JP2007172493A - Power supply management program, information processing system, and power supply management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply management program, an information processing system, and a power supply management method for surely saving electric power of equipment not in use through a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: When application data created at a control unit 11 of a client PC 100 is required to print, print data is transmitted to a printer 200 through a communication interface 16, and at the same time, identification information identifying the print data is stored in an authentication key attached to an authentication key connecting interface 15. When a user removes the key, an authentication key control module (11-A) detects this fact, and a power supply management module (11-B) performs sift processing to a power saving mode. In the case of the power saving mode, when receiving the print data, the printer 200 stores it in a print spooler 27, and performs the sift processing to a normal mode by means of a power supply management module (23-B). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power management program, an information processing system, and a power management method, and more particularly to a power management program, an information processing system, and a power management method that realize power saving with a simple operation.

  Generally, as a method for realizing power saving of a device such as a host device (hereinafter also referred to as “client computer”) or a printer, it is automatically saved if the device is not used for a predetermined time. There is a method of shifting to a power state (also referred to as “power saving mode”). In this power saving mode, it is possible to minimize the power supply amount of the device and to start up at a higher speed than the power OFF state during operation.

  When a device in the power saving mode receives a processing request, the device starts to supply power and shifts to a normal mode that enables normal operation.

  By utilizing this transition to the power saving mode, there is an advantage that the processing can be started at a higher speed than in the power OFF state as well as the power saving of the device.

  In particular, electronic devices that are shared and used by multiple users, such as printers and multifunction devices, do not know when and who will use them, so there is a benefit of power saving by waiting in the power saving mode rather than the normal power mode. large. However, there is also a problem that it is difficult to optimally set the waiting time until shifting to the power saving mode because it does not know when and who will use it.

  In the host device such as a client computer connected to these printers and multifunction devices, even if it is in a state where it can shift to the power saving mode when operating stand-alone, once it is connected to the connected printer or multifunction device. When the processing request is made, it is impossible to shift to the power saving mode until the processing is completed, and wasteful power consumption occurs.

There is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 as a prior art which attempts to solve this problem. In the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a host device issues a print request to a printer, the printer can be switched to a power saving mode or a power-off state during operation of the printer, for example, spooled in the printer. When all the data is transferred, it is possible to shift to the power saving mode or the power-off state.
JP-A-11-221951

  However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to shift to a power saving mode of a host device that has issued a print request without waiting for processing in the printer. It does not shift to the power saving mode only for the required time, but it is only possible to shift, and to shift to the power saving mode, it must be done manually or by shortening the setting time until shifting Don't be.

