JP2016033809A - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus control method, and response apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

In an information processing apparatus that responds to a request from another apparatus connected via a network, the power consumption of the information processing apparatus can be reduced while responding to a request transmitted using various network protocols with little effort. To reduce. When power is supplied, a main response unit that processes request data from other devices connected via a network and transmits response data, and power supply to the main response unit is stopped A power-saving response unit that processes response data of a predetermined type among request data in the determined power-saving state and transmits response data. The power-saving response unit includes a predetermined type of request When receiving unknown request data that is request data transmitted in an unknown format to the power saving response unit of the data, response data for the unknown request data processed by the main response unit stored in advance in the storage medium It transmits to another apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. [Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method for the information processing device, and a response device, and more particularly to response processing in a power saving state with respect to request data from another device connected via a network.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Such an image processing apparatus is configured as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. Many.

  An image having such a function of switching to a power saving mode for stopping the power supply to each part of the apparatus that is not used during the standby of the apparatus that is not performing various kinds of processing is increasing in demand for such an image processing apparatus. The number of processing devices is increasing. On the other hand, image processing apparatuses in recent years are often connected to a network, and a terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or the like transmits a print command or status information of the apparatus to the image processing apparatus via the network. Various processes are required.

  Therefore, if there are frequent processing requests from various terminal devices connected via the network to the image processing device, the image processing device cannot shift to the power saving mode, or each time a processing request is received, the image processing device starts from the power saving mode. Since it is necessary to recover, sufficient power saving may not be achieved.

  In order to solve such problems, a configuration is known in which a subsystem that can operate even in a power saving mode with low power consumption is known separately from a main system that controls main processing such as printing processing in an image processing apparatus. ing. In the power saving mode, the subsystem responds to a predetermined request that can be responded even if the main system is not operating, such as an acquisition request for invariant device information such as a device MAC (Media Access Control) address.

  In addition, when an information processing apparatus connected to a network receives an inquiry from another apparatus during a power saving state, a proxy processing apparatus has been proposed that creates a response to the inquiry instead of the information processing apparatus. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

  With such a subsystem or proxy processing device, it is less likely to return from the power saving mode due to a processing request from a terminal device connected via a network, and the power saving mode can be maintained. Reduction is possible.

  In order to respond to a predetermined request via the network during the power saving mode, it is necessary to incorporate a module that can handle various network protocols into the above-described subsystem or proxy processing device in advance. For example, depending on an OS (Operating System) installed in a terminal device or the like, a unique network protocol is often used, and a module that can support a unique network protocol used in a new OS every time a new OS is installed. Need to be incorporated into the subsystem or proxy processing device, which is troublesome.

  On the other hand, if a module that can support the new network protocol is not incorporated into the subsystem or the proxy processing device, the subsystem or the proxy processing device is transmitted using the new network protocol by the terminal device connected via the network. When the request is received, the image processing apparatus needs to be returned from the power saving mode and responded from the main system, leading to an increase in power consumption.

  Such a problem may occur not only in the image processing apparatus but also in an information processing apparatus having a subsystem that responds to a predetermined request during the power saving mode.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an information processing apparatus that responds to a request from another apparatus connected via a network uses various network protocols with less effort. An object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of the information processing apparatus while responding to the request transmitted.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that transmits response data to request data from another device connected via a network and is supplied with power. A main response unit for processing the request data and transmitting response data; and processing a predetermined type of request data among the request data in a power saving state in which power supply to the main response unit is stopped A power-saving response unit that transmits response data, wherein the power-saving response unit is request data transmitted in a format unknown to the power-saving response unit among the predetermined types of request data. When certain unknown request data is received, response data for the unknown request data processed by the main response unit stored in advance in a storage medium is transmitted to the other device. And wherein the door.

  According to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus that responds to a request from another apparatus connected via a network, the information processing apparatus can respond to requests transmitted using various network protocols with little effort. Power consumption can be reduced.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which illustrates the electric power supply state in the engine-off mode of each part of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the electric power supply state in the controller off mode of each part of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the main system concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the subsystem concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process by the packet process part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which illustrates the unknown packet process by the packet processing part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the request packet and response packet which are stored in the packet memory which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of the process according to the request packet received from the terminal device in the subsystem which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of the process according to the request packet received from the terminal device in the subsystem which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of the process according to the request packet received from the terminal device in the subsystem which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of the process according to the request packet received from the terminal device in the subsystem which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage and deletion aspect of the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage and deletion aspect of the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage and deletion aspect of the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage and deletion aspect of the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage and deletion aspect of the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory capacity threshold value setting aspect of the packet memory which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the memory | storage aspect of the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image processing apparatus configured as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to this embodiment is connected to a network and can communicate with other apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as “terminal apparatuses”) via the network.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an engine control unit 101, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 102, a scanner unit 103, a paper discharge tray 104, a display panel 105, A paper table 106, a print engine 107, a paper discharge tray 108, a power supply unit 109, and a main system 120 are included. The main system 120 has a subsystem 140.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a multifunction machine having a scanner unit 103 and a print engine 107. In FIG. 1, electrical connections are indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of paper is indicated by broken arrows.

