Information processing device and display method

Abstract

To make it possible to provide an information processing device or the like that, for example, displays a message depending on a network configuration and allows a user to make appropriate settings.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a communication unit that connects to a network and transmits and receives communication data, a detection unit that detects changes in the network configuration from the communication data received by the communication unit, a determination unit that determines from the communication data whether a spanning tree protocol is applied to the network, and a display unit that displays a message to a user based on a result of the determination made by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, an information processing device that is connected to a network and can perform power saving control is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2010-263551 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device or the like that displays a message depending on the network configuration and allows the user to make appropriate settings, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device disclosed herein includes a communication unit that connects to a network and transmits and receives communication data; a detection unit that detects changes in the network configuration from the communication data received by the communication unit; a determination unit that determines from the communication data whether a spanning tree protocol is applied to the network; and a display unit that displays a message to a user based on the result of the determination made by the determination unit.

[0006] The display method of the present disclosure includes a communication step of connecting to a network and sending and receiving communication data, a detection step of detecting changes in the configuration of the network, a determination step of determining whether a spanning tree protocol is applied to the network, and a display step of displaying a message to a user based on the result determined by the determination step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device or the like that displays a message depending on the network configuration and allows the user to make appropriate settings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a display system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In general, an information processing apparatus executes various settings of the information processing apparatus in a control unit. The control unit stores information for executing the various settings in a storage unit as setting information. For example, in an image forming apparatus, which is a type of information processing apparatus, when power saving control is performed on the image forming apparatus, depending on the network configuration, the power saving control may cause problems.

[0010] For example, when an image forming apparatus performs power saving control in a network to which the Spanning Tree Protocol (IEEE 802.1D) is applied, the power of the communication unit may be turned off or the communication speed may be reduced from a high speed such as GbE to a low speed such as 10BASE in order to save power. When the image forming apparatus is disconnected from the network by turning off the power of the communication unit or when the communication speed is changed, this means that the configuration of the network is changed.

[0011] When the network configuration changes in this way, network devices that support the Spanning Tree Protocol, such as routers, L3 switches, and L2 switches, often interrupt communication for approximately 30 to 60 seconds in order to reconfigure.

[0012] To avoid such communication interruptions, an image forming apparatus is known that, when it detects that the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network, controls the image forming apparatus so as not to enter a power saving mode.

[0013] However, even among spanning tree protocols, there are spanning tree protocols with short communication interruptions, such as RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol / IEEE 802.1w) and MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol / IEEE 802.1Q).In a spanning tree environment where spanning tree protocols are applied, if control is exercised so that image forming apparatuses do not switch to power saving mode across the board, a problem occurs in that the image forming apparatuses cannot switch to power saving mode even in a network with such short communication interruptions and a network configuration that would normally allow them to switch to power saving mode. In this specification, "extended STP" refers to a spanning tree protocol that has been extended from the spanning tree protocol (IEEE 802.1D), such as RSTP or MSTP, and also includes future spanning tree protocols that have been further extended beyond RSTP or MSTP. Furthermore, "environment" refers to a network environment in which a protocol such as the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network.

[0014] The information processing device of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the invention described in the claims, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0015] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described below. Note that the first embodiment will be described using the following as an example. In the following embodiment, a case will be described in which an information processing device of the present disclosure is applied to an image forming device, but it can also be applied to other devices.

[0016] [1.1 Overall System] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1. The system 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1 including an image forming apparatus 10.

[0017] The system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10, a network device 20, and one or more terminal devices 30 that can communicate via networks (NW1, NW2, NW3).

[0018] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a device called a multifunction peripheral or an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product). For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job (print job), it can form an image on a recording medium, such as paper. The image forming apparatus 10 can execute jobs for multiple processes, such as copy processing, fax processing, scanning processing, and printing processing.

[0019] The network device 20 is, for example, a device called a router, an L3 switch, or an L2 switch. The network device 20 has one or more ports and performs communication between devices connected to the ports and networks (for example, the image forming device 10, the terminal device 30, and networks (NW1, NW2, and NW3)).

