JP6737203B2 - Combined device and control program for the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripherala), which is a multi-function digital image forming apparatus, and a composite apparatus including a plurality of independently operating apparatuses such as a server, and a control program for the apparatus.

In the office and the like, in addition to the above-mentioned MFP that mainly handles paper media, an information processing apparatus such as a server that handles electronic data is also used in many cases. It is also common to execute processing.

Therefore, for the purpose of simplifying the operation and management of the devices in the entire office, a plurality of devices that operate independently such as an MFP and an information processing device are housed in a single housing and a single multifunction device is installed. It is considered to be provided as.

In this case, since each device in the composite device can operate independently independently, an operation display unit such as an operation panel for displaying various display data such as an operation screen and for the user to operate, Of course, a configuration in which each device is provided separately and independently is also possible.

However, in this case, one multifunction device has a plurality of operation display units, which is not convenient for the user, and the operation display units are exposed to the outside, which increases the installation space for them. However, the significance of combining a plurality of devices into one as a composite device is diminished.

Therefore, it has been proposed to use one operation display unit so that each device can share the operation display unit, and selectively switch the connection between the operation display unit and each device with a selector as needed. ..

In this case, it is conceivable that one of the plurality of devices controls the switching of the connection between the operation display unit and each device by the selector.

However, in the case where one device performs the control of connection switching between the operation display unit and each device by the selector, there is the following problem.

JP2012-090014A

That is, each of the plurality of devices has an independent power source configuration, and each of the devices can independently turn on/off the power source and shift/return to the power saving mode. It is assumed that the plurality of devices are, for example, the image forming apparatus and the server, and that the image forming apparatus is switching the connection between the operation display unit by the selector, both the image forming apparatus and the server are in the power-on state, and the operation display unit displays the image. When connected to the forming apparatus, the display data generated by the image forming apparatus is displayed on the operation display unit. When the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode in this state, the operation display unit remains connected to the image forming apparatus.

When the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, if a server-specific job that does not use the image forming apparatus, that is, a job that does not require the image forming apparatus to return from the power saving mode is input to the server, the selector is selected. Is a state in which the image forming apparatus and the operation display unit are connected, in order to display the display data generated by the server on the operation display unit, after the image forming apparatus is once returned from the power saving mode, the selector It is necessary to execute connection switching under the control of the image forming apparatus and switch the selector to the server side. Therefore, the image forming apparatus is returned from the power saving mode only for the purpose of switching the selector to the server side, which causes a problem that power consumption and recovery time increase.

Note that Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-function peripheral that can automatically switch to an operation screen according to the requested image input/output processing when the normal power mode is entered by a request from the outside.

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique in which processing is executed by a single device, and is not a technique relating to one combined device having a plurality of independently operating devices. It was not possible to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problem at the time of shifting to the power saving mode that occurs when two operation display means are shared.

The present invention has been made in view of the above technical background, and includes first and second devices that operate independently, and operation display means shared by the first and second devices. In a multi-function device including a device, when one device that controls switching of a selector that switches the connection between the operation display unit and each device shifts to the power saving mode, another device does not have to cancel the power saving mode. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-function device and a control program for the same device that can display the display data of the above on the operation display unit.