  The engine control unit 101 serves as a driving unit that controls or drives the scanner unit 103, the print engine 107, and the like. The ADF 102 conveys the set document to be imaged to the scanner unit 103 when the image processing apparatus 1 operates as a scanner. The scanner unit 103 captures an image of a set original according to the control of the engine control unit 101. A document imaged by the scanner unit 103 is discharged to a discharge tray 104.

  The paper feed table 106 conveys the set paper to the print engine 107 when the image processing apparatus 1 operates as a printer. The print engine 107 performs image formation on the paper conveyed from the paper feed table 106. As a specific aspect of the print engine 107, an image forming mechanism using an ink jet method, an image forming mechanism using an electrophotographic method, or the like can be used. A document on which image formation has been performed by the print engine 107 is discharged to a discharge tray 108.

  The display panel 105 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image processing apparatus 1, and an input when the user directly operates the image processing apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image processing apparatus 1 as a touch panel. It is also an interface (operation unit). The power supply unit 109 supplies power to each unit of the image processing apparatus 1.

  The main system 120 is configured by a combination of software and hardware, and controls the entire image processing apparatus 1. In addition, the main system 120 processes request data from a terminal device connected via a network and transmits response data to the terminal device when power is supplied from the power supply unit 109. It functions as a part. A specific configuration of the main system 120 will be described later.

  The subsystem 140 is configured by a combination of software and hardware, and a terminal device connected via a network in a power saving state in which power supply to the main response unit of the main system 120 by the power supply unit 109 is stopped It functions as a power-saving response unit that processes a predetermined type of request data among the request data from and transmits response data to the terminal device. A specific configuration of the subsystem 140 will be described later.

  Here, a specific example of request data from the terminal device will be described. The request data includes, for example, execution request data related to the operation of the engine control unit 101, variable request data whose response data content can change according to timing, and invariant request data whose response data does not change according to timing. are categorized.

  The execution request data is, for example, a print command that instructs execution of a printer operation or a scan command that instructs execution of a scanner operation. In this case, the response data is a print completion notification for the print command or a scan completion notification for the scan command.

  The variable request data is, for example, an acquisition command for variable device information indicating a variable state such as the number of sheets set in the paper feed table 106 and a remaining amount of toner, and an acquisition command for log information of various operations of the image processing apparatus 1. is there. In this case, the response data is variable device information for a variable device information acquisition command, and is log information for a log information acquisition command.

  The immutable request data is, for example, an instruction to acquire immutable device information indicating an immutable state such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a MAC (Media Access Control) address of the image processing apparatus 1. In this case, the response data is invariant device information.

  The execution request data needs to be processed by the main system 120 because the engine control unit 101 needs to be operated. In addition, since the variable request data can change its contents depending on the timing, it is necessary to acquire various pieces of information of each component, and therefore, the variable request data needs to be processed by the main system 120.

  That is, the subsystem 140 processes invariant request data other than the execution request data and variable request data that need to be processed by the main system 120 in the power saving state, and transmits response data to the terminal device. On the other hand, when the subsystem 140 receives request data other than the invariable request data in the power saving state, the subsystem 140 returns the image processing apparatus 1 from the power saving state and outputs the received request data to the main system 120.

  It is assumed that the invariant request data that can be processed by the subsystem 140 is notified in advance from the main system 120 to the subsystem 140 when the image processing apparatus 1 is activated. These request data and response data are, for example, packet data, and are hereinafter referred to as request packets and response packets. Further, in the present embodiment, the subsystem 140 is a part of the configuration of the main system 120, but in the following description, when describing “the main system 120 is”, it indicates a configuration unit other than the subsystem 140. Shall.

  Next, the power saving state of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a power supply state of each unit of the image processing apparatus 1 in the engine off mode, which is one of the power saving states. As shown in FIG. 2, in the engine off mode, power supply by the power supply unit 109 to the engine system components (the hatched components in FIG. 2) used in the printing operation and the scanner operation is stopped. Has been.

  Thus, in the engine off mode, power supply to the engine system components is stopped, so that power consumption can be reduced compared to the normal mode in which power is supplied to all components. In the engine off mode, the main system 120 cannot operate the engine control unit 101. However, the main system 120 processes and responds to a request packet from a terminal device connected via a network, and performs image data editing processing. It is possible to do.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a power supply state of each unit of the image processing apparatus 1 in the controller off mode, which is one of the power saving states. As shown in FIG. 3, in the controller off mode, power supply by the power supply unit 109 to the main system 120 other than the subsystem 140 is stopped in addition to the components that stop the power supply in the engine off mode. .

  Thus, in the controller off mode, the power supply to the main system 120 other than the subsystem 140 is also stopped, so that the power consumption can be further reduced as compared with the engine off mode. In the controller off mode, the subsystem 140 executes a part of processing performed in the main system 120. Specifically, the subsystem 140 processes a request packet of a predetermined type among request packets from terminal devices connected via a network, and transmits a response packet to the terminal device. In the following description, the power saving state refers to the controller off mode.

  Next, a specific configuration of the main system 120 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the main system 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the main system 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, and a ROM (Read Only Memory Engine 125). A panel I / F 126, a power supply unit 127, and a subsystem 140 are included.

  The CPU 121 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the main system 120 as a whole. The ASIC 122 is an arithmetic unit configured as a dedicated engine for editing image data, for example. The RAM 123 is a volatile storage medium that can read and write information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 121 processes information. The ROM 124 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware.