  If the set time is simply shortened, there is a problem that the mode is shifted to the power saving mode without using the host device for a short time and the usability is deteriorated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a power management program, an information processing system, and a power management method that can surely save power in a device that is not used by a simple operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is characterized in that a first processing device that performs user authentication by mounting an authentication key unit and the first processing device connected to the first processing device, and the first processing device is mounted by mounting the authentication key unit. A power management program for executing power management in an information processing system having a second processing device for processing information acquired from one processing device by a computer, wherein the authentication key unit is obtained from the first processing device. A first step of detecting removal and transitioning the first processing device to a power saving state; and from the first processing device based on removing the authentication key unit from the first processing device. And a second step of detecting the control signal and returning the second device from the power saving state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first processing device for performing user authentication by mounting an authentication key unit, and the first processing device connected to the first processing device, wherein the first processing device is mounted by mounting the authentication key unit. A power management program for executing power management in an information processing system having a second processing device for processing acquired information by a computer, and detecting that the authentication key unit has been removed from the first processing device A first step of shifting the first processing device to the power saving state, and detecting that the authentication key unit is attached to the second processing device, and returning the second device from the power saving state. Based on the second step and the processing request from the second processing device, the first processing device is returned from the power saving state, and when the processing based on the processing request is completed, Characterized in that it comprises a third step of shifting the first processing apparatus to the power saving state.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit, and a first processing device that is connected to the first processing device and stores information acquired from the first processing device. A power source for executing power management in a data processing system by a computer, which includes a second processing device and a third processing device that is connected to the second processing device and processes information acquired from the second processing device A first program for detecting that the authentication key unit has been removed from the first processing device and causing the first processing device to shift to a power-saving state; and And a second step of detecting that the authentication key unit is attached and returning the third processing apparatus from the power saving state.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first processing device for performing user authentication by mounting an authentication key unit, and the first processing device connected to the first processing device, and the first processing device being mounted by mounting the authentication key unit. In the information processing system including the second processing device that processes the acquired information, the first processing device is based on detection means that detects that the authentication key unit has been removed, and detection by the detection means. Control signal transmitting means for transmitting a control signal to the second processing device; and power saving control means for shifting the first processing device to a power saving state based on detection by the first detecting means; The second processing device includes a return control unit that returns the second processing device from a power saving state based on the control signal transmitted by the control signal transmission unit.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the first processing device is a host device that makes a print request to the second processing device, and the second processing device is: A printing apparatus that performs a printing process based on a print request from the host apparatus, wherein the control signal transmission unit transmits the print request as the control signal to the printing apparatus.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the first processing device is a host device that makes a print request to the second processing device, and the second processing device is: The printing apparatus performs a printing process based on a printing request from the host apparatus, and the control signal transmission unit transmits a printing request to the first processing apparatus, and then uses a power saving cancellation signal as the control signal. It transmits to the said printing apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first processing device that performs user authentication by mounting an authentication key unit, and the first processing device that is connected to the first processing device, and is connected to the first processing device by mounting the authentication key unit. In an information processing system including a second processing device that processes the acquired information, the first processing device includes first detection means for detecting that the authentication key unit has been removed, and the first processing device. A power saving control means for shifting the first processing device to a power saving state based on detection by the detecting means; a return from the power saving state based on a processing request from the second processing device; and a processing based on the processing request. A power saving return control means for shifting to a power saving state upon termination, wherein the second processing device comprises a second detection means for detecting that the authentication key unit is attached; A return control means for returning the second processing device from the power saving state based on detection by the detection means, and the processing request to the first processing device after the return control means returns from the power saving state. And a processing request means.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the first processing device is an image reading device that reads an image, and the second processing device acquires a read image from the image reading device. The processing request unit makes a request for obtaining the read image to the image reading apparatus.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit, and a first processing device that is connected to the first processing device and stores information acquired from the first processing device. In the information processing system including two processing devices and a third processing device connected to the second processing device and processing information acquired from the second processing device, the first processing device is Transmitting and storing means for transmitting and storing processing information processed by the first processing apparatus to the second processing apparatus; first detecting means for detecting that the authentication key unit has been removed; and And a power-saving control unit that shifts the first processing device to a power-saving state based on detection by the first detection unit, wherein the third processing device detects that the authentication key unit is attached. Detection means and the second detection A return control means for returning from the power saving state based on detection of the means, and an acquisition request for processing information processed by the first processing device to the second processing device after the return control means returns from the power saving state And information acquisition means for acquiring processing information processed by the first processing apparatus.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the first processing device is an image reading device that reads an image, and the second processing device is a read image that is read by the image reading device. The third processing device is a client device that acquires and processes the read image stored in the server, and the information acquisition unit is configured to send the read image to the server. The read image is acquired by making an acquisition request.

  The invention of claim 11 is connected to the first processing device for performing user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit, and from the first processing device by attaching the authentication key unit. In a power management method in an information processing system having a second processing device for processing acquired information, the detection means of the first processing device detects that the authentication key unit has been removed, and the detection means Based on the detection, a control signal is transmitted to the second processing device by the control signal transmission means, and based on the detection of the first detection means, the first processing device is shifted to the power saving state by the power saving control means, The second processing device is returned from the power saving state by the return control means based on the control signal transmitted by the control signal transmission means.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first processing device that performs user authentication by mounting an authentication key unit, and the first processing device that is connected to the first processing device, and is connected to the first processing device by mounting the authentication key unit. In a power management method in an information processing system having a second processing device for processing acquired information, the first detection means of the first processing device detects that the authentication key unit has been removed, and Based on the detection of the first detection means, the first processing device is shifted to the power saving state by the power saving control means, and is returned from the power saving state based on the processing request from the second processing device. By the power saving return control means by the end of the processing based on, detecting that the authentication key unit is mounted by the second detection means of the second processing device, The second processing device is returned from the power saving state by the return control means based on the detection by the two detection means, and the processing request is sent to the first processing device after the return control means returns from the power saving state. It is characterized by performing.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit, and a first processing device that is connected to the first processing device and stores information acquired from the first processing device. In the power management method in the information processing system, the power management method includes: a second processing device; and a third processing device that is connected to the second processing device and processes information acquired from the second processing device. The processing information processed by the processing device is transmitted to the second processing device, stored in the transmission storage means of the first processing device, and the first detection means detects that the authentication key unit has been removed. Based on the detection by the first detection means, the second processing means of the third processing device is configured to shift the first processing device to the power saving state by the power saving control means and to attach the authentication key unit. Detect and said second Acquisition of processing information processed by the first processing device with respect to the second processing device after returning from the power saving state by the return control device based on detection of the output device The processing information processed by the first processing apparatus is obtained by making a request.

