JP2008099516A - Management system, information processing apparatus, terminal equipment, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management system for power saving of an apparatus equipped with communication function. <P>SOLUTION: When an information detecting part of a host device detects a start signal (S101), a client device receives power from a power supply line (S103) when a power line power supply control part turns on the switch (S102). Then, the switch of the client device is turned on (S104), and communication with the host device is established (S105 and 106). A judging part of the host device discriminates an optimum operation mode based on the detection information of the information detecting part (S107). An information transmission part instructs the client device to transit to the optimum mode (S108), and the client device transits to the instructed mode (S109). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system, an information processing device, a terminal device, and a program.

  A technique that can realize stable operation of the entire system by managing the power consumption of devices connected to a network has been conventionally proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this patent document 1, while detecting the power consumption of the whole network system, the network system is controlled so that the power consumption does not exceed a certain level, and a stable system operation is realized. A control method is disclosed.

JP 2002-142385 A

  An object of this invention is to enable the power saving of the apparatus provided with the communication function.

  For this purpose, a management system to which the present invention is applied includes an information processing device and a terminal device connected to the information processing device via a communication line and a power line, and the information processing device receives monitoring information. A power supply control unit that controls power supply to the terminal device via the power line, and a transmission unit that performs transmission to the terminal device via the communication line, the power supply control unit and the transmission The power control of the terminal device and the change of the power consumption state of the terminal device are performed by means.

Here, the information processing apparatus may include an accumulation unit that accumulates information acquired from the outside as monitoring information.
In addition, the information processing apparatus may include a proxy reception unit that performs reception of information transmitted to the terminal device.

In addition, a plurality of the terminal devices are connected to the information processing device, and each of the plurality of terminal devices is subjected to power control and power consumption state change individually or in units of a predetermined group. Can do.
The information processing apparatus further includes another terminal device connected to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus is configured to monitor the terminal apparatus that executes the instruction based on monitoring information when receiving an instruction from the other terminal apparatus. And controlling the power supply of the identified terminal device and changing the power consumption state of the terminal device.

  From another point of view, an information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes a power supply control unit that controls power supply via a power line to a terminal device connected by a communication line and a power line based on monitoring information, and the communication Transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device via a line, wherein the power supply control means and the transmission means perform power control of the terminal device and change of a power consumption state of the terminal device. To do.

  Here, an accumulation unit that accumulates information acquired from the outside as the monitoring information may be provided. Moreover, it can be provided with the substitute receiving part acting on behalf of reception of the information transmitted to the said terminal device. In addition, when a plurality of the terminal devices are connected, each of the plurality of terminal devices may perform power control and power consumption state change individually or in units of a predetermined group. .

  Further, when grasping the present invention from another point of view, a terminal device to which the present invention is applied to a power receiving unit that receives power from the information processing apparatus connected by the communication line and the power line via the power line, and the information processing apparatus A notification means for notifying information of itself via the communication line, and information received by the information processing device while power reception by the power reception means is stopped is acquired via the communication line after power reception is started. Acquisition means.

  Further, from another viewpoint, the program to which the present invention is applied detects information for starting processing in a computer device included in an information processing device that manages terminal devices connected by communication lines and power lines. A detection function, a switching function for switching presence / absence of power supply to the terminal device via the power line according to a detection result of the detection function, and the terminal device via the communication line when power is supplied to the terminal device by the switching function And an establishment function for establishing communication with the device.

  Here, a storage function for storing information acquired from the outside in the computer device, and an instruction function for instructing a state change to the terminal device via the communication line using information stored by the storage function, , Can be further realized. In addition, the computer device may be further realized with a proxy reception function for proxying reception of information transmitted to the terminal device.

According to the first aspect, the power consumption can be further reduced as compared with the conventional low power consumption state in the device.
According to claim 2, it becomes possible to perform power management of the device more appropriately than in the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the third aspect, it is possible to eliminate the communication failure caused by stopping the power supply to the device.
According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to further reduce power consumption in a plurality of devices as compared with the conventional low power consumption state.
According to claim 5, it is possible to further reduce the energy by controlling the operation of the device as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the sixth aspect, the power consumption can be further reduced as compared with the conventional low power consumption state in the device.
According to claim 7, it is possible to perform power management of the device more appropriately than in the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to eliminate the communication failure caused by stopping the power supply to the device.
According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to further reduce power consumption in a plurality of devices as compared with the conventional low power consumption state.
According to the tenth aspect, the power consumption can be further reduced as compared with the conventional low power consumption state in the device.
According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption as compared with the conventional low power consumption state in the device.
According to the twelfth aspect, the power management of the device can be performed more appropriately as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to eliminate a communication failure caused by stopping the power supply to the device.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a management system according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, host devices (information processing devices, computer devices) 1 are connected to client devices (higher client devices, devices) 2a, 2b, 2c via a cable CA. In addition, client devices (lower client devices, devices) 3a, 3b, 3c are connected to the client device 2c via a cable CA. Thus, in the present embodiment, a tree configuration type network system is adopted. This network system can be installed in an office, for example.