[0020] In this embodiment, the network device 20 has a loop detection function. For example, when the network device 20 detects that a new network or a new device is connected or the communication speed of a device in the network has changed, causing a change in the link status of the LAN, the network device 20 transmits an STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) packet to the network. The network device 20 then cuts off network communication until it has confirmed whether or not the network is looped.

[0021] The terminal device 30 is a device used by, for example, a user or an administrator. For example, a user sends a print job from the terminal device 30 to the image forming device 10. The image forming device 10 executes the received print job, for example, printing on recording paper based on the print data. In addition, an administrator can access the image forming device 10 from the terminal device 30 to, for example, configure the image forming device 10.

[0022] The terminal device 30 is included in the system 1 as necessary. For example, there may be one terminal device 30, or multiple terminal devices 30 may be connected. The terminal device 30 may also be a server device, a network camera, or an IoT-compatible home appliance (for example, a television, a video recorder, an air conditioner, etc.).

[0023] Furthermore, the networks (NW1, NW2, NW3) connecting the image forming device 10, the network device 20, and the terminal device 30 may be any communication line or communication system, such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), the Internet, a public line network, mobile communications (e.g., mobile communications such as 4G / 5G / 6G), or a next-generation telephone network.

[0024] [1.2 Hardware Configuration] The hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings as a representative apparatus among the apparatuses in the system 1. FIG.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 has a control unit 100, one or more storage devices (storage units) including a storage 110, a ROM 120, and a RAM 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an image input unit 165, and a communication unit 170.

[0026] The control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in a storage device (for example, storage 110 or ROM 120). The control unit 100 may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units), SoCs (System on a Chip)). The control unit 100 may also be configured by one or more control circuits.

[0027] The storage 110 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, the storage 110 may be configured as one or more storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage 110 may also be configured as an external device such as a USB memory that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10. The storage 110 may also be a storage area on a cloud, for example.

[0028] The ROM 120 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the image forming apparatus 10 is powered off.

[0029] The RAM 130 is a main memory that is mainly used when the control unit 100 executes processing. The RAM 130 is a rewritable memory that temporarily stores programs read from the storage 110 or the ROM 120, and data including execution results.

[0030] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying various types of information and execution screens. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an electrophoretic display, or other display device. The display unit 140 also includes an interface to which a display device can be connected. For example, the display unit 140 may be configured as an external display device connected via an HDMI (registered trademark) High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or a Display Port.

[0031] The operation unit 150 is an operation device capable of receiving operation input from a user. For example, it may be an operation device such as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 140 or operation buttons. The operation unit 150 may also be an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The operation unit 150 may also include an interface (for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)) to which an operation device can be connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to a different operation device (an operation device having a touch panel).

[0032] The image forming unit 160 forms an image, for example, on recording paper. The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, an image carrier, and forms a toner image on the image carrier and transfers the image on the image carrier onto recording paper to form an image. The image forming unit 160 may be configured as an image forming device such as a printer. The image forming unit 160 may also form an image electronically as an image file.

[0033] Image input unit 165 reads an original (image) and outputs it as image data. Image input unit 165 is, for example, a scanner, and may be a reading device using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). Note that image input unit 165 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image data stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or image data transmitted from terminal device 30, for example.

[0034] The communication unit 170 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface that can provide a wired connection or a wireless connection. In this embodiment, communication with other devices is possible via the network NW1.

[0035] The configurations of the network device 20 and the terminal device 30 are clear and therefore will not be described in detail. For example, the network device 20 and the terminal device 30 each have at least a control unit, a memory unit (storage, ROM, RAM), and a communication unit.

[0036] [1.3 Software Configuration] The main software configuration of each device in the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the main software configuration of the image forming device 10. Note that the software configuration shown in Fig. 3 mainly describes the configuration required in this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted.

[0037] For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may further include components that provide functions required for the image forming apparatus 10, such as an image processing unit and a power control unit.

[0038] For example, the control unit 100 can function as a communication data acquisition unit 1010, a network status detection unit 1020, an STP determination unit 1030, a display control unit 1040, a system setting unit 1050, and a mode switching unit 1060 by reading and executing programs stored in the memory unit (storage 110, ROM 120). In addition, the storage 110 reserves an area for a system setting storage area 1110 that stores information related to system settings.