The above problem can be solved by the following means.
(1) A composite device including first and second devices that operate independently, and operation display means shared by the first and second devices, the first and second devices Each includes a display memory for storing display data displayed on the operation display means, and a drawing control means for performing control for displaying the display data stored on the display memory on the operation display means. The apparatus further includes a selector capable of switching the connection between the operation display means and the drawing control means of the first or second apparatus, and switching control by the first apparatus, and the operation display means by the selector and the first or second Switching control means for executing connection switching with the drawing control means of the second device, wherein the drawing control means and the operation display means of the first device, which is responsible for the switching control of the switching control means, are connected. As described above, in the state where the selector is switched by the switching control unit, when the first device shifts to the power saving mode in which the switching control cannot be performed, before shifting to the power saving mode, The selector is preliminarily switched so that the drawing control means of the second device and the operation display means which are not responsible for the switching control of the switching control means are connected, and then the power saving mode is entered. Combined device.
(2) The first device instructs the second device to stop the output of the display data to the operation display means before performing the pre-switching of the selector, and then performs the pre-switching of the selector. The composite device according to item 1 above.
(3) If the first device returns from the power saving mode by a return request that does not require display of display data on the operation display unit after the power saving mode has been entered, the first device is 3. The composite device as described in 1 or 2 above, wherein the switching of the selector is not performed by the switching control means.
(4) When the first device returns to the power saving mode by a return request requiring display of display data on the operation display means after the first device shifts to the power saving mode, the first device is Confirmation of permission of switching of the selector by the switching control unit is performed with respect to the second device, and in the case of permission, the selector of the selector is connected so that the drawing control unit of the first device and the operation display unit are connected. 4. The composite device according to any one of items 1 to 3 above, which performs switching.
(5) When the first device switches the selector so that the drawing control means and the operation display means of the first device are connected after confirming the permission, the first device outputs the display data to the operation display means. 5. The composite device according to the above item 4, wherein the selector is switched in the started state.
(6) The first device, which is responsible for the switching control of the switching control means, is an image forming device, the second device is a server, and the image forming device can save the switching control of the selector. When shifting to the power mode, the selector is pre-switched so that the drawing control means of the server and the operation display means are connected before shifting to the power saving mode, and then the power saving mode is set. 6. The composite device according to any one of items 1 to 5 above, which makes a transition.
(7) After the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode, a return request based on a print job from an external device, which is a return request that does not require display of display data on the operation display unit, causes the power saving mode. 7. The composite apparatus according to item 6, wherein the image forming apparatus does not switch the selector when returning.
(8) Return based on a document set to a document reading device for performing scanning, which is a return request that requires display of display data on the operation display means after the image forming device shifts to the power saving mode. When returning from the power saving mode in response to a request, the image forming apparatus confirms with the server whether or not the switching control means permits switching of the selector. 8. The composite device according to the above 6 or 7, which switches the selector so that the operation display means is connected.
(9) A composite device comprising first and second devices that operate independently and operation display means shared by the first and second devices, wherein the first and second devices are Each has a display memory for storing display data displayed on the operation display means, and a drawing control means for performing control for displaying the display data stored in the display memory on the operation display means, and further, A selector capable of switching the connection between the operation display means and the drawing control means of the first or second device, and switching control by the first device, and the operation display means by the selector and the first or second device. Switching control means for executing connection switching with the drawing control means, and causing the computer of the first device in the composite device to cause the switching control means to execute switching control of the selector; In the case where the selector control is switched by the switching control means so that the drawing control means and the operation display means of the device of FIG. Prior to switching to the power saving mode, the selector was pre-switched so that the drawing control means of the second device and the operation display means which are not responsible for the switching control of the switching control means were connected. And a step of shifting to a power saving mode later, and a control program of the multi-function device.
(10) Before performing the pre-selection of the selector, after instructing the second device to stop the output of the display data to the operation display means, further executing the process of pre-selecting the selector in the computer. The control program for the composite device according to the above item 9.
(11) When the first device returns to the power saving mode by a return request that does not require display of display data on the operation display unit after the power saving mode has been entered, when the selector by the switching control unit selects 11. The control program for a composite device according to the above 9 or 10 which operates the computer so as not to perform switching.
(12) If the first device returns to the power saving mode by a return request that requires display of display data on the operation display unit after the power saving mode is entered, Then, confirmation of permission for switching of the selector by the switching control means is performed, and in the case of permission, processing for switching the selector is performed so that the drawing control means of the first device and the operation display means are connected. 12. The control program for a multifunction device according to any one of items 9 to 11 which is further executed by the computer.
(13) After confirming the permission, when the selector is switched so that the drawing control means of the first device and the operation display means are connected to each other, when the selector outputs the display data to the operation display means. 13. The control program for a multifunction device according to item 12, further causing the computer to execute a process of switching.
(14) The first device that is responsible for the switching control of the switching control means is an image forming device, the second device is a server, and the image forming device does not perform switching control of the selector. When shifting to the power mode, the selector is pre-switched so that the drawing control means of the server and the operation display means are connected before shifting to the power saving mode, and then the power saving mode is set. 14. The control program for a multifunctional device according to any one of items 9 to 13 above, which causes a computer of an image processing device to execute a process to be migrated.
(15) After the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode, a return request based on a print job from an external apparatus, which is a return request that does not require display of display data on the operation display unit, causes the power saving mode to change. 15. The control program for a compound device according to the preceding paragraph 14, which operates the computer so as not to switch the selector when returning.
(16) Return based on a document set to a document reading device for performing scanning, which is a return request that requires display of display data on the operation display means after the image forming device shifts to the power saving mode. When returning from the power saving mode in response to a request, the server confirms permission for switching of the selector by the switching control unit, and in the case of permission, the drawing control unit and the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus 16. The control program for a multifunction device according to item 14 or 15, which causes the computer to execute a process of switching the selector so that the computer is connected.