  Here, the host device 1 may be configured by a computer device, a switching hub, or the like, for example. The client devices 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c may be configured by office devices. Specifically, the client devices 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c are, for example, image forming apparatuses, printers, personal computers, and the like. The case of home appliances can also be considered. In the present embodiment, the host device 1 and the client devices 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c are clearly described separately. However, the host device 1 may also be used as the client devices 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c. .

  Further, the cable (net cable) CA referred to here is a cable configured by a pair of a data communication line (communication line) Cd and a power supply line (power line) Cp (see FIG. 2). That is, data is exchanged between the host device 1 and the client devices 2a to 2c and between the client device 2c and the client devices 3a to 3c by the data communication line Cd of the cable CA. The host device 1 can supply power to the client devices 2a to 2c through the power supply line Cp of the cable CA, and the client device 2c supplies power to the client devices 3a to 3c. It is possible. Thus, in this embodiment, the devices are connected by a single cable CA that can transmit and receive data and supply power. In other words, the host device 1 and the client devices 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c are connected to the power supply network in a high-order and low-order relationship.

Note that the power supply line Cp of the cable CA can supply a maximum of 12.95 W of power at an input voltage of 36 to 57 V, for example. For this reason, if it is a low electric power apparatus, it can operate | move, without preparing a power supply itself. In the image forming apparatuses as the client apparatuses 2a to 2c in the present embodiment, an AC power supply is prepared as a driving power supply in addition to the power supply line Cp of the cable CA. As such power supply, power supply and data to the client apparatuses 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c through a power supply network connection such as a Power-over-Ethernet (registered trademark) connection. It is conceivable to adopt a standard called IEEE 802.3af that performs the exchange of information.
In the above description, the data communication line (communication line) Cd and the power supply line (power line) Cp are shown as a pair, but the power is superimposed on the data communication line (communication line). However, the effect of the present invention does not change.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the host device 11 and the client device 21 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the host device 11 includes an information detection unit (trigger detection unit) 111, a power line power supply control unit 112, an information transmission unit 113, a determination unit 114, and a switch SW1.
The information detection unit 111 can be configured by, for example, a sensor (brightness information detection unit) that detects that the lighting of an office where the network system is installed is turned on or the amount of external light is increased. In addition, the information detection unit 111 can be configured by a sensor that detects various other information. As this sensor, for example, office operation information such as office door unlocking, office power consumption, office noise, etc., or copy operation start information such as a document set on the client device 21 is detected. Or a sensor that detects time information such as a timer. In addition, as a sensor in the information detection unit 111, for example, monitoring information such as print history, communication amount, power amount, energization time, etc., reception information such as facsimile reception, print instruction, etc. are detected. Detects operation information (print instruction processing information, status information, power-off / on information, usage information, return time, etc.) of the apparatus (reference numerals 3a to 3c in FIG. 1), and detects whether there is security or not. A sensor is conceivable.
As described above, the information detection unit 111 is configured to detect a person's operation (monitoring information, start signal, start information) and the like in the office.

The power line power supply control unit 112 switches the switch SW1 according to the detection result of the information detection unit 111. More specifically, when the switch SW1 is turned on by the power line power supply control unit 112, the client device 21 is supplied with power through the power supply line Cp of the cable CA. Further, when the switch SW1 is turned off by the power line power supply control unit 112, the power supply to the client device 21 is cut off.
Note that the power line power supply control unit 112 determines whether to switch the switch SW1 based on the detection result of the information detection unit 111, and when the determination result indicates that the power supply to the client device 21 should be started, the switch SW1 It is also conceivable to configure to switch on.

  The information transmission unit 113 is for establishing communication with the client device 21 via the data communication line Cd of the cable CA, and for transferring data from other than the client device 21. . Further, the determination unit 114 determines the optimum mode (state) of the client device 21 based on the information detected by the information detection unit 111, information acquired from the client device 21, and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the client device 21 includes a power supply control unit 211, a power supply device 212, an engine control unit 213, and a network control unit 214. The power supply control unit 211 includes a power reception monitoring unit 2111, a power reception control unit 2112, and a switch SW2.
In the client device 21 of FIG. 2, a solid line with a double-ended arrow connecting the power control unit 211 and the network control unit 214 indicates a power supply path, and a broken line with a double-ended arrow indicates a data communication path. A broken line with double-ended arrows connecting the engine control unit 213 and the network control unit 214 indicates a data communication path.

