JPH06259359A - Network system and method and device for supplying electric power to network - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the capacity of the power source from being exceeded and the power source from entering a down state by controlling the state of a specific device on the basis of power consumption information on plural previously set information processors. CONSTITUTION:A printer control part 8 when inputting the mean electric power of printers 4-6, electric power in a stand-by state, and the upper-limit value of the total mean electric power of the printers based upon information from one of computers 1-3, generates a table and controls the operation states of the printers 4-6 respectively. In this case, the printer control part 8 places all the printers 4-6 in a stand-by state and decides whether or not a print instruction is issued. Then when the print instruction is issued, the printer control part 8 refers to the specific table and then decides whether or not the set upper-limit value of the power consumption is exceeded when a printer instructed by the print instruction is placed in a printing state. When the upper-limit value is exceeded, the printer is not placed in a printing operation state even if the print instruction is issued.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network system, a method for supplying electric power to the network, and an apparatus for supplying the same, for example, for preventing power down of the network system and promoting saving of electric energy. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, OA, HA, etc. have developed and the efficiency of social activities has been improved. Along with this development, a network system, in which a plurality of devices are connected to one network to further improve efficiency, is a printer that is a device that outputs information to each other and that transfers information between devices. It has the effect of sharing multiple computers among multiple computers, and has the effect of speeding up information transmission, improving flexibility, and reducing costs.

Further, the power supplies of the respective devices connected to the network system are individually operated, and the devices which have been once powered on can be immediately operated as they are.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional example has the following problems. That is, the more devices that are connected to the network, the more power that is consumed within the network, and the higher the operating rate of the devices within the network, the more the power supply capacity may be exceeded. Then, an accident that the power source goes down may occur.

In particular, a laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as "L
An output device that uses an electrophotographic process (such as BP ") needs to maintain the temperature of the fixing device in order to be ready to output immediately when a print instruction is received. Consumes electricity. Also, when the temperature of the fixing device is raised to a predetermined temperature after receiving the print instruction,
Although the power consumption during standby is small, a large amount of power is consumed at the time of start-up when a print instruction is received in order to be ready for output in a short time. Therefore, in a situation where the operation is intermittent such that the next print instruction is not sent before the completion of a certain image forming process, a large amount of power at the time of starting the output device becomes a problem.

Furthermore, the number of devices (eg, air conditioners, water heaters, cookers, copiers) with large power consumption outside the network is increasing, and when these devices are used at the same time, the power supply capacity is exceeded. High risk.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and has the following structure as one means for solving the above problems. That is, in a network system to which a plurality of information processing devices are connected, the state of a predetermined device among the plurality of information processing devices is set based on power consumption information of each of the plurality of information processing devices set in advance. A network system equipped with control means for controlling.

Further, in a network system to which a plurality of information processing devices are connected, a detecting means for detecting a state of a predetermined device among the plurality of information processing devices and a detection result of the detecting means are provided. A network system is provided with control means for controlling the state of the predetermined device. Also, in a network system to which a plurality of information processing devices are connected, an image output from the information processing device that has issued the command in response to an image forming command issued from any of the plurality of information processing devices A network system provided with processing means for processing data.

A method of supplying power to a plurality of electric devices that compose the network, wherein a power supply state to each of the plurality of electric devices is detected and the power supply state is preset. According to the power consumption information of each of the plurality of electric devices and the detection result of the power supply state, the method of supplying power to the network turns on and off the power supply to each of the plurality of electric devices.

Further, a power supply device for supplying electric power to a plurality of electric devices which compose the network, and a plurality of detecting means for detecting a power supply state to each of the plurality of electric devices, A plurality of switch means for turning on and off the power supply to each of the plurality of electric devices, the plurality of switches according to the preset power consumption information of each of the plurality of electric devices and the detection result of the plurality of detection means. And a control means for controlling the respective means.

[0011]

With the above configuration, it is possible to provide a network system for controlling the state of a predetermined device among the plurality of information processing devices based on the power consumption information of each of the plurality of information processing devices set in advance. . Further, with the above configuration, it is possible to provide a network system that detects the state of a predetermined device among a plurality of information processing devices and controls the state of the predetermined device.

