JP5699426B2 - Power saving control device and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power saving control device and a program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a network device that receives and processes a data packet conforming to a specific protocol via a network, and restores the device from a power saving state corresponding to the protocol conforming to the received data packet. Setting means for setting a return condition for the network device, and a return means for returning the network device from the power saving state in a return condition set by the setting means corresponding to the specific protocol when a data packet conforming to the specific protocol is received. , A network device is described.

JP 2006-309731 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a power saving control device and a program that suppress the occurrence of a communication failure by updating the setting information of each communication method within an update period while suppressing a decrease in power saving efficiency.

The power saving control device according to the first aspect of the present invention is the setting information for performing communication for each predetermined update period , and the two of the reacquisition time and the request start time that is within the reacquisition time the setting information including the update period, in the communication system is updated by communication, and the two said first communication method having the update period, and a plurality of containing the second communication method for performing communication in advance specified time A plurality of communication means for communicating with an external device using a communication method, a normal state in which communication can be performed by the communication means, and a power saving state in which communication by the communication means cannot be performed while suppressing power consumption compared to the normal state switching means for the state switching the operation state, when the operating state is switched to the power saving state by the switching means, before by communicating with the external device according to the first communication method After controlling the communication means to update the setting information of the first communication scheme, the time that the predesignated by the virtual and the reacquisition time and the request start timing of the second communication scheme, Of the plurality of communication systems, the latest time among the request start times set as times is determined as a return time, and the determined return time is set as a time of another communication system in the plurality of communication systems. If it is not within the reacquisition time, a process for determining a time later than the determined return time among the request start times of the plurality of communication methods as the return time is determined. In the communication method, the return time is determined by repeating until it is within the reacquisition time of another communication method, and when the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching unit, It controls the switching means so that the to temporarily return to the normal state to the return timing set, setting information of the first communication scheme by communicating with the external device according to the first communication method And a control means for controlling the communication means to perform communication by the second communication method when the updated and determined return time is the predetermined time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power saving control device according to claim 2, which is setting information for performing communication every predetermined update period , and includes a reacquisition time and a request start time that is within the reacquisition time. one of the setting information including the update period, in the communication system is updated by the communication, and a communication unit for communicating with an external device by using a plurality of communication systems having the two of said update period, the communication by the communication unit A normal state that can be performed, and a switching unit that switches an operation state to a plurality of states including a power saving state in which communication is not performed by the communication unit while suppressing power consumption compared to the normal state; when switched to a state, the communication means to update the setting information of the plurality of communication systems by communicating with the external device in accordance with each of the plurality of communication methods After control, the longest period of the request start times of the plurality of communication methods is determined as a return time, and the determined return time is within the reacquisition time of another communication method in the plurality of communication methods If not, a process for determining a period next to the determined return time as the return time among the request start times of the plurality of communication systems is determined as the return time determined by the other communication systems in the other communication systems. The return time is determined by repeating until it is within the reacquisition time of the communication method, and when the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching means, the normal state is temporarily set at the determined return time. set of the plurality of communication systems to control the switching means so as to return, by communicating with the external device in accordance with each of the plurality of communication schemes Comprises a control means for controlling said communication means to update the information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the switching means determines in advance that the determined return time is inefficient in switching to the power saving state for power saving. If the period is less than the specified period, the operation state is not switched to the power saving state.

On the other hand, the program of the invention described in claim 4 is the setting information for communicating the computer for each predetermined update period , and includes a reacquisition time and a request start time that is within the reacquisition time. one of the setting information including the update period, in the communication system is updated by communication, and includes a second communication system for performing a first communication method, and a communication in advance specified time with the two of said update period A plurality of states including a normal state in which communication can be performed by a communication unit that communicates with an external device using a plurality of communication methods, and a power saving state in which communication is not performed by the communication unit while suppressing power consumption compared to the normal state. switching means for switching the operation state, when the operating state is switched to the power saving state by the switching means, by communicating with the external device according to the first communication method After controlling the communication means to update the setting information of the serial first communication scheme, the time that the predesignated by the virtual and the reacquisition time and the request start timing of the second communication scheme Determining the latest time among the request start times of the plurality of communication methods as the return time, and the determined return time is the time of the other communication methods in the plurality of communication methods If it is not within the reacquired re-acquisition time, a process for determining a time later than the determined return time among the request start times of the plurality of communication methods as the return time is determined. When the return time is determined by repeating until it is within the reacquisition time of another communication method in a plurality of communication methods, and the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching unit, It controls the switching means so that the to temporarily return to the normal state boss was the return timing, setting information of the first communication scheme by communicating with the external device according to the first communication method And when the determined return time is the predetermined time, it functions as a control means for controlling the communication means so as to perform communication according to the second communication method.

According to the first, second, and fourth aspects of the present invention, when a data packet conforming to a specific protocol is received, the network device having a recovery condition corresponding to the specific protocol is recovered from the power saving state. As compared with the case, the occurrence of communication troubles is suppressed by updating the setting information of each communication method within the update period while suppressing a decrease in power saving efficiency.
According to the first, second, and fourth aspects of the invention, when the operation state is switched to the power saving state, the setting information of each communication method is not updated as compared with the case where the setting information is not updated. Since the return time of becomes longer, power saving efficiency becomes higher.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when the determined return time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period, the power saving efficiency is higher than when the operation state is switched to the power saving state.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an overall schematic configuration of a network to which an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment is connected. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure of a DHCP packet. It is a figure which shows the main tag values and the field content of the field added as an option to a DHCP packet. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the management information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the power saving state transfer process program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the power saving control processing program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an overall schematic configuration of a network to which an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment is connected. It is a schematic block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the management information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the power saving state transfer process program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the power saving control processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an overall schematic configuration of a network to which an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment is connected. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the management information which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the power saving control processing program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus will be described.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to a network NET. A plurality of computers 12 (two in this embodiment) are connected to the network NET. The computer 12A functions as a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, and includes an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS (Domain Name System) server IP address for each device connected to the network NET. Set the network information. The image forming apparatus 10 and the computer 12 B, the network information is set by the computer 12A.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 communicates with the computer 12B by encrypting a packet, and uses IPsec (Security Architecture for Internet Protocol) as a communication method. In IPsec, an IP (Internet Protocol) layer (network layer) packet is encrypted, and communication is established with a communication partner by establishing a logical connection called SA (Security Association). In IPsec, in order to establish SA, key data for encryption is exchanged with a communication partner using a key exchange protocol called IKE (Internet Key Exchange). The information related to SA (hereinafter also referred to as “SA information”) is periodically updated. In the present embodiment, network information and SA information correspond to an example of setting information.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a main controller 20 that controls the entire apparatus.

  The main controller 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs including a power saving state transition processing program and a power saving control processing program described later are stored in advance. 24, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 26 for temporarily storing various data and the like, and a non-volatile memory 28 for storing various information including setting information to be described later.

  The CPU 22, ROM 24, RAM 26, and nonvolatile memory 28 are connected to each other via a system bus (not shown). Therefore, the CPU 22 can access the ROM 24, the RAM 26, and the nonvolatile memory 28.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to an operation state switching unit 40 that switches the operation state of the image forming apparatus 10, an operation input unit 42 such as an operation panel that receives an input operation from a user, and a network NET. A communication I / F unit 44 that transmits / receives information to / from an external terminal device (for example, the computer 12), and an HDD (hard disk drive) 46 that stores and holds various types of information.

  The operation state switching unit 40, the communication I / F unit 44, the operation input unit 42, and the HDD 46 are connected to the main controller 20. The operation input unit 42 and the communication I / F unit 44 are connected to the operation state switching unit 40.

  The main controller 20 accesses the HDD 46, controls transmission / reception of information with an external terminal device via the communication I / F unit 44, and operates an operation input unit based on operation information detected by the operation input unit 42. 42 grasps the operation content.

  The operation state switching unit 40 includes a nonvolatile memory 47, a microcomputer, and the like, and includes a control unit 48 that performs power control, and the main controller 20 and the HDD 46 excluding the operation input unit 42 and the communication I / F unit 44. It manages the power supply to each device.

  The operation state switching unit 40 stops power supply to each device when a transition instruction signal instructing transition to the power saving state is input from the main controller 20 to the nonvolatile memory 47 by setting a suspension period. Switch the operating state to the power saving state. In addition, the operation state switching unit 40 is configured to operate when the suspension period set in the nonvolatile memory 47 has elapsed since the power supply was stopped, when a data reception signal described later is input from the communication I / F unit 44, and When an operation input signal to be described later is input from the input unit 42, the power supply to each device is resumed, and the main controller 20 is returned to the normal operation state.

  When the communication I / F unit 44 receives data addressed to itself from the network NET, the communication I / F unit 44 transmits a data reception signal indicating that the data has been received to the operation state switching unit 40 and returns the main controller 20 to the normal state. Thereafter, the received data is output to the main controller 20.

  When the operation input is performed by the user, the operation input unit 42 transmits an operation input signal indicating that the operation input has been performed to the operation state switching unit 40, and after the main controller 20 returns to the normal state, the operation input unit 42 operates. Information indicating the contents is output to the main controller 20.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  Some communication systems that perform data communication require that setting information be updated periodically. For example, in DHCP, it is necessary to communicate with a DHCP server within the renewal period to make an IP address lease expiration request, and in IPsec, it is necessary to communicate with the communication partner within the renewal period to update SA information. There is.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a data structure of a packet used in DHCP.

  In the case of DHCP, network information such as an IP address, a subnet mask, a default gateway, and an IP address of a DNS server is set by a packet having the format shown in FIG. 3, and a field is added as an option. Various fields can be added to this option by changing the tag value.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing main tag values and field contents of fields added as options.

  When the tag value is 58, it is a field in which Renewal Time is set, and when the tag value is 59, it is a field in which Rebinding Time is set. In the Renewal Time field, the period from when the client acquires the address until it starts Renewal (lease extension request) is set. In the Rebinding Time field, the address of the address after the client acquires the address is set. A period for which reacquisition is necessary is set.

  The main controller 20 stores the setting information update interval, request start time, reacquisition time, and return time as management information in the nonvolatile memory 28 for each communication method that periodically updates the setting information, such as DHCP and IPsec. I remember it.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of the management information according to the first embodiment.

  In the case of DHCP, the value set in the Renewal Time field is stored at the request start time, and the value set in the Rebinding Time field is stored at the reacquisition time.

  As described above, in the management information according to the first embodiment, for each communication method, the setting information extension / update start time (request start time) and the setting information re-acquisition time (re-start) are required. (Acquisition time) is stored. For example, when the communication method has only one period related to extension / update of the setting information, for example, the period is stored at the reacquisition time, and a predetermined ratio (for example, 1/2) of the period is stored. The period may be stored at the request start time.

By the way, the main controller 20 according to the present embodiment does not operate the operation input unit 42 for a predetermined period (in this embodiment, 10 minutes), and the network NET via the communication I / F unit 44. When no data is received from the power saving state transition process.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the power saving state transition processing program executed by the CPU 22. The program is stored in advance in a ROM 24 as a recording medium.

  In step 100, the setting information of each communication method is updated.

  In step 102, the request with the longest period among the request start times of the communication methods of the management information stored in the nonvolatile memory 28 is set as a return timing candidate. For example, when the management information is as shown in FIG. 5, the IPsec request start time (5 hours) is set as a return timing candidate.

  In the next step 104, it is determined whether or not the period set as the return timing candidate is within the reacquisition time of each communication method other than the communication method set as the return timing candidate. If the result is 108 and a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 106.

  In step 106, the management information stored in the non-volatile memory 28, among the request start times of each communication method, the one having the next longer period after the period set as the return timing candidate is set as the return timing candidate, and the process proceeds to step 104 above. To do. For example, in the case where the management information is as shown in FIG. 5, when the return timing candidate is the IPsec request start time (5 hours), the DHCP request start time (4 hours) is the next return timing candidate.

  On the other hand, in step 108, the timing set as the return timing candidate is stored as the return timing at the return time of each communication method of the management information and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 47 of the operation state switching unit 40.

  In the next step 110, a transition instruction signal for instructing the operation state switching unit 40 to transition to the power saving state is output, and the process is terminated.

Operating state switchover unit 40, when migration instruction signal is inputted from the main controller 20 executes a power saving control process.

  FIG. 7 shows a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the power saving control processing program executed by the control unit 48 of the operation state switching unit 40. The program is stored in advance in a memory such as a ROM built in the nonvolatile memory 47 or the control unit 48.

  In step 200, power supply to each device is stopped.

  In the next step 202, it is determined whether or not a data reception signal is input from the communication I / F unit 44. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 204. To do.

  In step 204, it is determined whether or not an operation input signal is input from the operation input unit 42. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 206.

  In Step 206, it is determined whether or not the return timing stored in the nonvolatile memory 47 has elapsed since the start of the processing of the power saving control processing program. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to Step 210, and If it is determined, the process proceeds to step 202 described above.

  In step 210, the power supply to each device is resumed.

  When the power supply is resumed to return to the normal state, the main controller 20 reads the return time of each communication method in the management information, and updates the setting information of each communication method that has passed the return time stored in the return time. . When no information is input from the communication I / F unit 44 or the operation input unit 42, the main controller 20 stores the same return timing in the nonvolatile memory 47 again and then saves the operation state switching unit 40. A transition instruction signal for instructing transition to the power state is output.

  Thereby, the main controller 20 shifts to the power saving state again.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, even when the main controller 20 shifts to the power saving state, the main controller 20 temporarily enters the normal state every time when the return timing at which the setting information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 28 is reached. The setting information of each communication method is updated after returning to step S2.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 8 shows an image forming apparatus 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment. Note that the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment is further connected to a general communication line TEL such as a telephone, and can perform FAX (facsimile) communication via the general communication line TEL.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. Note that the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a FAX communication unit 50 that is connected to a general communication line TEL and performs FAX communication with other FAX terminal apparatuses via the general communication line TEL.

  The FAX communication unit 50 is connected to the main controller 20, and the main controller 20 controls FAX communication with other FAX terminal devices via the FAX communication unit 50.

  When the FAX communication unit 50 receives FAX data from the general communication line TEL, the FAX communication unit 50 transmits a FAX reception signal indicating that the FAX data has been received to the operation state switching unit 40, and after the main controller 20 returns to the normal state, The received FAX data is output to the main controller 20.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has a time designation transmission function that reads transmission data in advance and performs FAX transmission at a designated time. When using the time designation transmission function, the user designates the time designation transmission function from the operation input unit 42 and inputs the transmission time.

  The main controller 20 according to the present embodiment stores the request start time, reacquisition time, and return time in the management information of the nonvolatile memory 28 for each communication method for periodically updating the setting information. .

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a data structure of management information according to the second embodiment.

Further, in the controller 20, when the time designation transmission function is designated from the operation input unit 42 and the transmission time is input, the transmission time is stored in the management information of the nonvolatile memory 28.

  In the case of the time designation transmission function, the transmission time designated for the request start time and the reacquisition time is stored.

In the main controller 20 according to the present embodiment, the operation input unit 42 is not operated for a predetermined period, no data is received from the network NET via the communication I / F unit 44, and the FAX communication unit When the FAX data is not received from the general communication line TEL via 50, the power saving state transition process is performed.

  FIG. 11 shows a flowchart showing a processing flow of the power saving state transition processing program according to the second embodiment. The new process in the power saving state transition processing program according to the second embodiment will be described by adding “A” after the reference numeral, and the power saving state transition process ( The same processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In step 102A, the latest start time among the communication information request start times of the management information stored in the nonvolatile memory 28 is set as a return timing candidate. For example, when the management information is as shown in FIG. 10, the IPsec request start time (20:10) is set as a return timing candidate.

  In the next step 104A, it is determined whether or not the time set as the return timing candidate is within the reacquisition time of each communication method other than the communication method set as the return timing candidate. The process proceeds to 108A, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 106A.

  In Step 106A, the time later than the time set as the return timing candidate among the request start times of the respective communication methods is set as the return timing candidate, and the process proceeds to Step 104A.

  On the other hand, at step 108A, the time determined as the return timing candidate is stored as the return timing at the return time of each communication method of the management information, and is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 47 of the operation state switching unit 40.

Accordingly, for example, when the management information is as shown in FIG. 10 , the FAX reacquisition time is earlier than the DHCP and IPsec request start times, so the return timing is the FAX request start time (18:00). Become.

Like the first embodiment, the operating state switchover unit 40, when migration instruction signal is inputted from the main controller 20 executes a power saving control process.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the power control processing program according to the second embodiment. The new process in the power control processing program according to the second embodiment will be described with “A” after the reference numeral, and the power control process (FIG. 7) of the first embodiment will be described. The same processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In step 203A, it is determined whether or not a FAX reception signal is input from the FAX communication unit 50. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 204.

  In step 206A, it is determined whether or not the time stored in the nonvolatile memory 47 has come. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 202.

  When the power supply is resumed and the main controller 20 returns to the normal state, the main controller 20 reads the return time of each communication method in the management information, and updates the setting information of all communication methods that have passed the return timing stored in the return time. Do. When there is no information input from the communication I / F unit 44, the operation input unit 42, or the FAX communication unit 50, the main controller 20 performs the power saving state transition process again and stores the return timing, and then operates. A transition instruction signal for instructing the state switching unit 40 to transition to the power saving state is output.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, even when the main controller 20 shifts to the power saving state, the main controller 20 temporarily enters the normal state every time when the return timing at which the setting information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 28 is reached. The setting information of each communication method is updated after returning to step S2.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 13 shows an image forming apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment. Note that the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, a computer 12C having a function as a NetWare server is connected to a network NET.

Computer 12C is to have a function as a printer server, and holds the received print job from another computer.

  The image forming apparatus 10 periodically polls the computer 12C to check whether there is a print job. If the print job is held in the computer 12B, the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the print job. In this embodiment, it is assumed that polling of a print job is performed on the computer 12C at a cycle of 30 seconds.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the data structure of the management information according to the third embodiment.

  The request start time of NetWare is set to 30 seconds, and the reacquisition time is set to 60 seconds.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 stores a period (30 seconds in the present embodiment) in which switching to the power saving state is inefficient in power saving in the nonvolatile memory 28 as a return period lower limit threshold, When the period is equal to or less than the return period lower limit threshold, the power saving state is not set.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the power saving state transition processing program according to the third embodiment. The new process in the power saving state transition processing program according to the third embodiment will be described by adding “B” after the reference numeral, and the power saving state transition process ( The same processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In step 107B, it is determined whether or not the period set as the return timing candidate is equal to or less than the return period lower limit threshold. If the determination is affirmative, the process ends. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 108.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, when the period set as the return timing candidate is equal to or less than the return period lower limit threshold, the power saving state is not entered.

  Thereby, for example, when the management information is as shown in FIG. 14, the re-acquisition time of the NetWare is earlier than the request start time of the DHCP and IPsec, so the return timing is the request start time (30 seconds) of the NetWare. However, since the Netware request start time is less than or equal to the return period lower limit threshold value, it does not shift to the power saving state.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and operates in a plurality of states including a normal state and a power saving state. The present invention may be applied to any device as long as the device performs control to switch the state.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case has been described where the setting information of each communication method is updated (step 100) in the power saving state transition processing program when shifting to the power saving state. Is not required. When the processing of step 100 is not performed, a period that ends the request start timing from the time when the previous setting information of each communication method is updated may be obtained, and the one that ends the latest is the return timing candidate.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, when the power supply is resumed and the main controller 20 returns to the normal state, the setting of each communication method after the return timing stored in the return time of each communication method in the management information has passed. Although the case where information is updated has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the setting information of all communication methods may be updated when the main controller 20 returns to the normal state without storing the return time of each communication method in the management information.

Further, not only the return timing but also the operation input unit 42 is operated and the main controller 20 returns to the normal state, or data is received from the network NET via the communication I / F unit 44 and main Even when the controller 20 returns to the normal state, the setting information of all communication methods may be updated.

  In addition, in a specific communication method, when there is a period for which the setting information update period is equal to or more than the return timing, the setting information may be updated at the return timing every plural times in the specific communication method. .

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, a case has been described in which the management information is provided with a request start time and a reacquisition time and two update periods for each communication method, but the present invention is not limited to this, For example, only the request start time may be set, and in this case, it may be determined whether or not the period set as the return timing candidate is within the request start time of each communication method other than the communication method set as the return timing candidate. .

  In the third embodiment, the case where the period set as the return timing candidate is shorter than the return period lower limit threshold has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. is not. For example, when the request start timing of each communication method stored in the management information includes a value below the return period lower limit threshold value, the power saving state transition process itself may not be performed.

  In each of the above embodiments, description has been made using DHCP and IPsec as communication methods for periodically updating setting information for communication. However, the communication method is not limited to this, and communication Other communication methods used when performing the above are not limited to this.

The power saving state transition processing program and the power saving control processing program according to each of the above embodiments are stored in a storage device such as a memory or an HDD in addition to a form stored in advance in the ROM 24 and the nonvolatile memory 47. The present invention may be applied to a form provided in a state of being stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, or a form distributed via a wired or wireless communication unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 20 Main controller 28 Nonvolatile memory 40 Operation state switching part 44 Communication I / F part 46 Nonvolatile memory 48 Control part

Claims (4)

In setting information for communicating for each predetermined update period, and the setting information including two of said update period of the requested start time is within reacquire the timing and the re-acquisition timing, the communication method of updating the communication in, and a communication means for performing the first communication scheme with two of the update periods communication, and an external device by using a plurality of communication methods including a second communication method for performing communication in advance specified time ,
Switching means for switching the operation state to a plurality of states including a normal state in which communication can be performed by the communication unit, and a power saving state in which communication is not performed by the communication unit while suppressing power consumption than the normal state;
When the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching unit, the communication is performed so as to update the setting information of the first communication method by communicating with the external device according to the first communication method. after controlling means, said virtually to the reacquisition time and the request start timing of the pre-specified time the second communication method, the plurality of communication methods, time and have been the requested start time Of these, the latest time is determined as the return time, and when the determined return time is not within the reacquisition time of the other communication method in the plurality of communication methods, the plurality of communication methods Of the request start times, a process of determining a time that is later than the determined return time as the return time, the determined return time is the re-recovery of another communication method in the plurality of communication methods. The return time is determined by repeating until it is within the timing, and when the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching means, the normal state is temporarily returned to the determined return time. The setting means of the first communication method is updated by controlling the switching means and communicating with the external device in accordance with the first communication method, and the determined return time is the predesignated time. Control means for controlling the communication means so as to perform communication by the second communication method,
A power-saving control device. In setting information for communicating for each predetermined update period, and the setting information including two of said update period of the requested start time is within reacquire the timing and the re-acquisition timing, the communication method of updating the communication in, and a communication unit for communicating with an external device by using a plurality of communication systems having the two of the update periods,
Switching means for switching the operation state to a plurality of states including a normal state in which communication can be performed by the communication unit, and a power saving state in which communication is not performed by the communication unit while suppressing power consumption than the normal state;
When the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching unit, the communication is performed so as to update the setting information of the plurality of communication methods by communicating with the external device according to each of the plurality of communication methods. After controlling the means, the longest period of the request start times of the plurality of communication methods is determined as a return time, and the determined return time is the reacquisition of another communication method in the plurality of communication methods. If it is not within the period, a process for determining a period next to the determined return time as the return time among the request start times of the plurality of communication systems is determined. The return time is determined by repeating until it is within the reacquisition time of another communication method, and the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching means. If it controls the said switching means so as to temporarily return to the normal state to the determined said return timing, the plurality of communication by communicating with the external device in accordance with each of the plurality of communication methods Control means for controlling the communication means to update the setting information of the method;
A power-saving control device. The switching means does not switch the operation state to the power saving state when the determined return time is equal to or less than a predetermined period when switching to the power saving state is inefficient for power saving. Item 3. The power saving control device according to Item 2. Computer
In setting information for communicating for each predetermined update period, and the setting information including two of said update period of the requested start time is within reacquire the timing and the re-acquisition timing, the communication method of updating the communication in, and a first communication method having the two of the update period, and the communication means for communicating with an external device using a plurality of communication methods including a second communication method for performing communication in advance specified time Switching means for switching the operation state to a plurality of states including a normal state in which communication can be performed, and a power saving state in which communication is not performed by the communication unit while suppressing power consumption than the normal state;
When the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching unit, the communication is performed so as to update the setting information of the first communication method by communicating with the external device according to the first communication method. after controlling means, said virtually to the reacquisition time and the request start timing of the pre-specified time the second communication method, the plurality of communication methods, time and have been the requested start time Of these, the latest time is determined as the return time, and when the determined return time is not within the reacquisition time of the other communication method in the plurality of communication methods, the plurality of communication methods Of the request start times, a process of determining a time that is later than the determined return time as the return time, the determined return time is the re-recovery of another communication method in the plurality of communication methods. The return time is determined by repeating until it is within the timing, and when the operation state is switched to the power saving state by the switching means, the normal state is temporarily returned to the determined return time. The setting means of the first communication method is updated by controlling the switching means and communicating with the external device in accordance with the first communication method, and the determined return time is the predesignated time. Control means for controlling the communication means so as to perform communication by the second communication method,
Program to function as.

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