JP2011086144A - Image processing system, network relay apparatus, and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A technique for further reducing power consumption of an image processing apparatus connected to a network is provided.
In an image processing system including a network relay device and an image processing device connected to the network relay device, the network relay device performs proxy response processing when receiving data destined for the image processing device. . That is, it is determined whether the received data is first data requesting image processing from the image processing apparatus or second data requesting predetermined processing other than image processing. If the received data is the first data, the received data is transferred to the image processing apparatus. If the received data is the second data, a predetermined process corresponding to the received data is executed.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system including an image processing device such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, and a multifunction peripheral and a network relay device, a network relay device, and an image processing device, and more particularly to a power saving technique.

  In the image processing apparatus, a normal mode capable of executing the functions of the image processing apparatus such as printing, scanning, and copying, and a mode that consumes less power than the mode (hereinafter referred to as “power saving mode”). Some have In the power saving mode, power supply to some devices (for example, a print engine, CPU, HDD, DRAM, etc.) in the image processing device is turned off, or some devices are set to a sleep state. The power consumption can be suppressed to be smaller than that in the normal mode.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a facsimile apparatus that includes an option board for connecting to a network and has a normal mode in which the apparatus functions and a sleep mode that suppresses power consumption.

JP 2002-223310 A

  By the way, the image processing apparatus is often used in a situation in which the time of waiting for various requests is longer than the time of executing processing such as printing and copying. Therefore, in the standby state, the image processing apparatus suppresses power consumption by shifting to the power saving mode, for example.

  However, at least when the image processing apparatus needs to operate in the normal mode, for example, when a request for changing print settings, changing network settings, status, etc. is received via the network, the image processing apparatus The mode will return to the normal mode.

  Therefore, as the number of devices (for example, PCs) that access the image processing apparatus via the network increases, the time that the image processing apparatus can stand by in the power saving mode tends to be shortened.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for further reducing power consumption of an image processing apparatus connected to a network.

  A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is an image processing system comprising a network relay device and an image processing device connected to the network relay device, wherein the network relay device A receiving unit that receives data destined for the image processing apparatus, and whether the received data received by the receiving unit is first data that requests image processing from the image processing apparatus, or a predetermined process other than the image processing And determining means for determining whether the received data is the first data. When the received data is the first data, the received data is transferred to the image processing apparatus, and the received data is the first data. 2, proxy response means for executing the predetermined processing corresponding to the received data, and the image processing device is the network relay device Receiving means for receiving the transferred data, and control means for executing the image processing corresponding to the received data received by the receiving means or the processing for executing the predetermined processing. .

  Here, in the image processing system described above, the image processing apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits a predetermined setting value of the image processing apparatus to the network relay apparatus, and the network relay apparatus includes the image relay apparatus. Storage means for storing the predetermined set value transmitted from the processing device, and the proxy response means, when the received data is the second data, the predetermined value stored in the storage means The predetermined process may be executed based on a set value.

  Further, in the above image processing system, the second data includes inquiry data for requesting a status of the image processing apparatus, and the proxy response unit is configured such that the received data is the inquiry data. The status of the image processing apparatus may be returned to the requesting apparatus of the inquiry data based on the predetermined set value stored in the storage means.

  In any one of the image processing systems described above, the second data includes setting data for requesting a change of a predetermined setting value of the image processing apparatus, and the proxy response unit includes the reception unit When the data is the setting data, the predetermined setting value stored in the storage unit is changed based on the setting data, and the data is stored when the first data is received. The setting data including the predetermined setting value may be transmitted to the image processing apparatus.

  Further, in the above image processing system, the image processing apparatus has a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode as operation modes, and the proxy response unit includes the received data Is the setting data, the operation mode of the image processing apparatus is determined. When the image processing apparatus is in the power saving mode, the predetermined setting stored in the storage unit based on the setting data When the value is changed and the image processing apparatus is in the normal mode, the setting data may be transferred to the image processing apparatus as it is.

  The image processing system according to any one of the above, wherein the image processing apparatus has in advance a program for causing the network relay device to function as at least the determination unit and the proxy response unit. The relay apparatus may function as at least the determination unit and the proxy response unit by acquiring the program from the image processing apparatus and executing the program.