[0039] The communication data acquisition unit 1010 acquires communication data transmitted and received by the communication unit 170 via a network connection. For example, the communication data acquisition unit 1010 may acquire packets, frames, etc. as communication data transmitted and received by the communication unit 170, and temporarily store them in a storage unit.

[0040] The network status detection unit 1020 detects the network status from the communication data acquired by the communication data acquisition unit 1010. For example, the network status detection unit 1020 detects a change in the network configuration as the network status. For example, the network status detection unit 1020 can detect a change in the network configuration by detecting an STP packet, a RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol) packet, a GARP (Gratuitous Address Resolution Protocol) packet, or the like.

[0041] When the network status detection unit 1020 detects a change in the network configuration, the STP determination unit 1030 determines whether the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network. For example, the STP determination unit 1030 may determine that the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network by using STP packets such as BPDUs (Bridge Protocol Data Units), proposal BPDUs, and agreement BPDUs.

[0042] Furthermore, the STP determining unit 1030 may determine whether the network applies the Spanning Tree Protocol, or whether the network applies the extended STP, for example.

[0043] The display control unit 1040 controls the display of a message on the display unit 140. For example, the display control unit 1040 controls the display of a message or the like on the display unit 140 based on the result of the determination made by the STP determination unit 1030.

[0044] The system setting unit 1050 performs system settings for the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the system setting unit 1050 can switch the system settings in response to a user operation, or can restrict the user's operation to switch the system settings based on the result of the determination made by the STP determination unit 1030.

[0045] The system setting unit 1050 executes the setting of the image forming apparatus 10 based on the system setting stored in the system setting storage area 1110 of the storage 110 .

[0046] The mode switching unit 1060 can switch the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the mode switching unit 1060 can switch the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 between a normal mode and a power saving mode. Note that hereinafter, switching from the normal mode to the power saving mode may also be referred to as a transition to the power saving mode. Also, switching from the power saving mode to the normal mode may also be referred to as a recovery to the normal mode.

[0047] Here, the normal mode refers to, for example, a mode in which all functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are operational and some functions, such as communication speed, are not restricted. The power saving mode is a mode in which power consumption is lower (a mode that saves power) compared to the normal mode. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 operates in the power saving mode, it performs one or more of the following controls compared to the normal operating mode.

[0048] The temperature of the fixing device of the image forming unit 160 is lowered (for example, the temperature is lowered by controlling the heater lamp). The image processing speed of the image forming unit 160 is slowed down. Dim or turn off the backlight on the control panel. Restricting the operation of the communication unit 170. For example, slowing down the communication speed or disconnecting the communication.

[0049] Note that the power saving control in the power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 10 may be other general power saving control.

[0050] Furthermore, the mode switching unit 1060 may switch the power saving mode between a plurality of modes. For example, the mode may be switched in stages, such as switching from a first power saving mode to a second power saving mode that consumes less power.

[0051] Furthermore, when a predetermined condition (transition condition) is satisfied, mode switching unit 1060 switches the operation mode of image forming apparatus 10 from the normal mode to the power saving mode. Here, mode switching unit 1060 determines, as the predetermined condition (transition condition), for example, whether or not an idle time (a time during which no operation is performed, a time during which no processing is performed) has elapsed to satisfy the transition condition to the power saving mode.

[0052] Furthermore, when a predetermined condition (recovery condition) is satisfied, the mode switching unit 1060 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Here, the mode switching unit 1060 may determine that the predetermined condition (recovery condition) is, for example, that a user has performed an operation or that a job has been submitted.

[0053] Furthermore, the mode switching unit 1060 can switch to the power saving mode based on, for example, the transition condition determined by the STP determination unit 1030. Furthermore, the mode switching unit 1060 may switch to the power saving mode based on a user operation, regardless of the transition condition or recovery condition. Furthermore, the mode switching unit 1060 may limit the user's operation to switch the operating mode.

[0054] An example of the system settings stored in the system setting storage area 1110 will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. The system settings store setting items for the image forming apparatus 10 (e.g., "power saving mode transition time") and setting values ​​that are arbitrarily input or selected (e.g., "extension").

[0055] In this embodiment, the setting item "power saving mode transition time" may be stored as a specific numerical value such as "60 seconds," "10 minutes," or "5 hours."

