JPH06183102A - Controlling system for printer power supply - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a printer electric source administrative system capable of properly performing ON-OFF control on the electric source of a printer connected to networks. CONSTITUTION:There is prepared a communicator that operates to notify respective printers 541-54N connected to a communication cable 52 of the ON-OFF condition of the electric source of a printer 101. Also, there is prepared an indication controller 58 for controlling the indication of an ON-OFF condition of these printers 541-54N on a printer electric source administrative device 53. Furthermore, an electric source control administrator 96 capable of separately performing ON-OFF control on the electric source of the printer 101 of the printers is arranged, so that ON-OFF control can be executed for the electric source of the printer 101 of the printers at the side of the printer electric source administrative device 53 as required.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer power management system which manages on / off of power supplies in a network system in which a plurality of printer devices are connected via a transmission line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 22 shows an example of a conventionally used network system. This system is composed of a print data creation source 11 and a network printer device group 12 connected to the print data creation source 11 via some transmission path. Here, the print data creation source 11
Includes a print data generation unit 13 that generates print data. For example, when print data relating to a form is created, print data applied to a specific format of the form is created from data stored in a magnetic disk (not shown) in the print data generating unit 13.

The generated print data 14 is stored as a spool file (temporary storage file) in a state in which destination information is added to a print data storage unit 15 composed of a magnetic disk or the like. The channel connection transfer controller 17, the remote connection transfer controller 18, or the LAN (local area network) connection transfer controller 19 are sequentially read from here and are sent to the network printer device group 12. Supplied to either.

Here, the channel connection transfer controller 17
The network printer device group 12 is connected to the channel connection printer device group 21 by a communication cable, and the print data is transferred to the corresponding printer device among these. The transfer control unit for remote connection 18 uses the telephone network, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), or other network to provide the remote printer device group 2
The printer 2 is connected to the printer 2, and print data is transferred to the corresponding printer device. The LAN connection transfer control unit 19 is connected to a LAN printer device group 23 that forms a local area network such as Ethernet laid in the premises of a business office, and transfers print data to a corresponding printer device among these. Is supposed to do.

FIG. 23 shows another example of a conventionally used network system. This is "Introduction Net Ware" published by SOFTBANK BOOK
Are shown in. Here, Ethernet 3
A plurality of print data generation sources 33 and 34 are connected to the printers 1 and 32, and these are connected to a plurality of printer devices 37 and 38 via routers 35 and 36, respectively.
Also, in the figure, the Ethernet 31 arranged on the upper side and the Ethernet 32 arranged on the lower side are respectively the router 4
It is connected via 1 and 42 to a line network 43 including an ISDN, a high speed digital communication network, a public telephone line and the like.

As a result, in this network system, for example, the print data created by any print data creation source 33 in the Ethernet 31 shown in the upper side of the figure can be printed by designating the printer device 37 of its own network. Besides, it is also possible to specify and print any LAN printer device 38 of another Ethernet 32 at a remote place via the network 43. The print data created by any of the print data creators 34 shown in the lower part of the figure can be printed by designating the LAN printer device 38 in the same system, and also via a network 43. It is also possible to specify and print any LAN printer device of the Ethernet 31.

[0007]

FIG. 23 shows such a network system including a plurality of printer devices.
The channel connection printer device group 21 connected by the channel connection transfer control unit 17 shown in (1) is usually arranged at a position relatively close to the print data creation source. However, particularly in the case of the remote printer device group 22, since the connection is made via the line, the remote printer device group 22 is usually far away from the print data creation source. For example, if the print data creation source is located in the head office in Tokyo, some of the remote printer devices 22 are located in the Osaka branch office, and some are located in the Hokkaido branch office.

Further, the LAN printer device group 23 is not necessarily arranged at a position where the print data creation source is easy to manage. For example, when the print data creation source is in the computer room on the first floor of the head office building, the LAN printer device located in the accounting section is located on the fifth floor of the building, and the LAN located in the general affairs section is located next to the head office building. It is located on the 3rd floor of the building.

As seen from the origin of the print data,
It is often the case that respective printer devices as output destinations of print data are arranged at positions where it is difficult to grasp their status. Therefore, when transmitting the print data to the printer device, it is necessary to confirm whether or not the power is on. As described above, in the case of the channel connection transfer control unit 17, it is easy to confirm because they are arranged in relatively close positions, and if the power is off, turn on the power. The procedure for transmitting the print data may be performed.

However, the remote printer device group 22
In the case of the LAN printer device group 23, it is necessary to check the respective printer device managers by telephone and request power-on when the device power is off. However, there are cases where the administrator of these printers or those who can operate them are absent due to holidays or nights, in which case print data cannot be sent to the desired destination printer. It was Of course, L
In the case of the AN printer device group 23, since the respective devices are arranged on the premises of the business office, if the operator who created the print data goes to that place, the printer device is powered on. be able to. However, this requires the trouble of going to other buildings on the premises even at night or on a rainy day, which requires a great deal of labor for the operator.

