JP7107238B2 - Information processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for reducing power consumption of an information processing apparatus.

Conventionally, in an information processing device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripherals), a processor having a connection unit for connecting to a wired network, a communication control unit for communicating with an external network device via the connection unit, and a power mode are set to A power control unit that switches between a normal power mode that supplies power to all components of the information processing device and a power saving mode that supplies power to a part of the information processing device, and a connection unit and a packet processing unit connected between the processor and the processor (for example, Patent Document 1). In this conventional information processing apparatus, during power saving mode, the packet processing unit determines whether or not it is necessary to process the packet according to the packet received at the connection unit. Then, when determining that the packet needs to be processed, the packet processing unit further determines whether or not it is possible to process the packet using its own function. As a result, when it is determined that the packet processing unit cannot process the packet, the power control unit switches the power mode to the normal power mode.

JP 2013-242875 A

When power is being supplied to the processor in the conventional information processing apparatus described above, the packet processing unit does not operate the determination function described above. However, since the packet processing unit is connected between the connection unit and the processor, it is necessary to transfer packets received by the connection unit to the processor even in the normal power mode. Therefore, power is continuously supplied to the packet processing unit even in the normal power mode. However, when power is supplied to the packet processing unit in the normal power mode, the packet processing unit consumes power that is not necessary, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of power consumption reduction.

Also, the packet processing unit described above is connected to the processor via an internal bus. Therefore, in the normal power mode, when the processor responds to a packet received from the network, the response packet always passes through the internal bus and is sent out to the network via the packet processing section and connection section. Therefore, the conventional information processing apparatus has a problem that the transmission path is long when the processor sends out the response packet, and the power consumption is large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption as compared with the prior art.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus comprising: a connection unit for connecting a wired network; a first communication module connected to the connection unit; a first control means connected to perform processing according to data received from the wired network via the first communication module in a normal power state; a second communication module connected to the connection unit; second control means connected to a communication module and capable of making a proxy response to data received from the wired network via the second communication module in a power saving state; and the first control means in a normal power state. data processing means for performing data processing based on an instruction from the means; and energization control means for switching a power supply state between the normal power state and the power saving state, wherein the energization control means operates in the normal power state. in the power saving state, power is supplied to the first communication module, the first control means, and the data processing means, power supply to the second communication module and the second control means is stopped, and in the power saving state, The configuration is characterized in that the power supply to the first communication module, the first control means and the data processing means is stopped, and the power supply to the second communication module and the second control means is performed.

The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second communication module reflects the same network setting as the first communication module when power supply is started by the power supply control means. It is a configuration characterized by allowing

The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second control means responds to the continuity confirmation command when receiving the continuity confirmation command from the wired network in the power saving state. This configuration is characterized by making a proxy response.

The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second control means, when receiving data broadcasted over the wired network in the power saving state, responds to the data. This configuration is characterized by making a proxy response.

The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second control means makes a proxy response to data received from the wired network in the power saving state. In this configuration, a command for returning to the normal power state is output to the energization control means when it is not possible.

The invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first control means activates an operating system in the normal power state, and uses the functions of the operating system to control the wired connection. This configuration is characterized by performing response processing for data received from the network.

The invention according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power saving state includes a first power saving state transitioning from the normal power state and the first power saving state. and a second power saving state that further shifts from the second power saving state, wherein the power supply control means stops power supply to the first communication module, the first control means and the data processing means in the second power saving state. Also, power is supplied to the second communication module and the second control means.

The invention according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the power supply control means stops power supply to the data processing means when shifting from the normal power state to the first power saving state. , when shifting from the first power saving state to the second power saving state, stopping the power supply to the first communication module and the first control means, and to the second communication module and the second control means This configuration is characterized by starting power supply.

The invention according to claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first control means receives from the wired network via the first communication module in the first power saving state. This configuration is characterized by performing response processing for data.

The invention according to claim 10 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second control means makes a proxy response to data received from the wired network in the second power saving state. In this configuration, a command for returning to the first power saving state is output to the energization control means when it is not possible.

The invention according to claim 11 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data processing means performs predetermined image processing on the image data specified by the first control means. The configuration is characterized by comprising image processing means.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect further comprises image reading means for optically reading an image of a document, wherein the data processing means responds to instructions from the first control means. and job control means for controlling the image reading operation by the image reading means based on the job control means.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the information processing apparatus further comprises print output means for printing and outputting an image on a sheet, wherein the data processing means receives instructions from the first control means. The configuration is characterized by further comprising job control means for controlling the printing operation in the printout means based on.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the second control means while the first control means is operating, and power consumption can be reduced more than conventionally. become.

