JP2003089254A - Information input-output device, image processor, method for controlling network of image processor, network controlling program, and computer-readable recording medium storing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent that data transmitted from a network can not be controlled caused by an instrument being shifted to a low consumption electric power mode from being generated when an image processor with the low consumption electric power mode is connected with the network. SOLUTION: A controller part 1 by which processing and storing of image information are possible and an input-output part 20 for performing inputting and outputting of the information to the network 29 are provided. When the image processor is in an ordinary operating mode, transmitting and receiving of the information in the network 29 are performed by controlling the input- output part 20 by the controller part 1. When the controller part 1 is shifted to the low consumption electric power mode, transmitting and receiving of data are controlled by the input-output part 20.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to reduction of power consumption of devices connected to a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Due to the development of networks accompanying the spread of the Internet and intranets, office automation equipment such as printers and copiers that have never been connected to networks are now used in in-house networks (LAN) or home networks. The environment is becoming connected.

The devices connected to these networks are not limited to standard protocols such as TCP / IP, but also Novel
It is necessary to handle various network protocols such as the company's NetWare protocol and Apple's Ether Talk protocol.

In addition, in some of these network protocols, multicast is performed at regular time intervals.
There is also a protocol that constantly checks whether or not a device having a specified network address exists in the network by performing a broadcast or a broadcast.

On the other hand, OA equipment such as a printer and a copying machine has characteristics of the equipment, for example, when a printer actually prints on a sheet, and when a copying machine is used by a user in front of the copying machine. Consumes a large amount of power temporarily, at other times, it shifts to a low power consumption state (so-called sleep state) in order to reduce the power consumption of the device and remains in that state until the next processing is requested. It is generally designed to maintain.

[0006]

However, when devices capable of transitioning to such a low power consumption state are connected to the network, these devices will be separated by a fixed interval (for example, 100 milliseconds) as described above. Since it is necessary to always handle the multicast packet and the broadcast packet sent out on the network by), the network control program installed in the device needs to constantly monitor the network interface of the device. In other words, it is necessary for the device to always start up in a normal power consumption state and supply power to the network control program and the network interface.

Therefore, as in the conventional case, since the device such as the printer is not requested to perform the processing such as printing, the entire system is shifted to the low power consumption state, and this state is kept until the next processing is requested. There was a problem that the function of keeping could not be realized.

In addition, although most of these packet processes themselves are very simple, network control programs that handle multi-protocols are layered and difficult to separate. For this reason, there is no other way but to keep the whole system in a normal power consumption state and process these packets.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and since it has been conventionally used in a stand-alone manner in many cases, it is possible to shift to a low power consumption state except when necessary. However, even if it is connected to the network, the purpose is to be able to maintain the low power consumption state as before.

[0010]

To achieve the above object, a controller unit capable of processing and storing image information,
An image processing apparatus having an input / output unit for inputting / outputting information to / from a network and capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a host device, wherein the image processing apparatus includes the controller unit and the input / output unit. And a low power consumption mode in which the controller unit is not operating, and when the image processing apparatus is in the normal operation mode, the controller unit operates the input / output unit. By controlling, information is transmitted / received to / from the host device, and when the controller unit shifts to the low power consumption mode, the input / output unit controls data transmission / reception to / from the host device.

Further, the controller unit transmits information regarding the mode shift to the input / output unit when shifting to the low power consumption mode.

Further, the controller unit transmits to the input / output unit network management information necessary for controlling data transmission / reception with the host device.

Further, the input / output unit has a storage means for storing information transmitted from the controller unit and data transmitted from the host device.

Further, the input / output unit has a control means for managing transmission / reception of information in the low power consumption mode.

Further, the control means has a comparison means for comparing the network management information transmitted from the controller section stored in the storage means with the data transmitted from the host device.

Further, the control means performs control for shifting the controller section in the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode based on the comparison by the comparison means.

Further, the control means controls the transmission of information corresponding to the data transmitted from the host device to the host device based on the comparison by the comparison device.

Further, the control means performs a process of erasing, from the storage means, the abandonable data among the data transmitted from the host device.

Further, the control means controls to shift the controller section in the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode by receiving the data of the request for processing the image in the image processing apparatus from the upper apparatus. This is the case.

Further, the control means performs control to shift the controller section in the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode when data for requesting to operate the image processing apparatus is received from the host apparatus. is there.

Further, the control means performs control to shift the controller section in the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode when the data which does not correspond to the network management information transmitted from the controller section is received. is there.

Furthermore, the data transmitted from the external device is packet format data.