  The power reception monitoring unit 2111 and the power reception control unit 2112 of the power control unit 211 are operated by the power supplied from the host device 11. The power reception monitoring unit 2111 monitors the presence or absence of power supply from the host device 11, and the power reception control unit 2112 switches the switch SW <b> 2 according to the monitoring result of the power reception monitoring unit 2111. That is, when the power reception monitoring unit 2111 detects that there is power supply from the host device 11, it transmits it to the power reception control unit 2112, and the power reception control unit 2112 switches on the switch SW2. Further, when the power reception monitoring unit 2111 detects that the power supply from the host device 11 has been cut off, the power reception monitoring unit 2111 transmits it to the power reception control unit 2112, and the power reception control unit 2112 switches the switch SW2 to OFF. More specifically, when the switch SW <b> 2 is turned on by the power reception control unit 2112, power from an AC power source (not shown) is supplied to the power supply device 212. Further, when the switch SW2 is turned off by the power reception control unit 2112, power supply from an AC power source (not shown) to the power supply device 212 is interrupted.

  The power supply device 212 is a low voltage power supply (LVPS) built in the client device 21. When AC power is supplied by turning on the switch SW2, the power supply device 212 supplies power to the engine control unit 213 and the network control unit 214. To do. In addition to the power supply from the power supply device 212, the network control unit 214 can be supplied with the power supplied from the host device 11 from the power supply control unit 211. Therefore, the network control unit 214 can be supplied from either one by a switch (not shown). It is configured to be.

  The engine control unit 213 controls each unit (each device) of the image forming apparatus. For example, in the case of an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, an exposure device, a photosensitive drum, and a fixing device (not shown) are used. Etc. for controlling the drive.

The network control unit 214 is operated by power supply from the power supply control unit 211 or the power supply device 212. When power is supplied, the network control unit 214 communicates with the information transmission unit 113 of the host device 11 through the data communication line Cd. Establish and exchange various data. More specifically, the network control unit 214 and the information transmission unit 113 may be configured to perform, for example, control of the number of active client devices and data exchange for productivity control. it can.
Further, the network control unit 214 exchanges data with the power supply control unit 211 and exchanges data with the engine control unit 213.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the host device 11 and the client device 21.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, when the information detection unit 111 of the host device 11 detects a start signal (step 101), the information is notified to the power line power supply control unit 112. Receiving the notification, the power line power supply control unit 112 turns on the switch SW1 that has been turned off (step 102). Thereby, the client apparatus 21 receives power from the power supply line Cp (step 103). That is, the power control unit 211 of the client device 21 receives power supply from the power supply line Cp. When the power reception monitoring unit 2111 of the power supply control unit 211 detects power reception, the power reception control unit 2112 is notified of this. Receiving the notification, the power reception control unit 2112 turns on the switch SW2 that has been turned off (step 104). The power supply control unit 211 that receives power from the power supply line Cp supplies power to the network control unit 214.

  When receiving power supply, the network control unit 214 operates to establish communication with the information transmission unit 113 of the host device 11 via the data communication line Cd (steps 105 and 106). After the communication is established, the determination unit 114 of the host device 11 determines what is the optimum mode (operation mode) of the client device 21 based on various information detected by the information detection unit 111 (step 107). ). Thereafter, the information transmission unit 113 instructs the client device 21 to shift to the optimum mode determined by the determination unit 114 (step 108). Note that the determination unit 114 may be configured to predict the necessary operation of the client device 21 and determine the optimum mode.

  In the client device 21, when the network control unit 214 receives an instruction from the host device 11, the engine control unit 213 is notified of the instruction content. Then, the engine control unit 213 shifts to a mode instructed by the host device 11 (step 109).

Here, the optimum mode is, for example, a power saving mode (energy saving mode), start / stop, change of a print instruction giving priority to productivity, and the like. Note that the power saving mode here refers to a mode in which standby is performed in a state of low power consumption.
Information used by the determination unit 114 for determination includes the amount to be printed (job amount), the communication amount, the amount of power supplied through the power supply line Cp, and the power consumption of the client device 21 / host device 11. The amount, the elapsed time from the start of energization (energization time), the number of communication ports, the number of ports supplied by the power supply line Cp, information acquired from connected devices, and the like can be mentioned.

  In this embodiment, the host device 11 detects various information in real time and controls the operation state of the client device 21. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the host device 11 determines or predicts a necessary operation of the client device 21 from various information, and the operation of the client device 21 is switched depending on whether or not power is supplied to the power supply line Cp. In addition, confirmation of the operation status and change of the standby mode are performed through the data communication line Cd.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the host device 12 and the client device 22 according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the host device 12 and the client device 22 are connected to each other by a cable CA including a power supply line Cp and a data communication line Cd.
The basic configuration of the host device 12 shown in FIG. 4 is the same as that of the host device 11 shown in FIG. That is, the host device 12 includes an information detection unit 121, a power line power supply control unit 122, an information transmission unit 123, and a determination unit 124. These may have the same configuration as the information detection unit 111, the power line power supply control unit 112, the information transmission unit 113, and the determination unit 114 in the host device 11, respectively. The host device 12 includes the same switch SW <b> 1 as the host device 11.

Here, the host device 12 includes an information storage unit 125. The information storage unit 125 stores various past information such as energization time, print instruction history, communication amount, power amount, user entry / exit information, or office lighting lighting information. The past information is information detected by the information detection unit 121, information acquired from the client device 22, and the like.
The determination unit 124 determines the optimum mode (state) of the client device 22 based on information detected by the information detection unit 121, information stored in the information storage unit 125, information acquired from the client device 22, and the like. Judging.

A client device 22 shown in FIG. 4 is the same as the client device 21 shown in FIG. That is, the client device 22 includes a power supply control unit 221, a power supply device 222, an engine control unit 223, and a network control unit (notification unit, acquisition unit) 224. These may have the same configuration as that of the power supply control unit 211, the power supply device 212, the engine control unit 213, and the network control unit 214 in the client device 21, respectively.
The power supply control unit 221 of the client device 22 includes a power reception monitoring unit (power reception unit) 2211 and a power reception control unit (power reception unit) 2212. Each of these may have the same configuration as the power reception monitoring unit 2111 and the power reception control unit 2112 in the client device 21. In addition, the power supply control unit 221 includes a switch SW2 as in the client device 21.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the host device 12 and the client device 22.
The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 illustrates a processing procedure when the client device 22 is in a stopped state. That is, the procedure for turning off both the switches SW1 and SW2 (see FIG. 4) from the on state is illustrated.
More specifically, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the determination unit 124 of the host device 12 reads information stored in the information storage unit 125 (step 201). If the determination unit 124 determines or predicts that the usage frequency of the client device 22 is currently low based on the read information (step 202), the power line power supply control unit 122 turns off the switch SW1 that has been turned on (step 202). 203). Thereby, the power supply to the client device 22 through the power supply line Cp is stopped.
In the power supply control unit 221 of the client device 22, when the power reception monitoring unit 2211 detects the stop of power feeding (step 204), the power reception monitoring unit 2211 notifies the power reception control unit 2212 of the detection result. Receiving the notification, the power reception control unit 2212 turns off the switch SW2 that was on until then (step 205). When the switch SW2 is turned off, the power supply device 222 is stopped, whereby the driving power for the client device 22 is cut off and the power supply device 222 is stopped.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the host device 12 and the client device 22.
The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 illustrates a processing procedure when the client device 22 is shifted to the power saving mode. That is, the procedure for turning off the switch SW2 from the state in which both the switches SW1 and SW2 (see FIG. 4) are on is illustrated.
More specifically, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the determination unit 124 of the host device 12 reads information stored in the information storage unit 125 (step 301). If the determination unit 124 determines or predicts that the usage frequency of the client device 22 is currently low from the read information (step 302), the determination unit 124 instructs the client device 22 to enter the power saving mode (step S302). Step 303). That is, the determination unit 124 instructs the network control unit 224 to enter the power saving mode through the information transmission unit 123.

  Upon receiving the instruction, the network control unit 224 notifies the engine control unit 223 that the power control mode is to be shifted. Further, the network control unit 224 notifies the power supply control unit 221. Then, the switch SW2 of the power supply control unit 221 is turned off by the power reception control unit 2212 (step 304).

  In this way, the switch SW2 is turned off, but the switch SW1 remains on, so that power is supplied to the client device 22 through the power supply line Cp. Therefore, power is supplied through the power supply line Cp to the minimum parts necessary for monitoring by the network control unit 224 and the like. In this way, the client device 22 shifts to the power saving mode (step 305).

  Here, as described with reference to FIG. 6, when the client device 22 is in the power saving mode, the processing procedure when the host device 12 returns the client device 22 to the normal mode will be briefly described. That is, when the determination unit 124 instructs the network control unit 224 to return to the normal mode through the information transmission unit 123, the network control unit 224 notifies the power control unit 221 and the switch SW2 is turned on by the power reception control unit 2212. Become. The network control unit 224 also notifies the engine control unit 223.

  In the present embodiment, the host device 12 is configured to control the operating state of the client device 22 based on past accumulated data. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the host device 12 determines and predicts necessary operations of the client device 22 from various past information, and turns on / off the client device 22 to indicate whether or not power is supplied to the power supply line Cp. In addition, confirmation of the operation status and change of the standby mode are performed through the data communication line Cd.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the host device 13 and the client device 23 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the host device 13 and the client device 23 are connected to each other by a cable CA including a power supply line Cp and a data communication line Cd.
The host device 13 illustrated in FIG. 7 has the same basic configuration as the host device 11 illustrated in FIG. 2, and includes an information detection unit 131, a power line power supply control unit 132, an information transmission unit 133, and a determination unit 134. These may have the same configuration as the information detection unit 111, the power line power supply control unit 112, the information transmission unit 113, and the determination unit 114 in the host device 11, respectively. In addition, the host device 13 includes a switch SW1 as in the host device 11.

  Here, the host device 13 includes a proxy reception unit 136. This proxy reception unit 136 temporarily stores received data when a facsimile / print instruction is received from the outside. Note that the determination unit 134 determines the optimum mode (state) of the client device 23 based on information detected by the information detection unit 131, information acquired from the client device 23, and the like. Further, the determination unit 134 identifies the client device 23 that outputs the reception data stored in the proxy reception unit 136.

The client device 23 shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the client device 21 shown in FIG. That is, the client device 23 includes a power supply control unit 231, a power supply device 232, an engine control unit 233, and a network control unit 234. These may have the same configuration as that of the power supply control unit 211, the power supply device 212, the engine control unit 213, and the network control unit 214 in the client device 21, respectively.
The power supply control unit 231 of the client device 23 includes a power reception monitoring unit 2311 and a power reception control unit 2312. Each of these may have the same configuration as the power reception monitoring unit 2111 and the power reception control unit 2112 in the client device 21. The power supply control unit 231 includes a switch SW2 as in the client device 21.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the host device 13 and the client device 23.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 shows a processing procedure when the host device 13 in the monitoring state receives (substitute reception) instead of the client device 23 whose power supply is stopped. More specifically, when the proxy reception unit 136 of the host device 13 receives a facsimile from the outside (step 401), the host device 13 waits until the information detection unit 131 of the host device 13 detects a start signal. That is, when the office receives a facsimile at night when it is unattended, it waits without printing the contents of the facsimile until the user comes to the office. In other words, in the present embodiment, when the facsimile is received at night, the client device 23 is not operated immediately and the contents are printed (sequential printing), but the client device 23 is operated in the morning when the user enters the office. The contents of the facsimile received so far are printed together (batch printing).

  When the information detection unit 131 detects a start signal (step 402), it notifies the determination unit 134 of this. Receiving the notification, the determination unit 134 identifies the client device 23 that prints the contents of the facsimile received on behalf of the plurality of client devices connected to the host device 13 (step 403). Then, the power line power supply control unit 132 turns on the switch SW1 that has been turned off so as to supply power to the identified client device 23 (step 404). Thus, the identified client device 23 receives power from the power supply line Cp (step 405). That is, the power control unit 231 of the client device 23 receives power supply from the power supply line Cp. When the power reception monitoring unit 2311 of the power supply control unit 231 detects power reception, the power reception control unit 2312 is notified of this. Receiving the notification, the power reception control unit 2312 turns on the switch SW2 that has been off (step 406). The power supply control unit 231 that receives power from the power supply line Cp supplies power to the network control unit 234.

  In this way, the number of operating client devices is controlled by supplying power to and starting up the client device 23 necessary for printing instead of supplying power to all of the plurality of client devices connected to the host device 13. is doing. Note that the number of client devices to be activated is not necessarily one. For example, it may be possible to control so that a plurality of client devices share a print instruction.

  Returning to FIG. 8 and continuing the description, when receiving power supply, the network control unit 234 operates to establish communication with the information transmission unit 133 of the host device 13 via the data communication line Cd (step). 407, 408). After the communication is established, the information transmission unit 133 of the host device 13 transmits the received data stored in the proxy reception unit 136 to the specified client device 23 as print information via the data communication line Cd (step 409). When the print information received by the network control unit 234 is sent to the engine control unit 233, the engine control unit 233 executes printing of the print information (step 410).

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the host device 14 and the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, the host device 14 and the client device 24a are connected to each other by a cable CAa including a power supply line Cpa and a data communication line Cda. The host device 14 and the client device 24b are connected to each other by a cable CAb including a power supply line Cpb and a data communication line Cdb. The host device 14 and the client device 24c are connected to each other by a cable CAc including a power supply line Cpc and a data communication line Cdc.

  The basic configuration of the host device 14 shown in FIG. 9 is the same as that of the host device 11 shown in FIG. That is, the host device 14 includes an information detection unit 141, a power line power supply control unit 142, an information transmission unit 143, and a determination unit 144. These may have the same configuration as the information detection unit 111, the power line power supply control unit 112, the information transmission unit 113, and the determination unit 114 in the host device 11, respectively.

  In addition, the host device 14 includes an information storage unit 145 and a proxy reception unit 146. The information storage unit 145 may have the same configuration as the information storage unit 125 of the host device 12. The proxy receiving unit 146 may have the same configuration as the proxy receiving unit 136 of the host device 14.

  The host device 14 includes switches SW1a, SW1b, and SW1c. Any of these switches SW1a, SW1b, and SW1c can have the same configuration as the switch SW1 in the host device 11. More specifically, each of these switches SW1a, SW1b, SW1c is individually turned on / off by the power line power supply control unit 142.

The client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c shown in FIG. 9 are all the same as the client device 21 shown in FIG. That is, the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c include a power supply control unit, a power supply device, an engine control unit, and a network control unit. These may have the same configuration as that of the power supply control unit 211, the power supply device 212, the engine control unit 213, and the network control unit 214 in the client device 21, respectively.
Each power control unit of the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c includes a power reception monitoring unit and a power reception control unit (not shown). Each of these may have the same configuration as the power reception monitoring unit 2111 and the power reception control unit 2112 in the client device 21. Each of the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c includes a switch (not shown) having the same configuration as the switch SW2 of the client device 21.

  The host device 14 in the present embodiment includes all the functions of the host device 11 in the first embodiment, the host device 12 in the second embodiment, and the host device 13 in the third embodiment. It is configured.

  More specifically, the host device 14 requires the determination unit 144 based on various types of detection information by the information detection unit 141, information stored in the information storage unit 145, and / or information acquired from the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c. Predict the number of client devices and the optimal mode. That is, the host device 14 starts up the number of necessary client devices and stops the remaining client devices. Further, the host device 14 shifts or cancels the operation mode of the client device to the power saving mode individually or in a predetermined group unit.

  In addition, the host device 14 uses an image forming apparatus as a client device based on various types of detection information by the information detection unit 141, information stored in the information storage unit 145, and / or information acquired from the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c. It adjusts productivity such as printing speed. That is, the host device 14 shifts or cancels the operation mode of the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c to the high productivity mode where the printing speed is high or the low productivity mode where the printing speed is low, to the optimum operation mode. Control. Further, the host device 14 is controlled to the optimum operation mode by shifting to or canceling the low power operation mode in which the scanner function is stopped, for example, when the image forming apparatus (multifunction device) as the client device is printing. To do. These controls may be performed on each of the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c or on a predetermined group basis. It is also conceivable to control the various modes described above in combination.

  In addition, the host device 14 can supply power supply lines Cpa, Cpb, Cpb to the client devices 24a, 24b, 24c during a time period when the operating rate of the client devices 24a, 24b, 24c is low, such as early morning, lunch break, and night. It is also conceivable to perform control so that power supply through Cpc is stopped and the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c are limited to operation of about 10% of the whole. The host device 14 may be controlled to adjust the power consumption of the entire system or the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c to be less than the allowable limit of the power distribution facility. When the host unit 14 collects the operation information of the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c and determines that the print instruction amount is large, the host unit 14 shifts to the linked operation mode and allocates it to an alternative client device (distributed processing). It is also conceivable to perform control.

  Although the control between the host device 14 and the client devices 24a, 24b, and 24c has been described above, the control between the host device 1 and the client device 2c and the client devices 3a, 3b, and 3c shown in FIG. Is possible.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the host device 15, the client device 25a, and the optional devices 25b and 25c according to the fifth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the host device 15 and the client device 25a are connected to each other by a cable CAa including a power supply line Cpa and a data communication line Cda. The host device 15 and the optional device 25b are connected to each other by a cable CAb including a power supply line Cpb and a data communication line Cdb. The host device 15 and the optional device 25c are connected to each other by a cable CAc including a power supply line Cpc and a data communication line Cdc.