According to the inventions described in the above paragraphs (1) and (9), the selectors are switched by the switching control means so that the drawing control means and the operation display means of the first device for controlling the switching of the selectors are connected. In this state, when the first device shifts to the power saving mode in which the switching control cannot be performed, the drawing control means and the operation display of the second device not performing the switching control are performed before shifting to the power saving mode. The selector is pre-switched so that it is connected to the means, after which the first device goes into a power saving mode. Therefore, even when a job that does not need to return the first device from the power saving mode is submitted to the second device when the first device is in the power saving mode, Since the drawing control means and the operation display means of the second device are already connected and the screen of the second device side is displayed on the operation display means, the selector is connected to the second device and the operation display means. It is not necessary to return the first device from the power saving mode for the purpose of simply switching to the connection of 1), and it is possible to solve the problem that the power consumption and the recovery time increase.

According to the inventions described in the above paragraphs (2) and (10), since the output stop of the display data to the operation display means for the second device is instructed before the selector is switched in advance, the selector is switched in advance. Also, the output of the display data to the operation display means for the second device is stopped. That is, since the screen of the operation display means is turned off, the user can recognize that the multifunction device is in the power saving mode.

According to the inventions described in the above paragraphs (3) and (11), after the first device shifts to the power saving mode, the power saving mode is restored by a return request that does not require display of display data on the operation display means. In this case, the first device does not switch the selector. Therefore, when the user is operating by displaying the screen of the second device on the operation display means, the screen display is intended by switching the selector. There is no inconvenience that switching is performed without doing so and operation is hindered.

According to the inventions described in the above paragraphs (4) and (12), after the first device shifts to the power saving mode, it is returned from the power saving mode by a return request that requires display of display data on the operation display means. If so, the first device confirms with the second device permission for switching the selector, and in the case of permission, the drawing control means and the operation display means of the first device are connected. In addition, since the selector is switched, the screen display is unintentionally switched by switching the selector when the user is operating the screen by displaying the screen of the second device on the operation display means. Can be avoided.

According to the inventions described in the above paragraphs (5) and (13), the first device switches the selector so that the drawing control means and the operation display means of the first device are connected after the permission confirmation. In this case, since the selector is switched while the output of the display data to the operation display means is started, even if the screen on the second device side is displayed on the operation display means, the switching is performed without interposing the screen turn-off time. At the same time, the screen on the first device side is displayed on the operation display means. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the device is out of order.

According to the inventions described in the above (6) and (14), when the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode in which the selector switching control cannot be performed, the drawing of the server is performed before shifting to the power saving mode. After the selector is switched in advance so that the control unit and the operation display unit are connected, the power saving mode is entered, so that the image formation is performed only for switching the selector to the connection between the server and the operation display unit. There is no need to wake up the device from power saving mode.

According to the inventions described in the above paragraphs (7) and (15), after the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode, it is a return request from the external apparatus that does not require display of display data on the operation display means. When returning from the power saving mode by a return request based on a print job, the image forming apparatus does not switch the selector. Therefore, when the user is operating by displaying the screen on the server side on the operation display means, There is no inconvenience that the screen display is stopped and the operation is hindered by switching the selector.

According to the inventions described in (8) and (16) above, for performing a scan, which is a return request that requires display of display data on the operation display unit after the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode. When returning from the power saving mode due to a return request based on the original set to the original reading device, the image forming apparatus confirms with the server whether the selector switching is permitted. The selectors are switched so that the drawing control means and the operation display means are connected. Therefore, when the user is operating by displaying the screen on the server side on the operation display means, the screen is switched by the selectors. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience of the display unintentionally stopping.

It is a block diagram showing the composition of the compound device concerning one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an initial menu screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a setting operation screen to which a transition is made when a user operates an “IT function 1” button on the initial menu screen shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a setting operation screen to which a transition is made when the user operates an “MFP function 1 (copy)” button on the initial menu screen shown in FIG. 2. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode in the multifunction apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a compound device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A compound device comprises a plurality of devices that can operate independently. In this embodiment, as the plurality of devices, an image processing device 100 including an MFP that operates independently, and a server 200 including a personal computer or the like and capable of installing and executing a plurality of application programs are used. The image processing apparatus 100 and the server 200 are housed in a single housing to form the multifunction device 10. In the following description, the image processing apparatus is also called an MFP. It should be noted that the MFP 100 and the server 200 do not necessarily have to be housed in one housing, and the MFP 10 and the server 200 arranged adjacent to each other are also included in the multifunction device 10.

The multifunction device 10 includes the above-described MFP 100, the server 200, and one operation display unit 300 shared by both these devices.

Since the MFP 100 itself operates independently, it has a system control unit 102, a drawing control unit 103, a storage unit (not shown), and the like. The system control unit 102 controls the entire MFP 100, and has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). As will be described later, the stem control unit 102 controls the switching control unit 20, and switches the display data on the MFP 100 side and the display data on the server 200 side to display on the operation display unit 300. ..

Further, an engine control unit 106, a scanner control unit 107, an external interface (I/F) control unit 108, etc. are connected to the system control unit 102. The engine control unit 106 controls an engine unit that forms an image, and the scanner control unit 107 controls a scanner (document reading device) that reads a document. The engine control unit 106 and the scanner control unit 107 are Under the control of the system control unit 102, it accepts user operations, and executes functions such as a copy function, a printer function, and a scan function. The external interface control unit 108 controls the connection between a network such as a LAN and the MFP 100 based on a command from the system control unit 102.

The drawing control unit 103 has a display memory 105 called VRAM for storing the display data 104, and transfers the display data stored in the display memory 105 to the operation display unit 300 for display. The display data 104 is generated by combining a large number of display parts such as operation buttons and messages possessed by the device itself and stored in the display memory 105, and the contents of the display memory 105 are updated as necessary.

On the other hand, the server 200 also has a system control unit 202 and a drawing control unit 203 because it operates independently. The system control unit 202 controls the entire server 200, and has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown). Under the control of the system control unit 202, acceptance of a user operation, processing according to the accepted operation, and the like are executed. Further, the system control unit 202 can communicate with the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100, and if the display data of the server 200 is to be displayed on the operation display unit 300, the system control unit 202 makes a connection request to the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100. The selector 30 is switched to the server 200 side by the control of the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100 which receives the connection request, and the display data on the server 200 side is displayed on the operation display unit 300.

The drawing control unit 203 has a display memory 205 that stores the display data 204. The display control unit 203 transfers the display data stored in the display memory 205 to the operation display unit 300 to display the data, or is stored in the own device. The display data 204 is generated by combining a large number of display parts such as operating buttons and messages, and stored in the display memory 205, and the contents of the display memory 205 are updated as necessary.

The server 200 has a storage device such as a hard disk device and an external interface control unit 206 in addition to the system control unit 202 and the drawing control unit 203. The external interface control unit 206 controls the connection between a network such as a LAN and the server 200 based on a command from the system control unit 202.

The operation display unit 300 is a display device including, for example, a liquid crystal device, and has a touch panel laminated on the surface thereof. As a result, when the user touches the screen, touch information indicating touch coordinates is transmitted to the MFP 100 or the server 200 via an input/output interface (not shown), and the MFP 100 or the server 200 executes a process corresponding to the touched coordinate data. Alternatively, the display data stored in the display memories 105 and 205 is transferred to the operation display unit 300 for display.

In this embodiment, since the single operation display unit 300 is shared by the MFP 100 and the server 200, the multifunction device 10 includes the selector 30 and the switching control unit 20.

The selector 30 switches the connection between the drawing control units 103 and 203 of the MFP 100 and the server 200 and the operation display unit 300. That is, when the selector 30 switches the connection between the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 and the operation display unit 300, the display data 104 stored in the display memory 105 of the MFP 100 is displayed in the operation display unit 300 via the selector 30. Transferred and displayed. When the user operates the operation screen on the MFP 100 side displayed on the operation display unit 300, touch information is transmitted from the operation display unit 300 to the MFP 100 via an input/output interface (not shown).