Further, there is provided an information input / output device for connecting to the external network an image processing device capable of processing and storing image information and having a controller section for managing information input / output with the external network. A control unit that manages an external network in place of the controller unit when shifting to a low power consumption mode in which the operation of the processing device is stopped, and a storage unit that stores information transmitted from the controller unit and the external network. When the low power consumption mode is entered, network management information is received from the controller unit and stored in the storage unit, and the external network and the controller unit are managed based on the network management information.

Further, the control means has a comparison means for comparing the data received from the external network with the network management information.

Further, when the data received from the external network is data that can be handled by the control means based on the comparison by the comparing means, the control means sets the data corresponding to the received data to the external network. Control to send to.

Further, the control means controls the controller section in the low power consumption mode state to shift to the normal operation mode based on the comparison by the comparison means.

Further, the control means is controlled by the controller section when the controller section is in a normal operation mode.

An information input / output device for connecting an image processing device capable of processing and storing image information and having a controller section for managing the external network to the external network, and operating the image processing device. When shifting to the low power consumption mode in which the power supply is stopped, the network management information transmitted from the controller unit is stored, and the external network and the controller unit are managed based on the network management information.

Further, when predetermined data is received from the external network, control is performed to operate the image processing apparatus which has been shifted to the low power consumption mode.

Further, the data transmitted from the external network is packet format data.

Further, it has a controller section capable of processing and storing image information and an input / output section for inputting / outputting information to / from a network, and can transmit / receive data to / from a host apparatus via the network. A network control method for a possible image processing apparatus, wherein a network is provided from the controller unit to the input / output unit when shifting from a normal operation mode in which the controller unit is operating to a low power consumption mode in which the operation is stopped. Send management information to manage
After the controller unit shifts to the low power consumption mode,
The input / output unit manages the network and the controller unit based on the management information.

Further, control for shifting the controller section to the normal operation mode is performed based on the predetermined information received from the network.

Further, based on the predetermined information received from the network, the input / output unit controls the information corresponding to the predetermined information to be transmitted to the network.

Further, there is a step of comparing the management information with predetermined information received from the network, and the input / output unit manages the network and the controller unit based on the contents of the comparison.

Further, the image processing which has a controller section capable of processing and storing image information and an input / output section for inputting / outputting information to / from a network and capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a host apparatus. A network control program applied to an apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus has a normal operation mode in which the controller unit and the input / output unit are operating, and a low power consumption mode in which the controller unit is not operating. When the image processing device is in the normal operation mode, the controller unit controls the input / output unit to transmit / receive information to / from the host device, and the controller unit is set to the low power consumption mode. When I made the transition,
The input / output unit includes steps for controlling transmission / reception of data with the host device.

Further, the image processing which has a controller section capable of processing and storing image information and an input / output section for inputting / outputting information to / from a network and capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a host apparatus. A computer-readable recording medium storing a network control program applied to an apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus has a normal operation mode in which the controller unit and the input / output are operating,
When the image processing apparatus has a low power consumption mode in which the controller section is not operating and the image processing apparatus is in the normal operation mode, the controller section controls the input / output section to transmit / receive information to / from the host apparatus. And when the controller unit shifts to the low shogi power mode, the input / output unit includes a step for controlling data transmission / reception with the host device.

[0037]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention reduces the power consumption of devices, such as printers and scanners, which consume a large amount of power, and constantly connects these devices on a network while maintaining a low power consumption state. The present invention provides a hardware configuration, a control method therefor, a control program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the control program.

Further, in the following drawings, the same members as those described in the above drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the description of one embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention described below is made by referring to an information input / output apparatus according to the present invention, a network control method for the image processing apparatus, a network control program, and a computer readable program storing the program. Also serves as a description of an embodiment of another recording medium.

The embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated below. FIG. 1 shows the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, each means denoted by reference numerals 2 to 12 is included in the controller unit 1 for controlling each function of the image processing apparatus having a printer function, a scanner function and the like, and for performing a network process. Each unit denoted by the reference numeral 28 is included in the input / output unit (information input / output device) 20 side for connecting to the controller unit 1 and the external network and performing network control. The functions of the image processing apparatus are not limited to these.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a PCI bus connecting the controller unit 1 and the input / output unit 20, and a PCI bus controller 6 incorporated in the controller unit 1 and a PCI bus controller 25 incorporated in the input / output unit 20. It is connected.
Although the present embodiment has the above-described configuration because the PCI bus is used, the present invention is not limited to the standard or specification of the bus connecting the components.

Further, in the present embodiment, the network interface connected to the external device or the host device is Et.
Although it is set to hernet 29, it goes without saying that there is no problem with other network interfaces.

First, the configuration of the controller section 1 will be described. Reference numeral 2 is a CPU core capable of controlling the controller unit 1 and the input / output unit 20, and is usually an integer arithmetic circuit or an FPU (Float).
ingPoint Unit), MMU (Memory Management Unit), bus interface circuit, etc. CPU core 2
Since the configuration is not essential to the present invention, further detailed description will be omitted here.

Reference numeral 3 is a CPU bus, and various circuits and devices including the CPU core 2 are connected to this bus for data transmission.

4 is a DRAM controller, which is a CPU core 2
Can access the DRAM 10 through this. The DRAM 10 is a readable / writable memory, and the control program on the controller 1 side uses the DRAM 10.

Reference numeral 5 is a ROM controller through which the CPU core 2 can access the ROM 9. The ROM 9 is a read-only memory and stores a program executed at system boot. The contents of this memory cannot be rewritten during system operation.

Reference numeral 6 represents the above PCI bus controller. The bus controller is also connected to the CPU core 2 via the CPU bus 3, and the CPU core 2 can access various devices connected to the PCI bus 13 via the PCI bus 13.

In FIG. 1, the input / output unit 20 itself is one PCI device, which is mapped in the PCI address space in the system address space of the image processing apparatus, and the CPU 2 in the controller unit 1 is mapped in this mapping. Ethernet on the input / output unit 1 side via the address space
It is possible to access a register (not shown) in the controller 26.

Similarly, the CPU core 2 of the controller unit 1 can also map the DRAM 27 as the storage means on the side of the input / output unit 20 in the PCI address space. It is also possible to access the DRAM 27 via mapping.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the PCI bus controller 6 of the controller unit 1 includes a DMA circuit. Normally, this DMA circuit is used to store the data in the DRAM 10 of the controller unit 1. The existing information can be DMA-transferred to the DRAM 27 on the input / output unit 20 side. Similarly, a DMA circuit is also included in the PCI bus controller 25 on the input / output unit 20 side, and the DRAM 2 on the input / output unit 20 side is also included.
The information existing in 7 is stored in the DRAM 10 of the controller unit 1.
DMA transfer is also possible.

In the present embodiment, the image processing device is assumed to be a device having a printer function and a scanner function, and therefore the printer controller 7 and the scanner controller 8 are used.
And exist. The printer controller 7 is connected to an external printer engine via the printer engine interface 11, and the DRAM 10 in the controller unit 1 is connected.
An image is printed on a sheet by transmitting the image data stored therein to the printer engine.

The scanner controller 8 is also connected to an external scanner engine via the scanner engine interface 12. When the scanner engine is started, the image data scanned by the scanner is transferred to the controller unit 1 via the scanner controller 8.
It is stored in the DRAM 10 therein.

In the present invention, with such a hardware configuration, it is possible to print the image data transmitted from another device connected to the network on the printer, and the image data read from the scanner can be printed on the network. It is possible to transmit to another device via the.

Next, the input / output unit (information input / output device) 20 will be described.

In the present invention, the input / output unit 20 also has the CPU core 21 as the control means, the ROM 28 and the DRAM 2 as the storage means.
7 is provided. Reference numeral 21 denotes a CPU core on the input / output unit 20 side, which is the CPU described in the controller unit 1.
Since it is almost the same as the core 2, the description is omitted here.

Reference numeral 22 represents a system bus as a transmission means, and the controller circuits provided in the input / output unit 20 are mutually connected via the system bus 22. Normally, the CPU core 21 is connected to the system bus 22 via a bus bridge (not shown) with the CPU bus, so all access to the system resources of the CPU core 21 on the input / output unit 20 side is performed by this bus bridge. It is a converted form of access.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a DRAM controller and 24 denotes a ROM controller, both of which are connected to the system bus 22. 27 is a DRAM and 28 is a ROM.
Since these have substantially the same functions as the DRAM 10 and its controller 4 and the ROM 9 and its controller 5 provided in the controller unit 1 of the image processing apparatus, the description thereof is omitted here.

The CPU core 21 on the side of the input / output unit 20 respectively receives the DRAM 27 via the DRAM controller 23 or the ROM controller 24 connected to the system bus 22.
Alternatively, the ROM 28 can be accessed.

Further, in this embodiment, the PCI bus controller 25 on the input / output unit 20 side is also configured to be able to access the DRAM 27 and the ROM 28 via the system bus 22.

Further, in the present embodiment, 26 is Ethernet which is a typical standard as a network interface.
29 shows an Ethernet controller that can be connected to
The controller 26 also includes circuitry for connecting to the physical layer of the network.

The Ethernet controller 26 is DM
A DRAM that includes an A circuit (not shown) and is a storage unit in the input / output unit 20 for receiving data received from an external network.
It is possible to perform DMA transfer within 27. Conversely, DRA
It is also possible to send the data existing in M27 to the network by DMA transfer.

A power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to the controller unit 1 and the input / output unit 20 of the image processing apparatus, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the image processing apparatus and the controller unit 1 and the input / output unit 20. Are separately provided. Each power supply unit may supply power only to the image processing device or the input / output unit 20,
The power distribution unit may be configured to branch from a power supply unit provided to operate various devices such as a printer engine and a paper feeding unit. In the case of the input / output unit 20, more preferably, when the power supply receptacle of the image processing apparatus is supplied with power from an external power source by a plug cord or the like, it is turned on regardless of whether the main power source of the image processing apparatus is on or off. It is better to have an electric system in which electric power is also supplied to the output unit 20. This is to keep the input / output unit 20 operating as much as possible.

The above is a typical hardware configuration of the embodiment of the present invention. The input / output unit 20 may be a board provided in the image processing apparatus, which is different from the controller unit 1, or may be provided on the same board. Further, it may be connected as an information input / output device 20 provided in a frame separate from the image processing device.

Next, the processing operation of the present invention having the above configuration will be described.

When the image processing apparatus is in the normal power consumption state, that is, in the normal operation mode in which power is supplied to all devices, the ROM 9 and D of the controller unit 1
The network control program resident in RAM10 is
It is possible to control the Ethernet controller 26 in the input / output unit 20 mapped in the PCI address space of the controller unit 1.

Through the Ethernet 29, a host computer or other higher-level device or another external device connected to the network transmits to this device by multicast or broadcast, and receives in the Ethernet packet format stored in the DRAM 27 in the input / output unit 20. The data is directly transferred to the DRAM 1 of the controller unit 1 of the image processing apparatus by using direct transfer by DMA of both PCI bus controllers 6 and 25.
Is transferred to 0.

After that, the network control program having a hierarchical structure is processed, and finally, each network protocol interpreter interprets the packet-type received data, and the series of processes is completed.

Similarly, in the transmission method which is the reverse of the above-mentioned reception method, the data transmitted from the network protocol interpreting unit is processed by the network layer, and the data in the Ethernet packet format is stored in the DRAM 1 of the controller unit 1.
After being stored and held in 0, both PCI bus controllers 6,
25 is used for DMA transfer to the DRAM 27 of the input / output unit 20. Finally, the Ethernet controller 26 will send the Ethernet packet to the Ethernet 29. That is, in the normal operation mode, the controller unit 1 puts the input / output unit 20 under control and manages the external network.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the image processing apparatus shifts to the low power consumption mode in which the power supply to the engine in the image processing apparatus and the controller unit 1 is temporarily stopped,
The network management performed by the controller unit 1 is entrusted to the input / output unit 20 side.

First, the interpretation unit that understands each network protocol uses the packet data (Ether) of the network management information necessary for the processing performed by the input / output unit 20 on behalf of the user.
I / O unit 2 via the PCI bus 13
It is transmitted to the DRAM 27 of 0 and stored in the DRAM 27. afterwards,
The image processing device and the controller unit 1 are in a standby state,
The power supply is stopped and the system shifts to the low power consumption mode.

According to the present invention, even when the entire image processing apparatus (including the controller unit 1) shifts to the low power consumption mode, the input / output unit 20 operates normally, and the controller unit 1 further operates.
The feature is that the input / output unit 20 performs network management performed by the input / output unit 20. When the image processing apparatus shifts to the low power consumption mode, a command to restore the image processing apparatus (command to switch from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode) is issued.
It cannot be processed at all unless notified by the side. On the contrary, it is the most effective situation in terms of reducing power consumption.

According to the conventional technique, when the image processing apparatus shifts to the low power consumption mode, the controller unit 1 also stops the power supply, so that the packet data transmitted by the network cannot be processed and the image processing is not performed on the network. Although it has been determined that the apparatus is inoperable, in the present invention, even if the image processing apparatus is stopped in the low power consumption mode, the input / output unit 20 acting on behalf of the network management does not operate. Therefore, it becomes possible to process the data transmitted by the network 29, which has been impossible in the past.