It is a figure which shows one structural example of an information processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing transitions of power supply states in the information processing apparatus; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power supply state when the information processing device is in a normal power state; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power supply state when the information processing device is in the first power saving state; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a power supply state when the information processing device is in the second power saving state; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing procedure for controlling the power state of an information processing device;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements common to each other in the embodiments described below are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of an information processing apparatus 1 that is an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of, for example, an MFP, has a plurality of functions such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a FAX function, and executes jobs specified by a user. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 43 that can be operated by a user, and can execute jobs such as scan jobs and copy jobs based on user operations performed on the operation panel 43 . The information processing device 1 is also connected to a wired network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and can communicate with other devices connected to the wired network 2 . For example, when the information processing apparatus 1 receives a print job via the wired network 2, the information processing apparatus 1 can print out based on the image data included in the print job by executing the print job. Note that the wired network 2 is simply referred to as the network 2 hereinafter.

When the information processing apparatus 1 has not been used by the user for a predetermined period of time or longer, the information processing apparatus 1 shifts the power supply state from the normal mode to the power saving mode in order to reduce power consumption. The normal mode is a normal power state in which power is supplied to most components of the information processing apparatus 1 and jobs specified by the user can be executed quickly. On the other hand, the power saving mode is a power saving state in which power consumption in the information processing apparatus 1 is reduced by stopping power supply to more components than in the normal mode among the components of the information processing apparatus 1. be. The information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has two power saving states, a first power saving state and a second power saving state, as power saving states. The first power saving state is a power state in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal power state by stopping power supply to some of the components to which power is supplied in the normal power state. The second power saving state is a power state in which power consumption is further reduced than in the first power saving state by stopping power supply to more components than in the first power saving state. The information processing apparatus 1 as described above will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 1 includes, as its components, a main control unit 10, a sub-control unit 20, an energization control unit 30, a connection unit 41, a storage unit 42, and an operation panel 43. , an image memory 46, a data processing unit 47, an automatic document feeder (ADF unit) 51, a scanner unit 52, a printer unit 53, a FAX unit 54, a human body detection sensor 55, and a power supply unit 56. I have. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 10, a sub-control unit 20, an energization control unit 30, a storage unit 42, an operation panel 43, an image memory 46, a data processing unit 47, a FAX unit 54, and Each of the human body detection sensors 55 is connected to the internal bus 9 , and configured so that they can mutually input and output data via the internal bus 9 .

The automatic document conveying section 51 takes out the document set by the user one by one and automatically conveys it to the document reading position by the scanner section 52 . The automatic document feeder 51 performs a document feed operation when, for example, a scan job, a copy job, a FAX transmission job, or the like is executed.

The scanner unit 52 optically reads a document set by a user to generate image data. The scanner unit 52 performs a document reading operation when, for example, a scan job, a copy job, a FAX transmission job, or the like is executed. When the document is automatically conveyed by the automatic document conveying section 51, the scanner section 52 performs a reading operation in synchronization with the automatic document conveying section 51 to read the image of the document when the document passes a predetermined document reading position. .

The printer unit 53 performs print output by forming an image on a sheet based on input image data. The printer unit 53 prints and outputs an image on a sheet when, for example, a print job, a copy job, a FAX reception job, or the like is executed.

The FAX unit 54 transmits and receives FAX data via a public telephone network (not shown). The FAX unit 54 operates when the information processing apparatus 1 executes a FAX transmission job or a FAX reception job.

The connection unit 41 is a connection unit for connecting the network 2, and is an interface for connecting a network cable connected to the network 2, for example. The connection unit 41 can output data received from the network 2 to both the main control unit 10 and the sub control unit 20 .

The storage unit 42 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 42 stores in advance an operating system program 42a and an application program 42b. Also, the storage unit 42 can store various image data.

The operation panel 43 serves as a user interface when a user operates the information processing apparatus 1 . The operation panel 43 includes a display unit 44 that displays an operation screen that can be operated by the user, and an operation unit 45 that receives user operations on the operation screen. For example, the display unit 44 is composed of a color liquid crystal display. Further, the operation unit 45 includes, for example, touch panel keys arranged on the screen of the display unit 44, push button keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 44, and the like.

The image memory 46 is a memory for temporarily storing image data acquired with execution of a job. For example, image data included in a print job to be printed, image data generated by a scan job, image data to be sent by FAX, and image data received by the FAX function are temporarily stored in the image memory 46. remembered.

The data processing unit 47 functions when a job is executed in the information processing apparatus 1 . That is, the data processing section 47 performs various data processing based on instructions from the first control section 12 . An automatic document feeder 51 , a scanner 52 , and a printer 53 are connected to the data processor 47 . The data processing section 47 also includes a job control section 48 and an image processing section 49 .

The job control unit 48 drives the automatic document feeder 51, the scanner unit 52, and the printer unit 53 based on instructions from the first control unit 12 of the main control unit 10, thereby controlling job execution. . For example, the job control unit 48 controls the image reading operation by the scanner unit 52 based on instructions from the first control unit 12 . The job control section 48 can also control printing operations in the printer section 53 based on instructions from the first control section 12 . Furthermore, the job control section 48 can also input/output image data to/from the FAX section 54 via the internal bus 9, and can also control FAX transmission/reception jobs.