The basic configuration of the host device 15 shown in FIG. 10 is the same as that of the host device 14 shown in FIG. That is, the host device 15 includes an information detection unit 151, a power line power supply control unit 152, an information transmission unit 153, a determination unit 154, an information storage unit 155, and a proxy reception unit 156. These may have the same configuration as the information detection unit 141, the power line power supply control unit 142, the information transmission unit 143, the determination unit 144, the information storage unit 145, and the proxy reception unit 146 in the host device 14, respectively.
Similarly to the host device 14, the host device 15 includes switches SW1a, SW1b, and SW1c.

The client device 25a shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the client device 21 shown in FIG. That is, the client device 25a includes a power supply control unit 251a, a power supply device 252a, an engine control unit 253a, and a network control unit 254a. These may have the same configuration as that of the power supply control unit 211, the power supply device 212, the engine control unit 213, and the network control unit 214 in the client device 21, respectively.
The power supply control unit 251a of the client device 25a includes a power reception monitoring unit and a power reception control unit (not shown) having the same configuration as the power reception monitoring unit 2111 and the power reception control unit 2112 in the client device 21. The power control unit 251a of the client device 25a includes a switch (not shown) having the same configuration as the switch SW2 of the client device 21.

  Here, the client device 25a includes an interface unit 255a. The interface unit 255a has a function of exchanging information with the optional device 25c.

  The option devices 25b and 25c shown in FIG. 10 are devices shared by the client device 25a alone or by a plurality of devices including the host device 15. For example, as the option device 25b, a wireless LAN device is given as an example. be able to.

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are flowcharts showing processing procedures of the host device 15, the client device 25a, and the optional device 25b. The continuation of the processing procedure of FIG. 11A is shown in FIG. 11B. 11A and 11B illustrate the case of the optional device 25b, but the case of the optional device 25c can be described in the same manner.
The flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a processing procedure when the option device 25b receives a print instruction from the user when power supply to the client device 25a is stopped.
Specifically, when the wireless LAN device as the option device 25b receives a print instruction from the user (step 501), the information detection unit 151 detects that the option device 25b has received the print instruction as a start signal, This is notified to the determination unit 154. Then, the determination unit 154 reads the stored information from the information storage unit 155 (step 502), and determines the performance of each of the plurality of client devices connected to the host device 15 from the read stored information and the contents of the print instruction. Based on the information such as the installation location, the client device 25a that is most suitable for executing the print instruction is identified from the plurality of client devices (step 503). Then, the power line power supply control unit 152 turns on the switch SW1a that has been turned off until then to supply power to the identified client device 25a (step 504). Thereby, the identified client device 25a receives power from the power supply line Cpa (step 505). When the power supply control unit 251a detects power reception from the power supply line Cpa, the power supply control unit 251a turns on a switch (not shown) that has been turned off (step 506). The power supply control unit 251a that receives power from the power supply line Cpa supplies power to the network control unit 254a.

When receiving power supply, the network control unit 254a operates to establish communication with the information transmission unit 153 of the host device 15 via the data communication line Cda (steps 507 and 508). After the communication is established, the determination unit 154 transmits a print instruction to the client device 25a through the data communication line Cda (step 509). Then, the client device 25 a that has received the print instruction requests print information from the option device 25 b via the host device 15. That is, the network control unit 254a of the client device 25a transmits a print information request signal for the option device 25b to the host device 15 through the data communication line Cda (step 510). When the information transmission unit 153 of the host device 15 receives the request signal, it transfers it to the option device 25b through the data communication line Cdb (step 511).
The option device 25b that has received the request signal transmits print information to the information transmission unit 153 of the host device 15 through the data communication line Cdb to the information transmission unit 153 of the host device 15 (step 512). When the information transmission unit 153 of the host device 15 receives the print information, the print information is transferred to the network control unit 254a of the client device 25a through the data communication line Cda (step 513).
When the network control unit 254a of the client device 25a receives the print information, the print information is transferred to the engine control unit 253a, and the engine control unit 253a executes printing of the transferred print information (step 514).

  Here, the power line power supply control unit 152 establishes communication with the option device 25b via the data communication line Cdb. The host device 15 notifies the user who has transmitted the print information that the print of the print information is executed by the client device 25a through the data communication line Cdb.

  In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the client device 25a prints the print information immediately after the option device 25b receives the print information. However, as in the third embodiment, the proxy of the host device 13 is used. It is conceivable that the reception unit 136 receives the proxy and prints the print information at an appropriate timing. Further, the storage information stored in the information storage unit 155 is configured to be constantly updated based on the detection information detected by the information detection unit 151, so that it is optimal as a client device that always prints a print instruction. Is identified. It is also conceivable to change the priority with which the client device issues a print instruction.

Here, the various processes shown in the above-described embodiment are applications executed by the determination units 114, 124, 134, 144, and 145 using the work memory of the host devices 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Realized programmatically. This application program
When providing the host devices 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, which are computers, to a customer (including a user), the computer is executed in addition to the case where the host devices are installed in the device. A form in which the program is provided on a storage medium or the like stored in a computer-readable manner is conceivable. As this storage medium, for example, a CD-ROM medium or the like corresponds, and a program is read and executed by a CD-ROM reader (not shown) or the like. These programs may be provided via a network interface via a network by a program transmission device (not shown), for example. As this program transmission device, for example, a host device 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 includes a memory for storing a program and a program transmission means for providing the program via a network.

It is a schematic block diagram of the management system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the host apparatus and client apparatus which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a host apparatus and a client apparatus. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the host apparatus and client apparatus which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a host apparatus and a client apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a host apparatus and a client apparatus. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the host apparatus and client apparatus which concern on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a host apparatus and a client apparatus. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the host apparatus and client apparatus which concern on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the host apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment, a client apparatus, and optional equipment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a host apparatus, a client apparatus, and an option apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a host apparatus, a client apparatus, and an option apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

11, 12, 13, 14, 15 ... host device, 111, 121, 131, 141, 151 ... information detection unit, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152 ... power line power supply control unit, 113, 123, 133, 143 153: Information transmission unit, 114, 124, 134, 144, 154 ... Judgment unit, 125, 145, 155 ... Information storage unit, 136, 146, 156 ... Proxy reception unit, 21, 22, 23, 24a, 24b, 24c , 25a ... client device, 211, 221, 231 ... power supply control unit, 214, 224, 234 ... network control unit, 25b, 25c ... optional equipment, CA, CAa, CAb, CAc ... cable, Cp, Cpa, Cpb, Cpc ... Power supply line, Cd, Cda, Cdb, Cdc ... Data communication line

Claims (13)

An information processing device;
A terminal device connected to the information processing device via a communication line and a power line;
Including
The information processing apparatus includes:
Based on monitoring information, power supply control means for controlling power supply to the terminal device via the power line;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device via the communication line;
And a power supply control means and a transmission means for controlling the power supply of the terminal device and changing the power consumption state of the terminal device.   The management system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores information acquired from outside as monitoring information.   The management system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a proxy reception unit that performs reception of information transmitted to the terminal device. A plurality of the terminal devices are connected to the information processing device;
2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of terminal devices is subjected to power control and power consumption state change individually or in units of a predetermined group. Further comprising another terminal device connected to the information processing device,
The information processing device identifies the terminal device that executes the instruction when receiving an instruction from the other terminal device based on monitoring information, and controls power supply of the identified terminal device and consumption of the terminal device The management system according to claim 1, wherein the power state is changed. Power supply control means for controlling power supply via the power line to the terminal device connected by the communication line and the power line based on the monitoring information;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device via the communication line;
Including
An information processing apparatus, wherein the power supply control unit and the transmission unit perform power control of the terminal device and change of a power consumption state of the terminal device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an accumulation unit that accumulates information acquired from outside as monitoring information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a proxy reception unit that performs reception of information transmitted to the terminal device.   The power supply control and power consumption state change are performed for each of the plurality of terminal devices individually or in units of a predetermined group when a plurality of the terminal devices are connected. Information processing device. Power receiving means for receiving power from the information processing apparatus connected by the communication line and the power line via the power line;
Notification means for notifying the information processing apparatus of its own information via the communication line;
Obtaining means for obtaining information received by the information processing apparatus while power reception by the power reception means is stopped via the communication line after power reception is started;
A terminal device including In a computer device provided in an information processing device that manages a terminal device connected by a communication line and a power line,
A detection function for detecting information to start processing;
A switching function for switching the presence or absence of power supply to the terminal device via the power line according to the detection result of the detection function;
An establishment function for establishing communication with the terminal device through the communication line when power is supplied to the terminal device by the switching function;
A program that realizes In the computer device,
A storage function for storing information acquired from the outside;
An instruction function for instructing a state change to the terminal device via the communication line using information stored by the storage function;
The program according to claim 11, further comprising: In the computer device,
The program according to claim 11, further realizing a proxy reception function for proxying reception of information transmitted to the terminal device.

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