When the selector 30 switches the connection between the drawing control unit 203 of the server 200 and the operation display unit 300, the display data 204 stored in the display memory 205 of the server 200 is displayed in the operation display unit 300 via the selector 30. Transferred and displayed. When the user operates the operation screen of the server 200 displayed on the operation display unit 300, touch information is transmitted from the operation display unit 300 to the server 200 via an input/output interface (not shown). It

The switching control unit 20 controls connection switching by the selector 30 according to a control signal from the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100. That is, when the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100 displays its own display data on the operation display unit 300, the switching control unit 20 so that the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 and the operation display unit 300 are connected by the selector 30. To control. On the other hand, when the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100 receives the connection request from the system control unit 202 of the server 200, the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100 causes the selector 30 to draw the drawing control unit 203 and the operation display unit 300 of the server 200. The switching control unit 20 is controlled so that is connected.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the operation display unit 300 is shared by the MFP 100 and the server 200, one operation display unit 300 is sufficient, and compared with the case where the operation display unit 300 is provided for each device. The number of operation display units 300 is small, the operability is good, the installation space for the operation display units 300 is small, and the size of the multifunction device 10 can be reduced accordingly.

Further, the system control units 102 and 202 of the MFP 100 and the server 200 are communicatively connected to each other via the communication unit 11, and can mutually transmit and receive display data and various kinds of information, and as described above. The system control unit 202 of the server 200 can issue a connection request to the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100.

The communication unit 11 may be configured using, for example, a USB interface or the like, or may be configured via a network.

Next, the screen displayed on the operation display unit 300 will be described.

In this embodiment, in the non-use state (initial state) of the multifunction device 10, the selector 30 is set by the switching control unit 20 so as to connect the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 and the operation display unit 300. An initial menu screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on 300 as an initial screen. In this embodiment, this initial menu screen is a screen based on display data created on the side of the MFP 100, and function buttons indicating respective functions of the server 200 and the MFP 100 that can be used by the user are displayed. The initial menu screen may be a screen based on the display data created on the server 200 side.

On the initial menu screen, the function buttons of "IT function 1", "IT function 2", "IT function 3", and "IT function 4" displayed below the "Server function" item correspond to the respective functions on the server 200 side. A function button group 210 for using. Further, each function of “MFP function 1 (copy)”, “MFP function 2 (scan)”, “MFP function 3 (fax)”, and “MFP function 1 (box)” displayed below the “MFP function” item. The button is a function button group 110 for using the copy function, the scan function, the facsimile function, and the box function which are the functions of the MFP 100 side. The box function is a function using a storage area called a box, and is, for example, a function of storing a scanned document or the like in the box or transmitting a document or the like stored in the box to the outside.

When the user performs a touch operation on any of the function buttons, the touch operation is detected by the touch panel, and operation information corresponding to the touch operation is notified to the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100.

For example, when the user operates any button in the function button group 210 for using the function of the server 200, the system control unit 102 of the server 100 notifies the system control unit 202 of the server 200 that the function button has been operated. To notify. Upon receiving the notification, the system control unit 202 of the server 200 causes the drawing control unit 203 to generate the display data of the corresponding screen and issues a connection request to the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100.

Upon receiving this request, the system control unit 102 of the server 100 controls the switching control unit 20 so that the selector 30 connects the drawing control unit 203 of the server 200 and the operation display unit 300. As a result, the connection of the operation display unit 300 is switched from the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 to the drawing control unit 203 of the server 200, and the display data on the server 200 side is displayed on the operation display unit 300. For example, when the user operates the "IT function 1" button 211, the IT function 1 setting operation screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

On the other hand, in the initial menu screen of FIG. 2, when the user operates any button in the function button group 110 for using the function of the MFP 100 side, the MFP 100 responds based on the notified operation information. Create the display data of the operation screen of the function. Then, the system control unit 102 of the server 100 controls the switching control unit 20 so that the selector 30 connects the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 and the operation display unit 300. If already connected, the connection is maintained and the display data on the side of the MFP 100 is displayed on the operation display unit 300. For example, when the user operates the “MFP function 1 (copy)” button 111, the MFP copy setting operation screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.

When the user presses a setting button on each of the setting operation screens shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to perform the setting, the corresponding operation information is notified to the MFP 100 or the server 200. The MFP 100 or the server 200 performs necessary processing according to the operation information, or creates display data of a screen to transit to next. The system control unit 102 of the MFP 100 controls the switching of the selector 30 via the switching control unit 20 as necessary, and the display data created by the MFP 100 or the server 200 is displayed on the operation display unit 300.

When the operation ends, the display screen of the operation display unit 300 returns to the initial menu screen of FIG.

By the way, both the MFP 100 and the server 200 are set to shift to a power saving mode in order to suppress power consumption when an operation is not performed for a preset period of time. However, in this embodiment, since the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100 is responsible for the switching control of the selector 30 by the switching control unit 20 and the server 200 is not responsible for the control, when the MFP 100 shifts to the power saving mode, The problem like this occurs.