The image processing unit 49 is a processing unit that performs image processing specified by the first control unit 12 of the main control unit 10 on the image data stored in the image memory 46 as the job is executed. For example, the image processing unit 49 can perform various image processing such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, resolution conversion, and color conversion on the image data stored in the image memory 46 .

The human body detection sensor 55 is a sensor that detects a human body existing within a predetermined range around the information processing apparatus 1 . For example, the human body detection sensor 55 is configured by an infrared sensor.

The power supply unit 56 is a processing unit that supplies power to each component of the information processing apparatus 1 . The power supply unit 56 can individually switch between supply and stop of power supply to each component of the information processing device 1 based on an instruction from the power supply control unit 30 . For example, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on to start supplying power to the information processing apparatus 1 from a commercial power supply, the power supply unit 56 turns most of the components of the information processing apparatus 1 on. Provides power to the element. After that, when the power supply unit 56 receives a command from the power supply control unit 30 to stop the power supply to some of the components while the power switch is turned on, the power supply unit 56 turns on the power supply control unit 30 to stop the power supply to the designated component. In addition, when the power supply unit 56 receives a command from the energization control unit 30 to restart the power supply to the component whose power supply has been stopped, the power supply unit 56 restarts the power supply to the component designated by the energization control unit 30. Let The power supply state in the information processing apparatus 1 is switched by such operation of the power supply unit 56 .

The power supply control unit 30 is a processing unit that controls the power supply state of the information processing device 1 . That is, the energization control unit 30 performs control to switch the power supply state of the information processing apparatus 1 by outputting the above-described command to the power supply unit 56 .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing transition of the power supply state in the information processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply state of the information processing apparatus 1 includes three states: a normal power state ST1, a first power saving state ST2, and a second power saving state ST3. When the information processing apparatus 1 is turned on and power supply is started, the power supply control unit 30 commands the power supply unit 56 to supply power in the normal power state ST1. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 operates in the normal power state ST1 immediately after the power is turned on.

When the information processing apparatus 1 is in the normal power state ST1 and the state in which the information processing apparatus 1 is not used by the user continues for a predetermined period of time (first predetermined period of time), the power supply control unit 30 instructs the power supply unit 56 to Outputs an instruction to stop power supply to some components. As a result, the power state of the information processing device 1 transitions from the normal power state ST1 to the first power saving state ST2 as indicated by an arrow F1. This first power saving state ST2 corresponds to a so-called sleep mode.

When the information processing apparatus 1 is in the first power saving state ST2 and the use by the user is detected, the power supply control unit 30 outputs a command to the power supply unit 56 to return to the normal power state ST1. As a result, the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 returns from the first power saving state ST2 to the normal power state ST1 as indicated by an arrow F2. Further, when the information processing apparatus 1 is in the first power saving state ST2 and the user does not use it for a further predetermined time (second predetermined time), the power supply control unit 30 causes the power supply unit 56 to command to turn off power to more components. As a result, the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 transitions from the first power saving state ST2 to the second power saving state ST3 as indicated by an arrow F3. The second power saving state ST3 corresponds to a so-called deep sleep mode, and is a power state in which power consumption is lower than that of the first power saving state ST2.

When the information processing apparatus 1 is in the second power saving state ST3 and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the power supply control unit 30 outputs a command to the power supply unit 56 to return to the first power saving state ST2. As a result, the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 returns from the second power saving state ST3 to the first power saving state ST2 as indicated by an arrow F4. Further, when the information processing apparatus 1 is in the second power saving state ST3 and the use by the user is detected, the power supply control unit 30 outputs a command to the power supply unit 56 to return to the normal power state ST1. . As a result, the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 returns from the second power saving state ST3 to the normal power state ST1 as indicated by an arrow F5.

The energization control unit 30 performs control to switch the power state among the normal power state ST1, the first power saving state ST2, and the second power saving state ST3 according to the operation state of the information processing device 1 as described above. .

The main control unit 10 comprehensively controls job execution operations in the information processing apparatus 1 . The main control section 10 is connected between the connection section 41 and the internal bus 9 . The main controller 10 includes a first communication module 11 and a first controller 12 . The main control unit 10 is supplied with power in the normal power state ST1 and the first power saving state ST2, and operates the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 . The first communication module 11 sets an IP address previously designated by an administrator to an interface connected to the network 2 when activated. One side of the first communication module 11 is connected to the connection section 41 and the other side is connected to the first control section 12 . The first communication module 11 performs communication control when the first control section 12 communicates with other devices via the network 2 . The first control unit 12 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown), and comprehensively controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 1 .

Here, the first communication module 11 and the connection section 41 are connected to each other by a parallel interface, and parallel data is transferred between the first communication module 11 and the connection section 41 . Since the internal bus 9 also transfers data as parallel data, the first control unit 12 inputs and outputs parallel data via the internal bus 9 . On the other hand, the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 are connected by a high-speed serial interface such as SerDes (SERializer/DESerializer), and data transfer is performed by converting parallel data into high-speed serial data. will be Therefore, the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 are configured to initialize and synchronize their high-speed serial interfaces at the time of startup associated with the start of power supply. When the initialization processing is completed, the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 can mutually input and output data.

