JP6708936B2 - Printing device, printing system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to communication control related to a printing device.

Recently, a print service in which a printing device and a cloud service are linked with each other is being used for the purpose of improving convenience.

In this print service, the administrator registers the printing device in the print service, and the user uses the terminal to connect to the cloud service print service via a browser, and the PDF file is sent to the printing device registered in the print service. And data such as images are transmitted to generate a print job.

Then, the print service converts the data received from the terminal into a data format (PDF or the like) that can be used by the printing device, and notifies the printing device that registered the existence of the data of the event.

The printing apparatus acquires an ID for data download from the received event and acquires actual data from the print service, and the printing apparatus executes printing while updating the status of the print job on the print service.

Communication between the cloud service and the printing apparatus uses a method such as WebSocket or XMPP.

All communication methods are premised on a constant connection between the cloud service and the printing device, and the cloud service regularly monitors the life and death of the printing device, so the printing device cannot transition to the power saving mode. ..

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, a printing device that always connects to a cloud service that is a substitute for another printing device is determined, and the other printing device transitions to a sleep state and always connects. When the printing device is notified that a print job of another printing device has been submitted, the printing device that is always connected notifies the other printing device of that fact, and the printing device that received the notification There is a technique of canceling the sleep state and printing the print job (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-242242).

JP, 2016-20084, A

However, according to the invention of Patent Document 1, when registering a printing device in a cloud service, whether or not to set itself as a constantly connected printing device by checking the connection status between another printing device in the LAN and the cloud service Is judging.

Therefore, there is a risk that the printers that are always connected will be determined in the order of registration of printers to the cloud service, and the printers that you rarely use often will be determined as the printers that will always be connected. However, it is inefficient because power saving should be actively done.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing device, a printing system, a control method, and a program that can achieve efficient power saving by appropriately assigning a printing device that is always connected to a cloud service. And

The present invention for achieving the above object is a printing apparatus that performs repeated communication with an information processing apparatus, and is another printing apparatus that can perform the repeated communication with the information processing apparatus by proxy. Performing the repeated communication with the information processing device on behalf of the specifying means for specifying the above based on the usage status of the other printing device and the proxyable printing device specified by the specifying means. With the requesting means for making a request, the proxy requesting printing device, and the information processing device being restricted in repetition, the information processing device is acted as a proxy for repeated communication in the requesting printing device. When the communication unit, the transition unit that transitions from the power saving mode to the normal mode by accepting an operation, the accepting unit that accepts an operation instruction of the processing to the information processing device, and the proxy for the repeated communication of itself And another printing apparatus performing the repeated communication as a proxy on the basis of receiving a processing operation instruction from the receiving unit to the information processing apparatus and transitioning to the normal mode by the transitioning unit. And an instruction means for instructing to cancel the repeated communication .

According to the present invention, a printing apparatus that performs communication that is cloud services and repeated by appropriately allocated, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power saving, an effect that.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a printing system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a compound machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functions of the multi-function peripheral. 7 is a flowchart showing a process when the multi-functional peripheral makes a transition to the power saving mode. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the power saving mode of the multifunction peripheral is restored. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the data structure transmitted to another multifunctional device at the time of a power saving mode transition. It is a block diagram showing a function of the multi-function peripheral. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for canceling proxy communication in the power saving mode of the multi-function peripheral. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a service selection screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a job list screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a setting information table.

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

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. The printing system 100 includes a cloud print service 102, a LAN 104, a multifunction peripheral 106, and a WAN 108.

The cloud print service 102 has a function of communicating with the multi-function peripheral 106, issuing an event related to life-and-death determination of the multi-function peripheral 106 and printing, converting into a data format that the multi-function peripheral 106 can output, and transmitting a print job.

The LAN 104 is a network having a plurality of multifunction peripherals 106, and two or more multifunction peripherals 106 are required to implement the present invention.

The multi-function peripheral 106 communicates with the cloud print service 102, receives the life and death judgment, and executes printing based on the event. There may be a plurality of multifunction peripherals 106 on the LAN 104.

The WAN 108 enables communication between the cloud print service 102 and the multi-function peripheral 106.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a hardware configuration of a controller unit that controls the multi-function peripheral 106 as the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multi-function peripheral 106 shown in FIG.