  Further, in any one of the image processing systems described above, the image processing device is a printer, and performs printing as the image processing, and the network relay device is a hub device. Good.

  A second aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is a network relay apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus receives data addressed to the destination, and the reception means Determining means for determining whether the received data received by the first data is first data requesting image processing from the image processing apparatus or second data requesting predetermined processing other than the image processing; When the received data is the first data, the received data is transferred to the image processing apparatus, and when the received data is the second data, the predetermined process corresponding to the received data is performed. And a proxy response means to execute.

  Here, in the network relay device, the image processing device has a program for causing the network relay device to function as at least the determination unit and the proxy response unit, and the network relay device The program may be acquired from the image processing apparatus, and may function as at least the determination unit and the proxy response unit by executing the program.

  A third aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is an image processing device connected to a network relay device, the network relay device receiving at least data destined for the image processing device. In this case, determination means for determining whether the received data is first data requesting image processing from the image processing apparatus or second data requesting predetermined processing other than the image processing. When the received data is the first data, the received data is transferred to the image processing device, and when the received data is the second data, the predetermined process corresponding to the received data. And a storage means for storing a program for functioning as a proxy response means for executing the network, and detecting the connection of the network relay device, and A setting means for transmitting to the over click repeater, and wherein the.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 1 that is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the printing system 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a proxy response function setting process in the printer. The flowchart which shows the proxy response process in the hub apparatus 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a change in power consumption of the printer controller. The flowchart which shows the proxy response process (modification 1) in the hub apparatus 3. FIG. The flowchart which shows the proxy response process (modification 2) in the hub apparatus 3. FIG.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 1 which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  The printing system 1 is a network system in which various devices are connected to a network such as a LAN. In the present embodiment, the printing system 1 includes a printer 2, other devices (network device, server, PC, etc.), and a hub device 3 that connects these devices to each other.

  In the present embodiment, a system having a printer is exemplified as an image processing system, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a system having an image processing apparatus such as a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral instead of a printer may be used. Further, the number of image processing devices is not limited to one, and a plurality of image processing devices of the same type or different types may be connected to the hub device. There may be a plurality of hub devices.

  The printer 2 is, for example, a network printer including a printer controller 20, an operation panel 26, and a print engine 27. For example, the printer 2 receives a print request from a PC or the like via the hub device 3 and executes printing.

  The printer controller 20 includes, for example, a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a network interface (I / F) 24, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 25.

  The CPU 21 executes a predetermined program to control the printer 2 in an integrated manner. The RAM 22 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data, programs, and the like, and is, for example, a DDR-SDRAM. The ROM 23 is a nonvolatile memory that stores data, programs, and the like, and is, for example, a flash memory.

  The network I / F 24 is a unit that communicates with devices on the network. The network I / F 24 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) that performs communication using Ethernet (registered trademark), and includes one port, a PHY (Physical layer), a MAC (Media Access Controller), a reception buffer, a transmission buffer, and the like. Have

  The ASIC 25 is a unit that performs access control to the RAM 22 and ROM 23, various image processing for printing, printing control by the print engine 27, and the like. The ASIC 25 stores image data to be printed, which is sent from the network via the network I / F 24, in the RAM 22, for example. For example, the ASIC 25 reads image data from the RAM 22 under the control of the CPU 21, and performs predetermined image processing (for example, color conversion, compression, expansion, binarization) to generate print data. Then, the generated print data is transmitted to the print engine 27 to execute printing.

  The ASIC 25 controls the I / O device and the I / F device. In the present embodiment, the ASIC 24 is connected to an operation panel 26 as an I / O device and a network I / F 24 as an I / F device. Of course, a hard disk drive, a parallel I / F, a USB I / F, or the like may be connected. For example, the ASIC 25 transfers data transmitted from the external device to the CPU 21 via the network I / F 24, and transfers data transmitted from the CPU 21 to the external device. Further, for example, a signal output from the operation panel 26 is transferred to the CPU 21, and drawing data sent from the CPU 21 is transferred to the operation panel 26.

  The operation panel 26 is a unit provided in the housing of the printer 2 as an input / output interface between the user and the printer 2. The operation panel 26 includes a display such as a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), a touch panel, a hard switch, and the like.

  The print engine 27 is a unit that prints on a print medium based on data supplied from the ASIC 25. The print engine 27 is, for example, a laser engine having a toner cartridge, a photosensitive drum, a laser light irradiation mechanism, a transfer mechanism, a paper feed mechanism, a paper supply / discharge mechanism, and the like. Of course, the print engine 27 is not limited to the laser system, and may be an inkjet system.

  The printer 2 according to the present embodiment has a normal mode for executing a normal function and a power saving mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in the normal mode.

  For example, in the normal mode, the CPU 21 uses a timer to monitor whether or not the standby state has continued for a predetermined time (for example, whether or not 15 minutes have passed since the last processing request such as printing or copying has been received). To do. When the standby state continues for a predetermined time, the CPU 21 performs control to switch the normal mode to the power saving mode. Of course, it may be monitored whether or not the user's instruction to switch the normal mode to the power saving mode is accepted via the operation panel 26.

  Further, the CPU 21 in the power saving mode requests at least the printer 2 to operate in the normal mode, for example, print data requesting printing, setting data requesting change of setting values related to printing or network protocol, printing or It monitors whether or not inquiry data requesting a status related to the network protocol has been received. When these requests are received via the network I / F 24 or received via the operation panel 26, the CPU 21 performs control to switch the power saving mode to the normal mode.

  The hub device 3 is a switching hub including, for example, a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, and a network I / F 34. The CPU 31, RAM 32, ROM 33, and network I / F 34 are provided on the same substrate as the hub controller 30, for example.

  The CPU 31 executes a predetermined program to control the hub device 3 in an integrated manner. The RAM 32 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data, programs, and the like. The ROM 33 is a non-volatile memory that stores data, programs, and the like.

  The network I / F 34 is a unit that transmits (transfers) data received from a certain device on the network to another device. The network I / F 34 is a unit that performs switching by Ethernet, for example, and includes a plurality of ports, a PHY, a MAC, a reception buffer, a transmission buffer, a switching IC (Integrated Circuit), and the like.

  More specifically, the network I / F 34 includes a PHY chip and a MAC for each port. The switching IC uses the destination MAC address of a frame (which may be called a packet) received from each port via PHY and MAC, and associates each port number with the MAC address of the device connected to the port. With reference to the attached table, the received frame is transmitted (transferred) to the port having the port number corresponding to the destination MAC address.

  The hub device 3 of the present embodiment can monitor frames received from each port.

  Specifically, the switching IC transfers a frame having address information (for example, a destination MAC address or a destination IP address) designated by the CPU 31 among frames received from each port to the CPU 31 or the RAM 32. The CPU 31 may acquire the frame stored in the reception buffer. The CPU 31 executes predetermined processing based on the contents of the frame transferred from the switching IC. Further, the switching IC transmits the frame generated by the CPU 31 written in the transmission buffer to the port corresponding to the destination MAC address of the frame according to the request of the CPU 31.

  The configurations of the printer 2 and the hub device 3 described above are the main configurations in describing the features of the present invention, and are not limited to the above. In addition, other configurations included in the general printer 2 and the hub device 3 are not excluded.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the printing system 1. This figure shows a state before the proxy response program 240 (340) is installed in the hub device 3.

  The printer controller 20 includes a print control unit 210, a hub setting unit 220, and a storage unit 230.

  The print control unit 210 and the hub setting unit 220 are realized by the CPU 21 executing a predetermined program loaded from the ROM 23 to the RAM 22, for example. The storage unit 230 is realized by the RAM 22 or the ROM 23, for example. Of course, when a hard disk drive is connected to the ASIC 25, the storage unit 230 may be realized by the hard disk drive.

  The print control unit 210 controls the printer 2 in an integrated manner. The print controller 210 controls, for example, control for switching operation modes (normal mode, power saving mode), control of print processing (reception of print data, image processing, control of the print engine 27, output of video data, etc.), printing, Changes the setting value related to the network protocol, responds to status inquiries related to printing and network protocol, and the like.

  The hub setting unit 220 detects the proxy response function of the device connected to the printer 2 and sets the proxy response function. Although details will be described later, the proxy response function refers to a function of the hub device 3 that executes a part of the functions of the printer 2 instead of the printer 2.

