing the lowest level input / output with the hardware, a firmware for controlling the hardware, and the like, and also stores data necessary for the control. The RAM 22 is a memory that can be read from and written to an arbitrary address. The RAM 22 is used as a partial work area by the main CPU 20 for performing each control process, and is used for developing image data when an image is formed.

  The image storage memory 23 is a memory for storing image data received by the FAX function, image data read by the scanner function, and the like. The storage device 24 is a readable / writable storage unit configured by a nonvolatile RAM, HDD, or the like, and stores data, parameter values, and the like that need to be retained even when the MFP 12 is powered off.

  The LAN controller 25 is connected to the network 15 via a transformer (transformer) 26 and controls communications performed via the network 15. Packet transmission / reception is controlled by the LAN controller 25.

  The DCR 27 is connected to an analog public line PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), and transmits FAX image data using the public network as a transmission path. The scanner 28 reads a document to be printed and outputs it as image data. The output image data is encoded and stored in the image storage memory 23.

  The plotter 29 forms an image of the image data on a sheet and outputs it. The operation port 30 is an interface for connecting an operation panel. The operation panel includes a liquid crystal display and various keys, displays a GUI on the screen, and accepts input from the user.

  The sub CPU 31 is an energy-saving CPU with low power consumption that is provided in the subsystem, can exchange information with the main CPU 20, and can only transmit and receive specific packets.

  The module configuration of the MFP 12 will be described with reference to FIG. The MFP 12 includes, as its modules, a network control unit (NCS) 32, a kernel 33, a LAN I / F 34, a storage unit 35, a system control unit (SCS) 36, an operation unit (OCS) 37, a print control unit (GPS) 38, An engine control unit (ECS) 39 is provided.

  The NCS 32 includes a DHCP client (dhcpc), a daemon for receiving print data (diprintd), a protocol daemon (httpd, snmpd) for managing device settings, and a network control daemon (ncsd) for managing them. Control the communication. The daemon is a program that operates in the background.

  The kernel 33 is a core part of the OS, manages system resources, and manages the exchange of hardware and software components. The LAN I / F 34 is connected to the network 15 and transmits and receives packets to and from the network 15.

  The storage unit 35 stores network configuration information such as an IP address acquired from the DHCP server 13, printer status, device system information, address information, and the like acquired from the SCS 36 and the GPS 38. The SCS 36 controls the entire MFP 12 and inquires whether it is possible to shift to each control unit when shifting to the power saving state.

  The OCS 37 receives information when the user operates the panel and notifies the SCS 36 of the information. The GPS 38 manages print data as a print job, performs control of print data transmission / reception timing, management of image data, and the like. The ECS 39 sends image data to the print engine, and controls the print engine to execute printing.

  The processing using this module will be described in detail. When the MFP 12 is turned on and started up, the dhcpc, which is an internal module of the NCS 32, communicates with the DHCP server 13 and the like via the kernel 33 and the LAN I / F 34. Send and receive packets.

  The dhcpc acquires network configuration information such as an IP address from the DHCP server 13, stores it in a RAM that is one of the storage units 35, and manages it. The ncsd acquires printer status, device system information, and address information from the storage unit 35 from related control modules such as the SCS 36 and the GPS 38. At this time, the address information of the proxy processing server 14 stored in NVRAM which is another memory of the storage unit 35 is also acquired. The address information of the proxy processing server 14 can be set in advance via the operation panel, and parameters set by the remote setting tool can also be used.

  When the MFP 12 can enter the power saving state, the SCS 36 inquires each control unit such as the OCS 37, the GPS 38, and the ECS 39 as to whether or not the power saving state can be entered. If the control unit can shift to the power saving state, the SCS 36 finally requests the NCS 32 to shift the MFP 12 to the power saving state. The NCS 32 creates a response to an inquiry made by the PCs 10 and 11 to the MFP 12 and an address update request periodically transmitted to the DHCP server 13 before the transition to the power saving state. The device setting information used for this purpose is sent, and the transition notification to the power saving state is also sent. Note that this device setting information may not be transmitted at the same time as the transfer notification, but may be transmitted before that.

  When the proxy processing server 14 receives the transition notification, the proxy processing server 14 returns a response to the notification to the MFP 12. Upon receiving this response, the MFP 12 sets the main CPU 20 in the power saving state, and thereafter no packet transmission / reception is performed. Thereafter, the proxy processing server 14 that has received the notification of transition to the power saving state performs packet transmission / reception with respect to the MFP 12 instead of the MFP 12 until a return notification is received from the MFP 12.