On / off management of power supply in a network system is difficult because the number of printers connected to the network increases and the number of requests and manual work for power on / off increases. . Further, if the user forgets to turn off the power, a considerable amount of power energy is wasted in the entire system, and problems such as shortening the life of various parts such as the heat fixing device of the printer are caused. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer power management system capable of appropriately controlling the power supply of a printer connected to a network.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the invention, printing is performed based on (a) a transmission line such as a communication cable and (b) print data sent through this transmission line. A plurality of printer devices each including a printing unit, a power control unit that controls on / off of power supply to the printing unit, and a communication unit that sends out an on / off state of the power of the printing unit to a transmission path, (C) A display unit that is connected to these printer devices via a transmission line and displays the power on / off status of the print units of these printer devices, and individually instructs the power on / off of these print units. The printer power management system includes a power management unit including a power on / off instruction unit for controlling the printer power management.

That is, in the printer power management system according to the first aspect, a communication unit is provided for notifying each printer device connected to a transmission line such as a communication cable of the power on / off state of the printing unit. I'll do it. The power management section is provided with a display section for displaying the on / off state of these printer devices, and a power on / off control for individually controlling the power supply of the printing sections of these printer devices. An off instruction unit is arranged so that the power supply of the printing units of these printers can be controlled to be turned on and off as needed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, (a) a transmission line such as a communication cable, (b) a printing section for performing printing based on print data sent through this transmission line, and this printing A plurality of printer devices each including a power supply control unit that controls on / off of power supply to the printing unit, and a communication unit that sends the power on / off state of the printing unit and the completion of the printing work on hand to the transmission path (C) A display unit that is connected to these printer devices via a transmission line and displays the on / off state of the power supply of the printing units of these printer devices, and the power of these printing units is automatically turned off. OFF timing setting means for setting the timing, completion notification requesting means for requesting the completion of the print job on hand to the printer device for which the timing has been set by the OFF timing setting means, and OFF timing Timing delay for delaying the timing of turning off the power until the completion notification is given when printing is still being performed at the timing of automatically turning off the power of the printing unit of the printer device whose timing is set by the timing setting means. And a power supply management unit having means.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, each printer device connected to the transmission line such as a communication cable is notified of the on / off state of the power supply of the printing unit and the completion of the printing work on hand. A communication unit and a power supply control unit capable of on / off control of power supply are prepared. Further, the power management section is provided with a display section for displaying the on / off state of the printing sections of these printers, and the timing for automatically turning off the power of the printing sections of these printers is set. An off-timing setting means is provided so that the power of each printer can be automatically turned off. However, when unprocessed print data remains, printing is ensured by delaying the timing of turning off the power of the printer device by the timing delay unit.

[0017]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples.

FIG. 1 shows a printer power management system of this embodiment.
The functional structure of the main part of the system
It is a thing. This printer power management system 51
A printer power supply connected to the communication cable 52 as a transmission path.
Source management device 53 and also connected to the communication cable 52
Multiple printer devices 54₁~ 54_NIs equipped with. Was
However, in this figure, the printer device 54₁~ 54_NOut of
1 printer device 54 ₁Only the concrete representation of its structure
ing. Other printer device 54₂~ 54_NFunctional structure
The first printer device 54₁Is the same as.

The printer power management device 53 includes a printer power management unit 56 as a control center. The printer power management unit 56 is connected to the operator request control unit 57, the display control unit 58, the automatic start unit 59, the automatic stop unit 61, the table control unit 62, and the transfer data control unit 63, and inputs necessary information among them. It is designed to output. A printer power management table 65 for managing printer power is connected to the table controller 62. The function of each part of the printer power management device 53 will be described below.

The operator request control unit 57 supplies power to an arbitrary printer device 54 (here, printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _N ) designated in advance by the operator using a display device (not shown) of the printer power management device 53. The on / off request is recognized, and the printer power management unit 56 is notified of these on / off requests.

Although not shown, the display control unit 58 is connected to a display device such as a CRT, and according to a predetermined notification from the printer power management unit 56, an arbitrary printer device 54 is displayed.
The display of the on / off status of the power supply regarding Further, a message instructed by the automatic start-up section 59, the automatic stop section 61 and the printer power management section 56 is displayed on this display device.

The printer power management unit 56 is adapted to be activated at the same time as the printer power management device 53 is activated. Then, when the power-on / off request is notified from the automatic start-up unit 59, the automatic stop unit 61, and the operator request control unit 57, the table control unit 62 is supplied with the power of the corresponding printer device 54 in the printer power management table 65. Ask for a search to see if is on or off. When it is determined that the power on / off request is satisfied, the display control unit 58 is requested to display the requested message, and the power on / off request is satisfied. If not,
The transfer data control unit 63 is instructed to transfer this request to the corresponding printer device 54.