3, a controller unit 216 is connected to the scanner unit 214 functioning as an image input device and the printer unit 212 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 104 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line ( For example, the image data and device information are input/output by connecting to the WAN 108 shown in FIG. 1 (for example, PSTN or ISDN).

In the controller unit 216, 201 is a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 202 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 201, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

A ROM 203 stores a system boot program and various control programs. An external storage device (hard disk drive (HDD)) 204 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

An operation unit interface (operation unit I/F) 207 is an interface unit with an operation unit (UI) 208, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 208 to the operation unit 208.

Further, the operation unit I/F 207 has a role of transmitting information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 208 to the CPU 201.

Note that the operation unit 208 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and a user can give various instructions by pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

A network interface (Network I/F) 205 connects to a network (LAN) and inputs/outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 206 is connected to a public line and inputs/outputs data such as FAX transmission/reception.

An external interface (external I/F) 218 is an I/F unit that receives external input such as a USB, an IEEE 1394, a printer port, and an RS-232C, and a card reader 219 for reading an IC card required for authentication. It is connected to the external I/F 218.

Then, the CPU 201 can control the information reading from the IC card by the card reader 219 via the external I/F 218 and can acquire the information read from the IC card.

The storage medium is not limited to the IC card and may be a storage medium capable of identifying the user. In this case, the storage medium stores identification information for identifying the user. This identification information may be the serial number of the storage medium or a user code given by the user within the company.
The above devices are arranged on the system bus 209.

An image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I/F) 220 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 209 and the image bus 215 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

The image bus 215 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 215.

A raster image processor (RIP) 210 develops vector data such as PDL code into a bitmap image.

A printer interface (printer I/F) 211 connects the printer unit 212 and the controller unit 216 and performs synchronous/asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I/F) 213 connects the scanner unit 214 and the controller unit 216 and performs synchronous/asynchronous conversion of image data.

An image processing unit 217 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 217 performs rotation of image data and compression/expansion processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

The scanner unit 214 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor to convert it into an electric signal as raster image data. Document sheets are set on the tray of the document feeder, and when the user of the apparatus issues a reading start instruction from the operation unit 208, the CPU 201 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 214, and the feeder feeds the document sheets one by one and reads the document image. Take action.

The printer unit 212 is a unit that converts raster image data into an image on a sheet. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photoconductor drum or a photoconductor belt, and ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array directly on the paper. Although there is an inkjet method for printing an image, any method may be used.

The print operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 201. The printer unit 212 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there is a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

The operation unit 208 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD to display an operation screen of the system, and when a displayed key is pressed, its position information is displayed on the operation unit I/F 207. To the CPU 201 via.

In addition, the operation unit 208 includes various operation keys such as a start key, a stop key, an ID key, and a reset key.

Here, the start key of the operation unit 208 is used when starting the reading operation of the document image. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, and the color indicates whether the start key can be used.

Further, the stop key of the operation unit 208 functions to stop the operation during operation. The ID key of the operation unit 208 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing the settings from the operation unit.

Under the control of the CPU 201, the card reader 219 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, FeliCa (registered trademark) of Sony Corporation), and reads the read information via an external I/F 218. Notify the CPU 201.

FIG. 3 shows blocks of each function of the multifunction peripheral 106 in the present embodiment, and the multifunction peripheral 106 mainly includes a cloud print service communication function 400 and a cloud print service communication proxy function 401. It should be noted that each function will be described in combination with a flowchart described later.

The cloud print service communication function 400 includes a cloud print service communication start unit 402 and a cloud print service communication end unit 403.

The cloud print service communication start unit 402 has a function of establishing communication between the cloud print service 102 and the multi-function peripheral 106, and this function makes it possible to perform event transmission/reception and print job transmission/reception between two parties. Become.

The cloud print service communication ending unit 403 has a function of ending the communication between the cloud print service 102 and the multifunction peripheral 106.

The cloud print service communication proxy function 401 includes a proxy start request transmission unit 404, a proxy start request reception unit 405, a proxy communication information transmission unit 406, a proxy communication information reception unit 407, a proxy communication unit 408, and a power saving mode restoration unit 409. I have it.

The proxy start request transmission unit 404 has a function of transmitting a packet to all the devices and the like existing in the same LAN 104 in order to search for the multifunction peripheral 106 that can take charge of communication with the cloud print service 102 by proxy.