  According to the present invention, the authentication key that commonly authenticates the use of a plurality of installed devices is used, and the power management is performed by attaching and detaching the authentication key. As well as preventing, it is possible to surely eliminate the wasteful power of the unused device.

  Further, since the authentication key is attached / detached with the movement of the user, there is an effect that it is possible to surely realize power saving without requiring a direct operation for realizing power saving.

  Since the power saving state can be maintained until immediately before use and the power saving state can be maintained until immediately before use, there is also an effect that the power consumption can be significantly reduced.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power management program, an information processing system, and a power management method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the embodiment shown below, a configuration in which a client PC as a host device and a printer as a printing device are connected via a network line is mainly shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this device configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, a configuration may be employed in which a scanner is provided as a host device instead of a client PC, and a client PC is provided instead of a printing device.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram for performing power management of an information processing system configured by applying a power management program, an information processing system, and a power management method according to the present invention.

  As an example of this information processing system in FIG. 1, a system configuration in which a client PC 100 and a printer 200 are connected via a network line is shown. The client PC 100 and the printer 200 can communicate with each other. Further, the client PC 100 and the printer 200 have an interface capable of recognizing attachment / detachment of an authentication key, reading information stored in the authentication key, and writing information. In accordance with the attachment / detachment of the authentication key, power management is performed in each of the client PC 100 and the printer 200, and processing for shifting to a power saving state (hereinafter also referred to as “power saving mode”) is performed.

  The authentication key at this time is a storage medium implemented by a flash memory or the like, and is used when the client PC 100 or the printer 200 is used. The authentication key includes identification information for uniquely identifying the authentication key, identification information for identifying the client PC attached at the time of a print output request to the printer, identification information for identifying the print data requested for printing, Includes user information for identifying the user who made the print output request, and can be rewritten as necessary.

  The client PC 100 includes an application storage unit 10, a control unit 11, a print request list management unit 12, a print spooler 13, a U / I 14, an authentication key connection interface 15, and a communication interface 16, and the user uses an authentication key connection interface. When the authentication key attached to 15 is removed, the control unit 11 performs the power control processing of the client PC and shifts to the power saving mode.

  The application storage unit 10 stores an application that is a source for creating print data for requesting printing to the printer 200. The user creates application data by the control unit 11 by operating a stored (installed) application from the U / I 14.

  The control unit 11 performs main control in the client PC 100 and creates application data based on an operation from the U / I 14. The application data is data that is a source of a print request and is created using an application stored in the application storage unit 10. When a print instruction is given to application data created by an operation from the U / I 14, print data for the application data is created and the print data is stored in the print spool 13. Further, the contents of the print request are added to the print request list management unit 12.

  The control unit 11 includes an authentication key control module (11-A) and a power management module (11-B). The authentication key control module (11-A) authenticates to the authentication key connection interface 15. It is determined whether a key is attached, and if attached, the identification information or user information stored in the authentication key is read and written. Further, the attachment / detachment of the authentication key is monitored to detect that the authentication key has been removed, and to detect that the authentication key has been attached. This change in state is notified to the power management module (11-B).

  Furthermore, the identification information of the client PC 100 and the user information of the user operating the client PC 100 are automatically updated to the attached authentication key. These pieces of information are information used when identifying a client PC or a user who has made a print request with a printer to which an authentication key is attached.

  When the power management module (11-B) is notified of the connection state of the authentication key from the authentication key control module (11-A), the power management module (11-B) performs a process of shifting to a power state designated in advance. That is, when the authentication key is attached, the power state is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and when the authentication key is removed, the power state is changed from the normal mode to the power saving mode. Of course, even when the authentication key is attached, the power supply state can be changed to the power saving mode after a certain period of time, and the authentication key is removed in this power saving mode state. The power saving mode is maintained.

  The power state is changed based on data received from the communication interface 16 in addition to the state received from the authentication key control module (11-A). The data received via the communication interface 16 includes a print data acquisition request (transfer request) from the printer, and the client PC 100 in the power saving mode performs a process of shifting to the normal mode.

  An example of the change in the power supply state is shown in FIGS.

  When the control unit 11 receives a print data transmission request together with identification information for identifying the print data from the printer 200 via the communication interface 16, the control unit 11 extracts the print data stored in the print spooler 13 and retrieves the request source. Transmit to the printer 200. The transmission status information managed by the print request list management unit 12 is updated to “transmitted” for the transmitted print data. Identification information for identifying the print data at this time can be described in the header of the print request.

  The print request list management unit 12 manages a list indicating a list of print requests that have been issued to the printer 200. This list includes the name of the user who made the print request and the identification information for identifying the print data, the address information indicating where the print data is stored in the print spooler 13, and the transmission indicating whether or not it has been transmitted. Status information, information indicating the status of the printer connected via the transmission interface 15, and the like are stored.