The printer power management unit 56 is a table control unit 6 when the printer power management unit 53 is stopped.
2 to instruct the printer power management table 65 to search the power on / off status of each of the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _N , and power off all the printer devices 54 currently in the on state. The transfer data control unit 63 is instructed to transmit the off request.
Further, when the transfer data control unit 63 notifies the end of the power on / off operation of the printer device 54, in order to reflect this on the printer power management table 65, the change of the content is notified to the table control unit 62. It is like this. Further, the printer power management unit 56 stores the printer devices 54 ₁ -54 stored in the printer power management table 65.
When there is a change in the on / off status of the power supply of 54 _N , the display control unit 58 is requested to display this on the display device.

The printer power management table 65 includes an identifier of the printer device 54 ₁ to 54 _N, and on-off status of the power supply in the current these printer device 54 ₁ to 54 _N, these printers 54 ₁ to 54 _The time required from when the power is supplied to _N to the state in which printing is possible, information about the automatic startup of these printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _N , and these printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54
Describes assigning one entry for each automatic power-off and automatic stop to the specified time making requests each printer apparatus 54 ₁ through 54 _N to _N. Here, at the time of automatic startup, the transmission timing of the automatic power-on request for automatically turning on the power of the corresponding printer device 54 is set at the start-up of the printer power management device 53 or at a designated time. It is a definition of.

FIG. 2 shows items described in the printer power management table. The printer power management table 65 includes printer identifiers for identifying the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _N and the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _N.
Printer power supply status indicating whether the power supply of _{1 to} 54 _N is currently on or off, and each printer device 54 ₁ to
The printer start-up time as the time required to start 54 _N , the automatic start-up time, and the automatic stop-time are entered.

FIG. 3 shows an example of entry in the printer power management table. Here, printer identifiers such as "PRT1" correspond to the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _N , respectively. When the printer power status is "ON", it means that the printer is on, that is, the power is on.
“FF” indicates an off state, that is, a state in which the power is cut off. The printer startup time is entered in minutes. “SAME” at the time of automatic startup is the startup of the printer power management apparatus 53. It means to start up at the time of raising, for example, "09:30: 00" means
This means that it will be automatically started at 9:30 in the morning. At the time of automatic stop, for example, "12:00: 00" means
It is indicated that the printer device 54 (the second printer device 54 _{2 in} this case) automatically stops at exactly 12 o'clock. However, if the printer device 54 has unprocessed print data, the power is turned off when the printing of these print data is completed, as described later.

Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued. The table control unit 62 searches the printer power management table 65 for the automatic start field and the start-up time field according to an instruction from the automatic start unit 59. The contents of the search are notified to the automatic starting unit 59. Further, the table control unit 62 searches the automatic stop field of the printer power management table 65 according to the instruction of the automatic start unit 59, and notifies the automatic stop unit 61 of the contents thereof.
Further, the table control unit 62 is instructed by the automatic start unit 59, the automatic stop unit 61, and the printer power management unit 56,
The printer power management table 65 is searched for the power on / off status. The printer power management unit 5 changes the power on / off status of the printer power management table 65 according to an instruction from the printer power management unit 56, and informs the printer power management unit 5 of the change.
6 will be notified.

The automatic starting unit 59 is started at the same time when the printer power management device 53 is started. Then, the table control unit 62 is instructed to search the field at the time of automatic startup of the printer power management table 65. As a result, the printer device that defines that the printer power management device 53 is automatically started at the same time as the startup (for example, the first printer whose printer identifier is “PRT1” in the printer power management table 65 of FIG. 3). The printer power management unit 56 is notified that a power-on request is issued to the device 54 ₁ ).

On the other hand, a printer device whose automatic start time is designated (for example, printer power management table 6 in FIG. 3)
For the fourth printer device 54 ₄ whose printer identifier is “PRT4” in 5), the startup time of the printer device 54 from the designated time (5 minutes for the fourth printer device 54 ₄₎ ) Is calculated.
For the fourth printer device 54 _4, it is 9:25. Then, when the calculated time comes, the table control unit 62 is instructed to confirm the on / off state of the power supply of the printer device 54.

As a result of this confirmation, if the power supply of the printer device 54 is already on, the display control unit 58 is instructed to output the power-on message.
As a result of the confirmation, if the power of the printer device 54 remains off, the automatic start-up unit 59 notifies the printer power management unit 56 to issue a power-on request to turn on the power.

The automatic stop unit 61 is activated at the same time as the printer power management device 53 is activated. Then, the table control unit 62 is instructed to search the automatic stop field of the printer power management table 65, and at the corresponding time, the on / off status of the power of the corresponding printer device 54 is confirmed. To the table control unit 62. In this case, if the power of the printer device 54 has already been turned off by an operator or the like, the display control unit 58 is instructed to output a power-off message. If the power is on, the printer power management unit 56
Ask to turn off the power.