That is, when the operation display unit 300 is connected to the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 and the MFP 100 shifts to the power saving mode, the operation display unit 300 remains connected to the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 and the screen is turned off. Will be done.

At this time, if a server-specific job that does not use the MFP 100, that is, a job that does not need to be returned from the image power mode of the MFP 100 is submitted to the server 200, the selector 30 is in a state in which the MFP 100 and the operation display unit 300 are connected. Therefore, in order to display the display data generated by the server 200 on the operation display unit 300, the system control unit 202 of the server 200 issues a connection request to the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100, and once the MFP 100 is brought out of the power saving mode. After the restoration, it is necessary to switch the connection by the selector 30 under the control of the MFP 100 and switch the selector 30 to the server 200 side. Therefore, the MFP 100 is returned from the power saving mode only for the purpose of switching the selector 30 to the server 200 side, which increases power consumption and recovery time.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the switching control unit 20 switches the selector 30 so that the drawing control unit 103 and the operation display unit 300 of the MFP 100 are connected to each other. When transitioning to the power mode, the selector 30 of the selector 30 is connected so that the drawing control unit 203 of the server 200 that is not responsible for the switching control of the switching control unit 20 and the operation display unit 300 are connected before shifting to the power saving mode. After performing the advance switching, the power saving mode is entered.

In this manner, since the selector 30 is switched in advance and the MFP 100 then shifts to the power saving mode, it is necessary to cause the server 200 to return the MFP 100 from the power saving mode when the MFP 100 is in the power saving mode. Even if a job without a job is submitted, the drawing control unit 203 of the server 200 and the operation display unit 300 are already connected, and the screen of the server 200 is displayed on the operation display unit 300. Therefore, it is not necessary to return the MFP 100 from the power saving mode for the purpose of merely switching the selector 30 to the connection between the server 200 and the operation display unit 300, and it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption and recovery time.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the MFP 100 and the server 200 when the MFP 100 of the multifunction device 10 shifts to the power saving mode. The operation of the MFP 100 shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU (not shown) provided in the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100 operating according to an operation program stored in a ROM (not shown), etc. The CPU (not shown) provided in the system control unit 202 of the server 200 is executed by operating according to an operation program stored in a ROM (not shown) or the like.

When shifting to the power saving mode, the MFP 100 determines in step S101 whether the selector 30 is connected to the operation display unit 30 on the MFP 100 side. If connected (Y in step S101), the server screen is instructed to be turned off in step S102, the selector 30 is switched to the server 200 side via the switching control unit 20 in step S103, and then the process proceeds to step S104. That is, the selector 30 is switched to the server 200 side in advance before shifting to the power saving mode. If the selector 30 does not connect the MFP 100 side to the operation display unit 30 in step S101, that is, if the server 200 side connects to the operation display unit 30 (N in step S101), the process directly proceeds to step S104. Then, in step S104, the MFP 100 shifts to the power saving mode.

If there is a job input (return request) to the MFP 100 in step S105 during the power saving mode, the process returns from the power saving mode in step S106. Next, in step S107, it is determined whether or not the return request by the input job is a return request that requires the display of the screen of the MFP 100 side. An example of a return request that needs to be displayed on the screen is a return request based on a document set to a document reading device for scanning. An example of a return request that does not need to be displayed on the screen is a return request based on a print job from an external device.

If the return request requires the display of the screen on the MFP 100 side (Y in step S107), the server 200 is checked in step S108 to determine whether or not the selector 30 may be switched to the connection with the MFP 100 side. Then, in step S109, it is determined whether or not the response from the server 200 is switching permission.

If the switching is permitted (Y in step S109), the selector 30 is switched to the MFP 110 side via the switching control unit 20 in step S110, and then the job is executed in step S111. Note that, when the MFP 100 switches the selector 30 so that the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 and the operation display unit 300 are connected after confirmation of permission, the output of display data to the operation display unit 300 is started. It is preferable to switch the selector 30. As a result, even if the screen on the server 200 side is displayed on the operation display unit 300, the screen on the MFP 100 side is displayed on the operation display unit 300 at the same time as switching without interposing the screen turn-off time. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the device is out of order.