  Regardless of whether or not the MFP 12 shifts to the power saving state, when executing printing or the like, the PCs 10 and 11 designate the proxy processing server 14 having a print server function and create a printer port. The print server manages printers, shares them with other PCs on the network, and makes them available from the outside. It accepts print jobs from other PCs and prints using printers it manages. Can be executed. The printer port is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the outside, and enables data exchange with the print server.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the proxy processing server. The proxy processing server 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, a LAN I / F, and a network controller as hardware, as with the PCs 10 and 11 and the MFP 12, and has a print server function. The proxy processing server 14 is configured to receive a reception unit 40, a determination processing unit 41, an information storage unit 42, a communication response unit 43, a proxy in order to perform the processing performed by the MFP 12 when the MFP 12 shifts to the power saving state. A processing unit 44 and a transmission unit 45 are provided. In order to realize the function as a print server, a print job storage unit 46 and a print job processing unit 47 are further provided.

  The receiving unit 40 receives an inquiry transmitted from the PCs 10 and 11 to the MFP 12 when the MFP 12 is in a power saving state, a print job transmitted from the PCs 10 and 11, device setting information transmitted from the MFP 12, a transition notification and a return notification. Receive as a packet. The determination processing unit 41 determines whether the packet received by the receiving unit 40 is an inquiry, a print job, a notification, or device setting information. The determination processing unit 41 sends the packet to the proxy processing unit 44 if the packet is an inquiry, sends the packet to the print job storage unit 46 if the packet is a print job, and notifies the response unit 43 if the packet is a notification. If it is device setting information, it is sent to the information storage unit 42.

  The information storage unit 42 receives from the MFP 12 device setting information used to create a response and a request made by the MFP 12 to the PCs 10 and 11 and the DHCP server 13 connected to the network 15, and stores the device setting information. . These responses and requests include responses to broadcast packets and multicast packets transmitted from the PC 10 and the like, and address record update requests made to the DHCP server 13. As a response to the broadcast packet transmitted when acquiring the address of the device connected to the network 15, the IP address, MAC address, device name, etc. of the MFP 12 are returned from the device setting information set in the MFP 12. can do. As a response to a multicast packet transmitted by designating a plurality of partners, a device status, for example, out of toner, out of paper, front cover open, no error, etc. is returned in the device setting information set in the MFP 12. Can do. The address record update request is for the DHCP server 13 to automatically assign an address to a computer or the like temporarily connected to the network 15 and collect the address when communication is completed, so that the address is periodically assigned. Requests issued at regular time intervals.

  The device setting information specifically stored is illustrated in FIG. The device setting information can be stored as a table. Information to be stored includes device MAC address, IP address, netmask address, device name, device status, details of the status, whether to respond to ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), ICMP (Internet Control Message) Protocol), whether to respond to SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), whether NBT (NetBIOS over TCP / IP) is enabled or disabled, whether to respond to SSDP (Simple Whether to respond to (Service Discovery Protocol), DHCP server address, address update interval.

  The ARP request is a request transmitted by broadcast to inquire about the MAC address. The MAC address is required for transmitting an Ethernet frame over a TCP / IP network. ICMP is an error reporting protocol that notifies a failure when there is a failure in the network and normal communication cannot be performed.

  SNMP is a protocol for monitoring and managing network systems. NBT is a protocol in which the NetBIOS interface is implemented on TCP / IP. SSDP is a protocol for searching for and discovering UPnP (Universal Plug & Play) devices on the network.

  The notification response unit 43 receives a notification of transition from the MFP 12 to the power saving state via the reception unit 40 and the determination processing unit 41 and returns a response to the transition notification to the MFP 12. Thereby, the MFP 12 shifts to the power saving state. This response may be a message indicating that the migration notification has been received.

  The notification response unit 43 accepts not only the transition notification but also a return notification transmitted when the MFP 12 returns. After receiving the return notification, the notification response unit 43 notifies the proxy processing unit 44 and ends the proxy processing of the MFP 12.

  The proxy processing unit 44 periodically creates and sends an update request to the DHCP server 13 based on the device setting information stored in the information storage unit 42 while the MFP 12 is in the power saving state. When the transmitted packet is accepted, a response to the packet is created and returned. The response is performed by returning the device information of the MFP 12 and the MAC address for the ARP request.