The specific method will be described below. When the image processing apparatus shifts to the low power consumption mode, the Ethernet controller 26 is controlled by the CPU core 21 which is the control means of the input / output unit 20 to perform a part of the network management requested by the controller unit 1. The flowchart is shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 illustrates the network management on the input / output unit 20 side after the image processing apparatus shifts to the low power consumption mode. As a premise of the processing shown in this flow, the packet data (Ethernet packet format) of the management information required for the processing that the controller unit 1 substitutes in the input / output unit 20 is transmitted via the PCI bus 13 to the input / output unit 20. It is assumed that the data is transmitted to the DRAM 27, which is a storage means of, and is stored.

In FIG. 2, S200 is E of the input / output unit 20.
Indicates that the thernet packet data can be sent and received.

In S201, a certain Eth is set by the Ethernet 29.
Indicates that the Ethernet controller 26 has received the ernet packet data. The received packet data is held in the DRAM 27 of the input / output unit 20.

In S202, the data is transmitted from the controller unit 1 in order to request the input / output unit 20 to perform the processing on behalf of before the controller unit 1 shifts to the low power consumption mode.
The packet data as management information stored in the DRAM 27 and the packet data received this time are input and output to the input / output unit 20.
The comparison means (not shown) provided in the control means of FIG.

As a result of comparing the stored network management packet data with the received packet data,
When the received packet data does not exist in the stored packet data (in the case of NO), the input / output unit 20 issues a control command to the controller unit 1 to return to the normal operation mode. And controller unit 1
Is set to the normal operation mode. As an example, as the received packet data for performing such processing, a print request or wakeup from the external network 29 (transition from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode)
There is packet data related to the request.

When the management packet data and the received packet data match (YES), it is determined in S203 whether the received packet data may be discarded. In the case of a discardable packet, the packet received in S204 is discarded and the reception waiting state is restored again. The received packet data that performs such processing includes, for example, packet data addressed to an address different from the network address of this device, and command packet data that this device cannot process.

If it is determined in S204 that the packet data cannot be discarded (in the case of NO), it is determined in S205 whether the transmission packet data corresponding to the reception packet data is prepared.

The transmission packet data corresponding to the reception packet data is transmitted from the controller unit 1 and the DRAM 27
If it is stored in, the transmission packet data (Ethernet packet data) stored in S206 is transmitted to the network. Examples of the received packet data that performs such processing include packet data that requests system configuration information of the image processing apparatus and packets that request status information.

Although the received packet is stored in the DRAM 27, S207 is executed by the input / output unit 20 when the corresponding transmitted packet does not exist or when the transmitted packet cannot be created, and the image processing apparatus and the controller unit 1 are operated. It represents issuing a command to return from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode.

At S208, the low power consumption mode ends, and the entire image processing apparatus shifts to the normal power consumption state, so that the Ethernet controller 26 of the input / output unit 20 is controlled by the controller unit 1 of the image processing apparatus again. Indicates that you are going back.

Next, the step of shifting the image processing apparatus to the low power consumption mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flow chart of control on the image processing apparatus side.

First, when the transition to the low power consumption mode is decided, the CPU 2 acquires from each network protocol layer the packet information required when the input / output section 20 substitutes for network management (S301).

Next, the packet information acquired in S301 is set to P
Transmission to the input / output unit 20 side using the CI bus 13 (S3
02).

Next, the CPU 2 is provided with the E provided in the input / output section 20.
The thernet controller 26 is initialized (S303).
At this time, data transmission / reception via Ethernet is prohibited, and the system is temporarily cut off from the network.

Then, the CPU 21 of the input / output unit 20 is connected to the Etherne
The CPU 2 issues request information so as to control the t controller 26 (S304). At this time, since the Ethernet controller 26 has already been initialized in S303,
The input / output unit 20 secures a buffer for packet transmission / reception,
All that is necessary is to permit the transmission / reception of the packet data temporarily blocked in S303.

CPU 2 of controller unit 1 of the image processing apparatus
Waits until the input / output unit 20 becomes network manageable in the steps up to this point (S305). Through the steps up to this point, the input / output unit 20 becomes ready for the network management.

Next, before transitioning to the power-off state (low power consumption mode) of the image processing apparatus except the input / output unit 202, hardware resources other than the PCI bus controller 6 and Ethernet are used by using predetermined software. Initialize (S306). This is to make the state of the hardware resources constant when the image processing apparatus shifts to the normal operation mode (power-on state) again.

Note that, in general, hardware in which power distribution has stopped is almost in the default state, and therefore, if such hardware is installed, this step may be omitted.

Subsequently, a step for saving the stored contents in the DRAM 10 is started. First, the stored information existing in the DRAM 10 currently used by the software of the image processing apparatus is
Bit map data is converted into a predetermined unit (for example, 4 Kbytes or 8 Kbytes) (S307).

After that, while reversibly compressing the information in the DRAM 10 based on the created bitmap data, the PCI
DRAM on the input / output unit 20 side via the bus interface
It transfers to 27 (S308). The above-mentioned DMA transfer function may be used for this data transfer.

After the transfer of all data is completed, S30
The bitmap data of the usage status of the DRAM 10 created in 7 is transferred to the DRAM 27 of the input / output unit 20 in the same manner as the compressed data (S309).

Then, in order to shift to the low power consumption mode, the CPU 2 issues a request to the CPU 21 of the input / output unit 20 to switch the image processing apparatus to the low power consumption mode after a predetermined time (S310).

After that, the PCI bus controller 6 not initialized in S306 is initialized (S311). The reason for this is the same as that described in S306. Further, this step is not particularly required as long as the configuration automatically changes to the default state of the hardware when the power supply is stopped.

Then, the CPU 2 of the controller unit 1 becomes idle (S312), and based on the request issued in S310, the CPU 21 of the input / output unit 20 switches to the low power consumption mode (S313).

In this way, the image processing apparatus can shift to the low power consumption mode.

Next, steps for the image processing apparatus to return from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the CPU 21 of the input / output unit 20, which has determined that it is necessary to shift the image processing apparatus to the normal operation mode according to the above-mentioned packet communication status, supplies power to the image processing apparatus except the input / output unit 20. Control is performed (S401). As a result, the image processing apparatus is turned on.

Next, the CPU 21 of the input / output unit 20 controls to release the hardware reset of the CPU 2 of the controller unit 1 (S402). As a result, the CPU 2 starts executing. The instruction normally executed at this time is stored in the ROM 9, and the CPU 2 initializes the DRAM controller 4 and the PCI bus controller 6 of the controller unit 1 to the default state in S402 (S403).

After that, the bit map data indicating the information stored in the DRAM 10 transferred to the DRAM 27 of the input / output unit 20 when shifting to the low power consumption mode is transferred to the PCI bus 1
It is acquired via 3 (S404).

DRAM based on this bitmap data
The data compressed and stored in 27 is transferred to the DRAM 10 while being uncompressed and stored in the DRAM 10 (S405).
A DMA function may be used for data transfer on the PCI bus at this time.

When transfer of all data is completed,
The control of the Ethernet controller 26 is controlled by the CPU of the input / output unit 20.
From 21 to C request CPU2 of the controller unit 1
It is issued by PU2 (S406).

After that, the process waits until the control based on the request issued in S406 is completed (S407). At this time, on the input / output unit 20 side, transmission / reception of packet data via Ethernet is temporarily prohibited.

Upon completion of S407, the CPU 2 initializes the Ethernet controller 27 in an operable state (S40
8). As a result, the controller unit 1 of the image processing apparatus can return to the network. After S408 is completed, the controller unit 1 manages the network.

Next, the DRAM 10 and the DRAM of the controller unit 1
The hardware resources other than the controller 4 and the PCI bus controller 6 are set up in an operable state, and preparations are made to bring the entire system into operation (S40
9). This is typically done by software stored in ROM.

When the setup in S409 is completed, the system of the image processing apparatus completely shifts to the normal operation mode (S410).

By going through these steps, the information stored in the DRAM 10 of the controller unit 1 is saved and quickly restored, so that the restoration time of the entire system can be greatly shortened. As a result, it becomes possible to construct a system that can support a network protocol with a short casting interval.

Further, since the transition time from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode can be shortened, it is possible to quickly respond to a print request sent in the low power consumption mode, which impairs the operability of the user. There is nothing.

With the above configuration and control, the problems of the conventional technology can be solved, and even if the device connected to the network is shifted to the low power consumption state, it is the same as the normal power consumption state on the network. It is possible to obtain the effect that the state of 1) can be maintained and the power consumption of the device can be significantly reduced.

Further, by constructing the controller section 1 and the input / output section 20 very simply, it is possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost and design cost of the apparatus.

In this embodiment, the controller unit 1
The case where the input / output unit 20 issues a command to return the image processing apparatus to the normal operation mode when the received packet data does not exist in the network management information stored in the storage unit of the input / output unit 20 from However, this is just an example of control. For example, it is possible to shift the mode by using a program that causes print request packet data to exist in the management information and, when the data is received from the network 29, returns the image processing apparatus to the normal operation mode. Of course, the same applies to other received data.

When it is expected that it will take time for the system to return to the normal state due to the low power consumption state of the image processing apparatus, the network control program of the input / output unit 20 uses the packet of the Ethernet controller 26. The data transmission / reception is temporarily stopped, the system on the image processing apparatus side is returned to the normal state, and the packet data transmission / reception of the Ethernet controller 26 is restarted after the network control program of the controller unit 1 becomes operable. It is also possible.

In the above embodiment, the case where the network interface is Ethernet has been described.
The present invention can be handled in the same manner in the above processing even when it is configured with other networks.

Further, also in the network protocol, necessary items can be sequentially added to the network control program.

In other words, it is possible to provide a highly versatile network control method that is compatible with any network protocol and any network physical layer.

The input / output unit 20 may be arranged in the frame of the image processing apparatus, like the controller unit 1.
It may be provided outside the frame of the image processing apparatus.

Further, the low power consumption mode in the present invention may be that the hardware except the input / output unit 20 is not energized or that some energization is required for battery backup processing. good. That is, the low power consumption mode refers to a mode in which standby is possible with low power consumption compared to normal power consumption.

[0120]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in a device which is connected to a network and transmits and receives information, even if the image processing apparatus shifts to a low power consumption state, network monitoring and data Since the transmission / reception is configured to be processed by the input / output unit, it is possible to make the network seem to be in the normal power consumption state and to obtain the effect of greatly reducing the power consumption of the device.

Further, when the data of the processing for starting the image processing apparatus is received from the network, the system can be promptly restored.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart when the entire image processing apparatus shifts to a low power consumption mode and network processing is executed by an input / output unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing steps when the image processing apparatus shifts from a normal operation mode to a low power consumption mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing steps when the image processing apparatus shifts from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 controller 2 Controller CPU 3 CPU bus 4 DRAM controller 5 ROM controller 6 PCI bus controller 7 Printer controller 8 Scanner controller 9 ROM 10 DRAM 11 Printer engine interface 12 Scanner engine interface 13 PCI bus 20 Input / output section 21 Input / output CPU (control means) 22 system bus 23 DRAM controller 24 ROM controller 25 PCI bus controller 26 Ethernet controller 27 DRAM (storage means) 28 ROM 29 Ethernet

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 HH11 HJ08 HN24                       HT06 HT13                 5B011 DA01 EB08 FF04 LL14                 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA35 AB16 AB38                       AB49 AC02 AC03 AC21 AC38                       AE15 BA01

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. An image processing system comprising a controller unit capable of processing and storing image information and an input / output unit for inputting / outputting information to / from a network, and capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a host device. The image processing apparatus has a normal operation mode in which the controller unit and the input / output unit are operating, and a low power consumption mode in which the controller unit is not operating, When the device is in the normal operation mode, the controller unit controls the input / output unit to transmit / receive information to / from the host device, and after the controller unit shifts to the low power consumption mode, the input / output unit An image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus controls transmission / reception of data to / from the host apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller unit transmits information regarding the mode shift to the input / output unit when shifting to the low power consumption mode. 3. The controller unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller unit transmits to the input / output unit network management information necessary for controlling transmission / reception of data with the host device. Image processing device. 4. The controller unit has a readable / writable storage unit, and stores information about software running on the controller unit, which is stored in the storage unit, before entering the low power consumption mode. 4. The compressed data is transmitted to an output unit and transmitted.
The image processing device according to item 1. 5. The controller unit issues a command to the input / output unit to cause the input / output unit to shift the controller unit to a low power consumption mode after a predetermined time. The image processing device according to any one of 1 to 4. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the input / output unit stops power supply to the controller unit based on the instruction from the controller unit. 7. The image processing according to claim 2, wherein the input / output unit has a storage unit that stores information transmitted from the controller unit and data transmitted from the host device. apparatus. 8. The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the input / output unit has a control unit for managing transmission / reception of information in the low power consumption mode. apparatus. 9. The control means has a comparison means for comparing the network management information transmitted from the controller unit stored in the storage means with the data transmitted from the host device. Claim 8
The image processing device according to item 1. 10. The image processing according to claim 9, wherein the control unit performs control for shifting the controller unit in the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode based on the comparison by the comparison unit. apparatus. 11. The control means controls the transmission of information corresponding to the data transmitted from the host device to the host device, based on the comparison by the comparison device. The image processing device described. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit performs a process of deleting, from the storage unit, data that can be discarded out of the data transmitted from the host device. 13. The control means performs control to shift the controller unit in a low power consumption mode to a normal operation mode by receiving data of a request for processing an image in the image processing apparatus from the upper apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, which is a case. 14. The control unit performs control to shift the controller unit in the low power consumption mode to a normal operation mode when data of a request to operate the image processing apparatus is received from the upper apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image processing apparatus is provided. 15. The control means performs control to shift the controller section in the low power consumption mode to a normal operation mode when data that does not correspond to the network management information transmitted from the controller section is received. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image processing apparatus is provided. 16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data transmitted from the external device is packet format data. 17. Image information can be processed and stored, and
An information input / output device that connects an image processing device having a controller unit that manages information input / output with an external network to the external network, when transitioning to a low power consumption mode in which operation of the image processing device is stopped. A controller that manages an external network on behalf of the controller unit, and a storage unit that stores information transmitted from the controller unit and the external network. An information input / output device, which receives network management information from a storage unit, stores it in the storage unit, and manages an external network and the controller unit based on the network management information. 18. The control means includes a comparison means for comparing the data received from the external network with the network management information.
Information input / output device described in. 19. The control means, when the data received from the external network is data compatible with the control means based on the comparison by the comparison means, the data corresponding to the received data is transferred to the external network. The information input / output device according to claim 18, wherein the information input / output device is controlled to be transmitted to 20. The control unit performs control to shift the controller unit in the low power consumption mode state to a normal operation mode based on the comparison by the comparison unit. Information input / output device. 21. The information input / output device according to claim 17, wherein the control unit is controlled by the controller unit when the controller unit is in a normal operation mode. 22. Processing and storage of image information is possible, and
An information input / output device for connecting an image processing apparatus having a controller section for managing an external network to the external network, wherein the controller section is provided when shifting to a low power consumption mode in which the operation of the image processing apparatus is stopped. An information input / output device, which stores network management information transmitted from a device, and manages an external network and the controller unit based on the network management information. 23. The information input / output according to claim 22, wherein when predetermined data is received from the external network, control is performed to operate the image processing apparatus that has transitioned to the low power consumption mode. apparatus. 24. The information input / output device according to claim 17, wherein the data transmitted from the external network is packet format data. 25. An information input / output device according to any one of claims 17 to 24, and an image processing unit that processes image data transmitted / received via the information input / output device. Image processing device. 26. A controller unit capable of processing and storing image information, and an input / output unit for inputting / outputting information to / from a network, capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a host device via the network. A possible network control method for an image processing apparatus, wherein a network is provided from the controller unit to the input / output unit when shifting from a normal operation mode in which the controller unit is operating to a low power consumption mode in which the operation is stopped. After transmitting the management information for managing, after the controller unit shifts to the low power consumption mode,
A network control method for an image processing apparatus, wherein the input / output unit manages the network and the controller unit based on the management information. 27. The network control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein control is performed to shift the controller unit to a normal operation mode based on predetermined information received from the network. 28. The control according to claim 26, wherein the input / output unit performs control of transmitting information corresponding to the predetermined information to the network based on the predetermined information received from the network. A network control method for an image processing apparatus. 29. A step of comparing predetermined information received from the network with the management information, wherein the input / output unit manages the network and the controller unit based on the content of the comparison. A network control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 26. 30. An image processing capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a host device, comprising a controller unit capable of processing and storing image information, and an input / output unit for inputting / outputting information to / from a network. A network control program applied to an apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus has a normal operation mode in which the controller unit and the input / output unit are operating, and a low power consumption mode in which the controller unit is not operating. When the image processing apparatus is in the normal operation mode, the controller unit controls the input / output unit to transmit / receive information to / from the host device, and the controller unit is in the low power consumption mode. A network control program comprising a step for the input / output unit to control transmission / reception of data to / from the higher-level device upon transition. 31. An image processing capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from a host device, comprising a controller unit capable of processing and storing image information, and an input / output unit for inputting / outputting information to / from a network. A computer-readable recording medium storing a network control program applied to an apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a normal operation mode in which the controller unit and the input / output are in operation, and an operation mode in which the controller unit operates. When the image processing apparatus is in the normal operation mode, the controller unit controls the input / output unit to transmit / receive information to / from the host device, and the controller When the unit shifts to the low shogi power mode, the input / output unit includes a step for controlling data transmission / reception with the host device. Computer readable recording medium storing a network control program.