The transfer data control unit 63 transfers the power on / off request to the corresponding printer device 54 according to the instruction of the printer power management unit 56. When the printer device 54 is notified of the end of the power on / off operation, the information is notified to the printer power management unit 56.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of the printer power management device. Printer power management device 5
3 has a CPU (central processing unit) 71. CP
The U71 is connected to each unit through a bus 72 such as a data bus. Of these, the working memory 73 is a random access memory for temporarily storing various data or programs. The input circuit 75 is a circuit for inputting data, and a keyboard 76 is connected to this. A mouse 77 as a pointing device is connected to the keyboard 76.

A magnetic disk device 79 is also connected to the bus 72 via a disk control device 78. The magnetic disk device 79 stores various control programs for operating the printer power management device 53, and when the printer power management device 53 has a function of sending print data, The print data and print resources necessary for supplying the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _N are also stored. Here, the printing resource means a resource such as a font set necessary for printing. A CRT 82 is connected to the bus 72 via a display controller 81.
Is also connected. The CRT 82 is adapted to display data required for power on / off management and the like. Bus 7
Connected communication control apparatus 83 to 2 is used in connection with the printer device 54 ₁ through 54 _N to communicate with the printer power management device 53.

Returning to FIG. 1, the first printer device 54 is next.
The functional configuration of will be described. First printer device 54
Are roughly divided into a printer power supply unit 91 and a printer unit 92. Of these, the printer power supply unit 91 is a main processing unit 9 for controlling each unit in the apparatus.
Equipped with 3. The main processing unit 93 includes a transfer data control unit 9
4, the print end request receiving unit 95, the power supply control management unit 96, and the print preparation completion receiving unit 97 are connected. Here, the print end request receiving unit 95 is connected to the print end transmitting unit 98 in the printer device unit 92, and the print preparation completion receiving unit 97 is connected to the print preparation completion transmitting unit 99. Of course, the printer unit 92 is provided with the printing unit 101 that performs printing based on the print data.

The first printer device 54 as described above is also actually provided with a CPU and performs control for printing and power management based on a program stored in a magnetic disk device (not shown). Since the basic configuration of the circuit is similar to that of FIG. 4, their illustration and description are omitted.

When the transfer data control unit 94 in the first printer 54 shown in FIG. 1 receives a power on / off request from the transfer data control unit 63 of the printer power management unit 53, the main processing unit 93 receives the request. It is supposed to be passed to.
Further, when the main processing unit 93 is notified that the power-on / off operation is completed, the information is transferred to the transfer data control unit 63 on the printer power management apparatus 53 side.

The main processing section 93 discriminates whether the request received from the transfer data control section 94 is a power-on request or a power-off request of the opposite. When the power-on request is issued, the power-supply control management unit 96 is requested to power on the printer device unit 92. As a result, when the print preparation completion transmitting unit 99 notifies that the print preparation of the printing unit 101 is completed, the transfer data control unit 9 indicates that the power-on operation is completed.
4 will be notified.

On the other hand, when the power-off request is identified, the main processing section 93 determines whether or not all printing by the printing section 101 has been completed, the print end request receiving section 95.
To confirm. When the print end request receiving unit 95 notifies that all printing is completed, the main processing unit 93 requests the power supply control management unit 96 to turn off the power supply of the printer device unit 92. Then, when the power is turned off, this is notified to the transfer data control unit 94.

The print end request receiving section 95 is a main processing section 93.
Upon receipt of the request from the printer, the print end transmission unit 98 is requested to confirm whether or not all the requested prints of the printer device unit 92 have been completed. Also, the print end transmission unit 9
When 8 has notified that all printing has been completed, the main processing unit 93 is notified that all printing has been completed.

The power supply control management unit 96 controls the power supply of the printer unit 92 to be turned on / off according to a request from the main processing unit 93. The power supply is turned on / off by a switch (not shown).

The print preparation completion receiving unit 97 notifies the main processing unit 93 when the print preparation completion transmitting unit 99 notifies that the printer unit 92 is powered on and the printing unit 101 is ready for printing. On the other hand, it is notified that the printing unit 101 is ready for printing.

When the print end request reception unit 95 of the printer power supply unit 91 requests the print end transmission unit 98 to confirm whether or not all printing is completed, the print unit 101 is currently performing printing. To monitor. Then, when there is no unprocessed print data in the magnetic disk device (not shown) of the printing unit 101, and when all the printing processing of the printing unit 101 is completed, the printing end request receiving unit 95 is notified that all printing is completed. It is supposed to do.

The print preparation completion transmitting unit 99 is activated when the printer device unit 92 starts power supply by the power supply control management unit 96. Then, when the start-up process of the printing unit 101 is completed and the printer waits for printing, it is determined that the print preparation is completed. Then, at this time, the print preparation completion receiving unit 97 of the printer power supply unit 91 is notified that the print preparation is completed.