  This response can be made by returning a response packet, and the packet shown in FIG. 6 can be returned as the response packet. FIG. 6 exemplifies a response to the ARP request, and a packet including the requested MAC address is returned. Here, the proxy processing unit 44 creates a response packet by setting the MAC address and IP address of the MFP 12 in the “Source” record and the “Sender” code, and returns the response packet to the PC or the like that issued the inquiry To do.

  The transmission unit 45 transmits a response to the transition notification or the return notification output from the notification response unit 43 to the MFP 12. Further, the transmission unit 45 transmits a response to the received inquiry or an address update request when the MFP 12 is in the power saving state. Further, the transmission unit 45 transmits the print job taken out from the print job storage unit 46 by the print job processing unit 47 to the MFP 12.

  The print job accumulation unit 46 receives a print job from the PCs 10 and 11 via the reception unit 40 and the determination processing unit 41 while the MFP 12 is in the power saving state, and accumulates the print job. The print job is a print request and includes print data. This accumulation is performed until the MFP 12 returns from the power saving state, and the accumulated print job is taken out first. From this, the print job storage unit 43 can be a FIFO (First In First Out) queue that sends the first input job first.

  Since the print job is transmitted from the plurality of PCs 10 and 11, the proxy processing server 14 receives the print job together with identification information for identifying the PCs 10 and 11. Then, the print job storage unit 46 stores the print job in association with the identification information. Thus, when printing is completed, a print completion message can be sent to the PC that has output the print job.

  As the identification information, a PC device name, an IP address, a MAC address, and the like can be given. Note that it is only necessary to be able to print out, and if there is no need to identify a print job, there is no need to store identification information in association with each other.

  In response to receiving the return notification from the MFP 12, the print job processing unit 47 takes out the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 46 in the order of storage and transmits them to the MFP 12 in the order of storage. Here, an example in which data is accumulated and retrieved in the order of accumulation is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the user can designate the order and retrieve the data in that order.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the process performed in MFP12 and the proxy process server 14 is demonstrated in detail. When the MFP 12 shifts to the power saving state, the MFP 12 sends a shift notification to the proxy processing server 14. At the same time or before that, the MFP 12 performs proxy processing on device setting information required for processing to be performed on behalf of the MFP 12. Send to server 14. This device setting information is information required for responding to a packet sent from the PC 10 or 11 as shown in FIG. 5 or information required for creating an address update request to the DHCP server 13. is there.

  Upon receiving the device setting information, the proxy processing server 14 stores the device setting information in the information storage unit 42. Then, the proxy processing server 14 receives the information and returns a message to the effect that it has been stored to the MFP 12.

  The MFP 12 sends a migration notification to the proxy processing server 14 following or together with the transmission of the device setting information. In response to this transfer notification, the proxy processing server 14 starts response processing for a packet transmitted to the MFP 12. Then, the notification response unit 43 of the proxy processing server 14 sends a response to the transition notification to the MFP 12 via the transmission unit 45. In response to receiving the response, the MFP 12 shifts to the power saving state.

  For example, when the PC 10 outputs a print job while the MFP 12 is in the power saving state, the print job is sent to the proxy processing server 14 having a print server function and stored in the print job storage unit 46. The print job storage unit 46 stores the print job until the notification response unit 43 receives a return notification from the MFP 12.

  Thereafter, when the user operates the operation panel of the MFP 12, the MFP 12 returns from the power saving state, and the MFP 12 transmits a return notification to the proxy processing server 14. Upon receiving the return notification, the notification response unit 43 of the proxy processing server 14 notifies the print job processing unit 47 that the return notification has been received, and the print job stored in the print job storage unit 46 is stored first. Are taken out in order, and transmitted to the MFP 12 via the transmission unit 45.

  Simultaneously with this processing, the notification response unit 43 notifies the proxy processing unit 44 that the return notification has been received, and the proxy processing unit 44 ends the processing that has been performed on behalf of the MFP 12 until then.

  In the printing process in the MFP 12, the NCS 32 diprintd receives the print job, transfers the print job to the GPS 38 via the ncsd, and the ECS 39 controls the printer engine to print out the print job.

  In the above description, the print job is received and accumulated while the MFP 12 is in the power saving state, and after the MFP 12 returns from the power saving state, the print job is sent to the MFP 12 and executed. The response process for the update and broadcast packets will be described in detail with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  The MFP 12 acquires an IP address from the DHCP server 13 by sending an IP address acquisition request to the DHCP server 13 when the power is turned on. The MFP 12 transmits the device setting information required for the response such as the MAC address of the MFP 12 and the device state including the acquired IP address to the proxy processing server 14. The proxy processing server 14 stores the device setting information in the information storage unit 42, and the notification response unit 43 returns a message indicating that the storage has been completed and registration of the device setting information has been completed.