[0056] [1.4 Processing flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Note that although the following processing will be described as being executed by the control unit 100, each component described in Fig. 2 or 3 may execute the processing of each step.

[0057] First, the control unit 100 detects whether there is a change in the network configuration (S102). Here, the control unit 100 may detect whether there is a change in the network configuration by detecting that there is a change in the network configuration when, for example, an STP packet, a RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol) packet, a GARP (Gratuitous Address Resolution Protocol) packet, or the like is included in the communication data.

[0058] Next, when there is a change in the network configuration, the control unit 100 determines whether the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network (S102; Yes→S104). On the other hand, if there is no change in the network configuration, the control unit 100 repeats the process of S102 (S102; No).

[0059] The control unit 100 may determine whether the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network by determining that the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network when the communication data contains STP packets such as BPDU (Bridge Protocol Data Unit), proposal BPDU, or agreement BPDU.

[0060] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 detects a change in the network configuration but fails to acquire packets related to the Spanning Tree Protocol for a predetermined period of time, it determines that the Spanning Tree Protocol is not applied to the network to which the image forming apparatus 10 is connected. Here, the predetermined period of time may be any of 10 milliseconds, 100 milliseconds, 1 second, or the like.

[0061] Next, when the control unit 100 determines that the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network, it displays a message on the display unit 140 indicating that it is a spanning tree environment, and notifies the user (S104; Yes→S106).

[0062] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 determines that the spanning tree protocol is not applied to the network, it displays a message on the display unit 140 indicating that it is a non-spanning tree environment, and notifies the user (S104; No→S108).

[0063] [1.5 Example of operation] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0064] 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W10 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a message displayed to the user when the network status detection unit 1020 detects that there has been a change in the network configuration and the STP determination unit 1030 determines that the environment is a spanning tree environment. The display screen W10 displays a message M12 indicating that the environment is a spanning tree environment. At this time, when the user selects the button B10, the display screen W10 closes and transitions to another screen.

[0065] Based on the displayed message, the user can change the setting information such as the communication speed from a setting screen (not shown here). Note that the button B10 may not be displayed on the display screen W10. When the button B10 is displayed, the display screen W10 may be closed simply by the user touching the screen.

[0066] 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W12 displayed on the display unit 140. It is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed to the user when there is a change in the network configuration and the STP determination unit 1030 determines that the environment is not a spanning tree environment. A message M14 indicating that the environment is not a spanning tree environment is displayed on the display screen W12.

[0067] In this embodiment, a message is displayed on the display unit 140, but a notification may also be displayed from software or an application resident on a terminal device 30 connected via the network NW1, such as an information processing device, a smartphone, a smart watch, a mobile communication terminal device such as a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0068] [1.6 Effects, etc.] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 100 can check whether a spanning tree environment is applied to the network to which the image forming apparatus 10 is connected. For example, the user can select an appropriate power saving setting based on the displayed message.

[0069] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which a setting screen for changing the communication speed is displayed after a message is displayed.

[0070] In the second embodiment, explanations of the same hardware and software configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0071] [2.1 Processing flow] Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the processing flow in this embodiment. Fig. 7 replaces Fig. 5 of the first embodiment. S202 and S204 are executed after S106 and S108 in Fig. 5.

[0072] The control unit 100 displays a message to the user asking whether the environment is a spanning tree or not, and then displays a setting screen for changing the communication speed if the user requests a change in the communication speed (S202; Yes → S204). Here, displaying a setting screen for changing the communication speed means, for example, displaying a screen such as the one below.

[0073] (1) The control unit 100 displays the setting screen at a position where the setting item to be changed is displayed on a setting screen containing multiple setting items. For example, when changing the setting item "communication speed," the control unit 100 scrolls (jumps) to a position where the setting item "communication speed" is displayed as a setting item, and displays the setting screen. (2) The control unit 100 displays a setting screen that displays the setting item to be changed. For example, when changing the setting item "communication speed," a single screen for changing the setting item is displayed.

[0074] On the other hand, if the user does not request a change in the communication speed, the control unit 100 executes the process of S102 again (S202; No→S102).