The configuration of the printer power management system has been described above in detail. Next, the actual control contents of the system will be described.

Power-on operation

In the printer power management system of this embodiment, the printer device section 9 of each printer device 54 _{1 to} 54 _N is used.
There are three cases to turn on the power of No.2. That is, (a) when the printer power management device 53 is activated,
(B) When the time set for startup comes,
(C) It is when the operator requests to turn on the power (operator power-on request). These will be described in order.

(When the printer power management device is activated and when
Control at the time of starting)

FIG. 5 shows how each part is activated when the printer power management device is activated. When the printer power management apparatus 53 is powered on, the automatic start-up section 59, the automatic stop section 61, and the printer power-supply management section 56 inside the printer power-supply management apparatus 53 are in a starting state (step S101). As a result, the display control unit 58 enters a state in which the initial screen can be displayed (step S102).

FIG. 6 shows the initial screen of the printer power management device.
It represents. The CRT 82 (Fig.
On the display screen 111 of 4), the six printers 54₁
~ 54 ₆"PRT1" to "PRT" respectively corresponding to
Printer device power supply status display column in which each character "6" is displayed
112₁~ 112₆Is displayed. This in this figure
All printer devices power status display field 112₁~ 112₆
The background is dark, but this is 6 printer devices
54₁~ 54₆Is initially turned off
Is shown. In this initial state, the message display field 1
No message is displayed on 13 yet.

In this figure, the six printers 54
By _1-54 but only _six power situations not displayed, more printer devices 54 _7, when ...... exists to click a predetermined position on the display screen 111 by the mouse 77 (FIG. 4) These screens can be displayed by changing the screen display from the next screen. In order to simplify the description, the six printers 54 ₁ to 54 ₁
It is assumed that only 54 ₆ is under the control of the printer power management device 53.

FIG. 7 shows how the automatic starting unit is controlled after starting. When the automatic starting unit 59 is started in step 101 of FIG. 5, first, the automatic starting field of the printer power management table 65 is searched (step S).
110). For each of the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 ₆ whose automatic startup is designated as the startup of the printer power management device 53, the printer identifier is stored in the working memory 73 (see FIG. 4). Yes (step S111).

If the start time is specified, the start time of the printer 54 is also searched in step 110. Then, the time obtained by subtracting the start-up time from the designated time is calculated, and the time and the identifier are paired in ascending order and stored in the work memory 73 (step S1).
11). After this, the simultaneous activation process and the time-based activation process (time activation process) are performed (step S).
112). These processes are performed in parallel in the automatic start-up unit 59.

FIG. 8 shows the flow of the simultaneous activation process in step 112. In this case, the on request processing for these devices is performed using the identifiers of the printer devices 54 that are simultaneously activated and are stored in the work memory 73 (step S121).

FIG. 9 shows the flow of the time starting process in step 112. In the case of this time activation processing, the automatic activation unit 59 monitors the current time using the internal clock (step S131). When it is time to start the printer device 54 (step S132; Y), the current power on / off status of the printer device 54, which is the target of the start, is displayed in the printer power management table. It is judged by the search of 65 (step S133). In such a determination, for example, if the time from when the printer power management device 53 is activated to when the activation time of each printer device 54 is reached is relatively long, the power source of the printer device 54 is turned on by an operator request during that time. This is because it may be turned on.

As a result of searching the printer power management table 65, if the current power status of the printer device 54 is ON (Y), a power ON message is displayed on the display screen 111 (step S134).

FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen display when there is a printer device whose power is on. The background of the _two printer device power supply status display fields 112 ₂ and 112 ₄ of the display screen 111 is inverted to white, and the corresponding second and fourth printer devices 54 ₂ and 54 ₄ are powered on. It is shown. Further, in the message display field 113, a message "The power supply of" PRT4 "has already been turned on" is displayed. This means that for the fourth printer device 54 ₄ , the printer device 54 has already been set in the printer power management table 65 before the on request processing for the power source is started.
It is confirmed that the power of is turned on.

[0058] Incidentally, each beneath each printer power status display column 112 _{1-112 6} of the display screen 111,
Two buttons 121, 122 of “ON” and “OFF” are displayed respectively. These are buttons used when turning on or off the power of the corresponding printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 ₆ . These buttons 12
1, 122 are selected by the mouse 77.

Returning to FIG. 9, the description will be continued. If the current power status of the printer device 54 to be activated is OFF (step S133; N), the printer device 54 is activated.
A power-on request is transmitted to the device (step S135). After the power-on request process is performed or the display process of step 134 is performed, the automatic activation unit 59 causes the printer device 54 to be activated next.
Is present (step S136).
If there is, step 131 is returned to and the processing is similarly performed (steps S131 to S136). If there is no remaining printer device 54 to be activated (step S136; N), the automatic activation process of the automatic activation unit 59 ends (END).