  In the MFP 12, when no operation or processing is performed for a certain time, the SCS 36 makes an inquiry to each control unit and shifts to a power saving state. At the time of the migration, the status information of the MFP 12 is updated, and the latest status information is transmitted to the proxy processing server 14 together with the migration notification. The proxy processing server 14 updates the device setting information stored in the information storage unit 42 based on the latest status information, starts response processing for the packet transmitted to the MFP 12, and notifies the MFP 12 of a transition notification. And a message indicating that the update information has been registered is returned. Upon receiving the message, the MFP 12 shifts to the power saving state. The update information can include information such as an address updated during the transition from the registration to the power saving state.

  While the MFP 12 is in the power saving state, it sends an update request for the IP address of the MFP 12 to the DHCP server 13 on behalf of the MFP 12. The DHCP server 13 updates the lease record of the address and returns a new address to the proxy processing server 14. This is periodically performed until the MFP 12 returns from the power saving state based on the registered device setting information. The device setting information used here is an address of the DHCP server 13 and an address update interval.

  When the MFP 12 is in the power saving state, an inquiry about the device name of the MFP 12 from the PC 10 is a broadcast packet. When the MFP 12, the DHCP server 13, and the proxy processing server 14 are made, the proxy processing server 14 responds to the packet. And return the IP address of the MFP 12. At this time, the proxy processing server 14 performs name resolution for determining an IP address from the device name sent in the packet. Since the MFP 12 is in the power saving state, it does not respond to the packet.

  Thereafter, when the user operates the operation panel of the MFP 12, the SCS 36 accepts it, instructs to return from the power saving state, and starts energizing the main CPU. When the MFP 12 returns from the power saving state, the MFP 12 sends a return notification to the proxy processing server 14, and notifies the proxy processing unit 44 when the notification response unit 43 of the proxy processing server 14 receives the return notification. The proxy processing unit 44 ends the processing that has been performed on behalf of the MFP 12 so far. Thereafter, the MFP 12 responds to the packet sent to the MFP 12 and periodically sends an address update request to the DHCP server 13. When the MFP 12 again shifts to the power saving state, the above process is repeated.

  The MFP 12 can be returned from the power saving state only by a user operation on the operation panel, but may be returned due to other factors.

  When the power to the MFP 12 is suddenly cut off, the proxy processing server 14 cannot detect the information. In this case, the proxy processing server 14 performs packet transmission / reception on behalf of the MFP 12 indefinitely even though there is no expectation of return.

  In order to avoid this, the proxy processing server 14 confirms that the connection is effective on the network, like the TCP / IP KeepAlive function, to the MFP 12 including the sub CPU 31 in addition to the main CPU 20. Communicate regularly. In other words, the proxy processing server 14 transmits a packet for confirming that it is alive every certain time to the MFP 12, and when the power source such as the power saving state is not shut off, the sub CPU 31 of the MFP 12 Returns a response to it. Since the sub CPU 31 returns a response in this way, the MFP 12 can maintain the power saving state.

  If the power is cut off, there is no response from the sub CPU 31. Therefore, after confirming that there is no response even after a lapse of a certain time after transmitting the packet, it is determined that the power is cut off. In that case, the proxy processing server 14 ends the processing on behalf of the MFP 12.

  Although the present invention has been described with the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other embodiments, additions, changes, deletions, and the like may occur to those skilled in the art. It can be changed within the range that can be done, and any embodiment is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited. Therefore, the present invention can also be provided as a proxy processing device, a network system including the proxy processing device and an information processing device such as an MFP, a proxy processing method performed by the device, and a program for realizing the method. Is. This program can be provided by being stored in a recording medium such as an FD, MD, SD card, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

  The network system is not limited to the configuration in which the PC, MFP, DHCP server, and proxy processing server shown in FIG. 1 are connected via a network. Other devices such as printers and routers, two or more MFPs, A proxy processing server may be included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 11 ... PC, 12 ... MFP, 13 ... DHCP server, 14 ... Proxy processing server, 15 network, 20 ... Main CPU, 21 ... ROM, 22 ... RAM, 23 ... Image storage memory, 24 ... Storage device, 25 ... LAN controller, 26 ... transformer, 27 ... DCR, 28 ... scanner, 29 ... plotter, 30 ... operating port, 31 ... sub CPU, 32 ... NCS, 33 ... kernel, 34 ... LAN I / F, 35 ... storage unit, 36 ... SCS, 37 ... OCS, 38 ... GPS, 39 ... ECS, 40 ... reception unit, 41 ... determination processing unit, 42 ... information storage unit, 43 ... notification response unit, 44 ... proxy processing unit, 45 ... transmission unit, 46 ... Print job storage unit, 47... Print job processing unit

Claims (12)

While the information processing device connected to the network is in the power saving state, the proxy processing device performs the processing to be performed by the information processing device.
An information storage unit that receives device setting information used to create a response and a request that the information processing device makes to other devices connected to the network from the information processing device, and stores the device setting information; ,
A notification response unit that receives a transition notification from the information processing apparatus to the power saving state, returns a response to the transition notification to the information processing apparatus, and causes the information processing apparatus to transition to the power saving state;
While the information processing apparatus is in a power saving state, a request to be made to the other device is created and transmitted based on the device setting information, and when an inquiry from the other device is accepted, A proxy processing unit that creates and responds to responses,
While the information processing apparatus is in a power saving state, the information processing apparatus accepts only a specified inquiry and sends a response to the inquiry to the subsystem included in the information processing apparatus, thereby returning from the power saving state. A proxy processing device that confirms whether or not the connection with the information processing device on the network is valid in order to determine the likelihood based on whether or not the power source of the information processing device is cut off .   The proxy processing unit terminates the processing performed on behalf of the information processing device in response to the notification response unit receiving a return notification from the power saving state from the information processing device. The proxy processing apparatus according to 1.   A plurality of the information processing devices are connected to the network, and the information storage unit corresponds to the device setting information received from the information processing devices together with identification information for identifying the information processing devices. The proxy processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the proxy processing apparatus is attached and stored. The information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus that processes a print job,
The proxy processing device includes: a print job storage unit that receives and stores a print job from the other device while the information processing device is in a power saving state; and the notification response unit returns from the information processing device from the power saving state. 4. The print job processing unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a print job processing unit that sequentially takes out the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit and transmits the print jobs to the information processing apparatus in response to receiving the notification. The proxy processing apparatus according to item 1.   An information processing apparatus including a subsystem that is connected to a network and accepts only a designated inquiry during a power saving state and transmits a response to the inquiry, and the information processing apparatus while the information processing apparatus is in a power saving state A network system including the proxy processing device according to claim 1, which performs the processing to be performed by the proxy.   The system according to claim 5, wherein the information processing apparatus does not return from the power saving state even if a request is received from another device connected to the network during the power saving state.   The information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus that includes an operation panel for receiving an input from a user and that executes a print job. When the user receives an operation of the operation panel during a power saving state The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the system is restored from the power saving state only. While the information processing apparatus connected to the network is in the power saving state, the proxy processing apparatus performs the processing to be performed by the proxy information processing apparatus.
Receiving from the information processing apparatus device setting information used to create a response and a request that the information processing device makes to other devices connected to the network, and storing the device setting information;
Receiving a transition notification to the power saving state from the information processing device, returning a response to the transition notification to the information processing device, and causing the information processing device to transition to the power saving state;
While the information processing apparatus is in a power saving state, a request to be made to the other device is created and transmitted based on the device setting information, and when an inquiry from the other device is accepted, Creating and replying to a response;
While the information processing apparatus is in a power saving state, the information processing apparatus accepts only a specified inquiry and sends a response to the inquiry to the subsystem included in the information processing apparatus, thereby returning from the power saving state. A proxy processing method comprising: checking whether the connection with the information processing apparatus on the network is valid in order to determine the likelihood based on whether or not the power supply of the information processing apparatus is cut off .   The proxy processing method according to claim 8, further comprising a step of ending a process performed on behalf of the information processing apparatus in response to receiving a return notification from the power saving state from the information processing apparatus. .   A plurality of the information processing devices are connected to the network, and the storing step corresponds to the device setting information received from each information processing device together with identification information for identifying each information processing device. The proxy processing method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the proxy processing method is additionally stored. The information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus that processes a print job,
In the method, the information processing apparatus receives a print job from the other device while the information processing apparatus is in a power saving state, stores the print job in a print job storage unit, and receives a return notification from the power saving state from the information processing apparatus. 11. The proxy processing method according to claim 8, further comprising: retrieving the print job stored in the print job storage unit and transmitting the print job to the information processing apparatus in response to the request. .   A computer-readable program for executing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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