  Note that the print data for which the print request has been made may not be stored in the print spooler 13, and in this case, “NULL (null)” is set as the address information.

  The print spooler 13 is a storage area for storing the print data created by the control unit 11 in the client PC 100 without transmitting it to the printer 200. The print spooler 13 is controlled by the control unit 11 according to a transmission request from the printer. It is transmitted to the printer 200.

  The U / I 14 is a user interface including devices such as a display display, a keyboard, and a pointing device, and creates application data by issuing a print instruction or using an application. At the time of printing instruction, in addition to selecting the printer 200 to print out, it is possible to request printing without selecting the printer to print out.

  When a print request is made without selecting a printer, the print data is stored in the print spooler 13 until an acquisition request is received from the printer.

  The authentication key connection interface 15 is an interface for attaching and detaching the authentication key, and performs data transfer to the authentication key control module (11-A) of the control unit 11 and data writing to the attached authentication key. Further, the attachment / detachment of the authentication key is detected and notified to the authentication key control module (11-A).

  The communication interface 16 is a communication interface that performs data communication between the client PC 100 and the printer 200, and transmits print data and a print request.

  The printer 200 includes a communication interface 21, an authentication key connection interface 22, a control unit 23, a printer U / I 24, an output control unit 25, a print engine 26, and a print spool 27, depending on the use environment of the printer. Thus, it is possible to switch between a normal operation mode (also referred to as “normal mode”) and a power saving mode, and power management based on a connection state of an authentication key attached to the authentication key connection interface 22 and a print request from the client PC 100 Is done.

  The power saving mode is an operation mode that automatically enters a standby state with low power when a state in which the printer is not used for a predetermined period of time, which is realized by a conventional printer, continues.

  The contents of the processing in the power saving mode are shown below.

  The communication interface 21 is a communication interface that realizes data communication with the client PC 100, accepts a print request from the client PC 100, and transfers a print data transmission request to a predetermined client PC 100 according to an instruction from the control unit 23. To do.

  Similar to the authentication key connection interface 15 of the client PC 100, the authentication key connection interface 22 reads data stored in the attached authentication key, and writes to the authentication key according to an instruction from the control unit 23. .

  The control unit 23 indicates main control in the printer 200, and performs control in print output and power management control. Further, control is performed based on setting information and operation contents set by the user using the U / I 24.

  The control unit 23 includes an authentication key control module (23-A), a power management module (23-B), and a print output unit 25. The authentication key control module (23-A) connects to the authentication key connection interface 22. It is determined whether an authentication key is attached, and the attachment / detachment of the authentication key is detected. When the attached authentication key does not include print data but includes information for identifying the client PC and information for specifying a print output request, a print data transfer request is generated for the client PC, and the communication interface 21 is set. Send through. Print data is received as a response to the transfer request and stored in the print spooler 27.

  In addition, the authentication key control module (23-A) notifies the power management module (23-B) of the detected change in state due to attachment / detachment, and the power management module (23-B) is in the power saving mode. A process for shifting to the normal mode is performed by attaching an authentication key or receiving print data.

  For the received print data or print data transferred by making a transfer request, the output control unit 25 performs print control to instruct the print engine 26 to perform print output.

  The U / I 24 is a user interface including devices such as a display, a cross key, and a numeric keypad, and can specify print setting setting information.

  The print engine 26 prints out the print data according to a print instruction from the output control unit 25.

  The print spooler 27 is a storage area for storing print data received by the control unit 23, and is taken out by a take-out request from the control unit 23. When the printer 200 receives a print request via the communication interface 21, the control unit 23 stores print data corresponding to the print request in the print spooler 27. Thereafter, an authentication key is attached to the authentication key connection interface 22, and when the attachment is detected by the authentication key control module (23-A), the control unit 23 takes out the print data from the print spooler 27 and outputs the control unit 25 of the control unit 23. Print instruction to the print engine 26.

  With such a configuration, the client PC can perform the process of shifting to the power saving mode by completing the removal of the authentication key and the transmission of the print data, and the printer can perform the process of attaching the authentication key and receiving the print data. Printing output can be performed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a processing sequence in the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the client PC as the print request source makes a print request to the printer (201), and the print data of the print request is transmitted to the designated printer (202). At this time, the print data is transmitted to the printer, and at least identification information for identifying the print data requested for printing is stored in the authentication key. Of course, identification information for identifying the connected client PC and user information for identifying the user may be stored.

  When the user confirms that transmission of the print data has been completed and storage of information specifying the print data requested to be printed to the authentication key is completed (203), the user enters the power saving mode. (204).