(Control When Operator Turns On Power)

FIG. 11 shows an outline of processing when an operator power-on request is made. When activated, the printer power management apparatus 53 enters a command standby state (step S141). When the operator operates the mouse 77 from the display screen 111 to generate a system stop request command (step S142; Y), a system stop process for stopping the system is performed (step S14).
3).

On the other hand, when the operator also selects the ON button 121 on the display screen 11 to generate a command for requesting power-on to any printer device 54 (step S144; Y), that printer device is selected. 54
The on request process for turning on the power source is executed (step S145). When the operator selects the off button 122 of the display screen 111 to generate the off request command (step S146; Y), the off request process for turning off the power of the printer device 54 is performed ( Step S147).

When it is recognized that the ON operation of the corresponding printer device 54 is completed and a command to that effect is generated (step S148; Y), the ON operation completion process is performed (step S149). Similarly, when the end of the corresponding off operation is recognized and a command to that effect is generated (step S150; Y), the off operation end processing is performed (step S151). If the command is issued but none of the above is true (step S150; N), an error message is displayed indicating that an error has occurred (step S152).

FIG. 12 specifically shows the on request processing shown in step S145 of FIG. In this on request processing, the printer power management table 65 is searched to determine whether the power of the printer device 54 to be activated is on (step S161), and if it is on (Y). As described with reference to FIG. 10, the power-on completion message is displayed and the process ends (step S162). On the other hand, if the printer device 54 is in the power-off state (step S161; N), a power-on request is transmitted to the printer device 54 (step S163), and then the command is returned to FIG. A standby state is set (step S141).

FIG. 13 shows how the printer apparatus is controlled by the arrival of a power-on request that occurs in the above three cases (a) to (c). For example, the first printer 54 requests _per it is assumed that the arrival, the first printer 54 ₁ first performs one of determination whether it is in a power-on request (step S171). If this is a power-on request (Y), the printer power supply unit 91 turns on the power of the printer device unit 92 (step S17).
2). After that, the printer power supply unit 91 enters a standby state, and when a print preparation completion notification is sent from the printer device unit 92, it recognizes that the preparation for printing is completed (step S173; Y), and the first Printer device 5
The printer power management device 53 is notified that the power-on operation in 4 ₁ is completed (step S174).

When the power-on operation end notification is sent from the first printer device 54 ₁ to the printer power management device 53, this will be detected in step S148 of FIG.

FIG. 14 shows the step S149 of FIG.
7 illustrates a state of the ON operation end processing performed. The
The linter power management device 53 is, for example, a first printer device.
54 ₁When the power-on operation end notification is sent from
The power status of the device in the linter power management table 65
The status is changed to ON (step S181). And this
Based on this, the power status of the display screen 111 of the CRT 82
The display is changed to on (step S182).

Power-off operation

In the printer power management system of this embodiment, the printer device section 9 of each of the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _N is used.
There are three cases to turn off the power of No.2. That is, (a) when the time is stopped, (b) when the operator requests power-off, and (c) the printer power management device 53.
It's time to stop. These will be described in order.

(At time stop)

FIG. 15 shows how the automatic stop unit is controlled. The automatic stop unit 61 searches the automatic stop field of the printer power management table 65, and stores the identifier of the printer device 54 for which automatic stop is designated and the designated time in the working memory 73 in ascending order (step S192). Then, the time stop processing for stopping the printer devices 54 at the designated time is executed (step S193).

FIG. 16 specifically shows the time stop processing of step S193. The automatic stop unit 61 uses the internal clock to monitor the current time (step S2
01), and it is determined whether or not the time corresponds to one of the times stored in the working memory 73 in ascending order (step S202). When it becomes applicable (Y), the current power on / off status of the printer device 54 is searched using the printer power management table 65 (step S20).
3). This is necessary because there is a case where the power supply of the printer device 54 is turned off in response to such a search and the operator's request. If the power is on (Y), power off request processing for turning off the power of the printer device 54 is performed (step S204). Then, when there is a time to be monitored next (step S205; Y), the process returns to step S201 and continues.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the power of the printer device 54 is off (N), a power off message is displayed on the display screen 111 of the printer power management device 53 (step S20
6) and proceeds to step S205. In this way, when the time stop processing for the last time stored in the working memory 73 in the ascending order is completed (step S205; N), the entire time stop processing is ended (END).

(When the operator turns off the power)

FIG. 17 is for explaining a specific flow of the off request process shown in step S147 of FIG. When the printer power management unit 56 issues a power off request to the specific printer device 54 using the display screen 111, the request is identified in step S146 shown in FIG. Based on this, the printer power management device 53 searches the printer power management table 65 to determine the current power status of the printer device 54 (step S).
211). As a result, if the power of the printer device 54 has already been turned off (N), a power off message is displayed on the display screen 111 (step S21).
2) The processing of the operator power-off request ends (END).

FIG. 18 shows an example of a display screen on which a power-off completion message is displayed. In the message display field 113 of the display screen 111, ““ PRT5 ”is displayed.
Is already powered off. Message is displayed. The printer device power status display field 112 ₅ corresponding to the fifth printer device 54 ₅ is also displayed in a status indicating that the power is off.

If it is determined in step S211 in FIG. 17 that the power status of the corresponding printer device 54 is on (Y), power off request processing is performed (step S213). In this case, a power-off request is transmitted to the printer device 54 in question, and the printer device 54 shown in FIG.
In step S141, the command is awaited.

(When the printer power management device is stopped)

FIG. 19 specifically shows the system stop processing shown in step S143 of FIG.
When the operator issues a system stop request from the display screen 111, the printer power management unit 56 displays the information in FIG.
The determination is made in step S142 of 1. In this case, first search the printer power management table 65 is performed, the power situation in the current of each printer device 54 ₁ to 54 ₆ is determined. That is, first, the power status of one printer 54 is determined (step S211), and if the power is on, the identifier is stored in a specific area of the work memory 73 (step S222). And
If the printer device 54 to be searched remains (step S223), the process returns to step S221 and the same process is performed.

On the other hand, the retrieved printer device 54
If the power supply of has already been turned off (step S22
1; N), the process proceeds to step S223 without writing the printer identifier in a specific area of the work memory 73.

In this way, all printer devices 54 _{1 to} 5 5
When the current power supply status of 4 ₆ is determined (step S223; N), the power-off request processing is performed on the printer device 54 storing the identifier (step S22).
4). That is, a power-off request is transmitted to these printer devices 54. Thereafter, the system stop flag managed inside the printer power management device 53 is turned on (step S225), and the process is ended (end).

Now, the operation of the first printer device 54 ₁ when the power-off request is transmitted from the printer power management device 53 will be described with reference to FIG. 13 again. When a power-off request is sent from the printer power management device 53 in any of the cases (a) to (c) described above, the first printer device 54 ₁ identifies this request (step S175). Y), it is checked whether the printing unit 101 has completed all printing including unprocessed print data (step S176).

If the printing unit 101 has completed all the processing (Y), the printer device unit 92 sends a print completion notification to the printer power supply unit 91. When the printer power supply unit 91 identifies this notification, the power supply control management unit 96 performs a power-off operation on the printer device unit 92 (step S177). After this, the first printer device 5
4 ₁ printer power management device power-off operation termination notification 5
3 side is notified (step S178).

FIG. 20 specifically shows the off-operation ending process shown in step S151 of FIG.
For example, when the power-off operation end notification is sent from the first printer device 54 ₁ , the printer power management device 53 identifies that the power-off operation of the printer device 54 ₁ is completed (step S150 in FIG. 11). Based on this,
The printer power management apparatus 53 changes the power status of the corresponding first printer apparatus 54 _{1 in} the printer power management table 65 to off (step S231), and determines whether the system stop flag is on (step S).
232). Since the system is operating when the system stop flag is off, the first screen of the display screen 111 is displayed.
The power status corresponding to the printer device 54 ₁ is changed to OFF and the processing is ended (END).

On the other hand, when the system stop flag is turned on in step S232 (Y), it is determined whether or not the power supplies of all the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 ₆ are turned off in the printer power management table 65. (Step S234), and if there is a printer device 54 that has not been powered off yet, it is confirmed that it has been powered off (Y), and the printer power management device 53
The system is stopped (step S235).

FIG. 21 shows the flow of display control of the display screen of the printer power management device in this embodiment. When the printer power management device 53 is activated, the printer power management unit 56 causes all the printer devices 54 ₁ to 54 ₁ to
The display control unit 58 is requested to initially turn off the power display of 54 ₆ (step S241). In addition, CRT
The display controller 58 directly controls the display 82 (FIG. 4).
However, the printer power management unit 56 issues an instruction to the display control unit 58.

Based on this, the display control unit 58 displays the power of all the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 _{6 in} the off state (step S242). Printer power management unit 56
Waits for an end notification from the printer device 54 that has received the request in this state (step S243). There are the above three cases of turning on the power supply of the printer device 54, such as starting the printer power supply management device 53 at the same time as starting up, and the turning off of the printer power supply management device 53 also in the above three cases. In response to these requests, each printer device 54 turns on / off the power supply of the printer device unit 92, and returns the end notification to the printer power supply management unit 56.

If the end notification sent from the printer device 54 indicates power-on (step S244;
Y), the printer power management unit 56 notifies the display control unit 58 of the printer identifier that has been turned on, and the table control unit 6
2 is requested to turn on the power status of the printer power management table 65 (step S245). After that, the display control unit 58 changes the power display of the corresponding printer device 54 to ON (white background) (step S246).

On the other hand, if there is an end notification indicating power off in step S244 (N), the printer power management unit 56 notifies the display control unit 58 of the printer identifier that has been turned off, and the table control unit 62. A request is made to turn off the power status of the printer power management table 65 (step S247). After that, the display control unit 58 changes the power display of the corresponding printer device 54 to off (the background is dark) (step S248).

After that, it is checked whether or not there is a system stop request (step S249), and if it does not exist (Y), the end notification is continuously processed until it becomes present (step S249). Step S243
~ S249). If there is a system stop request (Y), the power of all the printer devices 54 _{1 to} 54 ₆ is turned off (step S250;
N), the process is repeated by returning to step S243. All printer devices 54 ₁ to configure the system
When the power of 54 ₆ is turned off (step S250;
Y), the display control by the display screen 111 ends (END).

In the embodiment, the mouse is used to input instructions such as on / off of the power source, but other means such as a touch panel or a keyboard may be used to input these instructions.

[0092]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the power management unit is notified of the on / off state of the power supply of each printing unit of the printer connected to the network, and these states are reported. Is displayed, so
The power management unit side can appropriately manage the power supply of these printing units on / off. Therefore, especially for the power management side, each printer device is remotely connected or LA
When connected by the N connection, the power supply of each printer device can be managed without imposing an excessive burden on the operator, waste of electric power energy and unnecessary use of the printer devices constituting the system. It is possible to prevent deterioration.

According to the second aspect of the invention, since the power management unit side is provided with the off-time timing setting means for setting the timing for automatically turning off the power of each printer device, By registering the timing when the printer is turned off in advance, it is possible to manage the power supply according to the environment in which each printer is placed.
In addition, according to the present invention, if printing is not completed when the power of the printer device is turned off, the power is not turned off until the notification reaches the power management unit side when the printing is completed. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the printer is discontinued due to this, and as a result, it becomes unnecessary to set an excessive margin at the time of turning off the power supply of each printer device, which saves electric power energy and deteriorates each part of the device. Prevention can be pushed even more effectively.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a main part of the configuration of a printer power management system of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing items described in a printer power management table.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an entry example of a printer power management table.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a circuit configuration of a printer power management device.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing how each unit is activated when the printer power management apparatus is activated.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an initial screen of a CRT of the printer power management device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a state of control of an automatic starting unit after starting.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of simultaneous activation processing in step 112.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of time activation processing in step 112.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a screen display of a CRT when there is a printer device whose power is turned on.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing when an operator power-on request is made.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart specifically showing the on request processing shown in step S145 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing how the printer device is controlled by the arrival of a power-on request in this embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a state of on-operation ending processing shown in step S149 of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing how the automatic stop unit is controlled.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart specifically showing the time stop processing of step S193.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a specific flow of the off request process shown in step S147 of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an example of a display screen displaying a power-off completion message.

19 is a flowchart specifically showing the system stop processing shown in step S143 of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart specifically showing the off-operation ending process shown in step S151 of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control of the display screen of the printer power management device in this embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a conventionally used network system.

FIG. 23 is a system configuration diagram showing another example of a conventionally used network system.

[Explanation of symbols]

51 ... Printer power management system, 52 ... Communication cable, 53 ... Printer power management device, 54 _{1 to} 54 _N ... Printer device, 56 ... Printer power management unit, 58 ... Display control unit, 59 ... Automatic startup unit, 61 ... Automatic Stop unit, 62 ... Table control unit, 63 ... Transfer data control unit, 65 ... Printer power management table, 71 ... CPU, 73 ... Working memory, 76 ... Keyboard, 77 ... Mouse, 79 ... Magnetic disk device, 82 ... CRT , 111 ... Display screen, 112 ₁
... 112 ₆ ... printer device power status display column, 113 ... message display column

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A transmission line, a printing unit that performs printing based on print data sent through the transmission line, and a power supply control unit that controls on / off of power supply to the printing unit. A plurality of printer devices each including a communication unit that sends the ON / OFF state of the power supply of the printing unit to the transmission line, and a printer unit of the printer units connected to these printer devices via the transmission line. A power management unit including a display unit for displaying a power on / off state and a power on / off instruction unit for individually instructing power on / off of these printing units. Printer power management system. 2. A transmission line, a printing unit that performs printing based on print data sent through the transmission line, and a power supply control unit that controls on / off of power supply to the printing unit. A plurality of printer devices each having a communication unit for sending the ON / OFF state of the power supply of the printing unit and the completion of the print job on hand to the transmission line, and these printer devices connected to each other via the transmission line. The display unit that displays the on / off state of the power supply of the printing unit of the printer device, the off-time timing setting unit that sets the timing of automatically turning off the power of these printing units, and the off-time timing setting unit Completion notification requesting means for requesting completion notification of the print work on hand to the printer device for which timing is set, and the timing setting means for setting the timing by the off-time timing setting means. A power management unit that includes a timing delay unit that delays the power-off timing until the completion notification is given when printing is performed at the timing when the power of the printing unit is automatically turned off. A printer power management system comprising: