Printing system, image forming apparatus, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To eliminate inconvenience in the case that an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus are connected using power linkage technology, associated with a need for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus or restarting the image forming apparatus in order to turn on the power of the print control apparatus in a state that the print control apparatus is shut down solely.SOLUTION: In a printing system comprising an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus, the image forming apparatus controls an interface with the print control apparatus via a cable including a first signal line indicating a power status of the image forming apparatus and a second signal line indicating a power status of the print control apparatus, and when an instruction to operate the print control apparatus is received, if the second signal line indicates that the print control apparatus is powered on, the image forming apparatus requests information for controlling the print control apparatus from the print control apparatus, and if the second signal line indicates that the print control apparatus is powered off, the print control apparatus notifies the print control apparatus via the first signal line that the image forming apparatus is powered on. When the print control apparatus is powered off, the print control apparatus starts up the print control apparatus in response to the first signal line indicating that the power is on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a system in which an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus are connected, there is a power interlocking technology that improves user convenience by automatically turning on the print control apparatus when the image forming apparatus is turned on.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that allows a copier connected to an external print server to turn the power of the external print server on and off without accessing the power switch of the external print server, and also allows the external print server to be used independently. According to this technology, a video cable for transmitting print data, separate from the network cable, is used, and a signal indicating whether the copier's power is on or off is transmitted to the print server via this cable, and the print server controls the power based on this signal.

[0004] Some such print servers (print control devices) are compactly designed to fit on the back of an image forming device without having a keyboard, pointing device, or display output port. These print control devices are designed to accept print jobs and control the print control device through a user interface (UI) on the image forming device. This allows users to operate the print control device through the UI of the image forming device without having to physically access the print control device.

[0005] In addition, by connecting a USB-LAN device to the USB port of the image forming device, two job submission routes can be realized: one in which a print job is submitted from a PC to the image forming device via a print control device, and one in which a print job is submitted directly from a PC to the image forming device.

[0006] There is also a technology that allows you to shut down only the print control device while leaving the image forming device in an active state. When you issue a command to shut down only the print control device (standalone shutdown) from the UI of the image forming device, the print control device performs the shutdown process. At this time, the image forming device turns off the signal that indicates whether the image forming device is powered on or off, keeping the print control device in a shutdown state. With this technology, even after the print control device has been shut down alone, the image forming device can continue to accept paper registrations on its own, and can also accept and print print jobs directly from a PC. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-200514 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] After shutting down the print control device alone, if you finish using the image forming device and then shut down the image forming device, both the image forming device and the print control device will be in a shutdown state. After this, when you turn on the image forming device, the print control device will start up using power interlocking technology. However, when the print control device is shut down alone, the signal indicating the image forming device's power OFF / ON status is OFF. In order to turn on the print control device again in this state, you must either turn the image forming device's power OFF / ON or restart the image forming device to enable power interlocking between the image forming device and the print control device. However, turning off the image forming device's power or restarting the image forming device will render the image forming device unusable for a period of time, which is inconvenient for users.

[0009] In addition, the UI of the image forming device is designed to maximize the use of limited space by laying out buttons for operating the image forming device and the print control device. In this situation, if a new button were provided solely for starting the print control device, there would be a problem of wasting limited screen resources.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that, in a system in which an image forming device and a print control device are connected, can start the print control device by controlling it from the image forming device depending on the power supply state of the print control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: A printing system having an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus, the image forming apparatus, an interface means for controlling an interface with the print control device via a cable including a first signal line indicating a power supply state of the image forming device and a second signal line indicating a power supply state of the print control device; When an operation of the print control device is instructed, if the second signal line indicates that the power of the print control device is ON, the print control device is requested to provide information for controlling the print control device; and a first control means for controlling the printing control device to notify the printing control device that the image forming device is powered on via the first signal line when the second signal line indicates that the printing control device is powered off, The print control device includes: The printing control device is characterized by having a second control means that controls the printing control device to start up in response to the first signal line indicating that the power is ON when the power of the printing control device is OFF. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, when an instruction to operate a printing control device is given, the control necessary for operating the printing control device can be performed according to the power supply state of the printing control device, and the printing control device can be made usable without interrupting the work of the user using the image forming device.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus, a print control apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a server according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a concept for explaining communication between an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus via a video cable in a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the software configuration of a server, an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus and the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment are powered off. [Figure 5B] 6 is a flowchart for explaining the startup process of the image forming apparatus and the print control apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is started up. [Figure 6A] 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6B]5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the print control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a home screen displayed on the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus in step S606. [Figure 6E] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a shutdown operation screen of the print control device in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6F] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a home screen after a shutdown operation of the print control device in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing by an information processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7C] 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing by a print control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in S702 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7E] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus in step S707 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7F] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a table for managing the external NW addresses of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment and a print control apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. [Figure 8A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a startup process performed by an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a print control apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8B] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing at the time of startup of the image forming apparatus and the print control apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8C] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of tables included in an information processing apparatus, a print control apparatus, and an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8D] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing by an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8E]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a table storing IP address information in an external NW of a print control device included in an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9A] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process at the time of shutdown in an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a startup process of an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9C] 10 is a flowchart illustrating startup and shutdown processing of a print control device by an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9D] 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a print control device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9E] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a table for storing information about the power supply state of a print control device included in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9F] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the startup process of an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10A] 13 is a flowchart for explaining processing by a server according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 10C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a table storing a user type for each user ID managed by the server according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Note that in the following embodiments, a multifunction peripheral (digital multifunction peripheral / MFP / Multi Function Peripheral) with a printing function will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus.

[0017] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] This printing system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 101 and a print control apparatus 102. The image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 are communicatively connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. Specifically, the internal LAN 105 is a LAN cable such as an Ethernet cable. The video cable 106 is a cable for transmitting print data and signals indicating the power supply status. Details of this video cable 106 will be described later. The image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 are also communicatively connected to an information processing apparatus 103 and a server 111 via an external LAN 112 and an external LAN 110, respectively, via a LAN 104.

[0019] A printer driver having a function of converting image data to be printed into a page description language (PDL) that can be processed by the print control device 102 or the image forming device 101 is installed in the information processing device 103. A user who wishes to print can operate the information processing device 103 to issue a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. An application for controlling the print control device 102 is also installed in the information processing device 103. This allows the user to submit a print job from the information processing device 103 to the print control device 102 and check the status of the print job on the print control device 102.

[0020] Next, a description will be given of the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing unit 107, a stacker 108, and a finisher 109. Each unit will be described below.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, the print control apparatus 102, the information processing apparatus 103, and the server 111 according to the first embodiment.

[0022] First, the internal configuration of the printing unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0023] The printing unit 107 includes, as components primarily related to control, a communication I / F 201, a video I / F 202, a LAN I / F 203, a HDD 204, a CPU 205, a memory 206, an operation unit 207, a display 208, a LAN I / F 215, and a power supply control unit 216. Furthermore, the printing unit 107 includes, as components primarily related to image formation, a document reading unit 209, a laser exposure unit 210, an image creating unit 211, a fixing unit 212, and a paper feed unit 213. These components are connected via a system bus 214. The communication I / F 201 is connected to the stacker 108 and the finisher 109 via a communication cable 251, and communicates with each device to control them. The LAN I / F 203 is connected to the print control device 102 via the internal LAN 105 and is used for communicating print data and the like. The video I / F 202 is connected to the print control device 102 via a video cable 106 and is used for communicating image data and the like. The video cable 106 also includes a signal line that indicates the power status of the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control device 102. Details will be described later. The HDD 204 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 205 performs overall control of the print unit 107 based on the programs and the like stored in the HDD 204. The memory 206 stores programs and image data required when the CPU 205 performs various processes, and operates as a work area. The operation unit 207 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display 208 displays various setting information related to print processing, the processing status of print jobs, and the like. Furthermore, it displays a screen for operating the print control device 102 that is received from the print control device 102.

[0024] The document reading unit 209 is a scanner that optically reads documents when using the copy or scan functions. The document reading unit 209 optically reads the image on the sheet by shining an exposure lamp on the transported sheet and capturing the image with a CCD camera to generate image data. The laser exposure unit 210 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure for irradiating the laser beam. The laser exposure unit 210 first performs primary charging, charging the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser beams while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge in the irradiated area, forming an electrostatic latent image. The image creation unit 211 is a device that transfers toner to the sheet. The image creation unit 211 includes a developing unit, a transfer unit, a toner supply unit, and other components (not shown) and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to the sheet. The developing unit transfers negatively charged toner from a developing cylinder to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, creating a visible image. The transfer unit performs primary transfer, which applies a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt, and secondary transfer, which applies a positive potential to the secondary outer transfer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to a sheet. The fixing unit 212 is a device that melts and fixes the toner on the sheet to the sheet using heat and pressure, and includes a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc. (not shown). The paper feed unit 213 is a device that feeds sheets to be used in printing processing. The paper feed unit 213 performs sheet feeding and transport operations using rollers and various sensors (not shown).

[0025] The LAN I / F 215 is connected to the print control device 102, the information processing device 103, and the server 111 via the external LAN 104 and performs various communications. The power switch unit 217 has a power switch for instructing ON / OFF of the power supply from an alternating current (AC) power source. This power switch is, for example, a seesaw switch. The power switch unit 217 also causes an AC / DC power supply unit 218 to supply power from an external source depending on the ON / OFF state of the power switch. The AC / DC power supply unit 218 converts AC power supplied from an external source into DC power and supplies it to each unit including the printing unit 107, etc.

[0026] Next, the internal configuration of the stacker 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0027] The stacker 108 has a communication I / F 261, a CPU 262, a memory 263, and a paper discharge control unit 264, and these components are connected via a system bus 260. The communication I / F 261 is connected to the printing unit 107 via a communication cable 251, and performs communication necessary for sheet accumulation and paper discharge control. The CPU 262 controls the entire stacker 108 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 263. The memory 263 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 264 controls the transport of conveyed sheets to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 109 based on instructions from the CPU 262.

[0028] Next, the internal configuration of the finisher 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0029] The finisher 109 has a communication I / F 271, a CPU 272, a memory 273, a paper discharge control unit 274, and a finishing processing unit 275, and these components are connected via a system bus 270. The communication I / F 271 is connected to the printing unit 107 via a communication cable 251 and performs communication necessary for controlling the finishing process. The CPU 272 controls the entire finisher 109 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 273. The memory 273 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 274 controls sheet transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 272. The finishing processing unit 275 performs processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 272.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the print control device 102 will be described.

[0031] The print control device 102 has a power switch unit 240 and an AC / DC power supply unit 242 related to power supplies. An internal module 230 of the print control device 102 has a CPU 231, memory 232, HDD 233, video I / F 236, LAN I / F 237, LAN I / F 238, and power supply control unit 239. These components are connected via a system bus 220. The power switch unit 240 has a power switch for instructing ON / OFF of power supply from an alternating current (AC) power supply. This power switch is, for example, a seesaw switch.

[0032] The power switch unit 240 also has the function of notifying the power control unit 239 of the ON / OFF state of the power switch. The AC / DC power supply unit 242 converts AC power supplied from outside the device into DC power and supplies it to the internal module 230. The CPU 231 executes processes such as receiving PDL data from the information processing device 103, RIP processing, and sending a print job to the image forming device 101 based on programs and data stored in the HDD 233. The memory 232 stores programs and data required for the CPU 231 to perform various processes and operates as a work area. The HDD 233 stores programs and data required for operations such as PDL analysis and RIP processing. The video I / F 236 is connected to the image forming device 101 via the video cable 106 and transmits image data as described above. The video cable 106 also includes signal lines that indicate the power states of the image forming device 101 and the print control device 102 described above. The LAN I / F 237 is connected to the LAN I / F 203 of the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and transmits print jobs and notifies various statuses. The LAN I / F 237 also receives an instruction to shut down the print control apparatus 102 from the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105. There are no particular protocol restrictions regarding power ON / OFF. The case where the print control apparatus 102 is powered OFF independently will be described later. The LAN I / F 238 communicates with the information processing apparatus 103 via the external LAN 104.

[0033] The print control device 102 according to the first embodiment can be in one of the following three power states. The first is a completely powered-off state. This indicates that the seesaw switch of the power switch unit 240 is OFF, and power is not supplied to any modules within the print control device 102. The second is a shutdown state. This indicates that the seesaw switch of the power switch unit 240 is ON, power is supplied to the internal module 230 via the AC / DC power supply unit 242, and the power control unit 239 supplies power only to the system buses 221 and 222. As a result, when the power state of the print control device 102 is the shutdown state, the power state of the image forming apparatus 101 can be confirmed via the video cable 106 (described later) and the print control device 102 can be started from the shutdown state. Furthermore, the print control device 102 can be started by receiving a Wake-On-Lan (WOL) packet from the external LAN 104. The third is a completely powered-on state. This indicates a state in which the seesaw switch of the power switch unit 240 is ON, power is being supplied to the internal module 230 via the AC / DC power supply unit 242, and the power control unit 239 is supplying power to all of the system buses 220 to 222. As a result, all of the modules in the internal module 230 are in an operable state.

[0034] Next, the internal configuration of the information processing device 103 will be described.

[0035] The information processing device 103 has a CPU 281, memory 282, HDD 283, I / O (input / output) device 284, display 285, and LAN I / F 286. The CPU 281 executes various applications based on programs and data stored in the HDD 283. For example, the CPU 281 communicates with the image forming device 101 via a web browser to acquire the status of the image forming device 101. Based on instructions received from a user via an I / O device 284 such as a pointing device, the image forming device 101 issues an instruction to start up the print control device 102 from a shutdown state. Furthermore, when the print control device 102 returns from the shutdown state, an application running on the information processing device 103 performs connection processing via the external LAN 104. The CPU 281 then displays the results on the display 285, and issues instructions to the print control device 102 to check the job status and execute a print job.

[0036] Next, the internal configuration of the server 111 will be described.

[0037] The server 111 has a CPU 291, memory 292, HDD 293, I / O device 294, display 295, and LAN I / F 296. The CPU 291 executes various applications based on programs and data stored in the HDD 293. For example, the CPU 291 accepts a user authentication request from the image forming apparatus 101 connected via the external LAN 104, and returns the authentication result and attribute information of the authenticated user to the request source.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating communication between the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 via the video cable 106 in the printing system according to the first embodiment.

[0039] The video I / F 236 side of the printing control device 102 has a video I / F connector 301 which serves as an output port on the transmitting side (TX), and the video I / F 202 side of the image forming device 101 has a video I / F connector 302 which serves as an input port on the receiving side (RX).

[0040] On a DATABUS (data bus) 303, image data (image information) for each of CMYK is transmitted from the video I / F connector 301 to the video I / F connector 302. A CLK signal 304, which is a video synchronization clock, is transmitted from the video I / F connector 301 to the video I / F connector 302 via the DATABUS 303. A CREADY signal 305, which indicates the startup state of the print control device 102, is transmitted from the video I / F connector 301 to the video I / F connector 302. On the other hand, a PREADY signal 306, which indicates the startup state of the image forming apparatus 101, is transmitted from the video I / F connector 302 to the video I / F connector 301.

[0041] Specifically, the image forming apparatus 101 sets the PREADY signal 306 to a high level (PREADY ON) when power is turned on, and sets the PREADY signal 306 to a low level (PREADY OFF) when power is turned off for the image forming apparatus 101. As a result, the PREADY signal 306 is at a high level when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on, and at a low level when power is turned off for the image forming apparatus 101. Furthermore, the PREADY signal 306 may be set to a low level (PREADY OFF) when the print control apparatus 102 is shut down independently, as will be described later.

[0042] When the print control device 102 is powered on, it sets the CREADY signal 305 to a high level (CREADY ON). The image forming device 101 can detect the power state of the print control device 102 by polling the CREADY signal 305 and checking whether the CREADY signal 305 is at a high level or a low level.

[0043] The print control device 102 also detects the power state of the image forming device 102 by polling the PREADY signal 306 and checking whether the PREADY signal 306 is at a high level or a low level. The PREADY signal 306 can be transmitted to the power control unit 239 via the video I / F unit 236, and the power control unit 239 can turn on the power to the print control device 102 upon receiving the high level of the PREADY signal 306. In other words, turning on the power to the image forming device 101 also turns on the power to the print control device 102 in conjunction with the power-on of the image forming device 101, thereby reducing the amount of work required by the user to turn on the power. The print control device 102 can also poll the PREADY signal 306 and shut down the print control device 102 when the PREADY signal 306 goes low.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the software configuration of the server 111, the information processing apparatus 103, the image forming apparatus 101, and the print control apparatus 102 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] First, the software configuration running on the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The software modules of the control units 401 to 406 of the image forming apparatus 101 are stored as programs in the HDD 204, and the CPU 205 loads and executes the programs in the memory 206 to realize their functions. The UI control unit 401 controls the content displayed on the display 208 and issues control instructions to other control units based on instructions received via the operation unit 207. The startup control unit 402 controls the startup of the image forming apparatus 101. The shutdown control unit 403 controls the shutdown of the image forming apparatus 101. The NW (network) control unit 404 controls communications with other devices. The power control unit 405 polls the power status of the print control device 102 connected via the video I / F 202. The copier control unit 406 comprehensively controls each software module within the image forming apparatus 101.

[0046] Next, the software configuration that operates on the print control device 102 will be described.

[0047] The software modules of the control units 411 to 415 of the print control device 102 are stored as programs in the HDD 233, and the CPU 231 loads and executes the programs in the memory 232, thereby realizing their functions. The NW control unit 411 controls communications with other devices. The power control unit 412 polls the power status of the image forming device 101 connected via the video I / F 236. The startup control unit 413 controls the startup of the print control device 102. The shutdown control unit 414 controls the shutdown of the print control device 102. In response to an operation request from the image forming device 101, the printer control unit 415 controls RIP processing of print jobs, submitting jobs to the image forming device 101, and transmitting configuration information of the print control device 102 to the image forming device 101.

[0048] Next, the software configuration that operates on the information processing device 103 will be described.

[0049] The software modules of the control units 421 to 423 of the information processing device 103 are stored as programs in the HDD 283, and the CPU 281 deploys and executes the programs in the memory 282 to realize their functions. The NW control unit 421 controls communications with other devices. The UI control unit 422 controls the content displayed on the display 285 and issues control instructions to other control units based on instructions received via the I / O device 284. The application control unit 423 controls various applications running on the information processing device 103.

[0050] Finally, the software configuration that runs on the server 111 will be described.

[0051] The software modules of the ID management unit 341 and NW control unit 432 of the server 111 are stored as programs in the HDD 293, and the CPU 291 loads and executes the programs in the memory 292 to realize their functions. The ID management unit 431 performs ID authentication received from other devices via the external network 104. The NW control unit 432 controls communications with other devices.

[0052] FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 according to the first embodiment are powered off.

[0053] 5A(a) is a flowchart illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered off. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 205 loading a program stored in the HDD 204 into the memory 206 and executing it. Note that the flowcharts showing the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 shown below are similar, and therefore will not be described below.

[0054] The processing shown in this flowchart begins when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. When the seesaw switch of the power switch unit 217 is turned off, the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403, and when power-off is detected in S501, the processing proceeds to S502. In S502, the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403 and instructs the video I / F 202 to set the PREADY signal to a low level (PREADY OFF). The processing then proceeds to S503, where the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403, performs shutdown processing for the image forming apparatus 101, and ends this processing.

[0055] 5A(b) is a flowchart illustrating processing when the power of the print control device 102 is turned off. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 231 loading a program stored in the HDD 233 into the memory 232 and executing it. Note that the flowcharts showing the processing of the print control device 102 shown below are similar, so their explanation will be omitted below.

[0056] The processing shown in this flowchart is initiated when power is supplied to the system bus 220. Furthermore, as long as power is supplied to the system bus 220, the processing shown in this flowchart is called and initiated again after completion. In S511, the CPU 231 functions as the power control unit 412 and determines by polling whether the PREADY signal has gone low (PREADY OFF). If it detects that the signal has gone low, the processing advances from S511 to S512. In S512, the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 414 and instructs the video I / F 236 to set the CREADY signal to low (CREADY OFF). The processing then advances to S513, where the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 403, performs shutdown processing for the print control device 102, and terminates the processing. This places the power state of the print control device 102 in the shutdown state described above.

[0057] By this process, the print control device 102 automatically goes into a shutdown state when it detects that the power of the image forming device 101 has been turned off.

[0058] FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating the startup process of the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 5B(a) is a flowchart illustrating the process performed when the image forming apparatus 101 is started up.

[0060] The processing shown in this flowchart begins when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. When the user turns on the seesaw switch of the power switch unit 217, in S521 the CPU 205 functions as the startup control unit 402 and performs startup processing of the image forming apparatus 101. Then, it instructs the UI control unit 401 to acquire screen information for screen 541 in FIG. 5C from the HDD 204 and display it on the display 208. The processing then proceeds to S522, where the CPU 205 functions as the startup control unit 402 and instructs the video I / F 202 to set the PREADY signal to a high level (PREADY ON), thereby terminating this processing.

[0061] FIG. 5B(b) is a flowchart illustrating the process performed when the print control device 102 is started up.

[0062] When the print control device 102 is in a shutdown state, the power supply control unit 239 supplies power to the video I / F 236 via the system bus 221. This allows the video I / F 236 to check the PREADY state by polling. When the video I / F 236 detects PREADY=ON through polling, it notifies the power supply control unit 239. In response to this, the power supply control unit 239 begins supplying power to the system bus 220. This starts the startup process of the print control device 102, and the flowchart of FIG. 5B(b) begins. First, in S531, the CPU 231 functions as the startup control unit 413 and performs startup process of the print control device 102. The process then proceeds to S532, where the CPU 231 functions as the startup control unit 413 and instructs the video I / F 236 to set the CREADY signal to a high level (CREADY ON), thereby ending this process.

[0063] In this way, when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on and started up while the print control apparatus 102 is in the shutdown state, the print control apparatus 102 is started up.

[0064] FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating processing by the image forming apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0065] The process shown in this flowchart is started when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. Furthermore, as long as the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on, the process shown in this flowchart is called and started again after completion of the process. When the user performs a touch operation on the display 208, the UI control unit 401 detects this, obtains the home screen 641 of FIG. 6C from the HDD 204, and displays it on the display 208, thereby starting this process.

[0066] FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 641.

[0067] In S601, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 401 and determines whether the user has pressed the print controller button 642 on the home screen 641, which requests operation of the print control device 102. When the print controller button 642 is pressed, the process proceeds from S601 to S602, where the CPU 205 functions as the power control unit 405 and instructs the video I / F 202 to check the state of the PREADY signal. If the PREADY signal is high level (PREADY ON), the process proceeds to S605, and if the PREADY signal is low level (PREADY OFF), the process proceeds to S603. In S603, the CPU 205 functions as the power control unit 405 and instructs the video I / F 202 to set the PREADY signal to high level (PREADY ON), and the process proceeds to S604. In S604, the CPU 205 functions as the power control unit 405, and if it detects a high level (CREADY ON) of the CREADY signal by polling, the process proceeds to S605. In S605, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 401, instructs the NW control unit 404 to request screen information for controlling the print control device 102 from the print control device 102. The process then proceeds to S606, where the CPU 205 functions as the NW control unit 404, receives screen information for controlling the print control device 102, instructs the UI control unit 401 to display the screen information on the display 208, and the process proceeds to S607.

[0068] FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display 208 of the image forming apparatus 101 in S606.

[0069] Screen 651 displays buttons such as button 653 for controlling the print control device 102, and a home button 652 for switching from operation of the print control device 102 to operation of the image forming device 101. When the user operates the operation unit 207 to press a button in S607, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 401 and advances the process to S608. In S608, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 401 and determines whether the button pressed by the user is a button for controlling the image forming device 101 or a button for controlling the print control device 102. For example, if it is detected that the user has operated the operation unit 207 to press the home button 652, the process advances to S609. In S609, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit and obtains from the HDD 204, for example, screen 541 shown in FIG. 5C , which is to be displayed when the home button 652 is pressed, and displays it on the display 208, thereby ending this process.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is detected in S608 that the user has operated the operation unit 207 to press the button 653 for controlling the print control device 102, the process proceeds to S610. In S610, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 401 and determines whether the user operation is an instruction to shut down the print control device 102 alone. If it is determined that the user operation is not an instruction to shut down the print control device 102 alone, the process proceeds to S611. In S611, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 401 and instructs the NW control unit 404 to transmit the accepted operation to the print control device 102, and the process proceeds to S606.

[0071] In this way, the control instructions for the print control device 102 received by the image forming device 101 are sent to the print control device 102, and screen information required for the next user operation is received from the print control device 102. Then, a screen on which control instructions for the print control device 102 can be given based on the screen information is displayed on the image forming device 101, so that the print control device 102 can be operated on the image forming device 101.

[0072] On the other hand, if it is determined in S610 that the user operation is an instruction to shut down the print control device 102 alone, the process proceeds to S612. This shutdown instruction by user operation occurs, for example, when the screen information received from the print control device 102 in S606 is screen 661 in Fig. 6E and the user operates the operation unit 207 to press the shutdown button 662.

[0073] In S612, the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403 and instructs the NW control unit 404 to shut down the print control device 102 as a standalone unit. The process then proceeds to S613, where the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403 and instructs the video I / F 202 to set the PREADY signal to low level (PREADY OFF). The process then proceeds to S614, where the CPU 205 functions as the power control unit 405 and determines whether the CREADY signal has gone low level (CREADY OFF) by polling the video I / F 202. If it is determined that the CREADY signal has gone low level, the process proceeds to S615. In S615, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 401 and obtains information for the home screen 671 in FIG. 6F from the HDD 204 and displays it on the display 208. This home screen 671 displays a message 672 indicating that the standalone shutdown of the print control device 102, which is the print controller, has been completed. The process then ends.

[0074] According to this process, when the image forming apparatus receives an instruction to shut down the print control apparatus from the operation screen, the image forming apparatus can notify the print control apparatus of the instruction to shut down the print control apparatus.

[0075] 6B is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the print control device 102 according to embodiment 1. The processing shown in this flowchart starts when the power state of the print control device 102 is in a fully powered-on state, that is, when power is supplied to the system bus 220.

[0076] In S671, the CPU 231 functions as the NW control unit 411 and determines whether an operation request has been accepted from the image forming apparatus 101. If an operation request has been accepted, the process proceeds to S672. In S672, the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 414 and determines whether the accepted operation request is an instruction to shut down the print control apparatus 102 alone. If the accepted request is an operation request other than an instruction to shut down the print control apparatus 102 alone, the process proceeds to S673. In S673, the CPU 231 functions as the printer control unit 415 and performs processing corresponding to the accepted operation, and the process proceeds to S674. In S674, the CPU 231 functions as the printer control unit 415 and instructs the NW control unit 411 to transmit screen information to the image forming apparatus 101, including the execution result of the processing accepted from the operation request source, to be displayed on the display 208 of the image forming apparatus 101. The process then proceeds to S671.

[0077] On the other hand, in S672, the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 414, and if the received request is an operation request for standalone shutdown of the print control device 102, the process proceeds to S675. This shutdown process in S675 has already been explained in the flowchart of the print control device in FIG. 5A(b), so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0078] With this process, when the print control device receives an operation request from the image forming device, it can cause the image forming device to display the results of the processing performed in response to the request on the operation screen. Also, when it receives an operation request from the image forming device to shut down the print control device alone, it can execute the shutdown process for the print control device.

[0079] As described above, according to the first embodiment, if the print control device is in a shutdown state, an operation instruction for the print control device in the image forming apparatus can be used to start the print control device and issue an operation request for the print control device. Furthermore, if the operation instruction for the print control device is to shut down the print control device alone, the print control device can be shut down. This allows the user to use the image forming apparatus without being aware of the power state of the print control device.

[0080] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which an operation for connecting to the image forming apparatus 101 is performed on the information processing apparatus 103, and when the image forming apparatus 101 is connected to the print control apparatus 102, the print control apparatus 102 and the information processing apparatus 103 are connected. Note that the system configuration and the hardware configuration of each apparatus according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] 7A is a flowchart illustrating processing by the information processing device 103 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 281 loading a program stored in the HDD 283 into the memory 282 and executing it. Note that the flowcharts showing the processing of the information processing device 103 shown below are similar, and therefore their description will be omitted below. Furthermore, this processing starts when the power of the information processing device 103 is turned on.

[0082] The user specifies the external NW address of the image forming apparatus 101 using a web browser or the like, and initiates a connection to the image forming apparatus 101 using the HTTP protocol. As a result, in S701 the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423, determines that a connection to the image forming apparatus 101 has been initiated, and proceeds to S702. In S702, the CPU 281 functions as the NW control unit 421 and receives screen information from the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 281 then functions as the UI control unit 422, and displays the screen received from the image forming apparatus 101 on the display 285, and proceeds to S703.

[0083] FIG. 7D is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S702.

[0084] Screen 731 displays information about various accessories connected to the image forming apparatus 101. In addition, by clicking on the name of a function that the image forming apparatus 101 has displayed on the screen, the clicked function can be executed. Message 732 displays that the print control apparatus 102 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101. When the user operates the I / O device 284 to click on the character string "Print controller connection model" in message 732, it is determined that an instruction to operate the print control apparatus 102 has been issued, and the process proceeds to S704.

[0085] In S704, the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423 and also functions as the NW control unit 421, thereby requesting the image forming apparatus 101 to operate the print control apparatus 102. The process then proceeds to S705, where the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423 and waits to receive connection information for the print control apparatus 102 from the image forming apparatus 101, and upon receiving the connection information, the process proceeds to S706. In S706, the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423 and records the received connection information in the connection management table.

[0086] FIG. 7F is a diagram illustrating an example of a table 751 that manages the external NW addresses of the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 connected to the image forming apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0087] Now, let's assume that when the application control unit 423 accesses the external NW address "192.168.0.2" of the image forming apparatus 101, it receives information that the external NW address of the print control apparatus 102 is "192.168.0.220." As a result, this information is recorded in connection destination 1 of table 751, and the process proceeds to S707. In S707, the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423, and obtains and starts an application for controlling the print control apparatus 102 from the HDD 283. Then, the CPU 281 functions as the UI control unit 422, and displays an application screen for controlling the print control apparatus 102 on the display 285.

[0088] 7E is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in S707 on the display 285 of the information processing apparatus 103. In FIG. 7E, a screen 741 is a screen on the information processing apparatus 103 for accepting a print operation instruction from the operator.

[0089] Next, the process proceeds to S708, where the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423, accesses the table 751, and acquires the external NW address information of the print control device 102. The CPU 281 then notifies this information to the application for controlling the print control device 102, instructs the application to connect to the print control device 102, and ends this process. Specifically, a "Printer2" button 742 is displayed on the screen 741 so that the operator can perform printing operations on the print control device 102. In this way, the operator can operate the print control device 102 by pressing the "Printer2" button 742.

[0090] By this process, when connecting to an image forming apparatus, if the image forming apparatus is connected to a print control apparatus, the information processing apparatus can acquire the external NW address of the print control apparatus and connect to the print control apparatus.

[0091] 7B is a flowchart illustrating processing by the image forming apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment. This processing starts when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. As long as the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on, the processing shown in this flowchart is called and started again after it is completed.

[0092] In S711, the CPU 205 functions as the NW control unit 404, and upon receiving a connection request from the information processing device 103, the process proceeds to S712. This is due to S701 in FIG. 7A. In S712, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406, and collects accessory connection information, remaining toner amount information, and connection information with the print control device of the image forming device 101, and converts this information into screen information. The CPU 205 then functions as the NW control unit 404, and transmits this screen information to the information processing device 103, which is the sender of the connection request. This screen information is received by the information processing device 103 in S702.

[0093] Next, the process proceeds to S713, where the CPU 205 functions as the NW control unit 404. Upon receiving the request to operate the print control device 102 from the information processing device 103 issued in S704 described above, the process proceeds to S714. In S714, the CPU 205 functions as the power control unit 405 and instructs the video I / F 202 to check the state of the PREADY signal. If the PREADY signal is high (PREADY ON), the process proceeds to S717. On the other hand, if the PREADY signal is low (PREADY OFF), the process proceeds to S715. In S715, the CPU 205 functions as the power control unit 405 and instructs the video I / F 202 to set the PREADY signal to high (PREADY ON), and the process proceeds to S716. In S716, the CPU 205 functions as the power control unit 405 and determines by polling whether the CREADY signal is high (CREADY ON). If it is high, meaning the print control device 102 is running, the process proceeds to S717. In S717, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 402 and also functions as the NW control unit 404 to request external NW information from the print control device 102, and the process proceeds to S718. In S718, the CPU 205 functions as the NW control unit 404 to receive the external NW information of the print control device 102 from the print control device 102, and the process proceeds to S719. In S719, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and also functions as the NW control unit 404 to send the external NW information of the print control device 102 to the information processing device 103, and the process ends. This external NW information of the print control device 102 was received in S705 of FIG. 7A described above.

[0094] By this process, when the image forming apparatus 101 receives an operation request for the print control apparatus from the information processing apparatus, it can receive external NW information of the print control apparatus from the print control apparatus and notify the information processing apparatus.

[0095] 7C shows a flowchart for explaining processing by the print control device 102 according to embodiment 2. This processing starts when the power of the print control device 102 is turned on. That is, the processing starts when the power state of the print control device 102 is in a fully powered on state, that is, when power is supplied to the system bus 220.

[0096] In S721, the CPU 231 functions as the NW control unit 411, and upon receiving a request for external NW information from the image forming apparatus 101, the process proceeds to S722. This request was issued by the image forming apparatus 101 in S717 of FIG. 7B. In S722, the CPU 231 functions as the printer control unit 415, and transmits the IP address assigned to the LAN I / F 238 as external NW information to the image forming apparatus 101 by functioning as the NW control unit 411. This IP address is received by the image forming apparatus 101 in S718 of FIG. 7B. Then, in S723, the CPU 231 receives a connection request from a print control application running on the information processing apparatus 111, and the process proceeds to S724. In S724, the CPU 231 functions as the printer control unit 415, establishes a connection with the print control application, and ends this process. Thus, in S708 of FIG. 7A, a connection is established between the information processing apparatus 103 and the print control apparatus 102.

[0097] When the print control device 102 is in a shutdown state, S714 in Fig. 7B detects that the PREADY signal is at a low level (PREADY OFF), and S715 performs an operation to set the PREADY signal to a high level (PREADY ON). Accordingly, the print control device 102, which polls the PREADY signal, detects the high level of the PREADY signal and starts the startup process of the print control device 102 shown in Fig. 5B(b), causing the print control device 102 to enter a startup state. The details of this process have already been explained, so they will not be repeated here.

[0098] As described above, according to the second embodiment, an operation request can be issued to a print control device connected to an image forming device in response to an instruction from an information processing device. If the power status of the print control device is OFF at this time, the print control device can be started and then the operation request can be issued to the print control device. This has the advantage that the user can use the image forming device without being aware of the power status of the print control device.

[0099] [Embodiment 3] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the information processing device 103 starts up the image forming device 101 and the print control device 102 by accepting an operation to start up the print control device 102 from a shutdown state. Note that the system configuration and hardware configuration of each device according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating the startup process performed by the information processing apparatus 103, the image forming apparatus 101, and the print control apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment.

[0101] FIG. 8A(a) is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the information processing device 103.

[0102] FIG. 8C(a) is a diagram showing an example of a table 850 that stores MAC address information for each connection destination device, which is included in the information processing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment.

[0103] In this example, the MAC address of the LAN I / F 238 of the print control device 102 is registered as destination "2," the printer name is "High-End 1," and the MAC address is "00:00:6a:00:44:00." Now, when a user operates the I / O device 284 of the information processing device 103 to instruct the start of a program that starts the print control device 102 from a shutdown state, the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 8A(a) is started.