  Specifically, when the hub setting unit 220 detects that the network I / F 24 is physically connected to the network, the hub setting unit 220 indicates whether or not the proxy response program 240 that realizes the proxy response function has been installed. Generate data that requires Then, a frame including the data and destined for a preset MAC address of the hub device 3 is generated and transmitted via the network I / F 24.

  Note that the setting of the MAC address of the hub device 3 having the proxy response function is input by the user from the operation panel 26 or a printer driver operating on a PC connected via a network, and accepted by the hub setting unit 220. And record it.

  When response data is received from the hub device 3 in response to the request data, the hub setting unit 220 performs processing according to the content of the response data. If the proxy response program 240 (340) has not been installed in the hub device 3, the hub setting unit 220 reads the proxy response program 240 and various setting values related to printing and network protocols from the storage unit 230, and sets the network I / F 24. To the hub device 3.

  When there is no response from a device connected to the network I / F 24 (when the connected device is not the hub device 3), the hub setting unit 220 determines that the device does not have a proxy response function. The process is terminated. That is, the printer 2 operates as a normal network printer.

  In the storage unit 230, a proxy response program 240 is stored in advance. The proxy response program 240 is a program that realizes a part of the functions of the print control unit 210, and is a program that can be executed by the hub device 3. In the present embodiment, the proxy response program 240 implements changes in various setting values related to printing and network protocols and status responses related to printing and network protocols in the hub device 3. The storage unit 230 also stores various setting values related to printing and network protocols.

  The hub controller 30 includes a hub control unit 310 and a storage unit 330. When the proxy response program 340 is installed, the proxy response unit 320 is included.

  The hub controller 310 is realized, for example, by the CPU 31 executing a predetermined program loaded from the ROM 33 to the RAM 32. The storage unit 330 is realized by the RAM 32, for example. The proxy response unit 320 is realized, for example, when the CPU 31 executes a proxy response program 340 stored in the RAM 32.

  The hub controller 310 controls the hub device 3 in an integrated manner. The hub control unit 310 performs settings related to switching of the network I / F 34, for example.

  Also, the hub control unit 310 receives data requesting information indicating whether or not the proxy response program 340 that realizes the proxy response function has been installed from a device connected to any port of the network I / F 34. If it is received, response data indicating whether or not it has been installed is transmitted via the network I / F 34.

  When the hub control unit 310 receives a proxy response program 240 (340) and various setting values related to printing and network protocol from a device connected to any port of the network I / F 34, the hub control unit 310 stores the setting value in the storage unit 330. To do. Then, the proxy response program 340 is executed to install the proxy response unit 320.

  The proxy response unit 320 acts as a proxy for the printer 2 to change setting values related to printing and network protocols, and to respond to status inquiries related to printing and network protocols. Specifically, the proxy response unit 320 sets the frame whose destination MAC address is the MAC address of the printer 2 to the switching IC of the network I / F 34 so as to transfer the frame to the proxy response unit 320. The MAC address of the printer 2 may be obtained by referring to the received setting value related to the network protocol of the printer 2, for example. When the frame addressed to the printer 2 is received, the proxy response unit 320 analyzes the content of the data included in the frame and performs processing according to the data content.

  When the received data is print data, the proxy response unit 320 transmits the data and its frame to the printer 2 via the switching IC of the network I / F 34 without processing the data and the frame.

  When the received data is setting data for requesting a change in setting values related to printing, the proxy response unit 320 changes the setting values related to printing of the printer 2 stored in the storage unit 330 with the setting values included in the received data. (Update. The settings relating to printing are, for example, default settings such as selection of color / monochrome printing and selection of print quality. The proxy response unit 320 may transmit response data indicating that the setting change has been successful to the apparatus (for example, the host PC) that requested the setting change.

  When the received data is inquiry data for requesting a status regarding printing, the proxy response unit 320 refers to the setting value regarding printing of the printer 2 stored in the storage unit 330, reads the setting value according to the request, and requests Send to the original device. Status relating to printing includes, for example, an operation mode, the remaining amount of ink of each color, various default settings, and the like.

  When the received data is setting data for requesting a change of the setting value related to the network protocol, the proxy response unit 320 changes the setting value related to the network of the printer 2 stored in the storage unit 330 with the setting value of the received data ( Update. The proxy response unit 320 performs a setting process according to a protocol such as IP, ICMP, ARP, or SNMP. The proxy response unit 320 may transmit response data indicating that the setting change is successful to the apparatus that requested the setting change.

  When the received data is inquiry data requesting a status related to the network protocol, the proxy response unit 320 refers to the setting value related to the network protocol of the printer 2 stored in the storage unit 330 and reads the setting value corresponding to the request. To the requesting device. The proxy response unit 320 performs a response process according to a protocol such as IP, ICMP, ARP, or SNMP.

  Note that when the proxy response unit 320 transmits response data to the received data to the requesting device, for example, the destination MAC address and destination IP address of the frame including the received data, the source MAC address and the source IP address, It is only necessary to generate a frame in which the reverse is set, include the response data in the frame, and transmit the frame via the switching IC of the network I / F 34.

  The storage unit 330 stores a proxy response program 340, various setting values related to printing and network protocols, and the like.

  The above components are classified according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configurations of the printer 2 and the hub device 3. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configurations of the printer 2 and the hub device 3 can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, characteristic processing realized by the printer 2 and the hub device 3 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a proxy response function setting process in the printer 2. This flow is executed when the network I / F 24 of the printer 2 is physically connected to the network (link up), for example, when the power of the printer 2 is turned on.

  In S100, the hub setting unit 220 of the printer 2 confirms whether the device connected to the network I / F 24 has a proxy response function. Specifically, the hub setting unit 220 generates data for requesting information indicating whether or not the proxy response program 240 that realizes the proxy response function has been installed. Then, a frame including the data and destined for a preset MAC address of the hub device 3 is generated and transmitted via the network I / F 24. Then, it waits for response data.

  When the printer 2 is connected to the hub device 3, the hub device 3 operates as follows. That is, the hub control unit 310 of the hub device 3 indicates whether or not the proxy response program 340 that realizes the proxy response function has been installed from the printer 2 connected to any port of the network I / F 34. Is received, the response data indicating whether or not it has been installed is transmitted to the printer 2 via the network I / F 34.

  In S110, the hub setting unit 220 determines whether a device connected to the network I / F 24 has a proxy response function. Specifically, the hub setting unit 220 determines whether or not response data has been received in S100. When response data is received in S100, it is determined that the connected device has a proxy response function (S110: YES), and the process proceeds to S120 (that is, the printer 2 is connected to the hub device 3). On the other hand, when the response data cannot be received in S100, it is determined that the connected device does not have the proxy response function (S110: NO), and this flow is finished (that is, the printer 2 is a normal hub). Behaves as if the device is connected).

  In S120, the hub setting unit 220 determines whether or not the proxy response program 240 (340) has been installed in the hub device 3 connected to the network I / F 24. Specifically, the hub setting unit 220 refers to the response data received in S100 and determines whether or not the proxy response program is installed. If the proxy response program 240 has not been installed (S120: NO), the process proceeds to S130. If the proxy response program 240 has been installed (S120: YES), this flow ends.

  In S <b> 130, the hub setting unit 220 transmits the proxy response program 240 to the hub device 3 connected to the network I / F 24. Specifically, the hub setting unit 220 reads the proxy response program 240 and various setting values related to printing and network protocols from the storage unit 230 and transmits them to the hub device 3 via the network I / F 24. Then, this flow ends.

  When the hub control unit 310 of the hub device 3 receives the proxy response program 240 (340) and various setting values related to printing and network protocol from the printer 2 connected to any port of the network I / F 34, these settings are received. Is stored in the storage unit 330. Then, the proxy response program 340 is executed to install the proxy response unit 320.

  As described above, when the hub device 3 is connected to the printer 2, the proxy response function is set in the hub device 3.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing proxy response processing in the hub device 3. This flow is started, for example, when the proxy response program 340 is installed in the hub device 3 and the proxy response unit 320 is activated while the printer 2 is connected to the hub device 3.

  The proxy response unit 320 is set in the switching IC of the network I / F 34 so that, when installed, the frame whose destination MAC address is the MAC address of the printer 2 is transferred to the proxy response unit 320. Shall. For example, the MAC address of the printer 2 may be acquired from setting values related to the network of the printer 2 stored in the storage unit 330.

  In S200, the proxy response unit 320 receives data addressed to the printer 2 and performs analysis. Specifically, the proxy response unit 320 receives the frame addressed to the printer 2 transferred from the network I / F 34. Then, it analyzes whether the content of the data included in the frame is print data, setting data for requesting a change in setting values for printing or network protocol, or inquiry data for requesting status for printing or network protocol. Then, the process proceeds to S210.

  In S210, the proxy response unit 320 determines whether or not the received data analyzed in S200 is print data. If the received data is print data (S210: YES), the proxy response unit 320 advances the process to S220. If the received data is not print data (S210: NO), the proxy response unit 320 advances the process to S240.

  In S <b> 220, the proxy response unit 320 transmits setting data to the printer 2. Specifically, the proxy response unit 320 transmits setting data including setting values related to printing and network protocol stored in the storage unit 330 to the printer 2. The destination MAC address and destination IP address of the transmission data may be set to those of the printer 2 with reference to the setting values related to the network of the printer 2 stored in the storage unit 330. Then, the process proceeds to S230. Note that the process of S220 may be executed only when various setting values are changed in S250.

  When the print control unit 210 of the printer 2 receives setting data including setting values relating to printing and a network protocol via the network I / F 24, various setting values stored in the storage unit 230 are stored according to the setting values. Change (update) and apply. In the power saving mode, the set value is changed and applied after returning to the normal mode.

  In S230, the proxy response unit 320 transmits the print data to the printer 2. Specifically, the proxy response unit 320 transmits the frame received in S200 to the printer 2 via the switching IC of the network I / F 34 without being processed. Then, the process returns to S200.

  When the print control unit 210 of the printer 2 receives print data via the network I / F 24, the print control unit 210 controls the ASIC 25 and the print engine 27, and executes printing on the print medium based on the print data. In the case of the power saving mode, printing is executed after returning to the normal mode.

  In S240, the proxy response unit 320 determines whether or not the received data analyzed in S200 is setting data that requests a change in setting values related to printing or network. When the received data is the setting data (S240: YES), the proxy response unit 320 advances the process to S250. When the received data is not the setting data (S240: NO), the proxy response unit 320 advances the process to S260.

  In S250, the proxy response unit 320 performs a proxy response (change of the set value). Specifically, when the setting data received in S200 is data for requesting change of the setting value related to printing, the proxy response unit 320 sets the setting value related to printing stored in the storage unit 330 to the setting of the received data. Change by value. When the setting data received in S200 is data for requesting a change in the setting value related to the network, the proxy response unit 320 updates the setting value related to the network stored in the storage unit 330 with the setting value of the received data. Then, the process returns to S200. The proxy response unit 320 may transmit response data indicating that the setting change has been successful to the apparatus (for example, the host PC) that requested the setting change.

  In S260, the proxy response unit 320 performs a proxy response (status response). Specifically, when the data received in S200 is inquiry data for requesting a status relating to printing, the proxy response unit 320 refers to a setting value relating to printing stored in the storage unit 330 and sets according to the request. Read the value and send it to the requesting device. When the data received in S200 is inquiry data for requesting a status regarding the network, the proxy response unit 320 refers to the setting value regarding the network stored in the storage unit 330, reads the setting value according to the request, and requests Send to the original device. Then, the process returns to S200.

  Each processing unit in FIGS. 3 and 4 is divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the processing of the printer 2 and the hub device 3 easy to understand. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the printer 2 and the hub device 3 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing contents. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a technique for further reducing the power consumption of an image processing apparatus connected to a network.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the hub device 3 is connected to the printer 2, the hub device 3 executes processing other than printing processing instead of the printer 2. That is, some functions of the printer 2 are represented by the hub device 3. Thus, the printer 2 can stand by in the power saving mode for as long as possible unless printing processing is required.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, even if the conventional printer controller is once switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode, it is necessary to return to the normal mode when executing printing or other functions. Therefore, as the number of devices (for example, PCs) that use the printer increases, the time that can be waited in the power saving mode is shortened.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, functions other than printing of the printer 2 are delegated to the hub device 3. Therefore, the printer controller 20 does not return from the power saving mode to the normal mode except when executing other functions immediately before printing or when executing printing. As a result, the time that can be waited in the power saving mode becomes longer, and the power consumption is reduced. Even if the number of devices (for example, PCs) that use the printer 2 is increased, the standby time in the power saving mode is as long as possible, and the power consumption is reduced.

  The above embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Hereinafter, Modification 1 and Modification 2 of the above-described embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the above-described embodiment.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing proxy response processing (Modification 1) in the hub device 3. In this flow, S220 in FIG. 4 is deleted, and S255 is provided instead of S250.

  That is, when the received data is setting data (S240: YES), proxy response unit 320 advances the process to S255.

  In S255, the proxy response unit 320 changes the setting value and transmits setting data including the setting value to the printer 2. Specifically, the method for changing the setting values related to printing and network protocol is the same as S250 in FIG. The proxy response unit 320 does not transmit response data indicating that the setting change has succeeded to the device (for example, the host PC) that requested the setting change. Further, the proxy response unit 320 transmits the frame received in S200 to the printer 2 via the switching IC of the network I / F 34 without being processed. Then, the process returns to S200.

  According to the first modification described above, the printer 2 executes the setting process related to the printing process, printing, and network protocol. On the other hand, status responses relating to printing and network protocols are executed by the hub device 3. As a result, the printer 2 can stand by in the power saving mode for as long as possible unless printing processing or changing various setting values is requested.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing proxy response processing (Modification 2) in the hub device 3. In this flow, S245 is provided after S240 in FIG. 4, and S255 is provided after S245 (S245: YES).

  That is, if the received data is setting data (S240: YES), proxy response unit 320 advances the process to S245.

  In S245, the proxy response unit 320 determines whether the printer 2 is operating in the power saving mode. Specifically, the proxy response unit 320 measures the elapsed time since the data was last transmitted to the printer 2 in S230 or S255. Then, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time (for example, a time sufficient for the printer 2 to switch from the normal mode to the power saving mode).

  If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time (S245: YES), it is determined that the printer 2 is in the power saving mode, and the process proceeds to S250. If the measurement time does not exceed the predetermined time (S245: NO), it is determined that the printer 2 is in the normal mode, and the process proceeds to S255. The process of S255 is the same as S255 of FIG.

  Note that status information indicating whether or not the printer 2 is operating in the power saving mode may be acquired from the printer 2, and the proxy response unit 320 may perform the above determination based on the status information.

  According to the above-described modification 2, the setting values related to printing and network protocol are changed by the hub device 3 when the printer 2 is in the power saving mode. As a result, the printer 2 can continue to stand by in the power saving mode if it has been switched to the power saving mode even if it is requested to change the setting value relating to printing or the network protocol.

<Other variations>
For example, in the second modification, immediately before the status response (S260 in FIG. 7), the proxy response unit 320 may determine whether or not the printer 2 is in the power saving mode. When the printer 2 is in the normal mode, status inquiry data may be transferred to the printer 2.

  For example, the address information to be monitored may be set in the hub device 3 as follows. Specifically, an IP address can be assigned to any one port of the network I / F 34 of the hub device 3 (that is, the hub device 3 has a layer 3 function). Also, WEB page information to be transmitted and displayed on a device (for example, a PC) connected to the port is stored in advance in the ROM 33 or the like. When the port is connected to the network, the CPU 31 sets an IP address for the port, and when there is an access to the port, the CPU 31 transmits WEB page information from the port. The CPU 31 acquires the address information of the monitoring target input via the WEB page in a device such as a PC and sets it in the switching IC.

  Of course, the address information to be monitored is not limited to the destination MAC address, but may be a source MAC address, a destination / source IP address, or the like. The method for setting the address information to be monitored is not limited to the above. For example, a serial port for control is provided in the hub device 3, the port is connected to the PC with a serial cable, and various settings can be input from the PC. It may be. A USB connection may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to a printer, and can also be applied to an image processing apparatus such as a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral that is used by being connected to a hub apparatus.

1: printing system, 2: printer, 3: hub device, 20: printer controller, 21: CPU, 22: RAM, 23: ROM, 24: network I / F, 25: ASIC, 26: operation panel, 27: printing Engine: 30: Hub controller, 31: CPU, 32: RAM, 33: ROM, 34: Network I / F, 210: Print control unit, 220: Hub setting unit, 230: Storage unit, 240: Proxy response program, 310 : Hub control unit, 320: Proxy response unit, 330: Storage unit, 340: Proxy response program

Claims (10)

An image processing system comprising a network relay device and an image processing device connected to the network relay device,
The network relay device is:
Receiving means for receiving data destined for the image processing apparatus;
Determining whether the received data received by the receiving means is first data requesting image processing from the image processing apparatus or second data requesting predetermined processing other than the image processing A determination means;
When the received data is the first data, the received data is transferred to the image processing apparatus, and when the received data is the second data, the predetermined process corresponding to the received data is executed. Proxy response means to
The image processing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving data transferred from the network relay device;
Control means for executing the image processing corresponding to the received data received by the receiving means or the processing for executing the predetermined processing.
An image processing system characterized by that. The image processing system according to claim 1,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Transmission means for transmitting a predetermined setting value of the image processing apparatus to the network relay apparatus;
The network relay device is:
Storage means for storing the predetermined set value transmitted from the image processing apparatus;
The proxy response means is
When the received data is the second data, the predetermined processing is executed based on the predetermined setting value stored in the storage means;
An image processing system characterized by that. The image processing system according to claim 2,
The second data includes inquiry data for requesting the status of the image processing apparatus,
The proxy response means is
When the received data is the inquiry data, the status of the image processing device is returned to the requesting device of the inquiry data based on the predetermined setting value stored in the storage means.
An image processing system characterized by that. The image processing system according to claim 2 or 3,
The second data includes setting data for requesting a change of a predetermined setting value of the image processing apparatus,
The proxy response means is
When the received data is the setting data, the predetermined setting value stored in the storage unit is changed based on the setting data, and the stored data is received when the first data is received. Transmitting setting data including the predetermined setting value to the image processing apparatus;
An image processing system characterized by that. The image processing system according to claim 4,
The image processing apparatus includes:
The operation mode includes a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode.
The proxy response means is
When the received data is the setting data, an operation mode of the image processing apparatus is determined,
When the image processing apparatus is in a power saving mode, the predetermined setting value stored in the storage unit is changed based on the setting data. When the image processing apparatus is in a normal mode, the setting data is As it is transferred to the image processing device,
An image processing system characterized by that. An image processing system according to claim 1,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A program for causing the network relay device to function as at least the determination unit and the proxy response unit;
The network relay device is:
The program is acquired from the image processing apparatus and functions as at least the determination unit and the proxy response unit by executing the program.
An image processing system characterized by that. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image processing apparatus is a printer, executes printing as the image processing,
The network relay device is a hub device.
An image processing system characterized by that. A network relay device connected to the image processing device,
Receiving means for receiving data destined for the image processing apparatus;
Determining whether the received data received by the receiving means is first data requesting image processing from the image processing apparatus or second data requesting predetermined processing other than the image processing A determination means;
When the received data is the first data, the received data is transferred to the image processing apparatus, and when the received data is the second data, the predetermined process corresponding to the received data is executed. Proxy response means
A network relay device. The network relay device according to claim 8,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A program for causing the network relay device to function as at least the determination unit and the proxy response unit;
The network relay device is:
The program is acquired from the image processing apparatus and functions as at least the determination unit and the proxy response unit by executing the program.
A network relay device. An image processing device connected to a network relay device,
When the network relay device receives at least data destined for the image processing device, the received data is first data requesting the image processing device to perform image processing, or other than the image processing And determining means for determining whether the received data is the first data. When the received data is the first data, the received data is transferred to the image processing apparatus, and the received data is In the case of the second data, a storage unit that stores in advance a program for functioning as a proxy response unit that executes the predetermined process corresponding to the received data;
Setting means for detecting connection of the network relay device and transmitting the program to the network relay device;
An image processing apparatus.

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