JP5370651B2 - Power control apparatus, power control system, and power control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power control device, system and program for achieving energy saving that is highly efficient and convenient even in a processing environment using the existing image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: By shifting a power state in a printer that receives supply of the power through the power control device from a normal power state to a power saving state by connecting a power cord to the outlet of the power control device, the supply of the power from the outlet of the power control device to the printer is stopped. The power control device starts power supply to the printer by receiving an image formation request or a warm-up request to the printer from an image formation requesting source, and restores the power state from the power saving state to the normal power state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power control device, a power control system, and a power control program.

  Due to the recent increase in awareness of environmental issues, it has become necessary to save energy and save electricity in various electrical devices. Devices such as printers and copiers that are used as needed need only be in a state where power is supplied during processing such as print output, and unnecessary power is required when power is supplied when not in use. Consumption is made and it is against energy saving and power saving.

  Therefore, energy saving is realized by suppressing unnecessary power consumption by switching between a standby state that can be used immediately and a three-printer state in which power consumption is suppressed with respect to the standby state.

  Even when such a technique is used, a certain amount of power is supplied to the communication interface function in order to start print processing or the like in response to a print request or the like.

  The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can reduce the power supplied to such a communication interface function. In this patent document 1, a printer called a power-on signal line is connected to a host computer that is a print request source and a printer that performs print output in response to a print request from the host computer, in addition to a communication line. Power supply and power interruption.

  Further, Patent Document 2 includes a printer control device that performs a communication bridge between a host computer and a printer so that the printer control device can act as a host computer and a printer and cut off power supply to the printer. It is configured.

JP 2000-094793 A JP 2002-244833 A

  The present invention provides a power control apparatus, a power control system, and a power control program capable of realizing highly efficient and convenient energy saving even in an image forming process environment using an existing image forming apparatus. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a power supply unit that supplies power to an image forming unit, a detection unit that detects that the image forming unit has transitioned to a power saving state, Stop means for stopping power supply to the image forming unit by the power supply unit based on a detection result, and power supply to the image forming unit by power supply by the power supply unit based on an image processing request to the image forming unit. Return means for returning from the stopped state to the supply state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the detection unit detects a transition to the power saving state due to a decrease in the amount of power supplied to the image forming unit, and the stop unit includes: The power supply to the image forming unit is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection unit detected the transition to the power saving state.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the synchronization time until the power saving state of the image forming unit is recognized by monitoring the power state of the image forming unit performed every predetermined time. It comprises a synchronization time setting means for setting, and the stopping means, after detecting that the image forming unit transitions to power saving by the detection means, after elapse of the synchronization time set by the synchronization time setting means, The power supply to the image forming unit is stopped.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a reception unit that receives operation state information of one or a plurality of image forming units that are supplied with power by the power supply unit, and the reception unit that receives the operation state information. A storage unit that stores operation state information corresponding to each image forming unit; and a determination unit that determines an operation state of each image forming unit based on the operation state information stored in the storage unit. The detection unit detects that each image forming unit has transitioned to the power saving state based on the operation state determined by the determination unit.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation state information is a management information base.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the determination unit determines an operation state of the image forming unit from an amount of power supplied to each component of the image forming unit.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the determination unit determines an operation state of the image forming unit based on a plurality of operation state information for each of the image forming units. .

  The invention according to claim 8 further comprises receiving means for receiving an image processing request to the image forming unit in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power supply means is received by the receiving means. Power is supplied to the image forming unit that performs image forming processing in response to the requested image processing.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, further comprising one or a plurality of communication connection portions that perform communication connection with each of the image forming units to which power is supplied by the power supply unit. A communication information setting unit that sets communication information used for communication with the image forming unit in each of the communication connection units corresponding to the image forming unit in which the transition to the power saving state is detected by the receiving unit; Receives an image processing request to the image forming unit for which the communication information is designated via the communication connection unit corresponding to the communication information set by the communication information setting unit.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the communication connection unit corresponding to the image forming unit whose power supply has been stopped by the stop unit is energized, and the image forming unit is supplied to the image forming unit by the power supply unit. The apparatus further includes energization control means for performing control to stop energization to the communication connection unit when the normal power amount is obtained by supplying power.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, processing target data that is a target of an image forming process in the image forming unit based on an image processing request received by the receiving unit is stored. And the processing target data stored in the storage unit is transferred to the image forming unit when the power is supplied from the power supply unit and the image forming unit is changed from the power saving state to the normal power amount. And a transfer means.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, a communication connection unit that performs communication connection with each of the image forming units to which power is supplied by the power supply unit is provided. An acquisition unit that acquires the communication information and operation state information in the image forming unit from exchange information in an information exchange between an image forming unit connected via a connection unit and a processing request source of the image processing request; and the acquisition unit The information storage means for storing the communication information and the operation state information acquired by the information storage means, and the information storage means by receiving an information exchange request from the processing request source to the image forming unit whose power supply has been stopped by the stop means. Return means for returning the stored communication information and operation state information to the processing request source.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the invention further includes a condition setting unit that sets a power supply stop condition for stopping the power supply. When the transition to the power saving state is detected, the power to the image forming unit when the processing status of the image forming unit at the time of transition to the power saving state satisfies the power supply stop condition set by the condition setting unit Stop supplying.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the condition setting means sets a threshold for the processing status of the image forming unit, and stops the power supply based on the threshold. Set.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the condition setting unit sets a power supply stop condition for each of the image forming units, and the power supply stop condition is a corresponding image forming unit. The information is updated by receiving the processing information of the image forming processing performed by the above.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the stop unit supplies power to the image forming unit when the image forming unit is in a failure state where the image forming process cannot be performed. To stop.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the first, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth aspects of the invention, the return unit receives the failure state cancellation notification from the image forming unit, whereby the power supply unit. The image forming unit is returned from the stopped state to the supplying state by supplying power to the image forming unit.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device that makes an image processing request to an image forming unit, and a power control device that controls supply of power to the image forming unit. A power supply unit that supplies power to the forming unit; a detection unit that detects that the image forming unit has transitioned to a power saving state; and a power that is applied to the image forming unit by the power supply unit based on a detection result of the detection unit. Based on an image processing request to the image forming unit, a notifying unit for notifying that the destination is an image formation request to an image forming unit whose power supply has been stopped by the stopping unit, And a return unit that returns the image forming unit from a power stop state to a supply state by supplying power from the power supply unit. When it is notified to the image forming request destination to the generating unit and the power control device comprises a registration means for registering said power control apparatus as an image forming request destination for the image forming unit.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer based on a power supply unit that supplies power to the image forming unit, a detection unit that detects that the image forming unit has transitioned to a power saving state, and a detection result of the detection unit. Stop means for stopping power supply to the image forming section by the power supply means, and supply the image forming section from a power stop state by supplying power from the power supply means based on an image processing request to the image forming section. It functions as a return means for returning to the state.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to realize highly efficient and convenient energy saving even in a processing environment of an image forming process using an existing image forming unit.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve energy saving and to enable stable operation of the image forming unit.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image formation request source that makes the image formation request surely recognizes the power saving state of the image forming unit, and the image formation request source is configured to perform image formation when the image forming unit is in the power saving state. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent a state where it cannot be requested.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when the operation state is indicated by information unique to the image forming unit, the operation state can be accurately grasped, and energy saving can be realized efficiently. There is an effect.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the operation state of the image forming unit using the management information base, and there is an effect that energy saving can be realized efficiently.

  Further, according to the sixth aspect, there is an effect that energy saving can be efficiently realized for each component.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the state based on various information, and there is an effect that it is possible to realize an energy saving that is excellent in convenience of the image forming unit.

  Further, according to the eighth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to realize energy saving with high efficiency by supplying electric power when used reliably.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize highly efficient energy saving even in a configuration in which image forming processing is performed in a plurality of image forming units.

  Further, according to the tenth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to realize optimum energy saving according to the use state of the image forming unit.

  In addition, according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to efficiently perform image forming processing, which is advantageous in that it is highly convenient and energy saving can be realized.

  According to the twelfth aspect, there is an effect that the state of the image forming unit can be easily transmitted to the image forming request source without newly using special information.

  Further, according to the thirteenth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to perform reliable energy saving without impairing convenience by power control according to the usage pattern or the like.

  Further, according to the fourteenth aspect, there is an effect that reliable energy saving can be performed without impairing convenience by power control according to various usage states.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to perform reliable energy saving without impairing convenience by controlling the power according to the usage pattern for each image forming unit.

  Further, according to the sixteenth aspect, there is an effect that it becomes impossible to use and it is possible to realize unnecessary energy saving of the image forming unit.

  Further, according to the seventeenth aspect, there is an effect that reliable energy saving can be performed without harming convenience.

  Further, according to the eighteenth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to realize highly efficient and convenient energy saving even in a processing environment of an image forming process using an existing image forming unit.

  Further, according to the nineteenth aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to realize energy saving with high efficiency and convenience even in a processing environment of an image forming process using an existing image forming unit.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by applying a power control apparatus, a power control system, and a power control program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the power control apparatus in embodiment of this invention. The other example of the block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the power control apparatus in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed with the electric power control apparatus in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by applying a power control apparatus, a power control system, and a power control program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the electric power control system in embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the power control apparatus in the system configuration | structure of FIG. The figure which shows an example of judgment conditions. The figure which shows an example of a management information base (MIB). The figure which shows an example of the information of a PJL command. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the power control apparatus in the system configuration shown in FIG. 6. The figure which shows an example of a management information base (MIB). The figure which shows an example of the information of a PJL command. 1 is an example of a system configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by applying a power control apparatus, a power control system, and a power control program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the process performed with the electric power control apparatus in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of a detailed process in the electric power control apparatus of FIG. 1 is an example of a system configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by applying a power control apparatus, a power control system, and a power control program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the process performed with the electric power control apparatus in the structure of FIG. The flowchart which shows the detailed flow of the process performed by the electric power control apparatus of the structure in FIG. The other example of the block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the process performed with the electric power control apparatus in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the detailed structure of host PC which receives a substitute reception notification from the power control apparatus which consists of a structure shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the detailed process performed in the structure of the power control apparatus shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the detailed process performed in the structure of host PC shown in FIG. The figure which shows the detailed structure of the electric power control apparatus in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed with the electric power control apparatus in the structure shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power control device, a power control system, and a power control program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a system configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by applying a power control apparatus, a power control system, and a power control program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the power control system includes a power control apparatus 100, a host PC 200, a printer 1 (300-1), and a printer 2 (300-2), which are connected via a network communication line. . Thus, they constitute a network node and communicate with each other via a network communication line.

  The printer 1 (300-1) and the printer 2 (300-2) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “printer 300”) are examples of information processing apparatuses that perform processing based on a processing request from the host PC 200. Print output processing is performed by receiving a print job print request from the host PC 200. The printer 300 is also indicated as an image forming apparatus, and performs a print output function of one function in the image forming apparatus.

  The printer 300 has a power saving function, and has a “normal power state” in which print output processing is performed and a power lower than that in the normal power state when an operation such as print output processing is not performed for a certain period of time. The amount of power consumption is increased or decreased by performing a power saving process for switching between the “power saving state” which is the state of.

  This power saving process is a process of sequentially stopping the controller and the engine constituting the printer 300 in order to transition from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  The host PC 200 is a processing request source that makes a processing request to the power control apparatus 100 or the printer 300.

  The power control apparatus 100 is a control apparatus that controls power supplied to one or a plurality of nodes on the network, and in particular, controls power supply to the printer 300 that performs print output processing. That is, the power cord extending from the power supply unit of the printer 300 is connected to the outlet which is the power cord connection unit of the power control device 100, and the printer 300 receives supply of power from the power control device 100.

  The power control apparatus 100 and the host PC 200 are supplied with power by connecting a power cord to an outlet provided on a wall surface or the like.

  At this time, the power supplied by the power control apparatus 100 itself is in a state of receiving power supply that exceeds the number of printers 300 that can be connected to the outlet and the total power amount required for each printer 300.

  2 and 3 show the detailed configuration of the power control apparatus 100 in such a network configuration.

  In the configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1, the configuration diagram in the case where the power control device 100 and the printer 300 are configured by different devices is shown. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. It is also possible to configure the apparatus by an image forming unit that realizes the above function and a power control unit that realizes the function of the power control device. Of course, a configuration in which an image forming unit is mounted on the power control apparatus and a configuration in which the power control unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus can be employed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of processing performed by the power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  2, the power control apparatus 100 includes a communication interface 101, an outlet power saving control unit 102, an outlet power supply unit 103, a power consumption measurement unit 104, a power supply unit 105, and an outlet unit 106.

  The communication interface 101 is an interface that performs network communication with other nodes via a network communication line, and performs information transmission / reception with the host PC 200 and the printer 300 via the communication interface 101. When a processing request is received from the host PC 200 by the communication interface 101, a notification of reception is sent to the outlet power saving control unit 102.

  The power supply unit 105 is supplied with power by connecting a plug of a power cord to an outlet such as a wall surface, and supplies power to a component that performs processing in the power control apparatus 100 and distributes power to the outlet power supply unit 103. The outlet power supply unit 103 supplies power to the printer 300 via a power cord connected to the outlet unit 106 by being distributed from the power supply unit 105.

  The power consumption measuring unit 104 measures the power consumption state of the printer 300 connected via the outlet unit 106 in the outlet power supply unit 103. That is, the power consumption is measured when the printer 300 is in the normal power state, in the power saving state, or in the process of changing these states.

  The power consumption measuring unit 104 is embodied by a wattmeter or the like, measures the amount of power distributed from the outlet power supply unit 103 to the outlet unit 106 for each outlet, and notifies the outlet power saving control unit 102 of the measured power consumption amount. .

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 controls power supply to each printer connected to the outlet unit 106 that is a connection port for supplying power to the printer 300 based on the amount of power measured by the power consumption measuring unit 104. . That is, the amount of power to be supplied is changed between when the printer 300 is in a normal power state to which the amount of power that can perform print output processing is supplied and when the printer 300 is in a power saving state lower than the normal power state. .

  When the printer 300 enters the power saving state, the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to stop supplying power to the printer. When a use request notification for a printer in a power saving state is received from the host PC 200 via the communication interface 101, the outlet power supply unit 103 is instructed to supply power to the printer.

  When the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to stop supplying power to the printer, the printer is in a power saving state to the host PC 200 via the communication interface 101. In addition, communication information for performing communication with the power control apparatus 100 is notified.

  This communication information is information used when performing network communication with the power control apparatus 100, and is information such as a device name, an apparatus ID, an IP address, and a physical address for identifying the power control apparatus 100 on the network.

  At this time, the host PC 200 stores information on the printer that has entered the power saving state, and when making a print request to the printer, uses the notified communication information to notify the power control apparatus 100 of a request for using the printer. Do.

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 further instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to supply power to the printer by receiving a use request notification for the printer in the power saving state from the host PC 200 via the communication interface 101.

  When the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to stop supplying power to the printer, the printer is in a power saving state to the host PC 200 via the communication interface 101. In addition, communication information for performing communication with the power control apparatus 100 is notified.

  This communication information is information used when performing network communication with the power control apparatus 100, and is information such as a device name, an apparatus ID, an IP address, and a physical address for identifying the power control apparatus 100 on the network.

  At this time, the host PC 200 stores information on the printer that has entered the power saving state, and when making a print request to the printer, uses the notified communication information to notify the power control apparatus 100 of a request for using the printer. Do.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when the printer is in the power saving state and the printer information is stored in the host PC 200 and printed out from the printer, the host PC 200 sends a use request notification to the power control apparatus 100. It is shown that the printer is requested to print by being notified that the printer is in a normal power state by supplying power from the power control apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to perform processing in the power control apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG.

  FIG. 20 is another example of a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of processing performed in the power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 20 is similar to that of FIG.

  20 includes a communication interface 101, an outlet power saving control unit 102, an outlet power supply unit 103, a power consumption measurement unit 104, a power supply unit 105, an outlet unit 106, a printer control unit 116, and a data storage unit 117. To do.

  When the outlet power saving control unit 102 is notified of the power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring unit 104 and detects that the printer having the power cord connected to the outlet unit 106 is in a power saving state, the printer Information on the printer in the power saving state is sent to the control unit 116.

  The printer control unit 116 includes a data control unit 116 -A, a data analysis unit 116 -B, and a host communication unit 116 -C. The data control unit 116 -A receives the printer information received from the outlet power saving control unit 102. Originally, a proxy reception notification is generated instructing that the transmission destination is the power control apparatus 100 at the time of print output to the printer.

  The host communication unit 116-C transmits the created proxy reception notification to the host PC 200.

  When the proxy reception notification is transmitted to the host PC 200, the printer control unit 116 notifies the outlet power saving control unit 102 that the proxy reception notification has been transmitted to the printer. In response to this, the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to stop the power supply to the printer.

  The outlet power supply unit 103 stops power supply to the printer.

  Thereafter, when a print request is received via the communication interface 101 from the host PC 200 that has transmitted the proxy reception notification, the printer control unit 116 analyzes the received print request by the data analysis unit 116-B, and print output destination Identify the printer specified as. In addition, the printer control unit 116 stores the print job requested for printing in the data storage unit 117.

  When the data is analyzed by the data analysis unit 116-B and the printer designated as the print output destination is specified, the printer control unit 116 designates the printer as the print output destination to the outlet power saving control unit 102. Notifies that a print request has been received. At this time, the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to supply power to the printer.

  The outlet power supply unit 103 supplies power to the printer.

  When the power consumption measuring unit 104 measures that the printer is in the normal power state, the outlet power saving control unit 102 notifies the printer control unit 116 that the printer has entered the normal power state. The printer control unit 116 acquires the print job stored in the data storage unit 117 and transmits it to the printer via the communication interface.

  When a print job is transmitted to the printer, the printer control unit 116 transmits a reception proxy release notification to the host PC 200.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the host PC that receives an alternate reception notification from the power control apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG.

  21, the host PC 200 includes an application unit 201, a driver unit 202, a printer port unit 203, a communication interface unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

  The application unit 201 creates a document or image data to be printed by an application by receiving a user operation or the like, and transmits the printing target to the driver unit. The driver unit 202 generates a print job from the print target, and uses the printer information stored in the storage unit 205 to set a printer that performs print output.

  The printer port unit 203 that logically prints out the generated print job transmits the print job to the power control apparatus 100 via the communication interface unit 204.

  In addition, a reception proxy notification is received from the power control apparatus 100 via the communication interface unit 204, and the communication interface unit 204 transfers the communication proxy notification to the driver unit 202.

  The driver unit 205 sets the destination information of the printer as information on the printer stored in the storage unit 205 to be the power control apparatus 100 designated by the reception proxy notification. Thereafter, a print request is made with the destination of the printer as the power control apparatus 100.

  Further, when receiving the proxy reception cancellation notification from the power control apparatus 100, the communication interface section 204 sends it to the driver section 202, and the driver section 202 cancels the setting for setting the destination stored in the storage section 205 as the power control apparatus 100. The printer information set as the initial setting is set.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of detailed processing performed in the configuration of the power control apparatus shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 22, the power control apparatus determines whether or not it has been detected that the printer has entered the power saving state (2201), and waits until it enters the power saving state. If it is detected that the printer is in a power saving state (YES in 2202), an alternate reception notification including the printer information is transmitted to the host PC (2202). Also, the power supply to the printer is stopped (2203).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a print request having a printer whose power supply has been stopped as a print output destination has been received from the host PC that has transmitted the proxy reception notification (2204). If this print request is received (YES in 2204), power is supplied to the printer (2205). Thus, it is determined whether or not the printer is in the normal power state (2206). The printer waits until it enters the normal power state. If the printer is in the normal power state (YES in 2206), the stored print job is selected. The data is transmitted to the printer (2207).

  When the transmission of the print job is completed, a proxy reception cancellation notification is transmitted to the host PC (2208).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of detailed processing performed in the configuration of the host PC shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 23, the host PC determines whether or not an alternate reception notification has been received from the power control apparatus (2301), and if an alternate reception notification is received (YES in 2301), the host PC of the printer designated by the alternate reception notification The destination is changed to the power control apparatus that is the transmission source of the proxy reception notification (2302).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the print request received from the host PC is instructed to print out by the printer whose destination is changed to the power control device by performing the proxy reception notification (303). If instructed by the printer (YES in 2303), the power control apparatus is set as the transmission destination of the print job, and a print request specifying the printer for print output is created (2304).

  Then, the generated print request is transmitted to the power control apparatus (2305).

  As described above, it is also possible for the power control apparatus 100 to receive a print request from the host PC 200 and perform print output via the power control apparatus 100.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and since it is similar to the block diagram shown in FIG. 2, different points will be mainly described.

  3A is a configuration of a power control apparatus that performs power control when the printer is in a power saving state, and FIG. 3B is a case where the printer is in a power saving state. In this configuration, the power control apparatus performs power control by meeting power control conditions for performing power supply stop control.

  First, in FIG. 3A, the power control device 100 includes a communication interface 101, an outlet power saving control unit 102, an outlet power supply unit 103, a power consumption measurement unit 104, a power supply unit 105, an outlet unit 106, The synchronization time setting unit 107 is provided, and the synchronization time setting unit 107 is further provided in the block diagram shown in FIG.

  The synchronization time setting unit 107 sets a time until the print request source host PC 200 acquires operation state information from the printer 300.

  That is, when this time elapses, the host PC 200 acquires information on the operating state from the printer. Therefore, when the power control apparatus 100 acquires information on the operation state from the printer when this time has elapsed, the operation state of the printer in the host PC 200 and the operation state of the printer in the power control apparatus 100 are synchronized, that is, The same operating state is recognized.

  Hereinafter, the time set in the synchronization time setting unit 107 is referred to as “synchronization time”.

  When the outlet power saving control unit 102 is notified that the power consumption amount measured by the power consumption measurement unit 104 is notified and detects that the printer is in a power saving state, the outlet power saving control unit 102 is set in the synchronization time setting unit 107. Get the synchronization time. If the acquired synchronization time is valid and the host PC 200 recognizes the printer operating state for a predetermined time or more, the time is counted until the synchronization time is reached.

  When the printer is in a power saving state based on the amount of power measured by the power consumption measuring unit 104, the outlet power saving control unit 102 supplies power to the outlet power supply unit 103 to the printer. Instruct to stop.

  In response to this, the outlet power supply unit 103 stops the power supply to the printer 300.

  At this time, since the host PC 200 recognizes that the printer 300 has entered the power saving state, the host PC 200 does not need to be notified of the state of the printer 300 from the power control apparatus 100. That is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when the supply of power from the outlet power supply unit 103 to the printer 300 is stopped, the power control apparatus 100 indicates that the printer 300 is in a power saving state with respect to the host PC 200. Notify but do not give this notification.

  Further, the host PC 200 is in a state where communication information of the power control apparatus 100 is stored in advance.

  Next, in FIG. 3B, the power control device 100 includes the communication interface 101, the outlet power saving control unit 102, the outlet power supply unit 103, the power consumption measurement unit 104, the power supply unit 105, and the outlet unit 106. The synchronization time setting unit 107 and the condition setting unit 118 are provided, and the synchronization time setting unit 107 is further provided in the block diagram shown in FIG.

  The synchronization time setting unit 107 sets a time until the print request source host PC 200 acquires operation state information from the printer 300.

  That is, when this time elapses, the host PC 200 acquires information on the operating state from the printer. Therefore, when the power control apparatus 100 acquires information on the operation state from the printer when this time has elapsed, the operation state of the printer in the host PC 200 and the operation state of the printer in the power control apparatus 100 are synchronized, that is, The same operating state is recognized.

  Hereinafter, the time set in the synchronization time setting unit 107 is referred to as “synchronization time”.

  When the outlet power saving control unit 102 is notified that the power consumption amount measured by the power consumption measurement unit 104 is notified and detects that the printer is in a power saving state, the outlet power saving control unit 102 is set in the synchronization time setting unit 107. Get the synchronization time. If the acquired synchronization time is valid and the host PC 200 recognizes the printer operating state for a predetermined time or more, the time is counted until the synchronization time is reached.

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 acquires the power control condition set in the condition setting unit 118 when the printer continues the power saving state based on the amount of power measured by the power consumption measuring unit 104 due to the synchronization time. Then, it is determined whether the print history of the printer matches the power control condition. If the print history matches the power control condition, the outlet power supply unit 103 is instructed to stop power supply to the printer.

  The print history is acquired from the printer via the communication interface, and is also acquired from a management server (not shown) that manages the print history. This print history includes the number of jobs printed out, the number of printouts, the total printing time, and the like.

  The power control condition is a condition for stopping the power supply to the printer 300 in the power saving state, and includes a threshold value based on the print history. For example, if a threshold is set based on the number of prints and the number of prints that have been printed within a certain period, and the number of prints and the number of prints within a certain period indicated by the print history are below the threshold, power saving Suppose that the power supply to the printer in the state is stopped.

  Furthermore, an upper limit threshold and a lower limit threshold are set as thresholds, and the outlet power saving control unit 102 determines whether the number of prints and the number of prints indicated by the print history are (1) less than the lower limit threshold or (2) greater than or equal to the lower limit threshold. Whether it is less than the upper threshold or (3) greater than or equal to the upper threshold.

  For example, (1) the power supply to the printer in the power saving state is stopped when it is less than the lower threshold, and (2) the user is inquired when it is greater than the lower threshold and less than the upper threshold. When it is instructed to stop the power supply, the power supply is stopped. (3) If the power supply is equal to or higher than the upper limit threshold, the power supply is continued without being stopped.

  In this way, when the power control condition is satisfied, the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to stop the power supply to the printer.

  In response to this, the outlet power supply unit 103 stops the power supply to the printer 300.

  At this time, since the host PC 200 recognizes that the printer 300 has entered the power saving state, the host PC 200 does not need to be notified of the state of the printer 300 from the power control apparatus 100. That is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when the supply of power from the outlet power supply unit 103 to the printer 300 is stopped, the power control apparatus 100 indicates that the printer 300 is in a power saving state with respect to the host PC 200. Notify but do not give this notification.

  Further, the host PC 200 is in a state where communication information of the power control apparatus 100 is stored in advance.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 4, when it is detected that the power consumption of the printer whose power cord is connected to the outlet portion of the power control device is reduced from the power amount in the normal power state to shift to the power saving state (401) Information on the synchronization time set for the printer is acquired (402).

  In other words, the synchronization time information is information for each printer in which the power cord is connected to the outlet portion. Of course, the configuration may be such that information on the synchronization time common to all printers is set.

  It is determined from the synchronization time information thus obtained whether the synchronization time has elapsed (403). A standby state is maintained until the synchronization time elapses (NO in 403), and when the synchronization time elapses (YES in 403), the printer is in a power saving state and power is supplied to the printer. Is stopped (404).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a use request notification for requesting power supply from the host PC to the printer in which the power supply is stopped is received from the host PC (405). Until the use request notification is received (NO in 405), the power supply is stopped.

  On the other hand, when the use request notification is received from the host PC (YES in 405), power is supplied to the printer designated by the use request notification (406).

  Whether or not the printer is in the normal power state by this power supply is determined based on the amount of power consumption measured by a power meter or the like (407). If the printer is in the recovery state until the normal power state is reached (NO in 407), it is on standby It becomes a state. When power is supplied and the state transitions to the normal power state (YES in 407), the host PC is notified of the transition to the normal power state (408).

  As a result, the host PC issues a print request including a print job to the printer, and the printer performs print output.

  FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration of the power control system in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 6, the power control system includes a power control apparatus 100, a host PC 200, a printer 1 (300-1), and a printer 2 (300-2), which are connected via a network communication line. . Thus, they constitute a network node and communicate with each other via a network communication line.

  The printer 1 (300-1) and the printer 2 (300-2) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “printer 300”) are examples of information processing apparatuses that perform processing based on a processing request from the host PC 200. Print output processing is performed by receiving a print job print request from the host PC 200. The printer 300 is also indicated as an image forming apparatus, and performs a print output function of one function in the image forming apparatus.

  The printer 300 has a power saving function, and has a “normal power state” in which print output processing is performed and a power lower than that in the normal power state when an operation such as print output processing is not performed for a certain period of time. The amount of power consumption is increased or decreased by performing a power saving process for switching between the “power saving state” which is the state of.

  This power saving process is a process of sequentially stopping the controller and the engine constituting the printer 300 in order to transition from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  The printer 300 stores operation state information indicating its own operation state, and this operation state information includes information on the operation state of each component (communication unit, controller, engine) in the printer 300.

  For example, (1) Management Information Base (MIB) in which information is exchanged using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) as a communication protocol between the nodes, (2) PJL (Printer Job). Language) information that can be acquired by a command, and (3) device ID information.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of “MIB-2” that is a management information base (MIB) of a standard that manages basic information in a communication device at this time, and (2) an example of information of a PJL command An example of (3) device ID information is shown below and will be described in order.

  First, (1) an example in which the operation state information is indicated by the management information base (MIB) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the MIB showing the operation state in each printer 300.

  In FIG. 9, the MIB includes an [operation state name (Name)] item 901, an [operation state identification number (Oid)] item 902, an [operation state path (Path)] item 903, and an [operation state value (Value)]. The item 904 is configured.

  [Operation state name (Name)] item 901 is the name of the item indicating the operation state, and “hrPrinterStatus” is shown as an example. With this “hrPrinterStatus”, it is possible to determine whether or not the printer is currently operating. The number that identifies this operating state is “1.3.6.2.25.3.5.1.1” It is indicated that this operation state is in a path of “iso.org.dod.internet.mgmt.mib-2.host.hrDevice.hrPrinterTable.hrPrinterEntry.hrPrinterStatus”.

  Then, “idle” is indicated in the “operation status value (Value)” item 904 as a value indicating the current operation status of the printer indicated by “hrPrinterStatus”. The printer operating state can be recognized by acquiring the value set in the [Operating state value (Value)] item 904 for the operating state name shown in the [Operating state name (Name)] item 901. .

  The values set in the [operation state value (Value)] item 904 include “other (1)”, “unknown (2)”, “idle (3)”, “printing (4)”, “warmup (5) ”And“ remaining state different from the prescribed state ”,“ unknown state ”,“ power saving state ”,“ print execution state ”, and“ recovery state from power saving state ”, respectively.

  Next, (2) an example of information that can be acquired by issuing a PJL command will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows information that can be acquired by issuing the following PJL command, and includes a [parameter] item 1001, a [value range] item 1002, and a [content] item 1003.

  By specifying the parameter indicated by the [parameter] item 1001 with the PJL command, a value indicating the operation state indicated by the [value range] item 1002 can be obtained. ] Item 1003.

  For example, when the [parameter] item 1001 is “status”, the [value range] item 1002 is “35078”, and the [content] item 1003 is “power saving state”, the parameter of the PJL command is The value range “35078” can be acquired by designating “status” and issuing the PJL command, and this value range “35078” indicates that the operation state is “power saving state”.

  In this [value range] item 1002, any of “1xxxx, 3xxxx, 35078, 4xxxx, 5xxxx” is set, and “printable state, state requiring user intervention, power saving state, and user for recovery” This indicates a state that requires intervention and a state that cannot be recovered.

  Next, an example of a request command for requesting operation state information is shown below.

Format:
01 @PJL INFO STATUS []
This request command is a command in the PJL format and indicates that it is a command (command) for requesting acquisition of status information (operation state information), and a PJL issued from the operation state acquisition request source. It is a command.

  Further, the request command as described above for requesting the operation state is issued, and the PJL command issued by the printer as a response command to the request command is as follows.

response:
01 @PJL INFO STATUS
02 CODE = status
03 DISPLAY = "message"
04 ONLINE = linests
This response command is a command in the PJL format on line 01, and indicates that it is a response command to a command (command) that requests acquisition of status information (operation status information), and indicates the operation status Is the value of the CODE argument on line 02. As this value, a region that can be set in the [value range] item 1002 in which the [parameter] item 1001 shown in FIG. 10 is “status” is set.

  Further, as the value of the DISPLAY argument on the 03rd line, any one of the value ranges set in the [value range] item 1002 in which the [parameter] item 1001 shown in FIG. 10 is “message”. Further, the value of the ONLINE argument on the 04th line is any value range set in the [value range] item 1002 in which the [parameter] item 1001 shown in FIG. 10 is “linests”.

  By acquiring this response command, the operating state of the printer is recognized.

  Next, an example of (3) device ID information is shown below.

IEEE1284: DeviceID ()
Manifacture: xxx; Model: yyy, ... SleepStatus: Statuskey, ...;
SleepStatus: Statuskey "Ready", "PrintingUnitPowerDown", "ControllerPowerDown", ...
This device ID is composed of information indicating the device status in addition to the manufacturing number and device type. In the above example, “xxx” is indicated as the manufacturing number, device type “yyy” is indicated, and the device status is indicated as the device status. “Ready, PrintingUnitPowerDown, ControllerPowerDown” and the like are set.

  The printer operating state is recognized by acquiring a device ID constituted by such information.

  Of the operation state information as described above, the printer 300 manages at least one piece of information. In the case of a printer having two communication interfaces as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of pieces of operation state information are managed.

  The host PC 200 is a processing request source that makes a processing request to the power control apparatus 100 or the printer 300.

  The power control apparatus 100 is an apparatus that controls the supply of power to one or a plurality of nodes on the network, and in particular, controls the supply of power to the printer 300 that performs print output processing. That is, the power cord extending from the power supply unit of the printer 300 is connected to the outlet which is the power cord connection unit of the power control device 100, and the printer 300 receives supply of power from the power control device 100.

  The power control apparatus 100 and the host PC 200 are supplied with power by connecting a power cord to an outlet provided on a wall surface or the like.

  At this time, the power supplied by the power control apparatus 100 itself is in a state of receiving power supply that exceeds the number of printers 300 that can be connected to the outlet and the total power amount required for each printer 300.

  Furthermore, the power control apparatus 100 and the printer 300 are provided with a local communication interface that directly connects these to perform communication. For example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1284 are communication standards for direct connection and mutual communication. The power control apparatus 100 uses a local cable such as a USB cable or an IEEE 1284 cable. And the printer 300 are directly connected to perform communication.

  The power control apparatus 100 acquires the operation state information as described above from the printer 300 via a network communication line or a local cable, and determines the state of the printer 300 based on the acquired operation state information. The power control apparatus 100 stores a determination condition for determining the operation state of the printer 300, and controls power supply based on a result of comparing the determination condition with the acquired operation state information.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the power control apparatus in the system configuration of FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the power control apparatus includes a communication interface 101, an outlet power saving control unit 102, an outlet power supply unit 103, a power supply unit 105, an outlet unit 106, a state determination control unit 108, an operation state determination condition information management unit 109, and a local communication interface. 110 is comprised.

  The communication interface 101 is an interface that communicates with other nodes on the network through a network communication line, and the local communication interface 110 is an interface that communicates with the printer 300 by connecting a local cable.

  The power supply unit 105 is supplied with power by connecting a plug of a power cord to an outlet such as a wall surface, and supplies power to a component that performs processing in the power control apparatus 100 and distributes power to the outlet power supply unit 103. The outlet power supply unit 103 supplies power to the printer 300 via a power cord connected to the outlet unit 106 by being distributed from the power supply unit 105.

  The amount of power supplied from the outlet power supply unit 103 to the printer 300 via the outlet unit 106 is controlled by the outlet power saving control unit 102.

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 controls power supply to the printer 300 connected to the outlet unit 106 which is a connection port for supplying power to the printer 300, and the amount of power that the printer 300 can perform print output processing. The power supply is stopped by changing from the normal power supply state to the power saving state.

  This power supply control is performed based on the operating state of the printer determined by the state determination control unit 108.

  Based on the above-described operation state information received from the printer via the communication interface 101 or the local communication interface 110, the operation state determination control unit 108 determines what operation state the printer that is the source of the operation state information has. 8, and the optimum power supply state is specified using the information on the judgment condition as shown in FIG. 8 managed by the operation state judgment condition information management unit 109.

  For example, when the operation state information acquired from the printer is MIB and the operation state information is acquired from the printer in the operation state as shown in FIG. 9, the “hrPrinterStatus” value indicating the printer operation state is “idle”. "Is acquired, it is determined that the printer is in a power saving state. Further, when the operation state information acquired from the printer is indicated by a response command to the PJL command, and the operation state information is acquired from the printer in the operation state as shown in FIG. 10, the CODE argument indicated as the response command is The operating state is determined by the value. For example, when the value of the CODE argument is “35078”, it is determined that the operation state of the printer is “power saving state”. Further, when the printer operation state information is indicated by the device ID and the device state information constituting the device ID is “PrintingUnitPowerDown”, it is determined that the printer engine is in the power saving state.

  When the operation state is determined by the operation state determination unit 108 in this manner, the acquired operation state information and information on the determination conditions as shown in FIG. 8 managed by the operation state determination condition information management unit 109 are subsequently obtained. Use to identify the optimal power supply status.

  When the optimum power supply state is specified in this way, the state determination control unit 108 notifies the outlet power saving control unit 102 of the specified power supply state information.

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 controls the power supply from the outlet power supply unit 103 to the printer 300 connected via the outlet unit 106 based on the power supply state information notified from the state determination control unit 108.

  The judgment condition information shown in FIG. 8 includes a [manufacturer] item 801, a [device name] item 802, a [judgment condition] item 803, a [power saving state] item 804, and a “power shutdown execution presence / absence” item 805. It consists of a table structure.

  [Manufacturer] item 801 is information indicating a company in which the printer is manufactured, [Device name] item 802 is a printer product name and printer identification information, and [Judgment condition] item 803 is printer information. Is a determination condition when performing power control based on the operation state information acquired from the item, and a [power saving state] item 804 is information indicating whether or not each component of the printer is in a power saving state. [Establishment of power interruption] item 805 is information indicating a determination result as to whether or not to stop power supply.

  For example, the [Manufacturer] item 801 is “Manufacturer X”, the [Device name] item 802 is “Device A”, and the [Judgment condition] item 803 is “hrDeviceStatus = executing (2), hrPrinterStatus = others (1 ) ”, The communication interface of the“ power saving state ”item 804 is“ ON ”, the controller is“ ON ”, the engine is“ OFF ”, and the“ whether or not to execute power shutdown ”item 805 is“ O ”. Indicates the following contents.

  That is, when the operation state management information is received from the printer named “device A” manufactured by the manufacturer “manufacturer X”, the information “hrDeviceStatus” is “running (2)” and “hrPrinterStatus” ”Satisfies the two conditions“ other (1) ”, the printer communication interface is in the power saving state, the controller is also in the power saving state, and the engine is in the normal power state. Indicates that the supply is to be stopped.

  As another example, [Manufacturer] item 801 is “Manufacturer Y”, [Device name] item 802 is “−”, and [Judgment condition] item 803 is “StatusKey information of IEEE 1284 is PrintingUnitPowerDown”. , The record in which the communication interface of the [power saving state] item 804 is “ON”, the controller is “ON”, the engine is “OFF”, and the “power shutdown execution” item 805 is “PrintingUnitPowerDown” is as follows: The contents are shown.

  That is, when the operation status management information is received from a printer (regardless of model) manufactured by the manufacturer “maker Y”, “IEEE1284 Statuskey information” is “PrintingUnitPowerDown”, and the printer communication interface is saved. When the power state and the controller are also in the power saving state and the engine is in the normal power state, the power supply is stopped.

  The former is an example when the operation state management information is acquired from the printer via the network communication line, and the latter is an example when the operation state management information is acquired from the printer via the IEEE 1284 cable.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the power control apparatus in the system configuration shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (1101). When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in 1101), operation state information is acquired from the printer (1102). Subsequently, the device information included in the acquired operation state information or the PJL command for requesting the device information or the device information as shown in FIG. 12 acquired as communication information or MIB information when acquiring the operation state information is issued. Then, it is determined from the apparatus information received as a response whether the printer has been identified (1103).

  FIG. 12 is the same as the MIB table structure shown in FIG. 9, and the “operation state value (Value)” item 904 whose “operation state name (Name)” item 901 is “sysDescr” is “Y Company”. The printer is identified based on this “Y Company SuperColor Printer”.

  In addition, there are the following commands as PJL commands for requesting device information when issuing and acquiring PJL commands.

Format:
@PJL INFO ID []
In addition, it responds to the above PJL command with the following command.

response:
@PJL INFO STATUS
[Printer information]
The printer is identified from a character string such as a company name or product name specified in [Printer Information] of this response command.

  When such information corresponds to the [judgment condition] item 1302 of the apparatus identification table shown in FIG. 13, the printer is identified as the printer indicated by the [printer information] item 1301 for the corresponding judgment condition.

  For example, since “sysDescr” is indicated as “Y Company” as MIB information as shown in FIG. 12, it is identified as a printer of Y company using the device identification table of FIG.

  If the printer can be identified by such information (YES in 1103), the determination condition for the identified printer is compared with the acquired operation state information (1104). On the other hand, when the printer cannot be identified (NO in 1103), for example, when there is no response or when unknown information is returned, the general-purpose judgment condition is read (1105), and the read general-purpose judgment condition is The acquired operation state information is compared (1106).

  Then, as a result of the comparison, it is determined whether stop of power supply is designated for the determination condition (1107). If stop of power supply is not designated (NO in 1107), the process ends. If stop of power supply is specified (YES in 1107), the host PC is notified that the printer is in a power saving state (1108). Then, power supply to the printer is stopped (1109).

  In this way, it is determined whether or not a use start request for requesting the start of power supply is received from a printer that is in a power supply stop state (1110), and the power supply is stopped until it is received (NO in 1110). If a use start request is received (YES in 1110), power is supplied to the printer (1111).

  Then, operation state information is acquired from the printer that supplies power (1112), and it is determined from the operation state information whether the printer has transitioned from the power saving state to the normal power state (1113). If it is indicated that the printer has entered the normal power state (YES in 1113), the host PC is notified that the printer has entered the normal power state (1114).

  If no transition to the normal power state is indicated (NO in 1113), operation state information is acquired from the printer at regular intervals, and the operation state of the printer becomes the normal power state based on the operation state information. Monitor that.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a system configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by applying the power control apparatus, the power control system, and the power control program according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  14, the power control system includes a power control device 100, a host PC 200, a printer 1 (300-1), and a printer 2 (300-2). The power control device 100 and the host PC 200 are connected to a network communication line. Connected through.

  The printer 1 (300-1) and the printer 2 (300-2) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “printer 300”) are connected to the power control apparatus 100 via a network communication line, and are connected to the host PC 200. This communication is performed via the power control apparatus 100.

  The printer 1 (300-1) and the printer 2 (300-2) are examples of information processing apparatuses that perform processing based on processing requests from the host PC 200, and print jobs from the host PC 200 via the power control apparatus 100. Print output processing is performed by receiving the print request. The printer 300 is also indicated as an image forming apparatus, and performs a print output function of one function in the image forming apparatus.

  The printer 300 has a power saving function, and has a “normal power state” in which print output processing is performed and a power lower than that in the normal power state when an operation such as print output processing is not performed for a certain period of time. The amount of power consumption is increased or decreased by performing a power saving process for switching between the “power saving state” which is the state of.

  This power saving process is a process of sequentially stopping the controller and the engine constituting the printer 300 in order to transition from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  The host PC 200 is a processing request source that makes a processing request to the power control apparatus 100 or the printer 300.

  The power control apparatus 100 is a control apparatus that controls power supplied to one or a plurality of nodes on the network, and in particular, controls power supply to the printer 300 that performs print output processing. That is, the power cord extending from the power supply unit of the printer 300 is connected to the outlet which is the power cord connection unit of the power control device 100, and the printer 300 receives supply of power from the power control device 100.

  The power control apparatus 100 and the host PC 200 are supplied with power by connecting a power cord to an outlet provided on a wall surface or the like.

  At this time, the power supplied by the power control apparatus 100 itself is in a state of receiving power supply that exceeds the number of printers 300 that can be connected to the outlet and the total power amount required for each printer 300.

  Further, the power control apparatus 100 includes a communication unit that performs mutual communication with the host PC 200 and with the printer 300, and this communication unit is a bridge that mediates mutual communication between the host PC 200 and the printer 300. It has a function and stores a physical address management table used for mutual communication. This bridge function is a communication function defined as the second layer of the OSI reference model, and performs communication between devices using a physical address management table based on a physical address.

  This communication unit analyzes the communication data between the host PC 200 and the printer 300 and the communication data from the host PC 200 and the printer 300 with respect to the power control apparatus 100, thereby supplying power via the outlet. Communication information used for communication with 300, such as an IP address, a physical address, and a device identification name, is acquired. Further, operation state information indicating the operation state of the printer 300 is acquired from the communication data.

  The acquired communication information and operation state information are stored in association with the printer 300 that is the transmission source of the information.

  This is a case where it is determined that the printer 300 is in the power saving state or a state in which the printer 300 is transitioning to the power saving state based on the acquired operation state information. In the former case, the power from the outlet The supply is stopped, and in the latter case, the supply of power from the outlet is stopped after a certain time required until the power saving state is reached.

  Thereafter, when the host PC 200 requests acquisition of the operation state of the printer 300, the power control apparatus 100 responds on behalf of the operation state information of the printer 300 stored in the power control device 100 to the host PC 200. Further, when a print request for a print job is made from the host PC 200 to the printer 300, and the printer 300 is in a state where power supply from the outlet is stopped due to the transition to the power saving state, The power control apparatus 100 temporarily stores the print job and supplies power to the printer 300.

  When the printer 300 is notified that the printer 300 has transitioned from the power saving state to the normal power state by supplying power to the printer 300 or when it is detected by monitoring the printer 300 in the power control device 100, the power control device 100 The temporarily stored print job is transmitted to the printer 300.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of processing performed by the power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  15, the power control apparatus 100 includes a communication interface 101, an outlet power saving control unit 102, an outlet power supply unit 103, a power consumption measurement unit 104, a power supply unit 105, an outlet unit 106, an information acquisition control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a communication A portion 113 is provided.

  The configuration diagram shown in FIG. 15 is similar to the configuration diagram shown in FIG.

  The communication unit 113 is a communication unit that connects to the host PC 200 and the printer 300 via a network communication line, and has a bridge function that mediates mutual communication between the host PC 200 and the printer 300. For this bridge function, refer to OSI. This is a communication function defined as the second layer of the model.

  In the system configuration shown in FIG. 14, the communication unit 113 has at least four communication ports P1, P2, P3, and P4. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the host PC 200 is connected to the communication port P1. The communication port P2 is a communication port of the power control apparatus 100, and the communication ports P3 and P4 are connected to the network communication line for communicating with the printer 300.

  The communication data received from the communication port P1 and the communication data received from the communication ports P3 and P4 are taken into the power control apparatus 100 via the communication port P2 and transmitted to the destination of the communication data. In the power control apparatus 100, the information acquisition control unit 111 acquires communication information and operation state information by analyzing the communication data via the communication interface unit 101.

  Communication data at this time includes an ARP packet transmitted from the host PC 200 to the printer 300 and an ARP response packet from the printer 300 to the host PC 200 in response to this ARP packet. The information acquisition control unit 111 acquires the physical address and IP address of the printer 300 by analyzing the ARP response packet, for example.

  Another example of communication data is MIB which is an example of operation state information included as a response from the printer 300 to SNMP polling from the host PC 200. The information acquisition control unit 111 acquires what operation state the printer 300 is in by analyzing the MIB.

  Of course, there are other communication data, for example, PJL command information from the host PC 200 to the printer 300 and its response information, as well as device ID request information from the host PC 200 to the printer 300 and its response information. Examples of the contents of the ID request include those shown in the second embodiment.

  The information acquisition control unit 111 stores the acquired communication information and operation state information in the storage unit 112. The storage unit 112 stores the information associated with the printer indicated by the communication information and the operation state information.

  At this time, if the operation state information acquired by the information acquisition control unit 111 indicates that the operation state of the printer 300 is in the power saving state, the information acquisition control unit 111 sends the information to the outlet power saving control unit 102. It requests that the power supply to the printer 300 be stopped. When the operation state of the printer 300 indicates that the normal power state has changed to the power saving state, the outlet power saving control unit 102 passes after a certain time until the printer 300 enters the power saving state. Requesting that the power supply to the printer 300 be stopped.

  When a request for acquiring communication information and operation state information of the printer 300 in the power saving state is made from the host PC 200 in this way, the information acquisition control unit 111 receives the request via the communication interface unit 101 and substitutes for the printer 300. Then, the communication information or operation state information of the printer 300 stored in the storage unit 112 is returned to the requesting host PC 200.

  The power supply unit 105 is supplied with power by connecting a plug of a power cord to an outlet such as a wall surface, and supplies power to a component that performs processing in the power control apparatus 100 and distributes power to the outlet power supply unit 103. The outlet power supply unit 103 supplies power to the printer 300 via a power cord connected to the outlet unit 106 by being distributed from the power supply unit 105.

  The power consumption measuring unit 104 measures the power consumption state of the printer 300 connected via the outlet unit 106 in the outlet power supply unit 103. That is, the power consumption is measured when the printer 300 is in the normal power state, in the power saving state, or in the process of changing these states.

  The power consumption measuring unit 104 is embodied by a wattmeter or the like, measures the amount of power distributed from the outlet power supply unit 103 to the outlet unit 106 for each outlet, and notifies the outlet power saving control unit 102 of the measured power consumption amount. .

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 controls power supply to each printer connected to the outlet unit 106 that is a connection port for supplying power to the printer 300 based on the amount of power measured by the power consumption measuring unit 104. . That is, the amount of power to be supplied is changed between when the printer 300 is in a normal power state to which the amount of power that can perform print output processing is supplied and when the printer 300 is in a power saving state lower than the normal power state. .

  When the printer 300 enters a power saving state or when the information acquisition control unit 111 is requested to stop the power supply to the printer 300, the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to To stop supplying power.

  Also, when a print request to the printer in the power saving state is received from the host PC 200, the communication interface 101 notifies the outlet power saving control unit 102 that the print request has been made, and the print job requested to be printed is stored in the storage area. (Not shown) temporarily.

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 notified of the request for printing instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to supply power to the printer, and also instructs the information acquisition control unit 111 to supply the power. Requests that the operating state be changed from the power saving state to the normal power state. As a result, the information acquisition control unit 111 changes the operation state of the printer stored in the storage unit 112 to the normal power state.

  Of course, the outlet power saving control unit 102 requests to change the printer operating state from the power saving state to the normal power state, and the printer operating state stored in the storage unit 112 is restored. The configuration may be such that the operating state is changed from the recovery state to the normal power state when the printer is changed to the normal power state after that.

  When the printer enters the normal power state, the outlet power saving control unit 102 sends the print job temporarily stored in the storage area (not shown) to the communication port of the communication unit 113 to which the printer is connected. Make a print request to the printer.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing flow in the power control apparatus of FIG. 14.

  In FIG. 16, when the power control apparatus receives communication data from the host PC or printer (1601), the communication data is analyzed (1601). It is determined whether the analyzed communication data includes communication information used for communication with the host PC or printer and operation state information indicating the operation state (1603).

  If neither the communication information nor the operation state information is included in this communication data (NO in 1603), the process ends. On the other hand, when at least one of these information is included (YES in 1603), the information included in the communication data is acquired (1604) and the information is stored (1605).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the stored information is operation state information (1606). If it is not operation state information (NO in 1606), that is, if it is communication information, the process is terminated. If it is operation state information (YES in 1606), it is subsequently determined whether the operation state information indicates that the printer is in a power saving state or transitioning to a power saving state. (1607).

  When the printer is in the power saving state or transitioned to the power saving state, in the latter case, the supply of power to the printer is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed (1608).

  In this way, it is determined whether or not a print request is issued from the host PC to the printer that is not supplied with power (1609). If a print request is received (YES in 1609), the print job included in the received print request is temporarily stored in the storage area (1610), and power is supplied to the printer (1611).

  As a result, it is determined by a power meter or the like whether the printer is in the normal power state (1612). If the printer is in the normal power state (YES in 1612), the print job requested to be printed in the temporarily stored state is displayed. The data is transmitted to the printer (1613). In the recovery state in which the state is changed to the normal power state (NO in 1612), the process waits until the normal power state is reached.

  If a print request is not received from the host PC (NO in 1609) by determining whether a print request has been received from the host PC to the printer that is not supplied with power (NO in 1609), the printer PC It is determined whether a request for acquiring communication information or operation state information has been received (1614).

  If an acquisition request for such information is received (YES in 1614), the stored printer communication information or operation status information is transmitted to the requesting host PC (1615). ).

  Then, it is again determined whether to receive a print request.

  FIG. 17 is an example of a system configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by applying the power control device, the power control system, and the power control program according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 17, the power control system includes a power control apparatus 100, a host PC 200, a printer 1 (300-1), and a printer 2 (300-2), which are connected via a network communication line. . Thus, they constitute a network node and communicate with each other via a network communication line.

  The printer 1 (300-1) and the printer 2 (300-2) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “printer 300”) are examples of information processing apparatuses that perform processing based on a processing request from the host PC 200. Print output processing is performed by receiving a print job print request from the host PC 200. The printer 300 is also indicated as an image forming apparatus, and performs a print output function of one function in the image forming apparatus.

  The printer 300 has a power saving function, and has a “normal power state” in which print output processing is performed and a power lower than that in the normal power state when an operation such as print output processing is not performed for a certain period of time. The amount of power consumption is increased or decreased by performing a power saving process for switching between the “power saving state” which is the state of.

  This power saving process is a process of sequentially stopping the controller and the engine constituting the printer 300 in order to transition from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  The host PC 200 is a processing request source that makes a processing request to the power control apparatus 100 or the printer 300.

  The power control apparatus 100 is a control apparatus that controls power supplied to one or a plurality of nodes on the network, and in particular, controls power supply to the printer 300 that performs print output processing. That is, the power cord extending from the power supply unit of the printer 300 is connected to the outlet which is the power cord connection unit of the power control device 100, and the printer 300 receives supply of power from the power control device 100.

  The power control apparatus 100 and the host PC 200 are supplied with power by connecting a power cord to an outlet provided on a wall surface or the like.

  At this time, the power supplied by the power control apparatus 100 itself is in a state of receiving power supply that exceeds the number of printers 300 that can be connected to the outlet and the total power amount required for each printer 300.

  In this power control apparatus 100, a communication port for connecting a network communication line is provided with “the number of printers connected to an outlet + 1” or more, and network communication is performed on a communication port corresponding to each printer connected to the outlet. The line is connected.

  The communication port “+1” is a communication port through which the power control apparatus 100 communicates with another network node.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 17, the power control apparatus 100 includes three or more communication ports because the printer 1 (300-1) and the printer 2 (300-2) are connected to the outlet. Yes. A network communication line is connected to a communication port corresponding to each printer, and the network communication line is connected to a communication port of a hub (HUB) as a relay device. In each communication port provided in the power control apparatus, printer communication information corresponding to the communication port is set.

  That is, the same communication information as the communication information set for the printer 1 (300-1) is set in the communication port 1 corresponding to the printer 1 (300-1), and corresponds to the printer 2 (300-2). In the communication port 2, the same communication information as that set in the printer 2 (300-2) is set.

  When the power control apparatus 100 detects that a printer whose power cord is connected to the outlet is in a power saving state, the power control apparatus 100 stops supplying power to the printer and turns on the communication port corresponding to the printer. (Power ON). As described above, since the communication information of the corresponding printer is set in this communication port, when communication data in which the communication information is set is received from the host PC 200, it is received by the communication port of the power control device. Will be.

  When the communication data received from the host PC 200 is a request for printer communication information or a request for printer operation status information, the power control apparatus 100 responds to the request. When a print request for a print job is received from the host PC 200, the print job requested for printing is stored, and the communication port that received the print request is turned off (power off).

  Then, power is supplied to a printer that performs print output. When the printer is in a normal power state by this power supply, the printer performs print output by transmitting a print job to the printer via a communication port provided as a communication port of the power control apparatus 100.

  When a print request for a print job is received from the host PC 200, power is supplied to the printer, and the communication port corresponding to the printer is turned off by confirming the activation of the communication unit in the printer. The print job requested to be printed when the printer is in a normal power state may be transmitted to the printer.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of processing performed by the power control apparatus in the configuration of FIG.

  18, the power control apparatus 100 includes a communication interface 101, an outlet power saving control unit 102, an outlet power supply unit 103, a power consumption measurement unit 104, a power supply unit 105, an outlet unit 106, a communication port control unit 114, and a storage unit 115. Configured.

  The communication interface 101 is an interface that performs network communication with other nodes via a network communication line, and performs information transmission / reception with the host PC 200 and the printer 300 via the communication interface 101. When a processing request is received from the host PC 200 by the communication interface 101, a notification of reception is sent to the outlet power saving control unit 102.

  The communication interface 101 has a power cord connected to the outlet unit 106 and is provided with communication ports of “the number of printers that receive power supply from the outlet unit +1” or more. Each communication port is connected to the outlet unit 106. It corresponds to a connected printer, and communication information set for the printer, for example, an IP address or a physical address is set.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18, a main body communication port 101 -A, a printer 1 communication port 101 -B, and a printer 2 communication port 101 -C are provided, and the main body communication port is a communication port in the power control apparatus 100. It is.

  The communication port 101-B for the printer 1 is a communication port corresponding to the printer 1, and receives information addressed to the printer 1 when power is not supplied to the printer 1. The printer 2 communication port 101-C is a communication port corresponding to the printer 2 and receives information addressed to the printer 2 when the printer 2 is not supplied with power.

  As an initial state when power is supplied to the printer, the communication port corresponding to the printer is in a state where the power is cut off.

  The power supply unit 105 is supplied with power by connecting a plug of a power cord to an outlet such as a wall surface, and supplies power to a component that performs processing in the power control apparatus 100 and distributes power to the outlet power supply unit 103. The outlet power supply unit 103 supplies power to the printer 300 via a power cord connected to the outlet unit 106 by being distributed from the power supply unit 105.

  The power consumption measuring unit 104 measures the power consumption state of the printer 300 connected via the outlet unit 106 in the outlet power supply unit 103. That is, the power consumption is measured when the printer 300 is in the normal power state, in the power saving state, or in the process of changing these states.

  The power consumption measuring unit 104 is embodied by a wattmeter or the like, measures the amount of power distributed from the outlet power supply unit 103 to the outlet unit 106 for each outlet, and notifies the outlet power saving control unit 102 of the measured power consumption amount. .

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 controls power supply to each printer connected to the outlet unit 106 that is a connection port for supplying power to the printer 300 based on the amount of power measured by the power consumption measuring unit 104. . That is, the amount of power to be supplied is changed between when the printer 300 is in a normal power state to which the amount of power that can perform print output processing is supplied and when the printer 300 is in a power saving state lower than the normal power state. .

  When the printer 300 enters the power saving state, the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to stop supplying power to the printer. At this time, the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the communication port control unit 114 to turn on (power ON) the communication port corresponding to the printer whose power supply has been stopped.

  As a result, the communication port control unit 114 powers on the communication port corresponding to the printer, and notifies the storage unit 15 that the printer is in the power saving state as the operation state information of the printer. As described above, since the communication information of the corresponding printer is set in each communication port, the power control apparatus 100 receives information destined for the printer via the communication port.

  When a request for acquiring printer communication information and operation state information is received via the communication port, the communication port control unit 114 transmits the communication information and operation state of the printer corresponding to the communication port stored in the storage unit 115. Obtain information and send it back to the requester.

  When receiving a print request from the host PC 200 via the communication port, the communication interface unit 101 sends the print job requested to be printed to the communication port control unit 114 and confirms that the print request is issued to the outlet power saving control unit 102. Notice.

  The communication port control unit 114 stores the print job in the storage unit 115 and turns off the communication port corresponding to the printer requested to print. At this time, the outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to supply power to the printer.

  The outlet power supply unit 103 supplies power to the printer by supplying power to the outlet unit 106 of the printer requested to print.

  When the outlet power saving control unit 102 detects that the printer is in the normal power state as measured by the power consumption measuring unit 104 by supplying power to the printer, the outlet power saving control unit 102 causes the communication port control unit 114 to enter the normal power state. Notify that As a result, the communication port control unit 114 acquires the print job requested to be printed by the printer stored in the storage unit 115 and transmits the print job to the printer via the main body communication port 101-A.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of processing performed by the power control apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the printer having the power cord connected to the outlet of the power control apparatus has detected the power saving state (1901), and it is not detected that the printer has entered the power saving state (1901). In NO), the standby state is continued until detection, and when it is detected that the power saving state is entered by measuring that the power consumption amount becomes the power saving state power amount (YES in 1901), The power supply to the printer is stopped (1902).

  Subsequently, the communication port corresponding to the printer whose power supply is stopped is turned on (1903).

  In this way, it is determined whether or not a print request addressed to the printer has been received by the communication port that is powered on (1904). If the print request is received, the print request is received (at 1904). If YES, the print job requested to be printed is saved (1905). Subsequently, the power supply of the communication port that has received the print request is turned off (1906).

  Then, power is supplied to the printer that is the destination of the print request, that is, the printer for the communication port whose power has been cut off (1907).

  It is determined whether or not the printer is in a normal power state due to the supply of power (1908). If the normal power state is not measured due to a transition to the normal power state or the like (NO in 1908), Wait until the normal power state is reached. If the normal power state is entered (YES in 1908), the stored print job for the printer is transmitted via the main body communication port of the power control apparatus (1909).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of each of the power control apparatuses illustrated in the first to fourth embodiments includes a printer monitoring unit 119 and a user. The configuration further includes an interface 120.

  That is, in the first embodiment, a configuration in which the printer monitoring unit 119 and the user interface 120 are further added to the configuration of the power control apparatus illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 20. 7 is a configuration in which a printer monitoring unit 119 and a user interface 120 are further added to the configuration of the power control apparatus shown using FIG. 7. In the third embodiment, the printer monitoring unit 119 is added to the configuration of the power control apparatus shown in FIG. The user interface 120 is further added, and the printer monitoring unit 119 and the user interface 120 are further added to the configuration of the power control apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24 shows a configuration in which a printer monitoring unit 119 and a user interface 120 are further added to the block diagram of the power control apparatus shown in FIG. 2 as an example.

  The printer monitoring unit 119 monitors whether the printer 300 is in a state where print output is stopped due to a failure in the printer 300 via the communication interface unit 101. For example, the printer is polled at regular intervals, and when there is no response or when there is no normal response, it is detected that a failure has occurred in the printer.

  When it is detected that a failure has occurred in the printer 300, the printer monitoring unit 119 sends failure information to the user interface 120, including failure information and information on the printer in which the failure has occurred. The failure information is displayed on a constituent display unit, and the failure information is transmitted to a predetermined host PC, management server, or the like as a pre-registered contact.

  At this time, the printer monitoring unit 119 notifies the outlet power saving control unit 102 of the information of the printer in which the failure is detected, and also sends a print request to the host PC 200 that issues a print request to the printer 300 via the communication interface 101. Notification is made that a failure has occurred in the printer and that the transmission destination of the print job requesting printing to the printer is the power control apparatus.

  The host PC stores the fact that the printer monitoring unit 119 is notified that a failure has been detected, and at the same time stores the notified transmission destination as the power control device, and performs power control as the transmission destination of the print job for the printer in which the failure has occurred. Set up the device.

  In addition, the outlet power saving control unit 102 notifies the outlet power supply unit 103 that the supply of power to the printer notified of the occurrence of the failure by the printer monitoring unit 119 is stopped. The outlet power supply unit 103 stops power supply to the printer.

  Subsequently, when the printer monitoring unit 119 is notified that the printer has recovered from the failure, the printer monitoring unit 119 notifies the outlet power saving control unit 102 that the printer has recovered from the failure. Is notified that the transmission destination is to be released to the host PC that has notified that the power control apparatus is to be used.

  As a result, the host PC switches the transmission destination when making a print request to the printer from the power control apparatus to the printer.

  The outlet power saving control unit 102 instructs the outlet power supply unit 103 to supply power to the printer that has recovered from the failure.

  The outlet power supply unit 103 supplies power to the printer.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the power control apparatus in the configuration shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 25, when a fault that has occurred in the printer is detected in the power control apparatus that is monitoring the printer (2501), the elapsed time from the occurrence of the fault is counted, and whether the elapsed time has continued for a certain time or more. Is determined (2502).

  If it is before a predetermined time has elapsed (NO in 2502), it is subsequently determined whether it has been notified that the detected failure has been released (2503). If it is notified that the failure has been cleared before the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in 2503), the process is terminated. Moreover, it will be in a standby state until the failure is cleared.

  If the printer is still in a state where a failure has occurred after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in 2502), the printer is notified that a failure has occurred (2504).

  Further, it notifies the host PC of the print request source that the destination of the print job requesting the print request is the power control apparatus (2505). Thus, the host PC sets the power control apparatus as a print job transmission destination when a print request is issued to the printer in which the failure has occurred.

  Subsequently, power supply to the printer is stopped (2506).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a failure cancellation notification has been received for the printer in which the power supply is stopped in this way (2507), and the power supply is stopped until it is received (NO in 2507). Continue the state. If a failure cancellation notification is received (YES in 2507), power is supplied to a printer designated as a printer that performs print output in a state where power supply is designated (2508).

  It is determined whether or not the printer is in a normal power state by supplying this power (2509). When the printer is in a normal power state (2509), the transmission destination of the print job for requesting printing to the print request source host PC is set as the power. The control device notifies the printer (2510).

  When the power control apparatus receives a print request print job from the host PC, when the printer enters the normal power state, the print job is transmitted to the printer and the printer performs print output.

  The embodiment described above is one embodiment of the present invention, and is not limited to these examples, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof.

  In the present invention, the program is executed from a recording medium (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.) storing a program for executing the above-described operation in a power control system having a communication function or configuring the above-described means. It is also possible to configure a power control system that performs the above-described processing by installing the above in a computer and executing it. A computer constituting the power control system is connected to a central processor unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a hard disk via a system bus. The CPU performs processing using the RAM as a work area according to a program stored in the ROM or the hard disk.

  The medium for supplying the program may be a communication medium (a medium for temporarily or fluidly holding the program such as a communication line or a communication system). For example, the program may be posted on an electronic bulletin board (BBS: Bulletin Board Service) of a communication network and distributed via a communication line.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Power control apparatus 101 Communication interface 102 Outlet power saving control part 103 Outlet power supply part 104 Power consumption measurement part 105 Power supply part 106 Outlet part 107 Synchronization time setting part 108 State judgment control part 109 State information management part 110 Local communication interface 111 Information acquisition control Unit 112 storage unit 113 communication unit 114 communication port control unit 115 storage unit 116 printer control unit 117 data storage unit 118 condition setting unit 119 printer monitoring unit 120 user interface 200 host PC (image formation request source)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Application part 202 Driver part 203 Printer port part 204 Communication interface part 205 Storage part 300 Printer (image forming apparatus)
300-1 Printer 1 (Image Forming Apparatus 1)
300-2 Printer 2 (Image Forming Apparatus 2)

Claims (3)

Receiving means for receiving an image processing request to the image forming unit;
Power supply means for supplying power to the image forming unit that performs image forming processing in response to an image processing request received by the receiving means;
Detection means for detecting that the image forming unit has transitioned to a power saving state;
Stop means for stopping supply of power to the image forming unit by the power supply means based on a detection result of the detection means;
A return unit that returns the image forming unit from a power stop state to a supply state by supplying power from the power supply unit based on an image processing request to the image forming unit;
One or a plurality of communication connection units for performing communication connection with each of the image forming units to which power is supplied by the power supply unit;
Communication information setting means for setting communication information used for communication with the image forming unit in each of the communication connection units corresponding to the image forming unit in which the transition to the power saving state is detected by the detecting unit;
The receiving means includes
A power control apparatus that receives an image processing request to the image forming unit for which communication information is designated via the communication connection unit corresponding to the communication information set by the communication information setting unit. When the communication connection unit corresponding to the image forming unit whose power supply is stopped by the stop unit is energized, and the power is supplied to the image forming unit by the power supply unit, the normal power amount is obtained. the power control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a current control means for performing control to stop the power supply to the connecting portion. Receiving means for receiving an image processing request to the image forming unit;
Power supply means for supplying power to the image forming unit that performs image forming processing in response to an image processing request received by the receiving means;
Detection means for detecting that the image forming unit has transitioned to a power saving state;
Stop means for stopping supply of power to the image forming unit by the power supply means based on a detection result of the detection means;
A return unit that returns the image forming unit from a power stop state to a supply state by supplying power from the power supply unit based on an image processing request to the image forming unit;
An accumulation unit that accumulates processing target data that is an object of an image forming process in the image forming unit based on an image processing request received by the receiving unit;
Transfer means for transferring the processing target data stored in the storage means to the image forming section when the power is supplied from the power supply means and the image forming section is changed from the power saving state to the normal power amount. Power control device provided.

Images