[0104] The user operates the I / O device 284 to issue an instruction to start the printer named "High-End 1" corresponding to the print control device 10. In response, in S801, the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423, accesses the table 850 stored in the HDD 283, and acquires the MAC address "00:00:6a:00:44:00" of the printer named "High-End 1." The process then proceeds to S802, where the CPU 281 functions as the NW control unit 421 and issues an instruction to send a WOL packet instructing device startup addressed to the MAC address "00:00:6a:00:44:00." The process then proceeds to S803, where the CPU 281 functions as the NW control unit 421, waits for a startup completion notification to be received from the print control device 102, and proceeds to S804. In S804, the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423 and also functions as the UI control unit 422, thereby notifying the display 285 of startup completion, and the process ends.

[0105] By this process, the information processing apparatus 103 can start up the print control apparatus 102 when it receives a start-up request for the print control apparatus 102 .

[0106] 8A(b) is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 101. The processing shown in this flowchart is started when the power of the image forming apparatus 101 is turned on. Furthermore, as long as the power of the image forming apparatus 101 is on, the processing shown in this flowchart is called and started again after completion.

[0107] In S811, the CPU 205 functions as the power supply control unit 405, determines by polling whether the CREADY signal is at a high level (CREADY ON), and if a high level is detected, proceeds to S812. In S812, the CPU 205 functions as the power supply control unit 405, sets the PREADY signal 306 to a high level (PREADY ON), and proceeds to S813. In S813, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and also as the NW control unit 404, and when it receives a notification of startup completion from the print control device 102, this process ends.

[0108] As a result, when the image forming apparatus 101 detects that the print control apparatus 102 has started up, it can notify the print control apparatus 102 that the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on.

[0109] 8A(c) is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the print control device 102. The print control device 102 checks whether the LAN I / F unit 238, which is powered even when the print control device 102 is in a shutdown state, receives a WOL packet and whether the destination matches its own. The print control device 102 also stores in table 851 that its own MAC address is "00:00:6a:00:44:00."

[0110] FIG. 8C(b) is a diagram showing an example of a table 851 that stores the MAC address of the print control apparatus 102 held by the print control apparatus 102. As shown in FIG.

[0111] When the LAN I / F unit 238 receives the WOL packet transmitted from the information processing device 103 in S802, it checks whether it matches its own MAC address "00:00:6a:00:44:00." If they match, power is supplied to the system bus 220 via the power control unit 239, and the processing shown in this flowchart is started.

[0112] In S821, the CPU 231 functions as the startup control unit 413, instructs the video I / F 236 to set the CREADY signal to high level (CREADY ON), and proceeds to S822. In S822, the CPU 231 functions as the power supply control unit 412, determines by polling whether the PREADY signal is high level (PREADY ON), and proceeds to S823 if a high level is detected. In S823, the CPU 231 functions as the printer control unit 415 and also functions as the NW control unit 411 to notify the image forming apparatus 101 of startup completion. The process then proceeds to S824, where the CPU 231 functions as the NW control unit 411, notifies the information processing apparatus 103 of startup completion, and this process ends.

[0113] With this processing, when the print control device 102 is powered off, it starts up when it receives a WOL packet from an external network, waits for the image forming device 101 to start up, and then notifies the image forming device 101 and the information processing device 103 that startup is complete.

[0114] FIG. 8B is a flowchart illustrating the process at the start-up of the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment.

[0115] In this example, the information processing device 103 sends a WOL packet to the external NW port of the print control device 102, but the details of this have already been explained in the flowchart of the information processing device 103 in FIG. 8A(a), so they will not be repeated here.

[0116] 8B(a) is a flowchart illustrating processing by the image forming apparatus 101 according to the third embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is started when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. As long as the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on, the processing is called and started again after the processing of this flowchart is completed.

[0117] FIG. 8C(c) is a diagram showing an example of a table 852 that stores external NW address information of the print control device 102 that the image forming device 101 has.

[0118] The image forming apparatus 101 acquires the IP address of the external NW of the print control apparatus 102 via the internal LAN at the time of link-up and stores it in the table 852 so that it can communicate with the print control apparatus 102 via the network after startup.

[0119] In S831, the CPU 205 functions as the NW control unit 404, and upon receiving a startup notification from the print control device 102 via the network, the process proceeds to S832. In S832, the CPU 205 functions as the power supply control unit 405, sets the PREADY signal 306 to a high level (PREADY ON), and proceeds to S833. In S833, the CPU 205 functions as the power supply control unit 405, and upon detecting a high level (CREADY ON) of the CREADY signal by polling, the process proceeds to S834. In S834, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406, and upon receiving a startup completion notification from the print control device 102 by functioning as the NW control unit 404, the process ends.

[0120] By this process, when the image forming apparatus 101 is requested to start up the print control apparatus 102 via the network, it can start up the print control apparatus 102 by turning on the PREADY signal and transmitting it to the print control apparatus 102 .

[0121] FIG. 8B(b) is a flowchart describing processing by the print control device 102 according to the third embodiment. The LAN I / F unit 238, which is powered even when the print control device 102 is in a shutdown state, receives the WOL packet and checks whether the destination matches its own. It also stores its own MAC address, "00:00:6a:00:44:00," in table 851. When the LAN I / F unit 238 receives the WOL packet, it checks whether the MAC address matches its own MAC address, "00:00:6a:00:44:00." If they match, it supplies power to the system bus 220 via the power control unit 239, starting this flow.

[0122] 8C(d) is a table that stores external NW address information of the image forming apparatus 101 that the print control apparatus 102 has. After the image forming apparatus 101 starts up, the IP address of the external NW of the image forming apparatus 101 is acquired via the internal LAN at the time of link-up and stored in the table 853 so that network communication with the print control apparatus 102 is possible.

[0123] In S841, the CPU 231 obtains the IP address "192.168.0.110" of the external NW of the image forming apparatus 101 from the table 853. Then, the CPU 231 functions as the NW control unit 411, notifies the image forming apparatus 101 that the print control apparatus 102 has started to start up, and proceeds to S842. In S842, the CPU 231 functions as the power supply control unit 412, determines by polling whether the PREADY signal is at a high level (PREADY ON), and if a high level is detected, functions as the start-up control unit 413 and proceeds to S843. In S843, the CPU 231 sets the CREADY signal to a high level (CREADY ON), and proceeds to S844. In S844, the CPU 231 functions as the printer control unit 415, and also functions as the NW control unit 411, thereby notifying the image forming apparatus 101 that start-up has been completed. Next, the process proceeds to step S845, where the CPU 231 functions as the printer control unit 415 and also functions as the NW control unit 411 to notify the information processing apparatus 103 of the completion of startup, and then this process ends.

[0124] With this process, when the power state of the print control device is in the shutdown state, if a WOL packet is received on the external NW of the print control device, the start-up process is executed, and when the start-up is complete, the image forming device and the information processing device can be notified.

[0125] FIG. 8D is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the information processing apparatus 103 and the image forming apparatus 101 according to the third embodiment.

[0126] FIG. 8D(a) is a flowchart illustrating processing by the information processing device 103 according to the third embodiment.

[0127] 8E(a) is a diagram showing an example of a table 881 that stores IP address information of the external NW of the print control device 1020 included in the information processing device 103. In this example, the description will be given assuming that the IP address of the LAN I / F 238 is "192.168.0.220."

[0128] The process shown in this flowchart begins when a user operates the I / O device 284 of the information processing device 103 to instruct the startup of a program that starts the device from a shutdown state. When a user operates the I / O device 284 to instruct the startup of the information processing device 102, the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423 and accesses a table 881 stored in the HDD 283. The CPU 281 then acquires the IP address "192.168.0.220" of the external NW of the print control device 102. The process then proceeds to S862, where the CPU 281 functions as the NW control unit 421 and broadcasts an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) request addressed to the IP address "192.168.0.220" to the external NW. The process then proceeds to S863, where the CPU 281 functions as the NW control unit 421 and waits to receive a startup completion notification of the print control device 102 from the image forming device 101. Upon receiving the notification, the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423 and proceeds to S864. In S864, the CPU 281 functions as the application control unit 423 and also as the UI control unit 422, thereby notifying the I / O device 284 and display 285 that issued the startup request of startup completion, and this process ends.

[0129] By this process, when the information processing apparatus 103 receives a start-up instruction during shutdown, it can start up the print control apparatus 102 via the external NW of the print control apparatus 102.

[0130] 8D(b) is a flowchart illustrating processing by the image forming apparatus 101 according to the third embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is started when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. As long as the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on, the processing is called and started again after the processing in this flowchart ends.

[0131] FIG. 8E(b) is a diagram showing an example of a table 891 that stores IP address information in the external NW of the print control apparatus 102 included in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the third embodiment.

[0132] When the print control device 102 is running, the image forming device 101 acquires the IP address of the external NW of the print control device 102 via the internal LAN and stores it in table 891. In S871, the CPU 205 functions as the NW control unit 404, and upon receiving an ARP request broadcast packet from the information processing device 103, accesses table 891. Then, it checks whether the destination information in the packet matches the IP address of the external NW of the print control device 102, and if it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to S872. In S872, the CPU 205 functions as the power supply control unit 405, sets the PREADY signal 306 to a high level (PREADY ON), and proceeds to S873. In S873, the CPU 205 functions as the power supply control unit 405, and upon detecting a high level (CREADY ON) of the CREADY signal by polling, the process proceeds to S874. In S874, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and also as the NW control unit 404, and when it receives a notification of startup completion from the print control device 102, it proceeds to S875. In S875, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and also as the NW control unit 404, and notifies the information processing device 103 of the startup completion of the print control device 102, and this process ends.

[0133] When the print control device 102 is in a shutdown state, the PREADY signal goes high (PREADY ON) at S872 in the flowchart for the image forming device 101. This causes the print control device 102, which polls the PREADY signal, to detect the high level of the PREADY signal, start the processing shown in the flowchart for the print control device 102 in Figure 5B(b), and put the print control device 102 into a startup state. The details of this have already been explained, so they will not be repeated here.

[0134] This process allows the print control device to start up when it receives a request from the information processing device to start up the print control device from a shutdown state, and the image forming device to start up the print control device when it receives a request from the information processing device to start up the print control device from a shutdown state.

[0135] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus and the print control apparatus can be started by issuing a start instruction to the print control apparatus from the information processing apparatus.

[0136] [Embodiment 4] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 operates by detecting the switching of the CREADY signal between a low level (CREADY OFF) and a high level (CREADY ON) as a trigger. The print control apparatus 102 operates by detecting the switching of the PREADY signal between a low level (PREADY OFF) and a high level (PREADY ON) as a trigger. In this manner, the image forming apparatus 101 starts up the print control apparatus 102 by switching the PREADY signal between a low level (PREADY OFF) and a high level (PREADY ON). Note that the system configuration and the hardware configuration of each apparatus according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0137] FIG. 9A is a flowchart illustrating the process at the time of shutdown in the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0138] FIG. 9A(a) is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0139] The processing shown in this flowchart begins when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. When the user turns off the seesaw switch for the power supply, in S901 the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403, detects that the power has been turned off, and proceeds to S902. In S902, the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403 and instructs the video I / F 202 to switch the PREADY signal from high level (PREADY ON) to low level (PREADY OFF). Next, the processing proceeds to S903, where the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403, performs shutdown processing for the image forming apparatus 101, and ends this processing.

[0140] 9A(b) is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the print control device 102 according to the fourth embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is started when power is supplied to the system bus 220. As long as power is supplied to the system bus 220, the processing is called and started again after the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0141] In S911, the CPU 231 functions as the power control unit 412, and when it detects by polling that the PREADY signal has switched from high level (PREADY ON) to low level (PREADY OFF), the process proceeds to S912. In S912, the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 414, and instructs the video I / F 236 to switch the CREADY signal from high level (PREADY ON) to low level (CREADY OFF). The process then proceeds to S913, where the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 403, performs shutdown processing for the print control device 102, and ends this process.

[0142] When the image forming apparatus 101 is shut down through the above process, the print control apparatus 102 also performs a shutdown process.

[0143] FIG. 9B is a flowchart illustrating the startup process of the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0144] FIG. 9B(a) is a flowchart illustrating the startup process of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0145] This process begins when the image forming apparatus 101 is powered on. When the user turns on the seesaw switch for the power supply, the CPU 205 functions as the startup control unit 402 and performs startup processing for the image forming apparatus 101 in S921. The CPU 205 then functions as the UI control unit 401, acquires screen information for screen 541 in FIG. 5C from the HDD 204, and displays it on the display 208. The process then proceeds to S922, where the CPU 205 functions as the startup control unit 402 and instructs the video I / F 202 to switch the PREADY signal from low level (PREADY OFF) to high level (PREADY ON), thereby ending this process.

[0146] FIG. 9B(b) is a flowchart illustrating the startup process of the print control apparatus 102 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0147] When the print control device 102 is in a shutdown state, the power supply control unit 239 supplies power to the video I / F 236 via the system bus 221. This causes the video I / F 236 to check the state of PREADY by polling. When the video I / F 236 detects through polling that PREADY has switched from OFF to ON, it notifies the power supply control unit 239. In response to this, the power supply control unit 239 begins supplying power to the system bus 220. This starts the startup process of the print control device 102, and the process shown in this flowchart begins.

[0148] In S931, the CPU 231 functions as the startup control unit 413 and performs startup processing for the print control device 102. Then, the process proceeds to S932, where the CPU 231 functions as the startup control unit 413 and instructs the video I / F 236 to switch the CREADY signal from low level (CREADY OFF) to high level (CREADY ON), and this process ends.

[0149] 9C is a flowchart illustrating the startup and shutdown processing of the print control device 102 by the image forming device 101 according to the fourth embodiment. This processing is started when the image forming device 101 is powered on. As long as the image forming device 101 is powered on, the processing of this flowchart is called and started again after it has finished. Compared to the flowchart of the image forming device 101 shown in FIG. 6A, this flowchart is characterized by the operation portion triggered by switching of the video signals (PREADY, CREADY), and therefore the following description will focus on that portion.

[0150] When the user performs a touch operation on the display 208, the CPU 205 functions as the UI control unit 401, detects this, obtains screen information for the home screen 641 in Fig. 6C from the HDD 204, and displays it on the display 208. Furthermore, when the user presses the print controller button 642 on the screen 641, the UI control unit 401 advances the process from S941 to S942.

[0151] FIG. 9E is a diagram showing an example of a table 971 that stores information about the power supply state of the print control device 102 included in the image forming device 101 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0152] In S942, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and accesses this table 971 to check the power status of the print control device 102. If the power to the print control device 102 is ON, the process proceeds to S946, and if the power to the print control device 102 is OFF, the process proceeds to S943. In S943, the CPU 205 functions as the startup control unit 402 and instructs the video I / F 202 to switch the PREADY signal from high level (PREADY ON) to low level (PREADY OFF). The process then proceeds to S944, where the CPU 205 functions as the startup control unit 402 and instructs the video I / F 202 to switch the PREADY signal from low level (PREADY OFF) to high level (PREADY ON), and the process proceeds to S945. In S945, the CPU 205 functions as the power supply control unit 405, and when it detects by polling that the CREADY signal has changed from low level (CREADY OFF) to high level (CREADY ON), it proceeds to S946. From this point on, the process proceeds from S946 to S953, but this process has already been explained in S605 to S612 of FIG. 6A and will therefore not be repeated here.

[0153] In S953, the CPU 205 functions as the shutdown control unit 403 and as the NW control unit 404, thereby instructing the print control device 102 to shut down independently. The process then proceeds to S954. In S954, the CPU 205 functions as the power control unit 405 and waits for the CREADY signal to switch from high level (PREADY ON) to low level (CREADY OFF) by polling the video I / F 202. When the CREADY signal changes from high level to low level, the process proceeds to S955, where the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and accesses table 971 to set the power state of the print control device 102 to "OFF." The CPU 205 then functions as the UI control unit 401, obtains the home screen 671 shown in FIG. 6F from the HDD 204, and displays it on the display 208. A message 672 on this home screen 671 indicates that the print control device 102, which is the print controller, has been shut down independently. The process then ends.

[0154] By this process, when the image forming apparatus 101 instructs the print control apparatus 102 to shut down, the image forming apparatus 101 can instruct the print control apparatus 102 to shut down by itself.

[0155] FIG. 9D is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the print control device 102 according to the fourth embodiment. This processing starts when the power of the print control device 102 is turned on. Compared to the flowchart of the print control device 102 in FIG. 6B, this flowchart is characterized by the operation control portion triggered by switching of the video signal (PREADY, CREADY), and therefore this portion will be focused on in the description. Note that the processing of S961 to S964 in FIG. 9D is the same as S671 to S674 in FIG. 6B, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0156] In S962, the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 414 and determines whether the received request is an operation request for standalone shutdown of the print control device 102, and if so, proceeds to S965. In S965, the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 414 and instructs the video I / F 236 to switch the CREADY signal from high level (CREADY ON) to low level (CREADY OFF). The process then proceeds to S966, where the CPU 231 functions as the shutdown control unit 403 and performs shutdown processing of the print control device 102, terminating this process.

[0157] According to this process, the image forming apparatus can shut down the print control apparatus by switching the PREADY signal from high level to low level and then to high level (PREADY ON).

[0158] FIG. 9F is a flowchart illustrating the startup process in the image forming apparatus 101 and the print control apparatus 102 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0159] Fig. 9F(a) is a flowchart illustrating the startup process of the print control device 102 by the image forming device 101 according to the fourth embodiment. This process starts when the power of the image forming device 101 is turned on. As long as the power of the image forming device 101 is on, the process is called and started again after the end of this flowchart. Compared to the flowchart of the image forming device 101 in Fig. 8A(b), this flowchart is characterized by the operation control portion triggered by switching of the video signals (PREADY, CREADY), and therefore the following description will focus on this portion.

[0160] In S981, the CPU 205 functions as the power supply control unit 405 and determines by polling whether the CREADY signal has changed from low level (CREADY OFF) to high level (CREADY ON). If it detects that the signal has changed from low level to high level, the process proceeds to S982. The processing of S982 has already been explained in S813 of the flowchart for the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 8A(b), so it will not be repeated here.

[0161] As a result, the image forming apparatus is automatically started when the print control apparatus is started.

[0162] Fig. 9F(b) is a flowchart explaining the processing at the time of startup of the print control device 102 according to the fourth embodiment. This flowchart is characterized by the operation control portion triggered by switching of the video signal (PREADY, CREADY) as compared with the flowchart of the print control device 102 in Fig. 8A(c), and therefore the flowchart will be explained focusing on that portion.

[0163] The LAN I / F unit 238, which is powered even when the print control device 102 is in a shutdown state, receives the WOL packet. The table 851 in FIG. 8C(b) stores the MAC address of the print control device 102 as "00:00:6a:00:44:00." When the LAN I / F unit 238 receives the WOL packet, it checks whether it matches the MAC address of the print control device 102, "00:00:6a:00:44:00." If they match, it supplies power to the system bus 220 via the power control unit 239, starting the processing shown in this flowchart.

[0164] In S991, the CPU 231 functions as the startup control unit 413 and instructs the video I / F 236 to switch the CREADY signal from low level (CREADY OFF) to high level (CREADY ON). Then, the process proceeds to S992. The process thereafter proceeds to S992 and S993, but the details have already been explained in S823 and S824 in the flowchart of the print control device 102 in FIG. 8A(c), so they will not be repeated here.

[0165] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the power state of the print control device is in the shutdown state, the image forming device can start up the print control device by switching the PREADY signal. Also, when the power state of the print control device is in the shutdown state, the print control device can start up by receiving a WOL packet, and the image forming device can be started up.

[0166] [Embodiment 5] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which, when a user using the image forming device 101 is also a user using the print control device 102, if the print control device 102 is not running, the print control device 102 can be started. Note that the system configuration and hardware configuration of each device according to the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0167] 10A is a flowchart illustrating processing by the server 111 according to embodiment 5. The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 291 loading a program stored in the HDD 293 into the memory 292 and executing it. This processing starts when the server 111 is powered on.

[0168] FIG. 10C is a diagram showing an example of the table 1031 storing the user type for each user ID managed by the server 111 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0169] For example, the user with user ID "0001" has a user type of "Office," which indicates that the user uses only the image forming device 101. The user with user ID "0003" has a user type of "Operator," which indicates that the user uses both the image forming device 101 and the print control device 102.

[0170] In S1001, the CPU 291 functions as the NW control unit 432, and upon receiving a user authentication request from the image forming apparatus 101, the process proceeds to S1002. In S1002, the CPU 291 functions as the ID management unit 431 and performs authentication processing. This authentication method may use a user account and password, but is not limited to this. Once the authentication processing is completed, the process proceeds to S1003, where the CPU 291 functions as the ID management unit 431 and accesses table 1031 in FIG. 10C to obtain the user type for the authenticated user ID. Then, the CPU 291 functions as the NW control unit 432 and transmits the authentication result to the image forming apparatus 101, thereby terminating this process.

[0171] 10B is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the fifth embodiment. This processing is started when the power of the image forming apparatus 101 is turned ON. As long as the power of the image forming apparatus 101 is ON, the processing of this flowchart is called and started again after completion of the processing.

[0172] In S1011, when the CPU 205 accepts a login authentication request to the image forming apparatus 101 by the user operating the operation unit 207, the process proceeds to S1012. In S1012, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and also functions as the NW control unit to request user authentication from the server 111. This authentication can be performed using a user account and password, but the authentication method is not limited to this. After the authentication request, the process proceeds to S1013, and the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and also functions as the NW control unit 404 to receive the authentication result, and then proceeds to S1014. In S1014, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and checks the user type included in the received authentication result. If the user type is "Office," it is determined that the user is a user who uses only the image forming apparatus 101, and the process proceeds to S1015. In S1015, the CPU 205 functions as the copier control unit 406 and also functions as the UI control unit 401 to obtain screen information for the screen 541 in FIG. 5C from the HDD 204 and display it on the display 208, thereby terminating this process.

[0173] On the other hand, if the user type included in the authentication result is "Operator" in S1014, it is determined that the user is using the print control apparatus 102, and the process proceeds to S1016. From this point on, the process proceeds from S1016 to S1020, but the details are omitted here because they have already been explained in S602 to S606 in the flowchart for the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 6A.

[0174] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the user authenticated in the image forming device is a user who will use the print control device, and if the user is a user who will use the print control device, the print control device can be started up and made usable.

[0175] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0176] This specification and drawings disclose the following printing system, image forming apparatus and its control method, and program.

[0177] [Item 1] A printing system having an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus, the image forming apparatus, an interface means for controlling an interface with the print control device via a cable including a first signal line indicating a power supply state of the image forming device and a second signal line indicating a power supply state of the print control device; When an operation of the print control device is instructed, if the second signal line indicates that the power of the print control device is ON, the print control device is requested to provide information for controlling the print control device; and a first control means for controlling the printing control device to notify the printing control device that the image forming device is powered on via the first signal line when the second signal line indicates that the printing control device is powered off, The print control device includes: a second control means for controlling the printing control device to start up in response to the first signal line indicating a power-on state when the power of the printing control device is off; A printing system comprising:

[0178] [Item 2] the information for controlling the print control device is screen information for controlling the print control device, 2. The printing system according to item 1, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises an operation unit that displays a screen based on the screen information and accepts user operations via the screen.

[0179] [Item 3] 3. The printing system according to item 2, wherein the instruction to operate the printing control device is an instruction from the operating means.

[0180] [Item 4] When the operation means instructs the printing control device to shut down, the first control means notifies the printing control device via the first signal line that the power supply of the image forming device is turned off; The printing system described in item 2 or 3, characterized in that the second control means controls the printing control device to shut down when the first signal line indicates that the power of the image forming device is OFF.

[0181] [Item 5] The printing system described in item 3 or 4 is characterized in that the first control means causes the operation means to display that the printing control device has been shut down when the second signal line indicates that the power to the printing control device is OFF.

[0182] [Item 6] Further comprising an information processing device connected via a network, 6. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits screen information indicating a status of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus in response to a request from the information processing apparatus.

[0183] [Item 7] 7. The printing system according to item 6, wherein an instruction to operate the print control device is given from the information processing device via a screen that displays screen information indicating the status of the image forming device.

[0184] [Item 8] 8. The printing system according to item 7, wherein the image forming device transmits connection information of the print control device to the information processing device in response to an instruction to operate the print control device from the information processing device.

[0185] [Item 9] the print control device is connected to the network; The printing system described in any one of items 6 to 8, characterized in that when the second control means receives an instruction to turn the power ON from the information processing device via the network when the power of the printing control device is OFF, it starts the printing control device and sets the second signal line to a state where the power of the printing control device is ON.

[0186] [Item 10] The second control means further notifies the image forming device via the network that the print control device has started up; 10. The printing system according to item 9, wherein the first control means sets the first signal line to a state in which the power of the image forming apparatus is ON based on the notification.

[0187] [Item 11] The printing system described in any one of items 6 to 10 is characterized in that when the first control means receives an instruction to turn on the power of the printing control device via the network when the power of the printing control device is off, it sets the first signal line to a state in which the image forming device is powered on and starts up the printing control device.

[0188] [Item 12] the first control means, when instructed to shut down the print control device, instructs the print control device to shut down by switching the first signal line to a state indicating that the power of the image forming device is turned off from ON; The printing system described in any one of items 1 to 11 is characterized in that the second control means shuts down the print control device by switching the first signal line to a state indicating that the power of the image forming device is ON to OFF, and starts up the print control device by switching the first signal line to a state indicating that the power of the image forming device is OFF to ON.

[0189] [Item 13] The printing system described in item 6 is characterized in that when the power of the printing control device is OFF, upon receiving a startup instruction via the network, the second control means sets the second signal line to a state indicating that the power of the printing control device is ON, thereby keeping the power state of the printing control device ON.

[0190] [Item 14] a server for authenticating users; the first control means, when the user authenticated by the server is a user who uses the print control device, requests information for controlling the print control device from the print control device if the power supply of the print control device is ON; 14. The printing system according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein when the power supply of the print control device is OFF, the first signal line is set to a state in which the power supply of the image forming device is ON.

[0191] [Item 15] An image forming apparatus connected to a print control device, an interface means for controlling an interface with the print control device via a cable including a first signal line indicating a power supply state of the image forming device and a second signal line indicating a power supply state of the print control device; When an operation of the print control device is instructed, if the second signal line indicates that the power of the print control device is ON, the print control device is requested to provide information for controlling the print control device; a control means for controlling the printing control device to notify the printing control device that the image forming device is powered on via the first signal line when the second signal line indicates that the printing control device is powered off; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0192] [Item 16] the information for controlling the print control device is screen information for controlling the print control device, Item 16. The image forming apparatus according to item 15, further comprising an operation unit that displays a screen based on the screen information and accepts user operations via the screen.

[0193] [Item 17] Item 17. The image forming apparatus according to item 16, wherein the instruction to operate the print control device is an instruction from the operating means.

[0194] [Item 18] The image forming device described in item 16 or 17, characterized in that when the operation means instructs the printing control device to shut down, the control means shuts down the printing control device by notifying the printing control device that the power of the image forming device is turned off via the first signal line.

[0195] [Item 19] The image forming apparatus described in any one of items 16 to 18, characterized in that the control means causes the operation means to display that the print control device has been shut down when the second signal line indicates that the power of the print control device is OFF.

[0196] [Item 20] Further comprising a connection means for connecting to a network, The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 15 to 19, characterized in that the control unit transmits screen information indicating the status of the image forming apparatus to the sender of the request in response to a request via the connection unit.

[0197] [Item 21] Item 21. The image forming apparatus according to item 20, wherein the operation instruction for the print control device is given from the sender via a screen that displays screen information showing the status of the image forming apparatus.

[0198] [Item 22] 22. The image forming apparatus according to item 21, further comprising a means for transmitting connection information of the print control apparatus to the transmission source in response to an instruction from the operation of the print control apparatus.

[0199] [Item 23] The print control device is connected to the network, and when the print control device notifies the user via the network that the print control device has started up, 23. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 20 to 22, wherein the control unit sets the first signal line to a state indicating that the power of the image forming apparatus is ON based on the notification.

[0200] [Item 24] The image forming apparatus described in any one of items 20 to 23, characterized in that when the control means receives an instruction to turn on the power of the print control device via the network when the power of the print control device is off, it sets the first signal line to a state in which the image forming apparatus is powered on and starts up the print control device.

[0201] [Item 25] The image forming device described in any one of items 15 to 24, characterized in that when the control means is instructed to shut down the print control device, it instructs the print control device to shut down by switching the first signal line to a state indicating that the power of the image forming device is ON to OFF.

[0202] [Item 26] the control means, when the authenticated user is a user who uses the print control device, requests information for controlling the print control device from the print control device when the power supply of the print control device is ON; 26. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 15 to 25, wherein when the power supply of the print control apparatus is OFF, the first signal line is set to a state in which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is ON.

[0203] [Item 27] A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a print control apparatus, comprising: an interface step in which an interface means of the image forming device controls an interface with the print control device via a cable including a first signal line indicating a power supply state of the image forming device and a second signal line indicating a power supply state of the print control device; When an instruction to operate the print control device is received, if the second signal line indicates that the power supply of the print control device is ON, the control means of the image forming device requests information for controlling the print control device from the print control device; a control step of controlling the printing control device to notify the printing control device that the image forming device is powered on via the first signal line when the second signal line indicates that the printing control device is powered off; A control method comprising:

[0204] [Item 28] 28. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the control method described in Item 27.

[0205] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0206] 101...image forming apparatus, 102...print control apparatus, 103...information processing apparatus (client PC), 111...server, 401, 422...UI control unit, 402, 413...startup control unit, 403, 414...shutdown control unit, 404, 411, 421, 432...NW control unit, 405, 412...power control unit, 406...copier control unit, 415...printer control unit, 423...application control unit, 431...ID management unit

Claims

1. A printing system having an image forming apparatus and a print control apparatus, the image forming apparatus, an interface means for controlling an interface with the print control device via a cable including a first signal line indicating a power supply state of the image forming device and a second signal line indicating a power supply state of the print control device; When an operation of the print control device is instructed, if the second signal line indicates that the power of the print control device is ON, the print control device is requested to provide information for controlling the print control device; a first control means for controlling the image forming apparatus to notify the print control apparatus that the power supply of the image forming apparatus is ON via the first signal line when the second signal line indicates that the power supply of the print control apparatus is OFF; The print control device includes: a second control means for controlling the printing control device to start up in response to the first signal line indicating that the power is ON when the power of the printing control device is OFF; A printing system comprising:

2. the information for controlling the print control device is screen information for controlling the print control device, 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises an operation unit that displays a screen based on the screen information and accepts an operation from a user via the screen.

3. 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the instruction to operate the print control device is an instruction from the operating means.

4. When the operation means instructs the printing control device to shut down, the first control means notifies the printing control device via the first signal line that the power supply of the image forming device is turned off; 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the second control means controls the print control device to shut down when the first signal line indicates that the power supply to the image forming device is OFF.

5. The printing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the first control means causes the operation means to display that the printing control device has been shut down when the second signal line indicates that the power to the printing control device is OFF.

6. Further comprising an information processing device connected via a network, 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits screen information indicating a state of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus in response to a request from the information processing apparatus.

7. 7. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein an instruction to operate the print control device is given from the information processing device via a screen that displays screen information indicating the status of the image forming device.

8. 8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits connection information for the print control apparatus to the information processing apparatus in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus to operate the print control apparatus.

9. the print control device is connected to the network; The printing system described in claim 6, characterized in that when the second control means receives an instruction to turn on the power from the information processing device via the network when the power of the printing control device is off, it starts up the printing control device and sets the second signal line to a state in which the power of the printing control device is on.

10. The second control means further notifies the image forming device via the network that the print control device has started up; 10. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the first control unit sets the first signal line to a state indicating that the image forming apparatus is powered on based on the notification.

11. The printing system described in claim 6, characterized in that when the first control means receives an instruction to turn on the power of the printing control device via the network when the power of the printing control device is off, it sets the first signal line to a state in which the image forming device is powered on and starts up the printing control device.

12. the first control means, when instructed to shut down the print control device, instructs the print control device to shut down by switching the first signal line to a state indicating that the power of the image forming device is turned off from ON; The printing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the second control means shuts down the print control device when the first signal line switches to a state indicating that the power of the image forming device is turned from ON to OFF, and starts up the print control device when the first signal line switches to a state indicating that the power of the image forming device is turned from OFF to ON.

13. The printing system described in claim 6, characterized in that when the power of the printing control device is OFF and a startup instruction is received via the network, the second control means sets the second signal line to a state indicating that the power of the printing control device is ON, thereby keeping the power state of the printing control device ON.

14. a server for authenticating users; the first control means, when the user authenticated by the server is a user who uses the print control device, requests information for controlling the print control device from the print control device if the power of the print control device is ON; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the power supply of the print control device is OFF, the first signal line is set to a state in which the power supply of the image forming device is ON.

15. An image forming apparatus connected to a print control device, an interface means for controlling an interface with the print control device via a cable including a first signal line indicating a power supply state of the image forming device and a second signal line indicating a power supply state of the print control device; When an operation of the print control device is instructed, if the second signal line indicates that the power of the print control device is ON, the print control device is requested to provide information for controlling the print control device; a control means for controlling the printing control device to notify the printing control device that the image forming device is powered on via the first signal line when the second signal line indicates that the printing control device is powered off; An image forming apparatus comprising:

16. the information for controlling the print control device is screen information for controlling the print control device, 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an operation unit that displays a screen based on the screen information and accepts an operation from a user via the screen.

17. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the instruction to operate the print control device is an instruction from the operating unit.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that when the operation means instructs the printing control device to shut down, the control means shuts down the printing control device by notifying the printing control device via the first signal line that the power of the image forming apparatus is OFF.

19. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the control unit causes the operation unit to display a message indicating that the print control device has been shut down when the second signal line indicates that the power to the print control device is OFF.

20. Further comprising a connection means for connecting to a network, 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control unit transmits screen information indicating the status of the image forming apparatus to a sender of the request in response to a request made via the connection unit.

21. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the instruction to operate the print control apparatus is given from the sender via a screen that displays screen information indicating the status of the image forming apparatus.

22. 22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a means for transmitting connection information of said print control apparatus to said transmission source in response to an instruction from an operation of said print control apparatus.

23. The print control device is connected to the network, and when the print control device notifies the user via the network that the print control device has started up, 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control unit sets the first signal line to a state indicating that the power of the image forming apparatus is ON based on the notification.

24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that when the control means receives an instruction to turn on the power of the print control device via the network when the power of the print control device is off, it sets the first signal line to a state in which the image forming apparatus is powered on and starts up the print control device.

25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, when the control means is instructed to shut down the print control device, it instructs the print control device to shut down by switching the first signal line to a state indicating that the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off from ON.

26. When the authenticated user is a user who uses the print control device, and when the power supply of the print control device is ON, the control means requests information for controlling the print control device from the print control device; 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, when the power supply of the print control apparatus is OFF, the first signal line is set to a state in which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is ON.

27. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a print control apparatus, comprising: an interface step in which an interface means of the image forming apparatus controls an interface with the print control device via a cable including a first signal line indicating a power supply state of the image forming apparatus and a second signal line indicating a power supply state of the print control device; When an instruction to operate the print control device is received, if the second signal line indicates that the power supply of the print control device is ON, the control means of the image forming device requests information for controlling the print control device from the print control device; a control step of controlling the printing control device to notify the printing control device that the image forming device is powered on via the first signal line when the second signal line indicates that the printing control device is powered off; A control method comprising:

28. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 27.

Images