The proxy start request reception unit 405 receives the request from the proxy start request transmission unit 404 and returns to the transmission source that communication with the cloud print service 102 can be proxyed.

Since this function may be received by each of the plurality of multifunction peripherals 106, a mechanism may be used in which a reply is made after a random number of seconds after the request is received in order to avoid traffic concentration.

The proxy communication information transmitting unit 406 operates when receiving a reply from the proxy start request receiving unit 405, and has a function of transmitting credential information (details will be described later) necessary for communicating with the cloud print service 102.

When the multi-function peripheral 106 is already in charge of communication with another multi-function peripheral 106 by proxy, the credential information to be transmitted may be plural.

Further, in order to securely hold the credential information, a public key may be set inside the reply of the proxy start request receiving unit 405, and this function may transmit the encrypted credential information using the public key.

The proxy communication information reception unit 407 receives the request from the proxy communication information transmission unit 406, analyzes the credential information, and prepares for proxy communication with the cloud print service 102.

The proxy communication unit 408 has a function of actually communicating with the cloud print service 102. When this function cannot proxy the communication due to some failure, a request to restore the power saving mode of the multifunction peripheral 106 to the normal mode may be transmitted to the transmission source of the proxy start request.

The power saving mode refers to maintaining a state in which power consumption in the multifunction peripheral 106 is suppressed as compared with the normal mode.

The power saving mode restoration unit 409 has a function of restoring from the power saving mode to the normal mode when a communication having a predetermined structure is received, and a function of requesting restoration to another multifunction peripheral 106. After the recovery, the cloud print service communication start unit 402 allows the event and the print job to be acquired again.

The event analysis unit 410 analyzes the content of the event received from the cloud print service 102 and analyzes whether it is a print request made to itself or a print request made to another multifunction peripheral 106. ..

The processing at the time of transition to the power saving mode of the multi-function peripheral 106 in this embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this process, it is assumed that the multi-function peripheral A transitions to the power saving mode and the multi-function peripheral B communicates with the cloud print service 102 on its behalf.

In step S101, the multifunction peripheral A establishes communication with the cloud print service 102 by the cloud print service communication start unit 402 after the completion of activation.

In step S102, the multifunction peripheral A prepares to transition to the power saving mode when printing or operation on the operation unit 208 is not performed for a certain period of time.

In this step, those not accompanied by the voluntary operation of the multifunction peripheral such as life and death judgment from the cloud print service 102 may be excluded.

In step S103, the multifunction peripheral A confirms by the proxy start request transmission unit 404 whether or not the proxyable multifunction peripheral 106 exists on the same LAN 104.

For example, by a communication method such as broadcasting, confirmation is performed for each multifunction peripheral 106 existing on the same LAN 104.

In step S104, the multifunction peripheral B receives the proxy request by the proxy start request receiving unit 405, and then waits for a certain period of time in order to avoid concentration of traffic. A public key/secret key capable of communicating with the multifunction peripheral A is generated during standby.

In step S105, the multifunction peripheral B performs communication in which the public key is set to the multifunction peripheral A by the proxy start request receiving unit 405, and notifies the multifunction peripheral A that proxy is possible.

Note that, for example, the multifunction device requested to act as a proxy is mainly for the normal mode. However, by checking the print history of self-confidence and performing printing within a predetermined time, It is also possible to obtain the information on the printing frequency from the proxy-capable multifunction device and to make the multifunction device 106 having the highest printing frequency act as the proxy.

Further, since there is a capacity limit in the storage area shown in FIG. 6 which will be described later, it is possible to notify that the proxy is impossible if the limit is exceeded or the capacity is close to the limit.

In step S106, the multifunction peripheral A receives the proxy-enabled communication from the multifunction peripheral B, and then collects the credential information for performing the communication with the cloud print service 102 by proxy from the storage area (FIG. 6).

In step S107, the multifunction peripheral A transmits the credential information to the multifunction peripheral B by the proxy communication information transmission unit 406. If the public key can be acquired at the timing of step S105, the credential information to be transmitted may be encrypted.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a storage area in which each credential 106 communicates with other devices and stores the received credential information. This storage area has, for example, a queue-like structure. ..

This storage area has, for example, a structure for performing processing in order from the previously stored information. As this information, the authentication information for communicating with the cloud print service 102 and the host name (IP It stores credential information including an address) and a printer ID (described later).

When the multifunction peripheral 106 communicates with the cloud print service 102 on behalf of the other multifunction peripheral 106, the multifunction peripheral 106 also receives the communication for the other multifunction peripheral 106 and stores it in this storage area.

When the information such as the print request to the other multifunction peripheral 106 is received, a request for restoration from the power saving mode is issued to the other targeted multifunction peripheral 106, and when the restoration is detected, the Delete the credential information from the storage area.

Also, when the device itself transits to the power saving mode, the credential information stored in all the storage areas is transmitted to another multifunction peripheral 106, and then the transition is performed. In this step, all the credential information stored in its own storage area is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral B.

The credential information for the communication with the cloud print service 102 is stored in another storage area.

In step S108, the multifunction peripheral A disconnects the communication with the cloud print service 102 by the cloud print service communication termination unit 403. By performing such processing, the cloud print service 102 recognizes that the multi-function peripheral A has become offline.

In step S109, the multifunction peripheral A makes a transition to the power saving mode. If the response is not received from another multifunction device 106 for a certain period of time after the confirmation is made in step S103, the transition to the power saving mode may not be performed.

In step S110, the multifunction peripheral B uses the proxy communication information receiving unit 407 to decrypt the content encrypted with the public key received from the multifunction peripheral A with the private key.

In step S111, the multi-function peripheral B receives the credential information of the multi-function peripheral A and causes the cloud print service communication starting unit 402 to start the communication with the cloud print service 102 by proxy. As a result, the cloud print service 102 establishes the proxy communication regarding the multifunction peripheral A with respect to the multifunction peripheral B.

A process at the time of restoration of the power saving mode of the multifunction peripheral 106 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this process, it is assumed that the multi-function peripheral B restores the multi-function peripheral A from the power saving mode by using the event from the cloud print service 102 as a key.

In step S201, the proxy communication unit 408 of the multifunction peripheral B receives the event from the cloud print service 102.

In step S202, the event analysis unit 410 of the multi-function peripheral B analyzes the event received by the proxy communication unit 408.

In step S203, the event analysis unit 410 of the multi-function peripheral B determines whether the content of the analyzed event is a print request for the multi-function peripheral A that is communicating on behalf of the event. If it is determined that the print request is for the multi-function peripheral A, When the process proceeds to step S204 and it is not determined that the print request is for the multifunction peripheral A, the process ends.

For example, in the case of using a communication means such as XMPP (eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), a printer issued when registering the multi-function peripheral 106 in the cloud print service 102 to uniquely identify the multi-function peripheral 106. Since the message including the ID is transmitted, it is possible to specify the multifunction machine 106 that has made the print request.

In step S204, the power saving mode restoration unit 409 of the multi-function peripheral B communicates with the power saving mode restoration unit 409 based on the host name (IP address) of the multi-function peripheral A, and sends a request to restore from the power saving mode. To do.

In step S205, the multifunction peripheral B disconnects the proxy communication with the multifunction peripheral A by the cloud print service communication termination unit 403. Further, the credential information of the multi-function peripheral A held inside the multi-function peripheral B is deleted.

In step S206, the multifunction peripheral A detects the communication with the power saving mode restoration unit 409 and transitions from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

In step S207, the multifunction peripheral A restarts communication with the cloud print service 102 by the cloud print service communication start unit 402.

In step S208, the multifunction peripheral A acquires information regarding the print job from the cloud print service 102 and executes printing.

[Modification]
Next, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described. In the modified example, a description will be given of a mode in which, when a processing instruction is directly given to the cloud print service 102, the proxy communication is canceled and the communication device itself communicates with the cloud print service 102 in the multifunction machine in the power saving mode. To do.

In the modified example, since the same configuration and processing as the configuration and processing of the embodiment are performed, the same processing and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted, and only different ones will be described in detail. I will explain.

In this process, the processing instruction is given to the multifunction machine A in the power saving mode, and the multifunction machine B, which is communicating by proxy, cancels the proxy communication with the cloud print service 102 regarding the multifunction machine A. Is assumed.

FIG. 7 shows a block of each function of the multi-function peripheral 106, which is an improvement of the block diagram shown in FIG. It should be noted that each function will be described in combination with a flowchart described later.

The multifunction peripheral 106 includes a print function 500, and the print function 500 includes an authentication unit 501, a job information request unit 502, a storage unit 503, a display unit 504, and a print control unit 505.