[0075] [2.2 Example of operation] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0076] 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W20 including a message displayed to the user when a change has occurred in the network configuration and the STP determining unit 1030 has determined that the network is in a spanning tree environment. A message M22 indicating that the network is in a spanning tree environment is displayed on the display screen W20. The display screen W20 also displays a change button B20 and a cancel button B22. When the user selects the close button B22, the control unit 100 simply closes the display screen W20.

[0077] Furthermore, when the user selects the change button B20, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen W20 to the display screen W22 of FIG. 8(b). The display screen W22 is a diagram showing the display screen W22, an example of a user interface, that is displayed when the change button B20 is selected by the user in FIG. 8(a). The display screen W22 displays a single setting screen for switching the setting of the communication speed, among the setting items. The display screen W22 displays buttons corresponding to the setting values. For example, the button B24 corresponds to the setting value "variable." The button B26 corresponds to the setting value "fixed." Furthermore, since the current setting value is "variable," the button B24 is displayed in an identifiable manner.

[0078] When the user selects button B26, the control unit 100 changes the setting value of the setting item "Communication Speed" to "Fixed." This allows the user to switch the communication speed to "Fixed" when a spanning tree is applied to the network. In this way, the user can appropriately switch the setting value based on their own network configuration.

[0079] In this embodiment, a message is displayed on the display unit 140, but notifications may also be displayed or change operations may be accepted from software or applications resident on a terminal device 30 connected via the network NW1, such as an information processing device, a smartphone, a smart watch, a mobile communication terminal device such as a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, a message is displayed in the spanning tree environment, and a user interface is displayed when the user requests a change in communication speed. Here, for example, if the system administrator has restricted the user's ability to change communication speed, when the STP determining unit 1030 determines that the environment is a spanning tree environment, control may be performed to remove the restriction on changing communication speed.

[0081] [2.3 Effects, etc.] Thus, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the user can be spared the trouble of selecting a communication speed from a large number of settings, thereby improving usability.

[0082] 3. Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described below. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which control is performed such as significantly extending the time to transition to the power saving mode after displaying a message.

[0083] In the third embodiment, the description of the same hardware and software configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0084] [3.1 Processing flow] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in this embodiment. Fig. 9 replaces Fig. 5 of the first embodiment. S302 is executed after S106 in Fig. 5.

[0085] After displaying a message to the user indicating that the spanning tree environment exists, the control unit 100 performs processing to extend the transition time to the power saving mode (S302). It is preferable that the control unit 100 significantly extends the transition time to the power saving mode. For example, the control unit 100 may extend the currently set transition time by "+600 seconds (+10 minutes)," "+30 minutes," or "+5 hours." For example, it is preferable that the transition time be a time that does not cause the impact of communication interruption.

[0086] [3.2 Example of operation] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W30 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W30 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a message displayed to the user when the network status detection unit 1020 detects a change in the network configuration and the STP determination unit 1030 determines that the network is in a spanning tree environment. The display screen W30 displays a message M32 indicating that the network is in a spanning tree environment and that the time to transition to power saving mode has been extended. At this time, when the user selects button B10, the display screen W30 closes and transitions to another screen. At this time, the control unit 100 not only displays the message but also performs processing to extend the time to transition to power saving mode.

[0087] Note that the user may be able to change setting information such as the power saving mode transition time from a setting screen (not shown) based on the displayed message. Note that the button B10 may not be displayed on the display screen W30. When the button B10 is displayed, the display screen W30 may be closed simply by the user touching the screen.

[0088] [3.3 Effects, etc.] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to control the time for switching to the power saving mode to be significantly extended. By performing such control, it is possible to significantly reduce the impact of communication interruptions, etc. Furthermore, by notifying the user from the image forming apparatus 10 that the power saving mode has been extended, the user can freely change the settings if there is a problem with the control of switching to the power saving mode.

[0089] [4. Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment will be described below. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which, after a message is displayed, switching between whether or not to transition to the power saving mode is controlled based on the determination result of the STP determination unit 1030.

[0090] In the fourth embodiment, the description of the same hardware and software configurations as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0091] [4.1 Processing flow] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the processing flow in this embodiment. Fig. 11 replaces Fig. 5 of the first embodiment. S402 is executed after S106 in Fig. 5, and S404 is executed after S108.