If it is determined in step S107 that the display on the screen of the MFP 100 is not a required return request (N in step S107), the process directly proceeds to step S111 to execute the job. Therefore, in this case, the selector 30 does not switch the connection and the connection between the drawing control unit 203 of the server 200 and the operation display unit 300 is maintained. As described above, when the MFP 100 returns from the power saving mode by the return request that does not require the display of the display data on the operation display unit 300 after entering the power saving mode, the MFP 100 does not switch the selector 30. When the screen of the server-200 is displayed on the operation display unit 300 and the user is operating, there is no inconvenience that the screen display is unintentionally switched by switching the selector 30 and the operation is disturbed. ..

Even when the switching is not permitted in step S109 (N in step S109), the process directly proceeds to step S111 to execute the job. In this case also, the connection switching by the selector 30 is not performed, and the connection between the drawing control unit 203 of the server 200 and the operation display unit 300 is maintained.

On the other hand, the server 200 receives the screen turn-off instruction (step S102) from the MFP 100, and stops the output of the display data to the operation display unit 300 in step S121. This turns off the display screen. Therefore, the operation display unit 300 is turned off after the MFP 100 shifts to the power saving mode, and a user who wants to use the multifunction device 10 can recognize that the multifunction device 10 is in the power saving mode.

When a job is submitted to the server 200 in step S122, the drawing control unit 203 of the server 200 creates corresponding display data and outputs it to the operation display unit 300. Since the MFP 100 has switched the selector 30 to the server 200 side in advance, the drawing control unit 203 and the operation display unit 300 of the server 200 are already connected. Therefore, the screen of the server 200 is operated in step S123. It is displayed on the display unit 300. That is, it is not necessary to return the MFP 100 from the power saving mode in order to have the selector 30 switch to the server 200 side, and the screen of the server 200 side can be displayed on the operation display unit 300.

Then, the server 200 executes the input job in step S124, and after execution, turns off the display screen in step S125.

When there is an inquiry from the MFP 100 as to whether the selector 30 can be switched (step S108), the server 200 determines whether the selector 30 can be switched in step S126. For example, when the server 200 is operating and the screen is displayed on the operation display unit 300, the MFP 100 is notified that switching is not possible.

As described above, when the MFP 100 returns to the power saving mode by the return request that requires the display of the display data on the operation display unit 300 after entering the power saving mode, the MFP 100 instructs the server 200 to select the selector 30. The permission confirmation for the switching is performed, and when the switching is permitted, the selector 30 is switched so that the drawing control unit 103 of the MFP 100 and the operation display unit 300 are connected. When the switching is not possible, the switching is not performed. Therefore, when the screen on the server 200 side is displayed on the operation display unit 300 and the user is operating, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the screen display is unintentionally switched by switching the selector.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the case where the system control unit 102 of the MFP 100 is responsible for the switching control of the selector 30 by the switching control unit 20 has been described, but the system control unit 202 of the server 200 may be responsible. In this case, the system control unit 202 of the server 200 switches the selector 30 in advance so as to be connected to the MFP 100 side when the power saving mode of the server 200 shifts.

Further, the case where the plurality of devices are the MFP 100 and the server 200 has been described, but the plurality of devices may be other devices, and is a composite device in which one operation display unit 300 is shared by three or more devices. You can have it.

10 compound device 20 switching control unit 30 selector 100 image forming apparatus 102 system control unit 103 drawing control unit 104 display data 105 display memory 200 server 202 system control unit 203 drawing control unit 204 display data 205 display memory 300 operation display unit

Claims (16)