  The engine I / F 125 is an interface for exchanging information with the engine control unit 101. The panel I / F 126 is an interface for exchanging information with the display panel 105. Specifically, the panel I / F 126 displays information on the display panel 105 or notifies the CPU 121 of information input via the display panel 105.

  The power supply unit 127 supplies power from the power supply unit 109 to each component of the main system 120. Thus, the main system 120 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a control program such as firmware stored in a non-volatile storage medium such as the ROM 124 is loaded into the RAM 123, and a software control unit and an integrated circuit configured by the CPU 121 performing calculations according to those programs. The main system 120 is configured by hardware.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the subsystem 140. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the subsystem 140 includes a sub CPU 141, a sub RAM 142, a sub ROM 143, a MAC 144, a network PHY 145, a packet processing unit 146, a packet memory 147, a power saving control unit 148, and an I / F control unit 149.

  The sub CPU 141 is a calculation unit and controls the operation of the entire subsystem 140. The sub RAM 142 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the sub CPU 141 processes information. The sub ROM 143 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The MAC 144 controls network operation, and the network PHY 145 transmits and receives data at the physical layer of the network.

  The packet processing unit 146 acquires and processes a request packet from a terminal device connected to the network via the network PHY 145 and the MAC 144. Further, the packet processing unit 146 stores a predetermined packet in the packet memory 147 or reads out the predetermined packet according to the acquired request packet. Such processing by the packet processing unit 146 is one of the gist according to the present embodiment, and details will be described later.

  The packet memory 147 is a storage medium that stores a predetermined request packet and a response packet to the request packet, and details will be described later. The power saving control unit 148 controls the power saving state according to the operation state of the image processing apparatus 1. In addition, the power saving control unit 148 returns the image processing apparatus 1 from the power saving state to the normal mode in accordance with the instruction from the packet processing unit 146. The I / F control unit 149 controls a host interface other than a network such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  Next, details of processing by the packet processing unit 146 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing by the packet processing unit 146. As shown in FIG. 6, the packet processing unit 146 determines whether the request packet acquired from the terminal device connected via the network is a packet addressed to itself (S601). Specifically, for example, when the destination IP address included in the acquired request packet is the IP address of the image processing apparatus 1 or when the request packet is broadcasted, the packet processing unit 146 uses the packet addressed to itself. Judge that there is.

  If the packet processing unit 146 determines that the acquired request packet is not a packet addressed to itself (S601 / NO), the packet processing unit 146 discards the acquired request packet (S602) and ends the processing. On the other hand, when the packet processing unit 146 determines that the acquired request packet is a packet addressed to itself (S601 / YES), the packet is notified in advance from the main system 120 (that is, invariant in the present embodiment). Request packet) is determined (S603).

  Specifically, for example, the packet processing unit 146 determines that the request packet is a packet notified in advance when the bit string of the packet notified in advance matches the bit string of the acquired request packet. When the packet processing unit 146 determines that the request packet is a packet notified in advance (S603 / YES), a response packet (for example, immutable device information) to the acquired request packet (for example, an invariant device information acquisition command) Is generated (S604).

  In the above embodiment, the packet processing unit 146 has been described as an example in which it is determined whether the request packet is notified in advance based on the bit string of the request packet. However, this is only an example, and the packet processing unit 146 may compare, for example, a packet ID for identifying a request packet to determine whether the requested packet is a request packet notified in advance. Good.

  The packet processing unit 146 that generated the response packet transmits the generated response packet to the terminal device that transmitted the request packet (S605), and ends the process. On the other hand, when the packet processing unit 146 determines that the acquired request packet is not a packet notified in advance (S603 / NO), the packet processing unit 146 determines whether the request packet is an immutable request packet (S606). Specifically, for example, the packet processing unit 146 determines whether or not the attribute information of the packet included in the header information of the request packet indicates an invariant request packet.

  When it is determined that the request packet is not an unchanged request packet (S606 / NO), the packet processing unit 146 outputs a command for returning from the power saving state to the normal mode to the power saving control unit 148 (S607). In this case, the request packet is a packet that needs to be processed by the main system 120, such as an execution request packet or a variable request packet, and the main system 120 needs to return the image processing apparatus 1 from the power saving state. Because there is.

  The power saving control unit 148 that has received the return command causes the image processing apparatus 1 to return from the power saving state to the normal mode, whereby the power supply to each component of the main system 120 other than the subsystem 140 is resumed. The packet processing unit 146 that has output the return instruction transmits a request packet to the main system 120 (S608), and ends the process.

  Accordingly, the main system 120 processes the request packet transmitted from the subsystem 140 to generate response data, and transmits the response data to the terminal device that transmitted the request packet. After that, when an operation command for each component of the image processing device 1 is not issued for a certain period of time, the power saving control unit 148 causes the image processing device 1 to transition from the normal mode to the power saving state again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the request packet is an immutable request packet (S606 / YES), the packet processing unit 146 processes the request packet as an unknown packet (S609). The request packet in this case is a predetermined type of request packet to be processed by the subsystem 140 (invariant request packet in the present embodiment), but the unknown request transmitted in a format unknown to the subsystem 140. It is data. The unknown format is, for example, a new network protocol (hereinafter simply referred to as “protocol”) that does not include a module that can be handled by the subsystem 140.

  An unknown packet transmitted using such a new protocol needs to be processed by the main system 120 when the subsystem 140 receives it for the first time. However, if the same packet is received in the future, the subsystem 140 can process the received packet regardless of the main system 120. The gist of the present embodiment is such unknown packet processing by the packet processing unit 146. Details of the unknown packet processing in S609 will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the unknown packet processing in S609. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the packet processing unit 146 determines whether or not a request packet that matches an unknown packet is stored in the packet memory 147. Specifically, for example, the packet processing unit 146 stores a request packet that matches the unknown packet in the packet memory 147 when the bit string of the unknown packet matches the bit string of the request packet stored in the packet memory 147. It is determined that

  If the request packet matching the unknown packet is not stored in the packet memory 147 (S701 / NO), the packet processing unit 146 outputs a command for returning from the power saving state to the normal mode to the power saving control unit 148. (S702). The power saving control unit 148 that has received the return command causes the image processing apparatus 1 to return from the power saving state to the normal mode, whereby the power supply to each component of the main system 120 other than the subsystem 140 is resumed.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the image processing apparatus 1 is returned to the normal mode in the processing of S702 has been described as an example. However, when the supply of power to the main system 120 only needs to be resumed, the engine is turned off. The mode may be switched. The same applies to the return operation by the processing of S607.

  The packet processing unit 146 that has output the return command transmits an unknown packet to the main system 120 (S703). As a result, the main system 120 processes the unknown packet and generates response data. The packet processing unit 146 that has transmitted the unknown packet to the main system 120 receives the response packet generated by the main system 120 (S704). Note that the main system 120 has, for example, a protocol stack which is a group of modules that implement various protocols on the network, and can respond to a request packet transmitted using a new protocol.

  The packet processing unit 146 that has received the response packet associates the request packet, which is an unknown packet, with the received response packet and stores it in the packet memory 147 (S705).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating request packets and response packets stored in the packet memory 147. As shown in FIG. 8, in the packet memory 147, unknown packet information in which a request packet transmitted using a new protocol that does not include a module that can be supported by the subsystem 140 and a response packet to the request packet are associated with each other. Is remembered as

  On the other hand, when the request packet matching the unknown packet is stored in the packet memory 147 (S701 / YES), the packet processing unit 146 acquires a response packet associated with the request packet in the packet memory 147 (S706). For example, when the request packet is “Preq_1”, the packet processing unit 146 acquires the response packet “Pres_1”. The packet processing unit 146 that acquired the response packet transmits the acquired response packet to the terminal device that transmitted the request packet (S707), and ends the process.

  Next, a processing flow in the subsystem 140 according to the request packet received from the terminal device will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying a processing flow in the subsystem 140 when the request packet received from the terminal device is a packet notified in advance from the main system 120 (S603 / YES).

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the packet processing unit 146 acquires a request packet transmitted from the terminal device via the network PHY 145 and the MAC 144 (arrow (1) in FIG. 9). The packet processing unit 146 processes the acquired request packet to generate a response packet, and transmits the response packet to the terminal device via the MAC 144 and the network PHY 145 (arrow (2)).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process flow in the subsystem 140 when the request packet received from the terminal device is an execution request packet or a variable request packet (S606 / NO). As shown in FIG. 10, the packet processing unit 146 acquires a request packet transmitted from the terminal device via the network PHY 145 and the MAC 144 (arrow (1) in FIG. 10).

  The packet processing unit 146 outputs a command for returning to the normal mode to the power saving control unit 148 (arrow (2)). The packet processing unit 146 transmits the request packet received from the terminal device to the main system 120 via the sub CPU 141 to the main system 120 whose power supply has been resumed (arrow (3)). The response packet generated by processing the request packet by the main system 120 is transmitted to the terminal device via the sub CPU 141, the MAC 144, and the network PHY 145 (arrow (4)).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process flow in the subsystem 140 when the request packet received from the terminal device is an unknown packet (S606 / YES). FIG. 11 shows the flow of processing when the subsystem 140 receives this unknown packet for the first time. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the packet processing unit 146 acquires a request packet transmitted from the terminal device via the network PHY 145 and the MAC 144 (arrow (1) in FIG. 11).

  The packet processing unit 146 refers to the packet memory 147 and confirms whether a request packet that matches the acquired request packet is stored (arrow (2)). Since no matching request packet is stored in the packet memory 147, the packet processing unit 146 outputs a command for returning to the normal mode to the power saving control unit 148 (arrow (3)).

  The packet processing unit 146 transmits the request packet received from the terminal device to the main system 120 via the sub CPU 141 to the main system 120 whose power supply has been resumed (arrow (4)). The response packet generated by processing the request packet by the main system 120 is transmitted to the terminal device via the sub CPU 141, the MAC 144, and the network PHY 145 (arrow (5)).

  In addition, when a response packet is transmitted from the main system 120, the packet processing unit 146 acquires the response packet transmitted via the sub CPU 141. The packet processing unit 146 stores the acquired response packet in the packet memory 147 (arrow (6)).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the subsystem 140 when the request packet received from the terminal device is an unknown packet (S606 / YES). FIG. 12 shows the flow of processing when the subsystem 140 has previously received this unknown packet. As shown in FIG. 12, the packet processing unit 146 acquires a request packet transmitted from the terminal device via the network PHY 145 and the MAC 144 (arrow (1) in FIG. 11).

  The packet processing unit 146 refers to the packet memory 147 and confirms whether a request packet that matches the acquired request packet is stored (arrow (2)). Since the request packet that matches the packet memory 147 is stored, the packet processing unit 146 acquires a response packet associated with the request packet stored in the packet memory 147 (arrow (3)). The packet processing unit 146 transmits the acquired response packet to the terminal device via the MAC 144 and the network PHY 145 (arrow (4)).

  The dotted arrows shown in FIG. 12 indicate the case where the configuration according to the present embodiment for storing the response packet received from the main system 120 in the packet memory 147 when the packet processing unit 146 receives an unknown packet for the first time is not included. The flow of processing is shown. As shown in FIG. 12, when the request packet and the response packet, which are unknown packets, are not stored in the packet memory 147, when the packet processing unit 146 receives the same unknown packet again, the power saving control unit 148 again Output a return instruction.

  Then, the main system 120 whose power supply has been resumed processes the unknown packet again to generate a response packet, and again performs the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. As described above, when the configuration according to the present embodiment is not included, it is necessary to restart the power supply to the main system 120 every time the subsystem 140 receives an unknown packet, which prevents reduction in power consumption. .

  As described above, when the subsystem 140 of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment receives a request packet transmitted using a new protocol that does not include a compatible module in the power saving state, When the request packet is stored in the packet memory 147, the response packet stored in the packet memory 147 in association with the request packet is acquired and transmitted.

  Thus, each time a new protocol is used, the sub-system 140 does not incorporate a module capable of supporting the new protocol, and the main system 120 is returned from the power saving state without processing the request packet. System 140 can send a response packet. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 responding to a request from another apparatus connected via a network responds to a request transmitted using various network protocols with little effort. The power consumption of the image processing apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  In consideration of the limitation on the storage capacity of the packet memory 147 in the above embodiment, the packet processing unit 146 determines whether the packet memory 147 has a predetermined capacity or less when the free capacity of the packet memory 147 falls below a predetermined capacity. Before storing new unknown packet information in 147, other stored unknown packet information may be deleted.

  In other words, the packet processing unit 146 functions as a deletion unit that deletes information related to the response packet stored in the packet memory 147 according to the free capacity of the packet memory 147 during the storage process in the packet memory 147. Also, the packet processing unit 146 deletes information related to response data in descending order of deletion priority set according to the response packet state as described below, for example.

  For example, the packet processing unit 146 sets the deletion priority higher in the order of the oldest time stored in the packet memory 147. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of how unknown packet information stored in the packet memory 147 is stored and deleted. As shown in FIG. 13, the packet memory 147 stores N pieces of unknown packet information. In order to add new unknown packet information to the packet memory 147 in the state shown in FIG. 13, it is necessary to delete other unknown packet information that has already been stored.

  As shown in FIG. 13, unknown packet information is stored in the packet memory 147 in the order in which it is stored. In the packet memory 147 shown in FIG. 13, the area where the unknown packet information (Preq_N, Pres_N) is stored is the storage area for storing the oldest unknown packet information, and the unknown packet information for (Preq_1, Pres_1) is stored. The stored area is a storage area for storing the latest unknown packet information.

  When storing the new unknown packet information in the packet memory 147, the packet processing unit 146 transmits the oldest unknown packet information (in the case shown in FIG. 13, the unknown packet information of (Preq_N, Pres_N)) from the packet memory 147. The new unknown packet is deleted and stored in the packet memory 147.

  In such a configuration, it is only necessary to delete from the oldest stored unknown packet information, so that control is easy. In FIG. 13, the case where the unknown packet information is arranged in the order stored in the packet memory 147 has been described as an example. However, when the unknown packet information includes the time information stored, the unknown packet information is arranged in the stored order. Alternatively, the unknown packet information with the oldest time indicated by the time information may be deleted.

  In addition, for example, the packet processing unit 146 sets the deletion priority higher as the number of responses in a predetermined period increases. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of how unknown packet information stored in the packet memory 147 is stored and deleted. As shown in FIG. 14, the packet memory 147 stores N unknown packet information and the number of responses by each unknown packet information. In order to add new unknown packet information to the packet memory 147 in the state shown in FIG. 14, it is necessary to delete other unknown packet information that has already been stored.

  The response count is the number of times the response packet of the unknown packet information is transmitted during a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) after the unknown packet information is stored in the packet memory 147. For example, the number of responses is counted by the packet processing unit 146 and stored in the packet memory 147. Since the smaller the number of responses within a predetermined time, the smaller the number of times a response is requested from the terminal device, the higher the priority for deletion from the packet memory 147.

  Therefore, when the packet processing unit 146 stores new unknown packet information in the packet memory 147, the unknown packet information with the smallest number of responses (in the case shown in FIG. 14, (preq_3, Pres_3) unknown packet information) is stored. The new unknown packet information is deleted from the packet memory 147 and stored in the packet memory 147.

  With such a configuration, a response packet with a low possibility of being requested is deleted from the packet memory 147 with priority, so that the main system 120 is returned less frequently than when unknown packet information is deleted in chronological order. The power consumption of the image processing apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the response count is counted by the packet processing unit 146 has been described as an example. However, this is an example, and the response may be counted by the packet memory 147 or the sub CPU 141. Moreover, in the said embodiment, the frequency | count of a response demonstrated as an example the frequency | count counted within the fixed time after unknown packet information was memorize | stored. In addition, the number of responses may be updated to the number counted within a certain time after new packet information is stored, or the number of responses may be updated again after a certain time has elapsed. It may be.

  In addition, for example, the packet processing unit 146 sets the deletion priority higher as the response interval, which is the time from the response timing in a predetermined period to the next response timing, is longer. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory 147 is stored and deleted. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the packet memory 147 stores N unknown packet information and a response interval (for example, the unit is “second”) based on each unknown packet information. In the state shown in FIG. 15, in order to add new unknown packet information to the packet memory 147, it is necessary to delete other unknown packet information already stored.

  The response interval is the time from when the response packet of unknown packet information is transmitted until the next response packet is transmitted. For example, the response interval is counted by the packet processing unit 146 and stored in the packet memory 147. The longer the response interval, the smaller the number of times a response is requested from the terminal device. Therefore, the priority of deletion from the packet memory 147 is higher.

  Therefore, when the packet processing unit 146 stores new unknown packet information in the packet memory 147, the unknown packet information with the longest response interval (in the case shown in FIG. 15, (Preq_ (N-2), Pres_ (N -2))) is deleted from the packet memory 147, and a new unknown packet is stored in the packet memory 147.

  With such a configuration, a response packet with a low possibility of being requested is deleted from the packet memory 147 with priority, so that the main system 120 is returned less frequently than when unknown packet information is deleted in chronological order. The power consumption of the image processing apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, when the acquired unknown packet is not stored in the packet memory 147, the packet processing unit 146 stores an unknown packet information in the packet memory 147 regardless of the number of responses and the response interval. As explained. In addition, the packet processing unit 146 may store unknown packet information in the packet memory 147 when the number of responses and the response interval satisfy predetermined conditions.

  First, a case where the packet processing unit 146 stores unknown packet information in the packet memory 147 when the response count satisfies a predetermined condition will be described. For example, the packet processing unit 146 counts the number of responses by unknown packet information in a predetermined period (for example, 1 hour), and temporarily stores it in the sub RAM 142 or the like. Then, the packet processing unit 146 causes the packet memory 147 to store unknown packet information in which the number of responses in a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 100 times). In addition, if the packet processing unit 146 stores the unknown packet information whose response count is greater than or equal to the predetermined count in the packet memory 147 and still has free space, the packet processor 146 also stores the unknown packet information whose response count is less than the predetermined count as well as the packet memory 147. Remember me.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of how unknown packets stored in the packet memory 147 are stored and deleted. As shown in FIG. 16, the packet memory 147 stores N unknown packet information and the number of responses by each unknown packet information. In the case shown in FIG. 16, the number of responses by unknown packet information other than unknown packet information of Preq_3, Pres_3) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (100 times).

  In order to add new unknown packet information to the packet memory 147 in the state shown in FIG. 16, it is necessary to delete other unknown packet information that has already been stored. In such a state, the packet processing unit 146 again counts the number of responses based on new unknown packet information in a predetermined period, and temporarily stores it in the sub-RAM 142 or the like. Then, the packet processing unit 146 stores the unknown packet information whose response count is less than the predetermined number in order to store in the packet memory 147 new unknown packet information whose response count in the predetermined period is equal to or greater than the predetermined count. Delete from the packet memory 147.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the packet processing unit 146 deletes the unknown packet information whose response count is less than 100 (Preq_3, Pres_3) from the packet memory 147, and stores the new unknown packet information in the packet memory 147. Remember me. Further, when the number of responses based on the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory 147 is all equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the packet processing unit 146 is already stored according to the deletion priority described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, for example. Delete other unknown packet information.

  When the deletion priority is set according to the number of responses, the packet memory 147 does not store information indicating that the number of responses is a predetermined number of times such as “100 times or more” but the actual number of responses. Information to be stored is stored.

  Next, a case where the packet processing unit 146 stores unknown packet information in the packet memory 147 when the response interval satisfies a predetermined condition will be described. For example, the packet processing unit 146 causes the packet memory 147 to store new unknown packet information whose response interval is equal to or less than a predetermined interval (for example, 600 seconds). In addition, when the packet processing unit 146 stores unknown packet information whose response interval is equal to or less than the predetermined interval in the packet memory 147 and there is still free space, the unknown packet information whose response interval is longer than the predetermined interval is also stored in the packet memory 147. Remember me.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of how unknown packets stored in the packet memory 147 are stored and deleted. As shown in FIG. 17, the packet memory 147 stores N unknown packet information and a response interval based on each unknown packet information. In the case shown in FIG. 17, the response interval by unknown packet information other than the unknown packet information of Preq_ (N-2) and Pres_ (N-2) is not more than a predetermined interval (600 seconds).

  In order to add new unknown packet information to the packet memory 147 in the state shown in FIG. 17, it is necessary to delete other unknown packet information that has already been stored. In such a state, when the packet processing unit 146 stores new unknown packet information whose response interval is equal to or smaller than the predetermined interval in the packet memory 147, the packet processing unit 146 deletes the unknown packet information whose response interval is longer than the predetermined interval from the packet memory 147. To do.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the packet processing unit 146 deletes unknown packet information of Preq_ (N−2) and Pres_ (N−2) whose response interval is longer than 600 seconds from the packet memory 147 and creates a new one. Unknown packet information is stored in the packet memory 147. Further, when the response intervals based on the unknown packet information stored in the packet memory 147 are all equal to or less than the predetermined interval, the packet processing unit 146 is already stored according to the deletion priority described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 15, for example. Delete other unknown packet information.

  When the deletion priority is set according to the response interval, the packet memory 147 indicates the actual response interval, not information indicating that the response interval is equal to or less than a predetermined interval such as “600 seconds or less”. Information is stored.

  With such a configuration, unknown packet information that is relatively frequently requested for a response from the terminal device is preferentially stored in the packet memory 147, so that the main system 120 is restored from the power saving state and the request packet is processed. Less frequently. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 1 can be further reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the response count stored in the packet memory 147 is “100 or more” when the response count is a predetermined count (for example, 100 times) or more has been described as an example. However, the number of responses stored in the packet memory 147 may be the actual number of responses. Further, the predetermined number of times is determined based on, for example, a response status in the network protocol, and may be variable. For example, when the transmission frequency of the response data in the network protocol is higher than before, the predetermined number is changed to be small (for example, 100 to 50 times).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the response interval stored in the packet memory 147 is “600 or less” when the response interval is a predetermined interval (for example, 600 seconds) or less has been described as an example. However, the response interval stored in the packet memory 147 may be an actual response interval. Further, the predetermined interval is determined based on the response status in the network protocol, for example, and may be variable. For example, when the transmission frequency of response data in the network protocol is higher than before, the predetermined interval is changed to be smaller (for example, 600 to 300).

  In the above embodiment, the packet memory 147 may be provided with a threshold for the amount of unknown packet information used. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a threshold setting mode of the storage capacity of the packet memory 147 and a storage mode of unknown packets stored in the packet memory 147. As shown in FIG. 18, the packet memory 147 is provided with a threshold for usage. When the packet processing unit 146 stores the acquired unknown packet information including the new unknown packet in the packet memory 147, the new unknown packet information is stored in the packet memory 147 when the usage amount of the packet memory 147 exceeds the threshold. I won't let you.

  In this case, the packet processing unit 146 returns the image processing apparatus 1 from the power saving state, transmits the acquired new unknown packet to the main system 120 that has resumed power supply, and performs response processing. Note that the threshold is determined according to the data length of the packet, for example. For example, if the longest frame length of a packet is 1518 bytes, the threshold is the amount used when the remaining capacity of the packet memory 147 is 1500 bytes. In addition, for example, when the shortest frame length of a packet is 64 bytes, the threshold may be a usage amount when the remaining capacity of the packet memory 147 becomes 64 bytes.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the subsystem 140 is included as one of the components of the main system 120 has been described as an example. However, this is an example, and the subsystem 140 may be configured to be provided outside the main system 120. In this case, the main system 120 and the subsystem 140 may be connected by some interface.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the packet memory 147 stores the response packet generated by the main system 120 when the packet processing unit 146 receives an unknown packet for the first time has been described as an example. In addition, the packet memory 147 may be a shared memory that can be accessed from either the subsystem 140 or the main system 120.

  In this case, while the power of the main system 120 is being supplied, the main system 120 may store the unknown packet information of unknown packets that can be transmitted using the new protocol in the packet memory 147 in advance. . In this case, the main system 120 may function as a deletion unit that deletes unknown packet information based on the above-described deletion priority.

  With this configuration, even when the packet processing unit 146 receives an unknown packet for the first time in the power saving state, the main system 120 can store the unknown packet information of the unknown packet in the packet memory 147 in advance. For example, the packet processing unit 146 can transmit the response packet without returning the image processing apparatus 1 from the power saving state.

  When the packet memory 147 is a shared memory, the packet memory 147 may be provided outside the subsystem 140. However, since the packet memory 147 needs to be in a state that can be referred to even in the power saving state, it is necessary to control power supply to the packet memory 147 even in the power saving state.

  Further, the subsystem 140 may be another device different from the image processing device 1. In this case, when the image processing apparatus 1 is in the power saving state, the subsystem 140 receives a request packet transmitted from the terminal apparatus connected via the network instead of the image processing apparatus 1 and receives a response packet. It functions as a response device that transmits. If the responding device has the configuration of the subsystem 140 and can control the power saving state of the image processing device 1 or acquire a request packet to be transmitted to the image processing device 1, this embodiment is similarly applied. Applicable.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the packet process part 146 demonstrated as an example the case where it was determined whether it is an unknown packet based on the attribute information of the packet contained in the header information of the acquired request packet. However, this is an example, and the packet processing unit 146 may determine whether the packet is an unknown packet based on the data size of the response packet, for example.

  For example, when the request packet is a variable request packet, the response packet is device information that changes according to timing, log information of the image processing apparatus 1, and the like. On the other hand, when the request packet is an invariant request packet, the response packet is The device information is unchanged. Therefore, the response packet for the variable request packet tends to have a larger data size than the response packet for the invariant request packet.

  From such a tendency, the packet processing unit 146 determines that the request packet is an unknown packet when, for example, the data size of the response packet is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. In addition, when the data size of the request packet itself tends to be different between the invariant request packet and the other request packets, the packet processing unit 146 determines whether the packet is an unknown packet based on the data size of the request packet. May be.

  In addition, the packet processing unit 146 may temporarily store the unknown packet information in the packet memory 147 as all the request packets other than the request packet notified in advance from the main system 120 as unknown packets. In this case, the packet processing unit 146 transmits the request packet again to the main system 120 when the same request packet is received next. When the response packet received from the main system 120 and the response packet for the same request packet stored in the packet memory 147 do not match, the packet processing unit 146 deletes the unknown packet information of the request packet from the packet memory 147. .

  The request packet to be stored in the packet memory 147 is an invariant request packet that can be processed by the subsystem 140 in the power saving state. Therefore, when the same request packet is processed by the main system 120 and the same response packet is generated, there is a high possibility that the request packet is an invariant request packet.

  With such a configuration, in order to obtain a response packet, it is necessary that the power is supplied to the main system 120 twice, and the power consumption increases accordingly, but the packet memory 147 Since unknown packet information is stored more accurately, the final power consumption can be reduced while efficiently using the packet memory 147.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the request packet is classified into the execution request packet, the variable packet, and the invariant request packet and the subsystem 140 processes the invariant request packet has been described as an example. However, such classification is merely an example, and any classification is possible as long as request packets processed by the subsystem 140 and other request packets can be classified.

  In the above embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to any information processing apparatus having a subsystem that responds to a predetermined request in a power saving state. Examples of information processing apparatuses other than the image processing apparatus 1 include various devices connected to a network installed in an office or the like, a projector apparatus connected to the network, a video conference system, a network communication system mounted on an automobile, and the like. Can be mentioned. Also in such an information processing apparatus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the information processing apparatus while responding to a request transmitted using various network protocols with less effort.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 101 Engine control part 102 ADF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Scanner unit 104 Paper discharge tray 105 Display panel 106 Paper feed table 107 Print engine 108 Paper discharge tray 109 Power supply unit 120 Main system 121 CPU
122 ASIC
123 RAM
124 ROM
125 Engine I / F
126 Panel I / F
127 Power supply unit 140 Subsystem 141 Sub CPU
142 Sub RAM
143 Sub ROM
144 MAC
145 Network PHY
146 Packet processing unit 147 Packet memory 148 Power saving control unit 149 I / F control unit

JP 2010-160550 A

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus for transmitting response data to request data from another apparatus connected via a network,
A main response unit that processes the request data and transmits response data when power is supplied;
A power-saving response unit that processes response data of a predetermined type among the request data and transmits response data in a power-saving state in which power supply to the main response unit is stopped, and
When the power saving response unit receives unknown request data, which is request data transmitted in a format unknown to the power saving response unit among the predetermined types of request data, the power saving response unit stores in advance in a storage medium A response data for the unknown request data processed by the main response unit is transmitted to the other device. The power saving response unit, when response data for the received unknown request data is not stored in the storage medium,
Resuming power supply to the main response unit and outputting the unknown request data to the main response unit,
Receiving the response data for the unknown request data processed by the main response unit;
Storing the received response data in the storage medium;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main response unit transmits the response data generated by processing the output unknown request data to the other apparatus. The main response unit prestores response data generated by processing the unknown request data that can be transmitted from the other device while power is supplied in the storage medium. The information processing apparatus according to 1 or 2. The power saving response unit preferentially stores the response data in which the number of responses within a predetermined period of the received response data is a predetermined number or more in the storage medium. Item 4. The information processing device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined number of times is determined based on a transmission frequency of the response data. The power saving response unit stores, in the storage medium, the response data in which the response interval, which is the time from the response timing in a predetermined period to the next response timing among the received response data, is equal to or less than a predetermined interval. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is preferentially stored. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined interval is determined based on a transmission frequency of the response data. A deletion unit that deletes information about the response data stored in the storage medium according to a free capacity of the storage medium in the storage process to the storage medium;
8. The information processing according to claim 2, wherein the deletion unit deletes information about the response data in descending order of deletion priority set according to a state of the response data. apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the deletion unit sets the deletion priority to be higher for the response data that has a smaller number of responses within a predetermined period. The said deletion part sets the said deletion priority so high that the said response data with a long response interval which is the time from the response timing in the predetermined period to the next response timing are characterized by the above-mentioned. Information processing device. A control method for an information processing apparatus for transmitting response data to request data from another apparatus connected via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A main response unit that processes the request data and transmits response data when power is supplied;
A power-saving response unit that processes response data of a predetermined type among the request data and transmits response data in a power-saving state in which power supply to the main response unit is stopped, and
When receiving unknown request data which is request data transmitted in an unknown format to the power saving response unit among the predetermined types of request data, the main response unit stored in advance in a storage medium A method of controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: transmitting response data for the processed unknown request data to the other apparatus. When an information processing device that processes and responds to request data from another device connected via a network is in a power saving state, it processes and responds to a predetermined type of request data among the request data. A response device,
When unknown request data that is request data transmitted in a format unknown to the responding device is received among the predetermined types of request data, it is processed by the information processing device stored in advance in a storage medium A response device, comprising: a response unit that transmits response data for the unknown request data to the other device.