  In addition, when the printer that has received the print data is in a standby state in the power saving mode, the process of returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode is performed using the reception of the print data as a trigger (location A in the figure). The received print data is stored in the print spool. In this state, when the authentication key attached to the client PC requested to print by the user is attached to the printer (205), the received print data based on the information specifying the print data requested for printing stored in the authentication key is displayed. It is taken out from the stored print spool and printed out (206).

  In such a process, the transition to the power saving mode can be performed by removing the authentication key, and the print output is performed by attaching the authentication key.

  FIG. 3 is another diagram showing a processing sequence in the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, similar to FIG. 2, the processing sequence shown in FIG. 2 is configured to send print data to a designated printer when a print request is made. However, the processing sequence shown in FIG. The print data requested for printing is stored in the print spool of the client PC (201).

  In addition, when the authentication key is removed by the user by performing processing for storing the identification information for identifying the print data in the print request in the authentication key (301), the print data stored in the print spool is transmitted to the printer ( 302).

  Then, the client PC that has transmitted the print data performs a process of shifting to the power saving mode (204).

  Thereafter, the print data is printed out by executing the processing sequence shown in FIG.

  2 and 3 described above are configured such that the printer returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode when triggered by the reception of print data from the client PC (location A in the figure). However, it may be configured to return from the power saving mode to the normal mode triggered by the insertion of the authentication key by the user.

  FIG. 4 is a third diagram showing a processing sequence in the present invention.

  FIG. 4 shows a processing sequence that can be printed out without selecting a print request destination printer.

  First, print data is created by the client PC, and print output processing (401) of the created print data is performed. In this print output process, print data is stored in a print spooler provided in the client PC so that a transfer request from the printer can be accepted.

  At the same time, identification information for identifying the client PC that is the print request source, user information indicating the user, and identification information for identifying the print data requested for printing are written to the authentication key.

  After the print output process (401) is performed, when the authentication key attached by the user is removed from the client PC (402), the client PC performs a transition process (403) to the power saving mode to set the power saving mode. Become.

  Then, the user moves to the printer with the authentication key removed from the client PC, and reads the information stored in the authentication key by inserting it into the printer. Using the identification information of the client PC included in the information, the client PC that has performed the print output process is specified, and a print data transfer request is made for the information specifying the print data requested for printing to the client PC (405). ).

  If the printer is in the power saving mode when the authentication key is inserted into the printer, the printer returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode (location A in the figure), and a transfer request is made.

  The client PC which has received the transfer request returns to the normal mode (location B in the figure) because it is in the power saving mode by the previous processing, takes out the designated print data, and sends it to the printer that is the transfer request source. Is transmitted (406).

  Then, the client PC that has transferred the print data to the printer performs the process of shifting to the power saving mode again (407). When the printer receives print data as a response to the transfer request, the printer prints out the print data (408).

  In the client PC, returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode is performed by inserting the authentication key again.

  With such a processing sequence, it is possible to print from a desired printer without selecting a printer to print out and to prevent unauthorized use and manipulation of the client PC.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the processing sequence shown in FIG. 4 is applied to the scanner and client PC of the host device.

  In FIG. 5, an original reading process (501) is performed by the scanner, and image data corresponding to the read original is stored in a predetermined storage device (502). The predetermined storage device is a device that stores image data that responds to access from the client PC. Generally, it is constituted by a RAM or the like.

  Then, identification information for identifying the scanner and address information for identifying image data stored in the storage device are stored for the authentication key.

  When the authentication key is removed by the user after the storage in the storage device is completed (503), the scanner performs a transition process (504) to the power saving mode and enters the power saving mode.

  When the user moves to the client PC with the authentication key removed and inserts the authentication key (505), if the client PC is in the power saving mode, it returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode (see FIG. Inside part A).

  The identification information for identifying the scanner included in the authentication key is used to identify the scanner that has read the document, and the address data is designated to make an image data transfer request to the scanner (506). The scanner that has received the transfer request returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode with the transfer request as a trigger, and extracts the image data stored in the storage device based on the address information. The extracted image data is transmitted to the client PC that is the transfer request source (507).

  When the image data is transmitted, the process of shifting to the power saving mode is performed again (508), and the scanner is shifted to the power saving mode. The client PC that has received the image data stores the acquired image data (509).

  As a result, the image data for the read document can be managed by the client PC.

  With the above processing, in the present invention, it is possible to shift to the power saving mode, which is a low power state, by a simple operation.

  In the first embodiment, a configuration example in which a client PC and a printer or a scanner and a client PC are connected is shown. However, in the following second embodiment, as an example of an information processing system, communication between a client PC and a printer is performed via a control server. An example is shown below.