A composite device comprising first and second devices that operate independently, and operation display means shared by the first and second devices,
The first and second devices respectively include a display memory for storing display data displayed on the operation display means, and a drawing for performing control for displaying the display data stored in the display memory on the operation display means. And a control means,
The compound device further includes
A selector capable of switching the connection between the operation display means and the drawing control means of the first or second device;
Switching control means that is switching-controlled by the first device, and executes connection switching between the operation display means by the selector and the drawing control means of the first or second device,
Equipped with
The first device in a state in which the selector is switched by the switching control device so that the drawing control device and the operation display device of the first device that is responsible for the switching control of the switching control device are connected. When shifting to the power saving mode in which the switching control cannot be performed, the drawing control means and the operation display means of the second device which are not responsible for the switching control of the switching control means before shifting to the power saving mode. A composite device, wherein the selector is switched in advance so as to be connected to, and then the power saving mode is entered. The first device performs the pre-switching of the selector after instructing the second device to stop the output of the display data to the operation display means before performing the pre-switching of the selector. The combined device according to. When the first device returns to the power saving mode by a return request that does not require the display of the display data on the operation display device after shifting to the power saving mode, the first device controls the switching control device. The composite device according to claim 1, wherein the selector is not switched by the method. If the first device returns to the power saving mode by a return request that requires display of display data on the operation display unit after the power saving mode is entered, the first device is set to the second device. Confirmation of permission of switching of the selector by the switching control means is performed with respect to the device, and in the case of permission, switching of the selector is performed so that the drawing control means of the first device and the operation display means are connected. The composite device according to claim 1. When the first device switches the selector so that the drawing control means and the operation display means of the first device are connected after confirmation of permission, the first device starts outputting display data to the operation display means. The composite apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the selector is switched by. The first device responsible for switching control of the switching control means is an image forming device, the second device is a server,
When the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode in which the selector switching control cannot be performed, the drawing control means of the server and the operation display means are connected before shifting to the power saving mode. The composite apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composite apparatus shifts to a power saving mode after performing the pre-switching of the selector. When returning from the power saving mode by a return request based on a print job from an external device, which is a return request that does not require display of display data on the operation display unit after the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode 7. The composite apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus does not switch the selector. After the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode, a return request that requires display of display data on the operation display unit, which is a return request based on an original set to an original reading apparatus for performing scanning, is saved. When returning from the power mode, the image forming apparatus confirms with the server whether or not the switching control means permits switching of the selector, and in the case of permission, the drawing control means and the operation display means of the image forming apparatus. 8. The composite device according to claim 6, wherein the selector is switched so that and are connected to each other. A compound device comprising first and second devices operating independently and operation display means shared by the first and second devices,
The first and second devices respectively include a display memory for storing display data displayed on the operation display means, and a drawing for performing control for displaying the display data stored in the display memory on the operation display means. And a control means,
further,
A selector capable of switching the connection between the operation display means and the drawing control means of the first or second device;
Switching control means that is switching-controlled by the first device, and executes connection switching between the operation display means by the selector and the drawing control means of the first or second device,
A computer of the first device in a compound device comprising:
Causing the switching control means to perform switching control of the selector,
With the selectors switched by the switching control means so that the drawing control means of the first device and the operation display means are connected to each other, a power saving mode in which switching control of the selectors cannot be performed is performed. When making a transition, prior to the transition to the power saving mode, the selector is pre-switched so that the drawing control means and the operation display means of the second device that are not responsible for the switching control of the switching control means are connected. And the step of transitioning to the power saving mode,
A control program for a compound device for executing the. A method of causing the computer to further execute a process of pre-selecting the selector after instructing the second device to stop output of display data to the operation display unit before performing the pre-selection of the selector. 9. The control program for the composite device according to item 9. After the first device shifts to the power saving mode, when the power saving mode is restored by a return request that does not require display of the display data on the operation display unit, the selector is switched by the switching control unit. 11. The control program for a compound device according to claim 9, which causes the computer to operate so as not to operate. When the first device shifts to the power saving mode and then returns from the power saving mode due to a restoration request that requires display of display data on the operation display means, switching to the second device is performed. The control unit confirms permission for switching the selector, and if the permission is permitted, the computer is provided with a process for switching the selector so that the drawing control unit of the first apparatus and the operation display unit are connected. The control program for a multifunctional device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which is further executed. When the selector is switched so that the drawing control means and the operation display means of the first device are connected after confirming the permission, the selector is switched while the output of the display data to the operation display means is started. The control program for a multifunction device according to claim 12, further causing the computer to execute a process. The first device responsible for switching control of the switching control means is an image forming device, the second device is a server,
When the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode in which the selector switching control cannot be performed, the drawing control means of the server and the operation display means are connected before shifting to the power saving mode. 14. The control program for a multifunction apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising causing a computer of the image processing apparatus to execute a process of shifting to a power saving mode after performing the pre-switching of the selector. When returning from the power saving mode by a return request based on a print job from an external device, which is a return request that does not require display of display data on the operation display unit after the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode 15. The control program for a multifunction apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the computer operates the computer so as not to switch the selector. After the image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode, a return request that requires display of display data on the operation display unit, which is a return request based on an original set to an original reading apparatus for performing scanning, is saved. When returning from the power mode, confirmation of permission of switching of the selector by the switching control unit is performed with respect to the server, and in the case of permission, the drawing control unit and the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus are connected. 16. The control program for a multifunctional device according to claim 14, which causes the computer to execute the processing for switching the selector.

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