The authentication unit 501 authenticates whether the user who uses the multifunction peripheral 106 has the authority to use the multifunction peripheral 106.

For example, the information for identifying the user is read from the IC card held over the card reader 219, and the information is compared with the information of the available user provided in itself to perform authentication.

Alternatively, authentication is performed by matching the information for specifying the user, which is input by the operation unit 208, with the information of the available user provided in the user.

If the user is allowed to use the multi-function peripheral 106 after being authenticated by the authentication unit 501 and if the user himself/herself is in the power saving mode, the power saving mode restoration unit 409 restores the power saving mode to the normal mode and saves power. After the power mode is restored, the cloud print service communication start unit 402 allows the event and print job to be acquired again.

In the setting information stored in the storage unit 503, the job information requesting unit 502 establishes communication with the cloud print service 102 by the cloud communication starting unit 402 when the mode for using the cloud print service is a list display. Then, the cloud print service 102 is requested for the print job information of the user authenticated by the authentication unit 501.

The storage unit 503 stores information regarding each setting value for the multifunction peripheral 106, and is configured to include, for example, a setting information table illustrated in FIG. 11.

The setting information table is configured to include a setting key name indicating a key for identifying a setting value and a set setting value.

As an example of the set value, as a mode in which the cloud print service 102 is used, when a print request is made to the cloud print service 102, the print job is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 106 that outputs the print job. Direct printing to be performed, a list of print jobs stored in the cloud print service 102 is displayed, and a user can select a print job displayed in the list to issue a print instruction, or use the cloud print service 102. There is a mode such as disable to stop.

These modes are set by the service selection screen (see FIG. 9) displayed on the operation unit 208 of the multi-function peripheral 106, or when communication is disconnected to the cloud print service 102 in step S108, Set invalid.

The service selection screen 600 is a screen for setting a mode in which the cloud print service 102 is used, and a selection field 601 to be pressed when setting direct printing as a setting value, and a press when setting list display. It has a selection field 602 for selecting and a selection field 603 for pressing when setting invalidity, and it is possible to select any one of the selection fields and press the setting button 604 to set. ..

The display unit 504 displays various screens on the operation unit 208, and accepts operation instructions from the user via these screens.

The print control unit 505 prints out the print job input to itself by the printer unit 212 onto a recording medium such as paper.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, a process when the power saving mode is restored by operating the multifunction peripheral 106 according to this embodiment will be described.

In step S301, the authentication unit 501 of the multifunction peripheral A determines whether or not the user can use the multifunction peripheral 106, and if it is determined that the multifunction peripheral 106 can be used, the user is logged in.

As an example of the authentication method of this step, the identification information for identifying the user recorded in the IC card, the identification information stored in advance using the user's ID and password input by the operation unit 208, and the ID Also, the password is checked, and if it matches, login is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to such an authentication method, and any mode may be used as long as it is a method of authenticating a user and logging in.

In step S302, the power saving mode restoration unit 409 of the multifunction peripheral A makes a transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

In step S303, it is determined whether or not a display instruction for the service selection screen 600 has been received for a menu screen or the like (not shown) displayed on the display unit 504 of the multifunction peripheral A. If it is determined that the display instruction has been received, step S303 is performed. The process proceeds to S304.

In step S304, the service selection screen 600 is displayed by the display unit 504 in the multifunction peripheral A, and in step S305, the selection column selected on the service selection screen 600 by the display unit 504 in the multifunction peripheral A sets the list display. When it is determined that it is the selection field 602 to be pressed when it is pressed, if it is determined that it is the selection field 602, the list display is set for the print service use mode of the setting information table, and the process proceeds to step S306. If the process proceeds and the selection field 602 is not determined, the process proceeds to step S303.

In step S306, the power saving mode restoration unit 409 of the multifunction device A indicates to the multifunction device B that is performing proxy communication of the multifunction device A that the multifunction device A has restored from the power saving mode to the normal mode. To send.

As an example of a method of identifying the multifunction machine performing the proxy communication, there is a method of identifying from the setting value for the multifunction machine information in the alternative of the setting information table, and the setting value can be substituted in step S106. Is stored, and information for identifying the multifunction peripheral that requests proxy communication is stored.

In step S307, the power saving mode restoration unit 409 in the multifunction peripheral B receives the information transmitted from the multifunction peripheral A in step S306.

In step S308, the cloud print service communication terminating unit 403 of the multi-function peripheral B causes the cloud print service 102 to stop the communication of the multi-function peripheral A that received the proxy communication cancellation request in step S307. Further, the credential information of the multi-function peripheral A held inside the multi-function peripheral B is deleted.

In step S309, the cloud print service communication start unit 402 in the multifunction peripheral A restarts communication with the cloud print service 102.

In step S310, the job information requesting unit 502 of the multifunction peripheral A requests the cloud print service 102 for print job information of the user who logged in in step S301.

In step S311, the display unit 504 of the multifunction peripheral A displays the job information received from the cloud print service 102 on the job list screen (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of a job list screen 700, which corresponds to each print job among a list display unit 701 displaying a list of print job information and print jobs displayed in the list display unit 701. A job selection field 702 for selecting a print job to be printed is provided. When the job selection field 702 is selected and the print button 703 is pressed, the print job selected in the job selection field 702 is printed.

In step S312, when the display unit 504 of the multifunction peripheral A detects that the print button 703 is pressed on the job list screen 700, the print control unit 505 of the multifunction peripheral A selects the job selection field 702. Print the print job on a recording medium.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve efficient power saving by appropriately assigning a printing device that is always connected to a cloud service.

It is needless to say that the structure and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and may be composed of various structures and contents according to the use and purpose.

Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be implemented as, for example, a method, a program, a recording medium, or the like.

Further, the program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIG. 7.

As described above, the recording medium recording the program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. Needless to say, the object of the present invention can be achieved by reading and executing.

In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, and a silicon. A disk, a solid state drive, etc. can be used.

Further, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program read by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instructions of the program. It goes without saying that a case where a part or all of the processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is instructed based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, this also includes the case where the CPU or the like included in the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to the system or device. In this case, by reading the recording medium storing the program for achieving the present invention into the system or device, the system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, a database or the like on a network using a communication program, the system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

It should be noted that the present invention also includes all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof.

100 printing system 102 cloud print service 104 LAN
106 MFP 108 WAN

Claims (14)

A printing device that performs repeated communication with an information processing device,
Specifying means for specifying another printing device capable of performing the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy based on the usage status of the other printing device;
Requesting means for requesting the proxyable printing device identified by the identifying means to perform the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy;
In a state in which the repeated communication between the proxy requesting printing device and the information processing device is restricted, a communication unit that performs the proxy of the repeated communication with the requesting printing device with the information processing device,
Transition means for transitioning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by accepting an operation,
Accepting means for accepting a processing operation instruction to the information processing device;
When it is a proxy communications is the repetition of itself, and Rukoto accepting an operation instruction processing to that by the said reception means and said information processing apparatus, based on the transition to the normal mode by the changing means An instruction means for instructing another printing apparatus, which is performing the repeated communication, on behalf of the repeated communication, to cancel the repeated communication ,
A marking device comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies another printing apparatus in a normal mode as a proxy printing apparatus. The requesting unit itself performs proxy communication with another printing device that can perform proxy communication with the information processing apparatus by proxy, with respect to another proxyable printing device specified by the specifying unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus, including the printing apparatus, is requested to perform the repeated communication with the information processing apparatus by a proxy. The specifying means, a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the identifying behalf a printing device other printing devices that are utilized within a predetermined time. The specifying means, a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the identifying behalf a printing device with high printing device most frequently used among other printing devices. The specifying means, a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that specified by the print status of the other printing apparatus. The specifying unit specifies a proxyable printing device by a notification transmitted from each of the other printing devices at random time that the proxying is possible depending on the usage status of the other printing device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The specifying unit specifies another printing apparatus capable of performing the repeated communication with the information processing apparatus by a proxy based on the usage status of the other printing apparatus in order to transition to the power saving mode. printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in. A printing device that performs repeated communication with an information processing device,
Specifying means for specifying another printing device in a normal mode capable of performing the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy;
Requesting means for requesting the proxyable printing device identified by the identifying means to perform the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy;
In a state in which the repeated communication between the proxy requesting printing device and the information processing device is restricted, a communication unit that performs the proxy of the repeated communication with the requesting printing device with the information processing device,
Transition means for transitioning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by accepting an operation,
Accepting means for accepting a processing operation instruction to the information processing device;
While being delegated to the repeated communication of itself, the repetition is performed based on the acceptance of the processing operation instruction to the information processing device by the acceptance unit and the transition to the normal mode by the transition unit. Instruction means for giving an instruction to cancel the repeated communication to another printing apparatus which is performing the communication as a proxy,
A printing apparatus comprising: A printing device that is constantly connected to an information processing device,
Transition means for transitioning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by accepting an operation,
Accepting means for accepting a processing operation instruction to the information processing device;
When receiving an operation instruction processed by the receiving unit, based the state to restrict the communications to be repeated between itself and the information processing apparatus, by the transition means and that the transition to the normal mode, the own behalf And instructing means for instructing another printing device that is performing repeated communication with the information processing device to cancel the repeated communication,
A printing apparatus comprising: A printing system comprising a printing device that is constantly connected to an information processing device,
The printing device is
A specifying unit that specifies another printing apparatus capable of performing repeated communication with the information processing apparatus by proxy in order to transition to the power saving mode, based on the usage status of the other printing apparatus;
Requesting means for requesting the proxyable printing device identified by the identifying means to perform the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy;
In a state in which the repeated communication between the proxy requesting printing device and the information processing device is restricted, a communication unit that performs the proxy of the repeated communication with the requesting printing device with the information processing device,
Transition means for transitioning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by accepting an operation,
Accepting means for accepting a processing operation instruction to the information processing device;
While being delegated to the repeated communication of itself, the repetition is performed based on the acceptance of the processing operation instruction to the information processing device by the acceptance unit and the transition to the normal mode by the transition unit. Instruction means for giving an instruction to cancel the repeated communication to another printing apparatus which is performing the communication as a proxy,
A printing system characterized by having. A method for controlling a printing device that performs repeated communication with an information processing device, comprising:
The printing device is
A specific step of identifying another printing device capable of performing the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy in order to transition to the power saving mode, based on the usage status of the other printing device;
A request step of requesting the proxyable printing device identified by the identifying step to perform the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy;
In a state in which repeated communication between the proxy requesting printing device and the information processing device is restricted, a communication step of proxying the repeated communication with the requesting printing device with the information processing device,
A transition step of transitioning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by accepting an operation,
A receiving step of receiving a processing operation instruction to the information processing apparatus,
While being delegated to the repeated communication of itself, based on the acceptance of a processing operation instruction to the information processing device by the acceptance step and the transition to the normal mode by the transition step, the repetition An instruction step of instructing another printing device, which is performing the communication that is being performed, to cancel the repeated communication,
A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: The computer of the printing device that repeatedly communicates with the information processing device,
A specifying unit that specifies another printing apparatus capable of performing the repeated communication with the information processing apparatus by proxy in order to transition to the power saving mode, based on the usage status of the other printing apparatus;
Requesting means for requesting the proxyable printing device identified by the identifying means to perform the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy;
In a state in which the repeated communication between the proxy requesting printing device and the information processing device is restricted, a communication unit that performs the proxy of the repeated communication with the requesting printing device with the information processing device,
Transition means for transitioning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by accepting an operation,
Accepting means for accepting a processing operation instruction to the information processing device;
While being delegated to the repeated communication of itself, the repetition is performed based on the acceptance of the processing operation instruction to the information processing device by the acceptance unit and the transition to the normal mode by the transition unit. Instruction means for giving an instruction to cancel the repeated communication to another printing apparatus which is performing the communication as a proxy,
And a program to make it work. A method for controlling a printing system including a printing device that repeatedly communicates with an information processing device, comprising:
The printing device is
A specific step of identifying another printing device capable of performing the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy in order to transition to the power saving mode, based on the usage status of the other printing device;
A request step of requesting the proxyable printing device identified by the identifying step to perform the repeated communication with the information processing device by proxy;
In a state in which repeated communication between the proxy requesting printing device and the information processing device is restricted, a communication step of proxying the repeated communication with the requesting printing device with the information processing device,
A transition step of transitioning from the power saving mode to the normal mode by accepting an operation,
A receiving step of receiving a processing operation instruction to the information processing apparatus,
While being delegated to the repeated communication of itself, based on the acceptance of a processing operation instruction to the information processing device by the acceptance step and the transition to the normal mode by the transition step, the repetition An instruction step of instructing another printing device, which is performing the communication that is being performed, to cancel the repeated communication,
A method for controlling a printing system, the method comprising:

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