  Of course, communication between the scanner and the client PC is not limited to communication between the client PC and the printer.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration when communication is performed via the control server.

  In FIG. 6, a client PC 100 that creates data and makes a print request, a control server 600 that controls printing of the data created by the client PC 100, and a printer 200 that prints and outputs data processed by the control server 600 are connected via a network line. The configuration is shown.

  The client PC 100 and the printer 200 are provided with an authentication key connection interface for attaching an authentication key, and each operation is performed with the authentication key attached. Application data is created by the client PC 100 with the authentication key attached to the authentication key connection interface and transmitted to the control server 600. The control server 600 performs print control on application data and creates print data. The control server 600 is provided with a data storage unit 63 that can temporarily store print data, and the print data is stored in the data storage unit 63.

  When the authentication key attached to the client PC 100 is removed by the user, a process for shifting to the power saving mode is performed and the process shifts to the power saving mode. Further, by attaching the authentication key removed from the client PC 100 to the printer 200, the printer 200 returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode. At this time, the printer 200 is in the power saving mode because the authentication key is not attached, and shifts to the normal mode when the authentication key is attached.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed block diagram of the network configuration shown in FIG. 6. In the following, the configuration of the client PC 100 and the printer 200 is the same as the block diagram shown in FIG.

  First, when the client PC 100 issues a print request, print data corresponding to the print request is transferred to the control server 600 and stored in the control server 600. At this time, the identification information for identifying the print data transferred to the authentication key attached to the authentication key connection interface 15 or the identification information for identifying the client PC 100 is stored.

  Next, when the user removes the authentication key attached to the client PC 100, a process for shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode is performed by the power management module (11-B) of the client PC 100.

  When the authentication key removed by the user is attached to the authentication key connection interface 22 of the printer 200, the authentication key control module (23-A) of the printer detects this, and the power management is performed when the printer 200 is in the power saving mode. Processing to shift to the normal mode is performed by the module. Further, the control unit 23 reads information for identifying print data stored in the authentication key or information for identifying the client PC 100, and accesses the control server 600 based on these information.

  The control server 600 at this time includes a communication interface 61, a control unit 62, a data storage unit 63, a display unit 64, and an operation unit 65, and receives print data from the client PC 100 as a print request and performs print control. At the same time, the print data designated based on the access request from the printer 200 is transferred.

  The communication interface 61 is an interface that receives print data from the client PC.

  The control unit 62 indicates main control in the control server, and stores print data received via the communication interface 61 in the data storage unit 63. In response to a print data acquisition request from the printer 200, the print data stored in the data storage unit 63 is transmitted to the printer 200 via the communication interface 61.

  Further, when an operation instruction is issued from the user interface of the display unit 64 and the operation unit 65, processing based on the instruction content is performed.

  Further, the control unit 62 can perform a process designated in advance. For example, new print data is created by adding predetermined data to the print data, or the designated character is changed to another character. Can be processed.

  The data storage unit 63 is a storage medium configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores the print data transferred from the control unit 62. The storage medium is accessible from the control unit 62 and is readable and writable.

  The display unit 64 and the operation unit 65 are user interfaces that can be operated by the user. The display unit 64 is configured by a display display or the like, and the operation unit 65 is configured by a keyboard or a pointing device.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, when application data is created by the client PC and a print request is made (801), print data corresponding to the print request is transmitted to the control server (802). Identification information for identifying print data, identification information for identifying a client PC, and the like are stored in an authentication key attached at the same time as this transmission.

  The user confirms the completion of transmission and the completion of storage of the identification information, and removes the authentication key attached to the client PC (803). The client PC detects that the authentication key has been removed, and transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode by performing a transition process to the power saving mode (804).

  The control server that has received the print data from the client PC saves the received print data in the data storage unit (805). The control server can perform predesignated processing on the print data stored in the data storage unit, and can update the print data by an operation from the user.

  When the authentication key removed from the client PC is attached to the printer (806), the printer refers to the identification information stored in the authentication key and sends a print data transfer request to the control server based on the information (807). ) To retrieve predetermined print data from the control server (808).

  For example, when identification information for identifying print data is included in the authentication key, print data that matches the identification information is retrieved from the data storage unit of the control server. If identification information for identifying a client PC is included, all print data requested for printing from the client PC is extracted.

  Of course, these two pieces of identification information can also be stored in the authentication key. In this case, the information is referred to based on the order information of the identification information to be referred set in the printer. For example, when it is designated that a certain printer refers to the identification information of the client PC with the highest priority, two identification information items, that is, identification information for identifying the print data and identification information for identifying the client PC are stored. Even if the print data is present, the latter identification information is referred to retrieve print data from the control server.

  The print data thus taken out is printed out (809).

  According to such a processing sequence, printing can be performed via the control server, and the power state of each of the client PC and the printer can be changed by attaching / detaching the authentication key.

  FIG. 9 is another diagram illustrating a processing sequence according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 9 shows a processing sequence for storing image data read by the scanner in the client PC.

  Since it is similar to the processing sequence shown in FIG.

  The scanner reads the set original (901) and forms image data for the original (902). The formed image data is transmitted to the control server in the same manner as the print data shown in FIG. 8 (903). Information for identifying image data or information for identifying a scanner is stored in the authentication key, and after confirming that transmission to the control server and storage of the identification information are completed, the user removes the authentication key from the scanner (904). Thus, a transition process for shifting to the power saving mode is performed (905).

  When the control server receives the image data, it stores the image data in the data storage unit (906).

  When the authentication key removed from the scanner is attached to the client PC (907), an image data transfer request is transmitted to the control server based on the identification information stored in the authentication key (908). Upon receiving the transfer request, the control server extracts the image data based on the identification information from the data storage unit and transmits it to the client PC that is the transfer request source (909).

  The client PC saves the received image data (910).

  With such a processing sequence, the image data read by the scanner can be stored in the client PC via the control server, and the power states of the scanner and the client PC can be changed by attaching / detaching the authentication key.

  Therefore, by applying the present invention, it is possible to expect an effect that the power can be saved by a simple operation in accordance with the use state of the user.

  The processing shown in the processing sequence can also be realized by a power management program that can be executed by a computer.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof.

  For example, in a system that performs copying in a configuration in which a scanner and a printer are connected, the user connects an authentication key to the scanner in the power saving mode, shifts to the normal mode, performs reading, and reads the read image data. Send to the printer as a print request. The printer that has received the print request returns to the normal mode when in the power saving mode, and prints out the image data requested to be printed by connecting the authentication key connected to the scanner that has requested printing.

  The present invention is applicable to an electronic device that performs power management, and is particularly useful for performing power management when a user moves away from a host device such as a client PC.

1 is a system configuration diagram for performing power management of an information processing system configured by applying a power management program, an information processing system, and a power management method according to the present invention. The figure which shows the process sequence in this invention. The other figure which shows the process sequence in this invention. The 3rd figure which shows the process sequence in this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example when the processing sequence shown in FIG. 4 is applied to a scanner and a client PC of a host device. The figure which shows the network structure in the case of communicating via a control server. FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the network configuration shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing sequence in Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is another diagram showing a processing sequence in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Application memory | storage part 11 Control part 11-A Authentication key control module 11-B Power management module 12 Print request list management part 13 Print spooler 14 U / I
15 Authentication Key Connection Interface 16 Communication Interface 21 Communication Interface 22 Authentication Key Connection Interface 23-A Authentication Key Control Module 23-B Power Management Module 24 U / I
25 output control unit 26 print engine 27 print spooler 61 communication interface 62 control unit 63 data storage unit 64 display unit 65 operation unit 100 client PC
200 Printer 600 Control server

Claims (13)

A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit and a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and that processes information acquired from the first processing device by attaching the authentication key unit. A power management program for executing power management in an information processing system having a processing device by a computer,
A first step of detecting removal of the authentication key unit from the first processing device and causing the first processing device to transition to a power saving state;
A second step of detecting a control signal from the first processing device based on the removal of the authentication key unit from the first processing device and returning the second device from the power saving state. A power management program. A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit and a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and that processes information acquired from the first processing device by attaching the authentication key unit. A power management program for executing power management in an information processing system having a processing device by a computer,
A first step of detecting removal of the authentication key unit from the first processing device and causing the first processing device to transition to a power saving state;
A second step of detecting that the authentication key unit is attached to the second processing device and returning the second device from the power saving state;
A third step of returning the first processing device from the power saving state based on a processing request from the second processing device and causing the first processing device to transition to a power saving state upon completion of processing based on the processing request. And a power management program comprising: A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit; a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and stores information acquired from the first processing device; A power management program for performing power management in an information processing system connected to the second processing device and having a third processing device for processing information acquired from the second processing device, by a computer,
A first step of detecting removal of the authentication key unit from the first processing device and causing the first processing device to transition to a power saving state;
And a second step of detecting that the authentication key unit is attached to the third processing device and returning the third processing device from the power saving state. A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit and a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and that processes information acquired from the first processing device by attaching the authentication key unit. In an information processing system having a processing device,
The first processing device includes:
Detecting means for detecting removal of the authentication key unit;
Control signal transmission means for transmitting a control signal to the second processing device based on detection by the detection means;
Power saving control means for shifting the first processing device to a power saving state based on the detection of the first detection means,
The second processing device includes:
An information processing system comprising: return control means for returning the second processing device from a power saving state based on the control signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means. The first processing device includes:
A host device that issues a print request to the second processing device;
The second processing device includes:
A printing device that performs a printing process based on a print request from the host device;
The control signal transmission means includes
The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the print request is transmitted to the printing apparatus as the control signal. The first processing device includes:
A host device that issues a print request to the second processing device;
The second processing device includes:
A printing device that performs a printing process based on a print request from the host device;
The control signal transmission means includes
The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein after the print request is transmitted to the first processing apparatus, a power saving cancellation signal is transmitted to the printing apparatus as the control signal. A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit and a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and that processes information acquired from the first processing device by attaching the authentication key unit. In an information processing system having a processing device,
The first processing device includes:
First detection means for detecting removal of the authentication key unit;
Power saving control means for shifting the first processing device to a power saving state based on the detection of the first detecting means;
A power saving return control means for returning from the power saving state based on a processing request from the second processing device, and for shifting to a power saving state upon completion of the processing based on the processing request;
The second processing device includes:
Second detection means for detecting that the authentication key unit is mounted;
A return control means for returning the second processing device from the power saving state based on detection by the second detection means;
An information processing system comprising: processing request means for making the processing request to the first processing device after the return control means returns from the power saving state. The first processing device includes:
An image reading device for reading an image;
The second processing device includes:
A client device that acquires and processes a read image from the image reading device;
The processing request means includes
The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein an acquisition request for the read image is issued to the image reading device. A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit; a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and stores information acquired from the first processing device; An information processing system including a third processing device connected to the second processing device and processing information acquired from the second processing device,
The first processing device includes:
Transmission storage means for transmitting and storing processing information processed by the first processing device to the second processing device;
First detection means for detecting removal of the authentication key unit;
Power saving control means for shifting the first processing device to a power saving state based on the detection of the first detection means,
The third processing device includes:
Second detection means for detecting that the authentication key unit is mounted;
A return control means for returning from the power saving state based on the detection of the second detection means;
After the return control means returns from the power-saving state, the processing information processed by the first processing device is obtained by requesting the second processing device to obtain processing information processed by the first processing device. An information processing system comprising: an information acquisition means for acquiring. The first processing device includes:
An image reading device for reading an image;
The second processing device includes:
A server for accumulating and managing read images read by the image reading device;
The third processing device includes:
A client device that acquires and processes the read image stored in the server;
The information acquisition means includes
The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein the read image is acquired by making a request for acquisition of the read image to the server. A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit and a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and that processes information acquired from the first processing device by attaching the authentication key unit. In the power management method in the information processing system having the processing device,
The detection means of the first processing device detects that the authentication key unit has been removed,
Based on the detection by the detection means, a control signal is transmitted to the second processing device by the control signal transmission means,
Based on the detection of the first detection means, the first processing device is shifted to the power saving state by the power saving control means,
A power management method comprising: returning the second processing device from a power saving state by a return control unit based on a control signal transmitted by the control signal transmission unit. A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit and a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and that processes information acquired from the first processing device by attaching the authentication key unit. In the power management method in the information processing system having the processing device,
Detecting that the authentication key unit has been removed by the first detection means of the first processing apparatus;
Based on the detection of the first detection means, the first processing device is shifted to the power saving state by the power saving control means,
Based on the processing request from the second processing device, the power-saving state is restored, and the processing based on the processing request is terminated, and the power-saving state is shifted to the power-saving state by the power-saving return control means.
The second detection means of the second processing device detects that the authentication key unit is mounted;
Based on the detection of the second detection means, the second processing device is returned from the power saving state by the return control means,
The power management method, wherein the processing request is made to the first processing device after the return control means returns from the power saving state. A first processing device that performs user authentication by attaching an authentication key unit; a second processing device that is connected to the first processing device and stores information acquired from the first processing device; A power management method in an information processing system including a third processing device connected to the second processing device and processing information acquired from the second processing device,
Processing information processed by the first processing device is transmitted to the second processing device and stored in the transmission storage means of the first processing device;
The first detection means detects that the authentication key unit has been removed,
Based on the detection of the first detection means, the first processing device is shifted to the power saving state by the power saving control means,
The second detection means of the third processing device detects that the authentication key unit is mounted,
Based on the detection of the second detection means, return from the power saving state by the return control means,
After the return control means returns from the power-saving state, the processing information processed by the first processing device is obtained by requesting the second processing device to obtain processing information processed by the first processing device. The power management method characterized by acquiring.

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