Further, according to the above configuration, according to the image forming command issued from any of the plurality of information processing devices,
It is possible to provide a network system that processes image data output from the information processing device that issued the command. Further, with the above configuration, detecting the power supply state to each of the plurality of electric devices, depending on the power consumption information of each of the plurality of electric devices preset and the detection result of the power supply state, It is possible to provide a method of supplying power to a network and a supply device thereof for turning on / off the power supply to each of the plurality of electric devices.

For example, with the above-mentioned configuration, the power consumption of the network system can be controlled to prevent the power supply capacity from being exceeded or the power supply to be shut down, and further, the saving of power energy can be promoted. .

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0015]

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numerals 1 to 3 are computers, for example, personal computers. 4-
Reference numerals 6 are printers, for example, LBPs.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer management unit, which is a computer 1 to
The printers 4 to 6 are managed based on the table set by any one of the printers 3 and 4. A bus line 7 connects the devices to each other to form a network such as a LAN. The network configuration of this embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the power consumption of each device of FIG. 1, and shows the maximum and average power in the printing operation state and the power in the standby state in the printers 1 to 3.

If the upper limit of the total average power of the printers is input from any of the computers 1 to 3 based on the average power of the printers 1 to 3 shown in FIG. The management unit 8 creates a table, an example of which is shown in FIG. 3, and manages the operating states of the printers 1 to 3, respectively. For example, if the upper limit value is set to 750 [W], the printer management unit 8 disables the states 1, 3, and 4 shown in FIG. 3 because they exceed 750 [W], and the other states are set to 75.
Since it does not exceed 0 [W], it can be used.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure of the printer management unit 8, which is executed when the average power of the printers 1 to 3 and the standby power and the upper limit value of the total average power of the printer are input. It In the figure, the printer management unit 8 puts all the printers in a standby state in step S1, determines whether or not a print command is issued in step S2, and proceeds to step S3 if the command is not issued, After the printer, which has finished printing in the same step, is put in the standby state, the process returns to step S2.

When a print command has been issued, the printer management unit 8 refers to the table of which the example is shown in FIG. 3 and sets the printer instructed by the print command to the print state in step S4. First, it is determined whether or not the set upper limit of power consumption is exceeded. For example, when the printer b5 is in the printing operation state (state 6), even if a print command is issued to the printer c6, the state 3 exceeds the set upper limit value, so the printer c6 is not placed in the printing operation state, and the step S2 Return to. On the other hand, in the same state (state 6), when a print command is issued to the printer a4, the state 2 does not exceed the set upper limit value. Therefore, after the printer a4 is set to the print operation state in step S5, the step Return to S2.

In the above description and FIG. 1,
Although the example in which the printer management unit 8 is provided separately from other devices has been described, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the printer management unit 8 may be provided in the computer or the printer, and one of the functions of the computer and the printer may be provided. It can also be realized by using a section. As described above, according to this embodiment,
The printer in the network can be controlled without exceeding the set upper limit value of the average power, which promotes the saving of power energy and, in consideration of the power capacity in the usage environment of this embodiment, the upper limit of the power. If you decide the value,
Effective as a preventive measure against power down.

Although the method of controlling the operation of the printer based on the average power and the power in the standby state has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this.
For example, the operation of the printer may be controlled based on the maximum power or the maximum power and the average power instead of the average power. In this case, the peak power in the usage environment of the present embodiment is taken into consideration, and the preventive measure against the power supply down becomes more reliable.

Further, in the above description, an example in which attention is paid only to the power consumption of the printer has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the power consumption of all devices connected to this embodiment is not limited to this. You can also focus on it. In this case, the power of all the devices of this embodiment is taken into consideration, and the preventive measures against the power supply down become more reliable.

Further, in the above description, an example in which the power information is input from the computer has been described. However, when the power information is recorded in advance in a ROM or the like in the device and the device is connected to a network or the like, the information is It can also be read. Further, in the above, as the control for the printer, the example in which the printing operation state and the standby state are switched has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various states with different power consumption are set, These can be switched, and power off may be added to various states.

[0024]

[Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the maximum power of the printers 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 2 is input from any of the computers 1 to 3, the printer management unit 8 gives priority to the printer with the maximum power and manages the printing operation state. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the priorities are set in the order of the printer a4, the printer b5, and the printer c6.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure of the printer management unit 8, which is executed when the maximum power of the printers 1 to 3 is input. In the figure, the printer management unit 8 puts all the printers in a standby state in step S11, determines in step S12 whether or not a print command has been issued, and if the command has not been issued, step S1.
In step 3, the printer, which has completed printing in the same step, is placed in a standby state, and then the process returns to step S12.

If a print command has been issued, the printer management unit 8 determines in step S14 whether the printer a4 is on standby, and if it is on standby, step S15.
In step S16, if the printer a4 is printing, it is determined whether or not the printer b5 is in the standby state. If it is in the standby state, the printer is in the printing operation state in step S16. If the printer b5 is printing, it is determined in step S17 whether or not the printer c6 is in standby. If it is in standby, the printer is set in the printing operation state in step S17, and then the process returns to step S12.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
Since the printers are used in the ascending order of power consumption, power saving can be promoted.

[0028]

[Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the power in the standby state of the printers 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 2 is input from any of the computers 1 to 3, the printer management unit 8 has a large power in the standby state when there are two or more printers in the standby state. Manages the power off of the printer.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure of the printer management unit 8, which is executed when the standby power of the printers 1 to 3 is input. In the figure, the printer management unit 8 determines in step S21 whether or not a print command has been issued. If the print command has not been issued, the process proceeds to step S22, in which two or more printers are in a standby state. In step S23, the printer with the larger power consumption in the standby state is turned off in step S23, and then step S2 is performed.
Return to 1.

If a print command has been issued, the printer management unit 8 determines in step S24 whether or not the printer a4 is printing, and if it is not printing, step S2.
Return to 1. If the printer a4 is printing,
In step S25, the printer management unit 8 determines whether the printer b5 is printing, and if it is not printing, the printer management part 8 proceeds to step S25.
In step 26, it is determined whether or not the printer is in the off state. If it is not in the off state, the process returns to step S21. If it is in the off state, the printer is turned on in step S27, and then step S21 is performed.
Return to 21.

If the printer b5 is currently printing, the printer management unit 8 proceeds to step S28 to print the printer c.
If it is not printing, it is judged in step S29 whether the printer is in the OFF state. If it is not in the OFF state, the process returns to step S21, and if it is in the OFF state, step S30. After turning on the printer in step S21, the process returns to step S21. If the printer c6 is printing, the process returns to step S21.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
When multiple printers are in the standby state, the printer that consumes a large amount of power in the standby state is turned off, so that the power consumption of the network system can be suppressed and the power consumption can be saved. It also has the effect of reducing the life of the printer and extending the life of the printer. It is also possible to combine the first to third embodiments described above, and it is also possible to process the power information according to a certain inference method (for example, fuzzy inference) and use it for control.

Furthermore, in the above description, an example in which a value that can be known in advance is used as power information has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, each device is provided with a power meter, and It is also possible to perform control based on the obtained real-time power value.

[0034]

[Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of this embodiment.
In the figure, 41 to 45 are computers,
For example, a personal computer or the like.

Reference numerals 31 to 34 are printers, for example, LBPs. Reference numeral 50 denotes a bus line, which connects the devices to each other to form a network such as a LAN. The network configuration of this embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG. An operating state control unit 38 monitors the states (printing operation, standby, and off) of each printer via the bus line 50.

Reference numeral 39 denotes a power supply control unit, which is a printer 31-34.
Power is supplied to the specified printer, but the specified printer can be turned on / off based on an instruction from the operating state control unit 38. In other words, the operating state control unit 38 monitors the state of each printer, and when there are two or more printers in the standby state, the power state control unit 39 issues an instruction to turn off one of them (for example, a printer with a slow printing speed). Send to. The power control unit 39 turns off the power of the designated printer according to the instruction.

Further, the operating state control unit 38 monitors the state of each printer, and when all the printers in the power-on state are in the print operation state and the printers in the standby state are exhausted, the printers in the power-off state are detected. An instruction to turn on any one (for example, a printer having a high printing speed) is sent to the power supply control unit 39. The power control unit 39 turns on the power of the designated printer according to the instruction.

The number of printers in the standby state is not limited to one, and the optimum number can be set in the operating state control unit 38 according to the usage status of the printers. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the number of printers in standby can be limited to the required number, the power consumption of the network system can be suppressed, and the saving of power energy can be promoted. At the same time, there is an effect that heat generation from the printer is reduced and the life of the printer is extended.

[0039]

[Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the fourth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of this embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the printer a31.
The other printers 32 to 34 have substantially the same configuration as that shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, the controller 312 sends similarly sent image data to the printer engine 311 to form an image based on a command sent from the bus line 50 via the I / F 315. .
The power supply control unit 314 connects the bus line 50 to the I / F 315.
Based on the power supply control signal 314a sent via the controller 312 and the printer engine 311.
Turn on / off the power supply to the. The operation information sending unit 313 also includes a controller 312 and a power supply control unit 314.
Based on a signal from the printer a31, an operating state signal 313a representing the operating state of the printer a31 (for example, during printing operation, standby, and off state) is output.
It is sent to the operating state control unit 38 via 315 and the bus line 50.

That is, the operating state control section 38 monitors the state of each printer by the received operating state signal 313a, and when there are two or more printers in the standby state,
For example, the power supply control signal 314a is sent to the power supply control unit 314 of the printer having a slow printing speed, and the power supply control unit 314 that has received the signal 314a turns off the power supply to the controller 312 and the printer engine 311 according to the signal 314a. .

Further, the operating state control section 38 monitors the state of each printer by the received operating state signal 313a so that all the printers in the power-on state are in the printing operation state and the printers in the standby state are lost. In this case, the power supply control signal 314a is sent to the power supply control unit 314 of one of the printers in the power-off state (for example, a printer having a high printing speed), and the power supply control unit 314 that has received the signal 314a follows the signal 314a. The power supply to the controller 312 and the printer engine 311 is turned on.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
In addition to the effects similar to those of the fourth embodiment, there is an effect that the installation location of the printer is not limited. It should be noted that in the above and the drawings, the controller 312 and the printer engine 3 are
Although the example in which the power supply to 11 is turned on / off has been described, for example, the power supply to the fixing device in the printer engine 311 may be turned on / off.

Although an example in which the operating state control unit 38 is provided separately has been described above and in the drawings, for example, if the computer connected to the network has sufficient processing capacity, the operating state of the computer can be changed. It is also possible to execute a control program and control the operating state by the computer.

[0045]

[Sixth Embodiment] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of this embodiment. In the figure, 61 to 66 are computers, respectively, such as personal computers.

Reference numerals 71 and 72 are printers, for example, LBPs. Reference numeral 73 denotes a copying machine, which is, for example, a digital copying machine equipped with an LBP, which can output an image formed from image data input from an external interface. These devices are connected to each other via a cable 80 and form a network such as a LAN. The network configuration of this embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG.

In the conventional system, the printers 71, 72
When receiving an image output command from any of the computers 61 to 66 via the network, the copying machine 73 starts up the main body each time and forms and outputs an image corresponding to the image data. However, while there are network users who need image output immediately after sending the image output command,
Some network users only need to obtain the image output after a while after transmitting the image output command. In this embodiment, the printers 71 and 72 and the copying machine 73 are controlled by using such a usage pattern.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure of this embodiment, which is executed by a control unit such as the printers 71 and 72 and the copying machine 73. Note that the control procedure may be executed by any computer provided with a network control function.
It is also possible to execute it in each of ~ 66. In this figure, in the present embodiment, in step S31, the process waits until an image output command is issued from any computer.
In step 32, a message for confirming the importance and urgency of the image output is sent to the computer that issued the command, and step S
At 33, the process branches depending on the response to the message.

When there is a response that the image output is not important or urgent, this embodiment saves the image data sent from the computer that issued the image output command in step S34, and then returns to step S31. . The image data is stored in the image memory built in the printer or the copying machine. Further, when there is a response that the image output is important or urgent, the present embodiment executes step S3.
In step 5, the printer or its engine is started up, and in step S36, the image represented by the image data sent from the computer that issued the image output command is output.

Then, in this embodiment, in step S37,
The presence or absence of the saved image data is checked, and if there is no saved data, the process jumps to step S39. If there is saved data, the image represented by the image data is output at step S38, and then the process proceeds to step S39. Subsequently, in this embodiment, after the printer or its engine section is stopped in step S39, the process returns to step S31.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
It is not necessary to start up the printer or its engine section each time an image output command is issued, power consumption of the network system can be suppressed, power saving can be promoted, and heat generation from the printer can be reduced. It also has the effect of extending the life of the printer.

[0052]

[Seventh Embodiment] The seventh embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. In the seventh embodiment, the same components as those in the sixth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure of this embodiment.

In this figure, this embodiment is based on step S4.
At 1, the timer is reset and started. The timer may be set by the user of this embodiment, for example, for 10 minutes or 15 minutes.
It is set to count any time such as minutes. Subsequently, in this embodiment, when an image output command is issued from any of the computers in step S42, the image data sent from the computer is saved in step S43.

Then, in this embodiment, in step S44,
It is determined whether or not the timer has overflowed. If it has not overflowed, the process returns to step S42, and if it has overflowed, the process proceeds to step S45. When the timer overflows, the present embodiment checks whether or not there is image data saved in step S45, returns to step S41 if there is no saved data, and proceeds to step S46 if there is saved data. In the same step, the printer or its engine section is started up, the image represented by the stored data is output in step S47, the printer or its engine section is stopped in step S48, and then the procedure returns to step S41.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
Since the control is performed so that the image is output periodically, there is an advantage similar to that of the sixth embodiment, and there is an advantage that the image output can be obtained after the set interval time even at the latest.

[0056]

[Eighth Embodiment] An eighth embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. Incidentally, in the eighth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations substantially similar to those of the sixth embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure of this embodiment.

In this figure, this embodiment is based on step S5.
In step 1, an image output command is issued from any computer, and when the command is issued, the image data sent from the computer that issued the command is saved in step S52. Subsequently, in the present embodiment, step S53 is performed.
Then, the number of stored image data is checked, and if the number of stored images ≦ a set value, the process returns to step S51, and if the number of stored images> the set value, the process proceeds to step S54. The set value can be arbitrarily set by the user in units of 1 according to the amount of image data that can be stored.

If the number of stored sheets> the set value, in the present embodiment, the printer or its engine section is started up in step S54, the image represented by the stored data is output in step S55, and the printer or its engine section is output in step S56. After pausing, return to step S51. As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the stored image data exceeds the set number of images, control is performed to output an image.
The image memory for storing the image data does not overflow, and even with an image memory having a small memory capacity, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as that of the sixth embodiment.

[0059]

[Ninth Embodiment] A ninth embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. In addition, in the ninth embodiment, the substantially same configurations and procedures as those in the sixth to eighth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of this embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 75 is a relay control device, which has the image output control function as described in the sixth to eighth embodiments, and has the image output command and the image data sent from the computers 61 to 63. Is relayed to the printers 71 and 72 or the copying machine 73. For example, the relay control device 75
The urgent image output described in the sixth embodiment is transferred to the copying machine 73, the image output by the timer control described in the seventh embodiment is executed by the printer a71, and the number of stored sheets described in the eighth embodiment is executed. The controlled image output can be executed by the printer b72.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
Since the relay control device is provided, the sixth to eighth embodiments are provided.
It is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as the embodiment.

[0062]

[Tenth Embodiment] The tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of this embodiment. In the figure, 101 is a switchboard which is connected to a commercial power supply line and supplies, for example, AC100V5A to a load. The switchboard 101 is provided with a breaker, and cuts off power supply when a current larger than a predetermined value flows to the load.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a power supply operation device, which distributes and supplies the power supplied from the switchboard 101 to the devices 130 to 133 serving as loads. Note that the devices 130 to 133
Is a computer or a printer that constitutes a network, but the devices 130 to 133 do not necessarily have to constitute a network and may be operating standalone.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the power supply operating device 102. In the figure, reference numeral 121 denotes a power supply line, which is connected to the switchboard 10 via an inlet 121a.
Power is supplied from 1. A processing unit 122 controls the entire power supply operating device 102. An input unit 123 is for inputting a power consumption value of a device loaded on the power operation device 102.

Reference numerals 124 to 127 denote power source operating units, and the units have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, the power source operating unit 124 will be described in detail, and the description of the other units will be omitted. The power supply operating unit 124 is a processing unit 122 for connecting / disconnecting a current detection unit 124b that detects a current to a load device connected to the outlet 124a and a load device connected to the power supply line 121 and each of the outlets 124a to 127a. Switch unit 124 which is operated according to the control of
and c.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure of the processing section 122, which is a procedure started when the power supply operating device 102 is turned on. In the figure, the processing unit 12
2 receives the upper limit value Pmax of the power from the input unit 123 in step S61, and receives the power consumption value Pi of each load device from the input unit 123 in step S62. Since these values are stored in the non-volatile memory or the like in the control unit 122, it is not necessary to input them again unless each value is changed.

Subsequently, the processing section 122 proceeds to step S63.
In step S64, the current monitoring is started, the state of the switch circuit to which the device to be controlled is connected is determined, and if the circuit is in the off state, the process proceeds to step S65.
If the circuit is on, the process proceeds to step S67. When the switch circuit is turned off, the processing unit 122
In step S65, it is determined whether or not there is a power margin for operating the target device. That is, the operating device is detected by the current monitor, the current total power consumption ΣPi is calculated from the power consumption value Pi input in step S62, and Pmax−
It is determined whether or not ΣPi> Pn (power consumption of the target device). If there is no power margin, the process returns to step S64. If there is a power margin, the process proceeds to step S66.
After turning on the switch circuit to which the target device is connected in the same step, the process returns to step S64.

When the switch circuit is turned on, the processing unit 1
22 determines in step S67 whether or not the target device is in the operating state from the current monitoring result, and if it is in the operating state, returns to step S64, and if it is not operating, in step S6.
After turning off the switch circuit to which the device is connected in 8,
Return to step S64. In this way, the processing unit 122
The target device is replaced every time, and step S64 to step S66 or step S68 is repeatedly executed at an appropriate interval, so the device whose power switch is turned on is activated when the corresponding switch circuit is turned on. To do. Further, in the case where the set upper limit value Pmax of the power is exceeded, even if the power switch of the device is turned on, the device is not started until some other device is turned off and there is a margin in the power. For example, the power supply operating device 10
When Pmax is set to 450 [W] in consideration of the power consumption of 2, when the devices 130, 131, and 132 are activated, this 3
Depending on the equipment, the power consumption ΣPi will be 400 [W] and the margin is Pm.
Since ax−ΣPi = 50 [W], the device d133 (150 W) is not activated. However, when the device b131 is turned off, there is a margin of 150.
[W] is set and the device d133 is activated.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
By setting an appropriate upper limit value Pmax of electric power for the breaker capacity of the switchboard 101, it is possible to prevent the danger that the load devices are simultaneously turned on and the breaker is cut off. In the above-mentioned explanatory diagram, an example in which four load devices are connected to the power supply operating device 102 has been described.
The present embodiment is not limited to this, and an arbitrary number of load devices can be connected. Further, it is possible to make a plurality of outlets of each power source operating unit. In this case, the total power consumption of the devices connected to one power source operating unit is set instead of the power consumption of a single device.

[0070]

[Eleventh Embodiment] The eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the eleventh embodiment, configurations and procedures substantially similar to those in the tenth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of this embodiment.
Each power source operating unit is separated from 2 and arranged near each device, and the power source operating unit 102 and each power source operating unit are connected by wireless communication to exchange information signals and control signals. .

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply operating device 102 according to this embodiment. The input unit 123 and the processing unit 12 are shown in FIG.
2a, wireless signal transmitter / receiver 128a and antenna 102
The power consumption is about 5 [W]. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply operating unit 124 of this embodiment, which is an inlet 121a, a current detector 124b, a switch circuit 124c, an outlet 124a, and a processor 1.
22b, wireless signal transmitter / receiver 128b and antenna 12
4d, and its power consumption is about 1 [W].

The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the tenth embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the tenth embodiment is obtained, and the power supply operating unit is separated.
There is an advantage that it is easy to add the unit and the equipment connected thereto.

[0073]

[Twelfth Embodiment] The twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that, in the twelfth embodiment, configurations and procedures substantially similar to those in the eleventh embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of this embodiment. In this embodiment, each power supply operating unit 124 to 127 is provided with the input section 123 and is arranged in the vicinity of each device. Are connected by wireless communication to exchange information signals and control signals. It should be noted that any one of the power operation units 124 to 127 is set as a host to execute control, and the other units are set to slave operation.

FIG. 22 shows the power source operating unit 12 of this embodiment.
4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of No. 4, inlet 121a,
Current detector 124b, switch circuit 124c, outlet 124a, processor 122, radio signal transmitter / receiver 128
And an antenna 124d, whose power consumption is about 2
[W]. The operation of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the tenth embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
In addition to the effects similar to those of the tenth and eleventh embodiments,
Since it is not necessary to separately provide the power supply operating device, there is an advantage that the power supply operating unit and the devices connected thereto can be easily added. The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device.

Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, a network system for controlling the state of a predetermined device among a plurality of information processing devices based on the power consumption information of each of the plurality of information processing devices set in advance. Can be provided. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network system that detects the state of a predetermined device among a plurality of information processing devices and controls the state of the predetermined device.

Further, according to the present invention, in response to an image forming command issued from any of the plurality of information processing devices, a network system for processing the image data output from the information processing device issuing the command. Can be provided. Further, according to the present invention, the power supply state to each of the plurality of electric devices is detected, and the power consumption state of each of the plurality of electric devices set in advance and the detection result of the power supply state are detected according to the power consumption information. A method and apparatus for supplying power to a network for turning on / off power supply to each of a plurality of electric devices can be provided.

For example, according to the present invention, the power consumption of the network system can be controlled to prevent the power supply capacity from being exceeded or the power supply to be shut down, and further, the saving of power energy can be promoted.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of power consumption of each device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an example of a table created by a printer management unit in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a control procedure of a printer management unit in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a control procedure of a printer management unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a control procedure of a printer management unit of a third embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the printer a in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a sixth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a control procedure of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a control procedure of a seventh embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a control procedure of an eighth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a ninth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a tenth embodiment according to the present invention.

16 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the power supply operating device in FIG.

17 is a flow chart showing an example of a control procedure of the processing unit in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an eleventh embodiment according to the present invention.

19 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply operating device of FIG.

20 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply operating unit of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a twelfth embodiment according to the present invention.

22 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the power source operating unit of FIG. 21. FIG.