Further, when power supply to the main control unit 10 is started and the initialization process described above is completed, the CPU of the first control unit 12 reads out the operating system program 42a from the storage unit 42 and executes it. This activates the operating system 13 in the first control unit 12 . This operating system 13 controls the first communication module 11, and through the internal bus 9, a storage unit 42, an operation panel 43, an image memory 46, a data processing unit 47, an energization control unit 30, a FAX unit 54, and a human body detection unit. Data input/output to/from each of the sensors 55 is generally controlled.

When the operating system 13 is activated in the first control unit 12, the first control unit 12 automatically reads out the application program 42b from the storage unit 42 and executes it by the functions of the operating system 13. FIG. This activates the application 14 in the first control unit 12 . The application 14 is an application for operating various functions of the information processing apparatus 1 via the operating system 13 . For example, the application 14 generates an operation screen when the user operates the operation panel 43 and outputs the operation screen to the operation panel 43 via the operating system 13 so that the operation screen that can be operated by the user is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 43. 44. Further, when operation information based on a user's operation performed on the operation screen is output from the operation panel 43 , the application 14 acquires the operation information via the operating system 13 . The application 14 performs various types of processing such as job setting processing based on the user's operation.

When the application 14 determines that the user's operation is a job execution instruction, the application 14 instructs the data processing unit 47 to execute the job via the operating system 13 . As a result, execution of the job specified by the user is started in the information processing apparatus 1 .

Further, when the first control unit 12 receives data via the network 2 in the normal power state ST1 and the first power saving state ST2, the function of the operating system 13 or the application 14 performs processing according to the received data. . For example, when the operating system 13 receives a print job via the network 2, it outputs the print job to the data processing unit 47 via the internal bus 9 and instructs execution of the print job. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 starts printing out based on the print job.

Further, when the operating system 13 receives a continuity confirmation command such as a PING command via the network 2 , it generates a response signal to the continuity confirmation command and sends the response signal to the network 2 . Also, when the operating system 13 receives data broadcast to the network 2 , it generates a response signal to the data and sends the response signal to the network 2 . Furthermore, when the operating system 13 receives a status confirmation command via the network 2 , it generates a response signal to the status confirmation command and sends the response signal to the network 2 .

On the other hand, when operating system 13 receives a command for which it cannot generate a response signal by itself via network 2 , it outputs the command to application 14 . The operating system 13 then acquires the response signal generated by the application 14 and sends the response signal to the network 2 .

As described above, when receiving data via the network 2 in the normal power state ST1 and the first power saving state ST2, the first control unit 12 generates a response signal for the data, and to return a response signal. Therefore, other devices such as computers connected to the network 2 can grasp the status of the information processing apparatus 1 in real time.

The sub control unit 20 is a control unit that operates when the power supply to the main control unit 10 as described above is stopped, generates a response signal to a simple command received from the network 2, and performs response processing. be. The sub-controller 20 is connected between the connection section 41 and the internal bus 9 in the same manner as the main controller 10 . The sub control unit 20 also includes a second communication module 21 and a second control unit 22 . The sub-controller 20 is supplied with power in the second power saving state ST3 and operates the second communication module 21 and the second controller 22 . The second communication module 21 reflects the same network settings as the first communication module 11 when it is activated. Therefore, when the second communication module 21 is activated, the interface of the second communication module 21 connected to the network 2 has an IP address previously specified by the administrator, which is the IP address set in the first communication module 11. is set to the same address as

One side of such a second communication module 21 is connected to the connection section 41 and the other side is connected to the second control section 22 . The second communication module 21 performs communication control when the second control unit 22 communicates with other devices via the network 2 . The second control unit 22 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown), and is configured to function as a proxy response unit 23 by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

Here, the second communication module 21 and the connection unit 41 are connected to each other by a parallel interface like the main control unit 10, and parallel data is transferred between the second communication module 21 and the connection unit 41. . The second control unit 22 also inputs and outputs parallel data via the internal bus 9 . On the other hand, the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22, like the main control unit 10, are connected by a high-speed serial interface such as SerDes, convert parallel data into high-speed serial data, and transfer the data. is done. Therefore, the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22 are configured to initialize and synchronize their high-speed serial interfaces at the time of startup associated with the start of power supply. When the initialization processing is completed, the second communication module 21 and the second control section 22 can mutually input and output data.

When the power supply to the sub-controller 20 is started and the initialization process described above is completed, the second controller 22 causes the proxy response section 23 to function. The proxy response unit 23 performs response processing to various commands received from the network 2 instead of the main control unit 10 . However, the proxy response unit 23 cannot respond to all commands to which the operating system 13 and the application 14 of the main control unit 10 can respond. In other words, the proxy response unit 23 can only respond to simple commands such as a connection confirmation command such as a PING command and data broadcast to the network 2 . Therefore, when the proxy response unit 23 receives data via the network 2 while in the second power saving state ST3, the proxy response unit 23 determines whether or not it can respond to the data by itself. If it is possible to respond, it generates a response signal and sends it to the network 2 . Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 can continue the second power saving state ST3.

On the other hand, when the response processing for the data received via the network 2 cannot be performed by itself, the proxy response unit 23 sends the energization control unit 30 via the internal bus 9 to the first power saving state ST2 or the normal power state. Output a return instruction to ST1. Along with this, the power supply control unit 30 restores the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 from the second power saving state ST3 to the first power saving state ST2 or the normal power state ST1.

In addition, the proxy response unit 23 outputs received data to the main control unit 10 via the internal bus 9 in response to outputting the return command to the energization control unit 30 . As a result, the main control section 10 can acquire the data received by the sub-control section 20 in the second power saving state ST3 and process the data. Data transfer between the sub-controller 20 and the main controller 10 may be performed via storage means such as the image memory 46 and the storage unit 42 connected to the internal bus 9. good.

Next, an example of each power state in the information processing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

First, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a power supply state when the information processing apparatus 1 is in the normal power state ST1. In FIG. 3, components to which power is supplied are indicated by solid lines, and components to which power supply is stopped are indicated by dashed lines. This also applies to FIGS. 4 and 5, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 3, when the information processing device 1 is in the normal power state ST1, the information processing device 1 includes the main control unit 10, the power supply control unit 30, the power supply unit 56, the connection unit 41, the storage unit 42, the operation Power is supplied to the panel 43 , image memory 46 , data processing unit 47 , automatic document feeder 51 , scanner unit 52 , printer unit 53 , FAX unit 54 and human body detection sensor 55 . That is, in the normal power state ST1, the information processing device 1 is in a state where only power supply to the sub-controller 20 is stopped. In the normal power state ST1 shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 1 can promptly start executing a job upon receiving a job execution instruction from the user.

Also, in the normal power state ST1, upon receiving a continuity check command or broadcast data via the network 2, the first control unit 12 generates a response signal, and transmits the response signal to the first communication module 11. to the network 2 via the At this time, the response signal sent from the first control unit 12 is sent to the network 2 without going through the internal bus 9 . Therefore, the information processing device 1 can shorten the transmission path when transmitting the response signal in the normal power state ST1 compared with the conventional one. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the power consumption in the normal power state ST1 compared to the related art, and improve the performance when the first control unit 12 transmits the response signal compared to the related art. It has the advantage of being able to

When the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 is the normal power state ST1 as shown in FIG. be. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 1 can prevent leakage current from occurring in the second control unit 22 when in the normal power state ST1, and the power consumed by the second control unit 22 can be reduced to zero. can do. Therefore, there is an advantage that the power consumption in the normal power state ST1 can be further reduced than before.

In the normal power state ST1, when the state of non-use by the user continues for a predetermined time (first predetermined time) or longer, the first control unit 12 instructs the energization control unit 30 to shift the power state to the first power saving state ST2. Send a transition command to For example, when a user's operation is not detected on the operation panel 43 and the user is not detected by the human body detection sensor 55 for a predetermined time or longer, the first control unit 12 issues a transition command to the energization control unit 30. Send out. As a result, the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 shifts from the normal power state ST1 to the first power saving state ST2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power supply state when the information processing device 1 is in the first power saving state ST2. As shown in FIG. 4, when the information processing device 1 is in the first power saving state ST2, the information processing device 1 includes the main control unit 10, the power supply control unit 30, the power supply unit 56, the connection unit 41, and the storage unit 42. , the operation unit 45 of the operation panel 43, the FAX unit 54, and the human body detection sensor 55 are supplied with electric power. On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 1 supplies power to the sub-controller 20 , the display 44 of the operation panel 43 , the image memory 46 , the data processor 47 , the automatic document feeder 51 , the scanner 52 , and the printer 53 . to stop As a result, when the power state transitions from the normal power state ST1 to the first power saving state ST2, power consumption in the information processing apparatus 1 is reduced compared to before.

In the first power saving state ST2, power supply to the data processing unit 47, automatic document feeder 51, scanner unit 52, and printer unit 53 is stopped, so jobs cannot be executed in the information processing apparatus 1. FIG. Therefore, when receiving the job execution instruction, the first control unit 12 sends the energization control unit 30 a command to return to the normal power state ST1. As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 returns from the first power saving state ST2 to the normal power state ST1 and enters a state in which the job can be executed.

For example, in the first power saving state ST2, when the first control unit 12 receives a print job via the network 2, it sends the power supply control unit 30 a command to return to the normal power state ST1. Further, in the first power saving state ST2, the first control unit 12 monitors whether or not a user's operation has been detected on the operation unit 45 of the operation panel 43 . Then, when the user's operation is detected by the operation unit 45, the first control unit 12 sends the energization control unit 30 a command to return to the normal power state ST1. The first control unit 12 also monitors whether or not the human body detection sensor 55 has detected the user around the information processing apparatus 1 . Then, when the user is detected by the human body detection sensor 55, the first control section 12 sends to the energization control section 30 a command to return to the normal power state ST1. Furthermore, the first control unit 12 also monitors whether the FAX unit 54 has received FAX data. When the FAX unit 54 receives the FAX data, the first control unit 12 sends the energization control unit 30 a command to return to the normal power state ST1.

Further, when in the first power saving state ST2, the first control unit 12 can generate a response signal and perform response processing in the same manner as in the normal power state ST1. For example, in the first power saving state ST2, when the first control unit 12 receives a conduction confirmation command or broadcast data via the network 2, it generates a response signal corresponding to the received data, The signal is sent to the network 2 via the first communication module 11 . Also at this time, the response signal sent from the first control unit 12 is sent to the network 2 without going through the internal bus 9 . Therefore, the information processing apparatus 1 can make the transmission path shorter than before even when transmitting the response signal in the first power saving state ST2, and the power consumption in the first power saving state ST2 can be reduced compared to the conventional case. can also be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 is in the first power saving state ST2, the second control unit 22 that performs the response process in the second power saving state ST3 detects that the power supply is stopped. maintain the status. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 1 can reduce the power consumed by the second control unit 22 to zero even in the first power saving state ST2. Therefore, there is an advantage that the power consumption in the first power saving state ST2 can be further reduced than before.

In the first power saving state ST2, if the state of non-use by the user continues for a predetermined time (second predetermined time) or longer, the first control unit 12 instructs the energization control unit 30 to change the power state to the second power saving state. Send a transition command to shift to ST3. For example, when the first control unit 12 is in the first power saving state, if a user's operation is not detected on the operation panel 43 and the user is not detected by the human body detection sensor 55 for a predetermined time or longer, the power is turned on. A transition command is sent to the control unit 30 . As a result, the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 shifts from the first power saving state ST2 to the second power saving state ST3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a power supply state when the information processing device 1 is in the second power saving state ST3. As shown in FIG. 5, when the information processing apparatus 1 is in the second power saving state ST3, the information processing apparatus 1 includes the sub-controller 20, the energization control section 30, the power supply section 56, the connection section 41, and the operation panel 43. power is supplied to the operation unit 45 and the FAX unit 54 . On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 10, a storage unit 42, a display unit 44 of an operation panel 43, an image memory 46, a data processing unit 47, an automatic document feeder unit 51, a scanner unit 52, a printer unit 53, Also, the power supply to the human body detection sensor 55 is stopped. As a result, when the power state transitions from the first power saving state ST2 to the second power saving state ST3, the power consumption in the information processing apparatus 1 is further reduced than before.

When shifting to the second power saving state ST3, power supply to the main control unit 10 is stopped, so the function of the first control unit 12 is completely stopped. At this time, the second communication module 21 in the sub-control unit 20 reflects the same settings as the network settings set in the first communication module 11 and starts up. Therefore, the sub control unit 20 can receive data transmitted to the information processing device 1 from the network 2 instead of the main control unit 10 .

When the second control unit 22 receives a connection confirmation command or broadcast data via the network 2 , the proxy response unit 23 functions to perform processing for sending out a response signal instead of the first control unit 12 . Therefore, even if the information processing apparatus 1 receives a continuity check command, a broadcast command, or the like while in the second power saving state ST3, the second power saving state ST3 can be continued.

Further, when the second control unit 22 receives data to which the second control unit 22 cannot respond via the network 2, it sends the energization control unit 30 an instruction to return to the first power saving state ST2. As a result, the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 shifts from the second power saving state ST3 to the first power saving state ST2, and the main control section 10 processes the received data. It should be noted that the power state may return from the first power saving state ST2 to the normal power state ST1 as the main control unit 10 starts processing the received data.

Further, when in the second power saving state ST3, the second control section 22 monitors whether or not a user's operation has been detected on the operation section 45 of the operation panel 43 . Then, when the user's operation is detected by the operation unit 45, the second control unit 22 sends the energization control unit 30 a command to return to the normal power state ST1. Furthermore, the second control unit 22 also monitors whether the FAX unit 54 has received FAX data. Then, when the FAX data is received by the FAX unit 54, the second control unit 22 sends the energization control unit 30 a command to return to the normal power state ST1.

Next, a processing procedure for controlling the power state in the information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for controlling the power state of the information processing device 1. As shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 shows a processing procedure performed by the energization control unit 30 of the information processing device 1 . The energization control unit 30 starts this process when the power switch of the information processing device 1 is turned on and power supply to the information processing device 1 is started. After starting this process, the energization control unit 30 performs a power-on process (step S10). In this power-on process, power supply to each component except for the sub-controller 20 is started, and the information processing apparatus 1 is operated in the normal power state ST1.

After that, the process by the energization control unit 30 shifts to a loop process (steps S11 to S23) for shifting the power state of the information processing apparatus 1. FIG. In this loop process, the energization control unit 30 first determines whether or not the current power state of the information processing device 1 is the normal power state ST1 (step S11). If it is in the normal power state ST1 (YES in step S11), the energization control unit 30 determines whether or not an instruction to shift to the first power saving state ST2 has been received from the first control unit 12 (step S12). , the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 is shifted to the first power saving state ST2 (step S13). On the other hand, if the command to shift to the first power saving state ST2 has not been received (NO in step S12), the energization control unit 30 continues the normal power state ST1.

If the current power state is not the normal power state ST1 (NO in step S11), the power supply control unit 30 determines whether or not it is the first power saving state ST2 (step S15). If it is in the first power saving state ST2 (YES in step S15), the energization control unit 30 determines whether or not an instruction to return to the normal power state ST1 has been received from the first control unit 12 (step S16). If the instruction to return to the normal power state ST1 has been received (YES in step S16), the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 is returned to the normal power state ST1 (step S17). Further, if the command to return to the normal power state ST1 has not been received (NO in step S16), the energization control unit 30 has received the command to shift to the second power saving state ST3 from the first control unit 12. It is determined whether or not (step S18), and if an instruction to shift to the second power saving state ST3 is received (YES in step S18), the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 is shifted to the second power saving state ST3. (Step S19). On the other hand, if the command to shift to the second power saving state ST3 has not been received (NO in step S18), the energization control unit 30 continues the first power saving state ST2.

If the current power state is not the first power saving state ST2 (NO in step S15), the power state of the information processing device 1 is the second power saving state. In this case, the energization control unit 30 determines whether or not an instruction to return to the normal power state ST1 has been received from the second control unit 22 (step S20), and has received an instruction to return to the normal power state ST1. If so (YES in step S20), the power state of information processing apparatus 1 is returned to normal power state ST1 (step S21). Further, if the command to return to the normal power state ST1 has not been received (NO in step S20), the energization control unit 30 has received the command to return to the first power saving state ST2 from the second control unit 22. It is determined whether or not (step S22), and if an instruction to return to the first power saving state ST2 has been received (YES in step S22), the power state of the information processing apparatus 1 is returned to the first power saving state ST2. (Step S23). On the other hand, if the instruction to return to the first power saving state ST2 has not been received (NO in step S22), the energization control unit 30 continues the second power saving state ST3.

Then, when the power switch of the information processing device 1 is not turned off (NO in step S14), the energization control unit 30 repeats the loop processing described above, and when the power switch is turned off (YES in step S14), End this process. Thus, the processing by the energization control unit 30 ends.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 10 is provided with the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12, and the sub-control unit 20 is provided with the second communication module 21 and the second control unit. 22 are provided. In the normal power state ST1 and the first power saving state ST2, the energization control unit 30 supplies power to the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12, and supplies power to the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22. Power supply is stopped, and in the second power saving state ST3, power supply to the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 is stopped, and power supply to the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22 is performed. I have to.

According to such a configuration, the power consumed by the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22 can be reduced to zero in the normal power state ST1 and the first power saving state ST2. There is an advantage that power can be reduced.

Also, the first control unit 12 can transmit and receive data to and from the network 2 via the first communication module 11 . In other words, the first control unit 12 can transmit and receive data to and from the network 2 without going through the internal bus 9 . Therefore, when the first control unit 12 responds to data received from the network 2, the response signal does not pass through the internal bus 9, so the power consumed by the internal bus 9 can be reduced.

Further, when shifting to the second power saving state ST3, the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment causes the second communication module 21 to reflect the same network setting as the first communication module 11 when the second communication module 21 is activated. I'm trying Therefore, other devices connected to the network 2 can continue communication with the information processing device 1 using the same network settings as before even when the information processing device 1 transitions to the second power saving state ST3. is possible.

Further, in the information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 are connected by a high-speed serial interface as described above, and the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 are connected to each other. are configured to serially transfer data to each other. In the case of such a configuration, since the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 perform one-to-one communication in synchronization, the transmission path connecting the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 The second control unit 22 cannot be connected by Therefore, in this embodiment, the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22 are also provided in the sub-control unit 20, and one-to-one communication is performed by synchronizing the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22. It is configured to allow According to such a configuration, in the normal power state ST1 and the first power saving state ST2, the power supply to the second communication module 21 and the second control section 22 in the sub-control section 20 can be collectively stopped. Thus, in the second power saving state ST3, the power supply to the first communication module 11 and the first control section 12 in the main control section 10 can be stopped collectively.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiment, and various modifications are applicable.

For example, in the above embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 is configured by an image processing apparatus such as an MFP, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 may be a dedicated machine having a single function, such as a dedicated copy machine, a dedicated printer, or a dedicated scanner. Also, the information processing apparatus 1 may be an information processing apparatus 1 such as a personal computer that does not have functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a FAX function, and a scanner function.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 and the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22 are connected by a high-speed serial interface to transfer parallel data. A case of mutual data transfer after conversion to high-speed serial data is illustrated. However, the data transfer method between the first communication module 11 and the first control unit 12 is not necessarily limited to the serial transfer method. Also, the data transfer method between the second communication module 21 and the second control unit 22 is not limited to the serial transfer method. For example, the main control unit 10 receives a job such as a print job from the network 2 and controls the execution of the job. 12 may employ a high-speed serial transfer method. On the other hand, since the sub-controller 20 does not send or receive such jobs, a parallel transfer method may be employed between the second communication module 21 and the second controller 22 .

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, an embodiment in which the second power saving state ST3 may return to the first power saving state ST2 has been exemplified. However, the energization control unit 30 may perform control to return to the normal power state ST1 each time the second power saving state ST3 is returned.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, as the power saving state of the information processing apparatus 1, there are two power saving states, the first power saving state ST2 and the second power saving state ST3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing apparatus 1 may have only one power saving state. In this case, one power saving state in the information processing apparatus 1 is preferably the same power state as the second power saving state ST3 described above.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the energization control unit 30 performs the power state transition processing or return processing based on the command from the first control unit 12 or the second control unit 22 is exemplified. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the energization control unit 30 constantly monitors the internal bus 9, the operation panel 43, the human body detection sensor 55, etc., determines whether or not the transition condition and the return condition for switching the power state are satisfied, and determines whether the determination result is You may make it perform a migration process and a return process based on.

Further, the components to which power is supplied or the components to which power supply is stopped in each power state described in the above embodiments are merely examples. Therefore, in each power state, power may be supplied to components other than the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20, other than the components described above, or vice versa. Additionally, power supply to components other than the components described above may be stopped.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the data processing section 47 includes the job control section 48 and the image processing section 49 as an example. However, the data processing section 47 may not include the job control section 48 and the image processing section 49 . In other words, the data processing section 47 is not necessarily limited to controlling job execution as long as it can perform some data processing based on instructions from the first control section 12 of the main control section 10. .

1 Information Processing Device 10 Main Control Section 11 First Communication Module 12 First Control Section (First Control Means)
20 sub control section 21 second communication module 22 second control section (second control means)
30 energization control unit (energization control means)
41 connection unit 47 data processing unit (data processing means)
48 job control section (job control means)
49 Image processing unit (image processing means)
52 scanner unit (image reading means)
53 Printer unit (print output means)

Claims (13)

a connection unit for connecting a wired network;
a first communication module connected to the connecting portion;
a first control means connected to the first communication module and performing processing according to data received from the wired network via the first communication module in a normal power state;
a second communication module connected to the connecting portion;
a second control means connected to the second communication module and capable of making a proxy response to data received from the wired network via the second communication module in a power saving state;
data processing means for performing data processing based on instructions from the first control means in the normal power state;
energization control means for switching a power supply state between the normal power state and the power saving state;
with
In the normal power state, the energization control means supplies power to the first communication module, the first control means, and the data processing means, and supplies power to the second communication module and the second control means. and stopping power supply to the first communication module, the first control means and the data processing means in the power saving state, and supplying power to the second communication module and the second control means. An information processing device characterized by: 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second communication module reflects the same network setting as said first communication module when power supply is started by said power supply control means. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second control means, when receiving a continuity confirmation command from said wired network in said power saving state, makes a proxy response to said continuity confirmation command. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when receiving data broadcast to the wired network in the power saving state, the second control means makes a proxy response to the data. The second control means outputs a command to return to the normal power state to the energization control means when a proxy response to data received from the wired network cannot be made in the power saving state. 5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The first control means according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first control means activates an operating system in the normal power state, and responds to data received from the wired network using a function of the operating system. The information processing device described. The power saving state has a first power saving state that transitions from the normal power state and a second power saving state that further transitions from the first power saving state,
The energization control means, in the second power saving state, stops the power supply to the first communication module, the first control means and the data processing means, and the power supply to the second communication module and the second control means. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied. The energization control means stops power supply to the data processing means when shifting from the normal power state to the first power saving state, and stops power supply to the data processing means when shifting from the first power saving state to the second power saving state. 8. An information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein power supply to said first communication module and said first control means is stopped, and power supply to said second communication module and said second control means is started. . 9. The information processing according to claim 7, wherein, in said first power saving state, said first control means performs response processing for data received from said wired network via said first communication module. Device. The second control means outputs a command to return to the first power saving state to the energization control means when a proxy response to data received from the wired network cannot be made in the second power saving state. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data processing means comprises image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on image data specified by said first control means. . image reading means for optically reading an image of a document;
further comprising
12. An information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said data processing means further comprises job control means for controlling an image reading operation by said image reading means based on an instruction from said first control means. print output means for printing and outputting an image on a sheet;
further comprising
12. An information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said data processing means further comprises job control means for controlling a printing operation in said printout means based on an instruction from said first control means.

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