[0092] If the control unit 100 determines that the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network, it displays a message to the user indicating that the network is in a spanning tree environment, and then performs processing to disable switching to the power saving mode (S402). That is, the image forming apparatus 10 does not switch to the power saving mode.

[0093] If the control unit 100 determines that the spanning tree protocol is not applied to the network, it displays a message to the user indicating that the network is not a spanning tree environment, and then performs processing to allow switching to the power saving mode (S404). That is, the image forming apparatus 10 can transition to the power saving mode when a predetermined condition is met.

[0094] [4.2 Example of operation] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0095] 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W40 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W40 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a message displayed to the user when the network status detection unit 1020 detects that there has been a change in the network configuration and the STP determination unit 1030 determines that the environment is a spanning tree environment. The display screen W40 displays a message M42 indicating that the environment is a spanning tree environment. At this time, when the user selects the button B10, the display screen W40 closes and transitions to another screen.

[0096] At this time, the control unit 100 controls the image forming apparatus 10 so that the operating mode is not switched to the power saving mode. For example, after the message is displayed, the user may change the settings to switch to the power saving mode, or a button or the like may be displayed on the display screen W40 so that the user can easily change the control.

[0097] 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W42 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W42 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a message displayed to the user when the network status detection unit 1020 detects that there has been a change in the network configuration and the STP determination unit 1030 determines that the environment is a non-spanning tree environment. The display screen W42 displays a message M44 indicating that the environment is not a spanning tree environment. If the user selects button B10 at this time, the display screen W42 closes and transitions to another screen.

[0098] At this time, the control unit 100 also controls the image forming apparatus 10 to switch to the power saving mode. For example, after the message is displayed, the user may change the setting so that the image forming apparatus 10 does not switch to the power saving mode, or a button or the like may be displayed on the display screen W42 so that the user can easily change the control.

[0099] [4.3 Effects, etc.] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 can perform control such as not switching to power saving mode when in a spanning tree environment. When the image forming apparatus 10 switches to power saving mode, the communication environment changes, causing the spanning tree network to be reconfigured. Therefore, by not switching the image forming apparatus 10 to power saving mode, the network configuration is maintained, and the impact of communication interruptions and the like can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, by providing a notification, the user can freely change the settings if there is a problem with the control.

[0100] [5. Fifth Embodiment] The fifth embodiment will be described below. In the fifth embodiment, after a message is displayed, the control of switching to the power saving mode described in the second and fourth embodiments is selected according to a user's request.

[0101] In the fifth embodiment, explanations of parts having the same hardware and software configurations as the first embodiment will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first, second and fourth embodiments.

[0102] [5.1 Processing flow] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in this embodiment. Figure 13 replaces Figure 5 in the first embodiment. S502 is executed after S106 in Figure 5, and S504 is executed after S108. If both S502 and S504 are No, S506, S508, and S510 are executed.

[0103] The control unit 100 displays a message to the user indicating that the environment is a spanning tree environment, and also displays a message asking the user whether or not to disable switching to the power saving mode. If the user requests a change to disable switching to the power saving mode, the control unit 100 performs control such as not switching to the power saving mode (S502; Yes → S402).

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit 100 displays a message to the user indicating that the environment is not a spanning tree environment, and also displays a message asking the user whether or not to allow switching to the power saving mode. If the user requests a change to allow switching to the power saving mode, the control unit 100 performs control such as transitioning to the power saving mode (S504; Yes→S404).

[0105] If the user does not request switching to the power saving mode, a prompt to change the communication speed is displayed on the display unit 140. If the user requests a change in the communication speed, a setting screen for changing the communication speed is displayed (S506; Yes→S202).

[0106] If the user does not request a change in the communication speed, a message asking the user whether to request a change in the power saving mode transition time is displayed on the display unit 140 (S506; No→S508). If the user requests a change in the power saving mode transition time, a setting screen for changing the power saving mode transition time is displayed (S508; Yes→S510).

[0107] Note that the above-described operational flow is an example, and some processing may be performed differently. For example, the order of the setting for whether to switch to power-saving mode, the communication speed, and the power-saving mode transition time may be reversed, or a setting screen may be displayed that allows the user to change both the communication speed and the power-saving mode transition time, and these may be combined into one step.

[0108] [5.2 Example of operation] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0109] FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W50 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W50 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a message displayed to the user when the network status detection unit 1020 detects a change in the network configuration and the STP determination unit 1030 determines that the network is in a spanning tree environment. The display screen W50 displays a message M52 informing the user that the network is in a spanning tree environment and asking the user whether to stop the transition to the power saving mode. The display screen W50 also displays a Yes button B50 and a No button B52. When the user selects the Yes button B50, the control unit 100 performs control not to transition to the power saving mode. On the other hand, when the user selects the No button B52, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen W50 to the display screen W52 shown in FIG. 14(b).

[0110] 14(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W52 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W52 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a message displayed to the user when the user selects the No button B52 on the display screen W50. The display screen W52 displays a message M54 informing the user that the spanning tree environment is present and asking whether the user wants to change the communication speed to a fixed value. The display screen W52 also displays a Yes button B50 and a No button B52. When the user selects the Yes button B50, the control unit 100, for example, transitions the display screen W52 to the display screen W22 of FIG. 8(b).

[0111] Here, when the Yes button B50 is selected, for example, the control unit 100 may perform control to change the communication speed to a set value that is "fixed." On the other hand, when the user selects the No button B52, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen W52 to the display screen W54 of FIG. 14(c).

[0112] 14(c) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W54 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W54 is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a message displayed to the user when the user selects the No button B52 on the display screen W52. The display screen W54 displays a message M56 indicating that the spanning tree environment is being used, and asking the user whether to extend the power saving mode transition time. The display screen W54 also displays a Yes button B50 and a No button B52. When the user selects the Yes button B50, the control unit 100, for example, transitions the display screen W54 to a setting screen (not shown) for changing the power saving mode transition time.

[0113] Furthermore, when the Yes button B50 is selected, for example, the control unit 100 may perform control to change the setting value of the power saving mode transition time to "extend." On the other hand, when the user selects the No button B52, the control unit 100 simply closes the display screen W54.

[0114] [5.3 Effects, etc.] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the user can select the optimum setting from a plurality of settings according to the message.

[0115] [6. Sixth Embodiment] The sixth embodiment will be described below. The sixth embodiment is an embodiment in which processing is switched depending on the protocol applied even in a spanning tree environment. In this embodiment, when the spanning tree protocol is applied to the network, the STP determination unit 1030 determines whether RSTP or MSTP is applied, displays a message, and then switches to the optimal power saving mode.

[0116] In the sixth embodiment, explanations of the same hardware and software configurations as those of the first and fourth embodiments will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0117] [6.1 Processing flow] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in this embodiment. Fig. 15 replaces Fig. 11 of the fourth embodiment. S602 is executed after S104 in Fig. 11, S604 is executed if S602 is Yes, S404 is executed after S108 is executed, and S402 is executed after S106 is executed.

[0118] If the control unit 100 determines that the Spanning Tree Protocol is applied to the network, it then determines whether the extended STP is applied to the network (S602).

[0119] The control unit 100 may determine whether the extended STP is applied to the network by determining that the extended STP is applied to the network when the communication data contains packets such as proposal BPDUs and agreement BPDUs.

[0120] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the Spanning Tree Protocol is applied but fails to acquire packets related to the extended STP for a predetermined time, it determines that the extended STP is not applied to the network to which the image forming apparatus 10 is connected. Here, the predetermined time may be any of 10 milliseconds, 100 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0121] When the control unit 100 determines that the network is in an extended STP environment, it displays a message to the user indicating that the network is in an extended STP environment (S602; Yes→S604).

[0122] Next, if the spanning tree protocol is not applied to the network or the extended STP is applied to the network, the control unit 100 performs a process to enable switching to the power saving mode (S602; Yes → S604 → S404).

[0123] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 determines that the network does not use the extended STP, it displays a message on the display unit 140 indicating that the network is in a spanning tree environment, thereby notifying the user (S602; No→S106).

[0124] Note that the above-described operational flow is an example, and some different processing may be performed. In this embodiment, it is determined that the extended STP is applied to the network, but for example, steps S104 and S602 may be combined to determine whether the spanning tree protocol, the extended STP, or the non-spanning tree protocol is applied.

[0125] [6.2 Example of operation] In the sixth embodiment, when the network status detection unit 1020 detects that there has been a change in the network configuration and the STP determination unit 1030 determines that the environment is an extended STP environment, the control unit 100 displays a message to the user and then switches to the power saving mode.

[0126] [6.3 Effects, etc.] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can select an appropriate power saving mode switching setting according to the network configuration by simply performing operations in accordance with the displayed messages.

[0127] [7. Variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment, an image forming apparatus has been described as an example of an information processing apparatus. However, the information processing apparatus can be applied to other devices. For example, examples of the information processing apparatus may include information processing apparatuses such as smartphones and tablets. It may also be home appliances equipped with IoT functions (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, etc.). It is not limited to stationary devices, and may also be, for example, portable devices or in-vehicle devices. For example, the in-vehicle device may be a device such as a car navigation system.

[0129] Although the above-mentioned embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they can be combined to the extent possible. Furthermore, the present invention intends to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications, etc.

[0130] In addition, the programs that run on each device in each embodiment are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROMs and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0131] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc.

[0132] Furthermore, when distributing the program in the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is also included in the present disclosure.

[0133] Furthermore, the above-mentioned data may not be stored within the device, but may be stored in an external device and called up as needed. For example, the data may be stored in a network attached storage (NAS) or on the cloud.

[0134] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed in the specification. The configurations of the present disclosure for which a patent is sought are set forth in the appended claims, but it is not intended to exclude them from the technical scope on the grounds that they are not set forth in the claims.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned specification, the statements "in the case of" and "when" are given as examples and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described contents. The disclosure also includes configurations that are not in these cases or situations, even if they would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

[0136] Furthermore, the processes and data flows described in the specification are not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, the patent also discloses configurations in which some processes are deleted or the order is changed, and the patent holder intends to obtain the rights to such configurations.

[0137] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are executed by each device, they may be realized by one device or may further utilize an external server.

[0138] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to perform the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electrical circuit may be composed of digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, as advances in semiconductor technology emerge, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may utilize new integrated circuits based on that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 10 Image forming device 20 Network Equipment 30 Terminal Equipment 100 control section 110 Storage 120 ROM 130 RAM 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Image forming unit 165 Image input unit 170 Communications Department

Claims

1. a communication unit that connects to a network and transmits and receives communication data; a detection unit that detects a change in the network configuration from the communication data received by the communication unit; a determination unit that determines, from the communication data, whether a spanning tree protocol is applied to the network; a display unit that displays a message to a user based on the result of the determination by the determination unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. The power supply further includes a switching unit that switches between a normal mode and a power saving mode, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays a message indicating whether the switching unit should switch to the power saving mode or not, based on the result of the determination made by the determination unit.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the determining unit, when determining that a spanning tree protocol is applied to the network, does not allow the switching unit to switch to the power saving mode.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the determining unit allows the switching unit to switch to the power saving mode when it determines that a spanning tree protocol is not applied to the network.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the determining unit allows the switching unit to switch to the power saving mode when it determines that the network is applied with extended STP.

6. further comprising a setting unit for setting a communication speed of the communication unit; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays a message prompting the user to display a setting screen for setting the communication speed based on the result of the determination made by the determination unit.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the display unit further displays a screen for accepting an input for transitioning to a screen for setting the communication speed, among the setting screens.

8. The power supply further includes a switching unit that switches between a normal mode and a power saving mode, a setting unit that sets a transition time to the power saving mode, the display unit displays a message based on the result of the determination by the determination unit; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit extends a time period for transitioning to the power saving mode.

9. The power supply further includes a switching unit that switches between a normal mode and a power saving mode, a setting unit that sets a transition time to the power saving mode, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays a message prompting the user to display a setting screen for setting a time period for transitioning to the power saving mode, based on the result of the determination made by the determination unit.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the display unit further displays, among the setting screens, a screen for accepting an input for transitioning to a screen for setting a time for transitioning to the power saving mode.

11. a communication step of connecting to a network and transmitting and receiving communication data; a detection step of detecting a change in the configuration of the network; a determining step of determining whether a spanning tree protocol is applied to the network; a display step of displaying a message to a user based on the result of the determination step; Display methods including.

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