[Explanation of Codes] 1-3 Computer 4-6 Printer 7 Bus line 8 Printer management unit 41-45 Computer 31-34 Printer 50 Bus line 38 Operating state control unit 39 Power supply control unit 61-66 Computer 71,72 Printer 73 Copy Machine 75 Relay control device 101 Switchboard 102 Power supply operation device 121 Power supply line 122 Processing part 123 Input part 124-127 Power supply operation unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Tsurutani 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Takashi Saito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Incorporated (72) Inventor Takushi Shibuya 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Takahiro Uchiyama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Mikako Kaneda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Toshihiko Yamanaka 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A network system to which a plurality of information processing devices are connected, wherein a predetermined device among the plurality of information processing devices is based on preset power consumption information of each of the plurality of information processing devices. A network system having control means for controlling the state of the network. 2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined device is at least one image forming device. 3. When the image forming command is issued from any one of the plurality of information processing devices, the control unit follows the command if the preset upper limit value of power is not exceeded. 3. The network system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus shifts to the image forming state. 4. When the image forming command is issued from any of the plurality of information processing apparatuses, the control means sets the image forming apparatuses to the image forming state in the ascending order of power consumption based on the power consumption information. The network system according to claim 2, wherein the network system is transferred. 5. The network system according to claim 3, wherein the control means shifts the image forming apparatus, which has completed image formation, to a standby state. 6. The control means, when at least two image forming apparatuses are in a standby state, shifts the image forming apparatuses to an off state in descending order of power consumption during standby based on the power consumption information. The network system according to any one of claims 2 to 5. 7. A network system to which a plurality of information processing devices are connected, the detection means detecting a state of a predetermined device among the plurality of information processing devices, and the detection means according to a detection result of the detection means. A network system having control means for controlling the state of the predetermined device. 8. The network system according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined device is at least one image forming device. 9. The control means, when the detecting means detects that at least two image forming apparatuses are in a standby state, leaves one of the image forming apparatuses and turns off the other. 9. The network system according to claim 8, further comprising: 10. The control means, when the detection means detects that there is no image forming apparatus in a standby state, shifts any one of the image forming apparatuses in an off state to a standby state. 9. The network system according to claim 8, which is characterized in that. 11. A network system to which a plurality of information processing devices are connected, wherein the information processing device that has issued the command in response to an image forming command issued from any of the plurality of information processing devices is output. A network system having control means for controlling transfer of the generated image data. 12. When the image forming command of low importance or urgency is issued, the control means includes a storage unit which stores image data output from the information processing apparatus that issued the command, When an urgent image forming command is issued, the image forming device, which is one of the plurality of information processing devices, is put into an image forming state, and the image data output from the information processing device that issued the command and the image data are output. 12. The network system according to claim 11, wherein the image data stored in the storage unit is transferred to the image forming apparatus. 13. The control means includes a timer for counting a predetermined time set in advance, and a storage for storing image data output from an information processing device that has issued an image forming command when the image forming command is issued. And the image forming apparatus, which is one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses, is in an image forming state, and the image data stored in the storage section is stored in the image forming apparatus. 12. The network system according to claim 11, wherein the network system is transferred to. 14. The control unit includes a storage unit that stores image data output from an information processing device that has issued an image formation command when the image formation command is issued, and the image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the storage unit. When a predetermined amount set in advance is exceeded, an image forming apparatus, which is one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses, is set to an image forming state, and the image data stored in the storage unit is transferred to the image forming apparatus. The network system according to claim 11, which is characterized in that. 15. The network system according to claim 12, wherein the control means shifts the image forming apparatus, which has completed image formation, to a standby state. 16. A method of supplying power to a network, which supplies power to a plurality of electric devices constituting the network, wherein a power supply state to each of the plurality of electric devices is detected, and the power supply state is preset. A method for supplying power to a network, wherein power supply to each of the plurality of electric devices is turned on / off according to power consumption information of each of the plurality of electric devices and a detection result of the power supply state. 17. The power to the electric device when it is determined that there is a margin to supply the power to the electric device based on the power consumption information of the electric device in the power supply off state and the detection result of the power supply state. 17. The network according to claim 16, wherein the power supply is turned on, and when it is detected that the electric device in the power supply on state is not consuming power, the power supply to the electric device is turned off. Power supply method. 18. A power supply device for a network which supplies power to a plurality of electric devices constituting the network, comprising a plurality of detection means for detecting a power supply state to each of the plurality of electric devices. A plurality of switch means for turning on and off power supply to each of the plurality of electric devices; and a plurality of switches according to preset power consumption information of each of the plurality of electric devices and a detection result of the plurality of detection means. A power supply device for a network, comprising: a control means for controlling each means. 19. The control means has a margin to supply electric power to the electric device based on the power consumption information of the electric device connected to the switch means in the off state and the detection results of the plurality of detecting means. When it is determined that the switch means is turned on, when the detection means detects that the electric device connected to the switch means in the on state does not consume power, the switch means is turned off. 19. The power supply device for a network according to claim 18, wherein: