Patent Application
20070177919
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an image forming apparatus, a data processing method thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program of the method in which a command transmitted from a computer connected via a network is processed
2. Description of the Related Art
In the printing system shown in FIG. if the image forming apparatus 12 prints an image; however, the computer 11 may obtain information From the image forming apparatus 12 or may operate the image forming apparatus 12. For example the computer 11 obtains the size of a paper feeding tray loaded in the image forming apparatus 12 and can set an environmental variable of the image forming apparatus 12. The above is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
In Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus 12 transmits printing status to the computer 11 which status shows output unit price information functions of the apparatus, ability of the apparatus, and information in the apparatus. The computer 11 can obtain the printing status from plural image forming apparatuses (not shown) and can request a print job from an image forming apparatus whose output unit price is low.
[Patent Document 1 ] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-229001
The image forming apparatus 12 includes a device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) for storing print data, setting information of a print jobs and so on. Generally, when a user does not operate the apparatus for a certain period, the power consumption of the device is reduced by using an energy saving mode.
When the command processing section 22 receives a command from the computer 11 (S1) the command processing section 22 informs the device controlling section 23 of a device having information designated by the command and starts up the device when the device is in a standby mode (S2) After starting up the device, for example, an HDD, that is, after several seconds or some tens of seconds, the device controlling section 23 informs the command processing section 22 of the start-up of the HDD (S3). The command processing section 22 requests the command interpreting section 21 to interpret the command (S4).
The command interpreting section 21 interprets the command and requests the command processing section 22 to process the command based on the interpretation of the command (S5). The command processing section 22 processes the command. That is, the command processing section 22 obtains the information designated by the command from the device (HDD) via the device controlling section 23
However, in the sequence chart shown in
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, a data processing method thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program of the method, in which a time-out problem does not occur even if a device has not been started up in which device information designated by a command is stored.
Features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention according to the teachings provided in the description. Features and advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by an image forming apparatus, a data processing method thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program of the method particularly pointed out in the specification in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention.
To achieve one or more of these and other advantages, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a data receiving section connected to a computer via a network for receiving a command from the computer, a command processing section for processing the command received by the data receiving section a command interpreting section for interpreting the command, and a data transmitting section for transmitting device information obtained by the command processing section. The command processing section requests the command interpreting section to interpret the command before completing a start-up of a device from which the command processing section obtains the device information.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a data receiving section connected to a computer via a network for receiving a command from the computer, a command processing section for processing the command received by the data receiving section, a command interpreting section for interpreting the command, and a data transmitting section for transmitting device information obtained by the command processing section. When a device is connected to the image forming apparatus via the network from which device the command processing section obtains the device information, the command processing section requests the command interpreting section to interpret the command before accessing the device via the network.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method in an image forming apparatus. The data processing method includes the steps of receiving a command from a computer connected via a network, requesting to start up a device from which device information is obtained based on the command, interpreting the command before completing the start-up of the device processing the command based on an interpreted result, obtaining the device information from the devices and transmitting the obtained device information to the computer.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus, a data processing method thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program of the methods a time-out problem does not occur even if a device has not been started up in which device information designated by a command is stored.
Features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The best mode of carrying out the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The controller 102 includes a host I/F 111, a ROM 112, an HDD 113, a panel I/F 114, a CPU 115, a RAM 116, an NV-RAM (non-volatile RAM) 117, an engine I/F 118, and an optional RAM 119.
Programs being executed by the CPU 115 have been stored in the ROM 112 When the power supply of the image forming apparatus 12 is turned on, the CPU 115 loads a program and controls the controller 102
The RAM 116 and the optional RAM 119 are work memories when programs are executed, and temporarily store print data received from the computer 11 based on an instruction from the CPU 115.
In the NV-RAM 117, proper information of the image forming apparatus 12 is stored. For example, the counted number of copied paper, the serial number of the apparatus, and the ID number of the manager of the apparatus.
The HDD 113 is a magnetic-storage device which writes and reads data by using a magnetic head while a metal disk is rotated on which disk a magnetic material is applied or disposed. The print data and files of the print data are stored in the HDD 113.
The operating panel 101 is a man-machine interface and includes buttons and a touch panel for operations, indicators such as LEDs and LCDs for displaying the status of the apparatus, a speaker, and so on. The operating panel 101 is connected to the panel I/F 114 of the controller 102. When a user operates the operating panel 101, the panel I/F 114 sends a control signal to the CPU 115 based on the operation of the user.
The host I/F 111 receives print data from the computer 11 connected via a network. The host I/F 111 is connected to the computer 11 via, for example, a NIC (network interface card) of Ethernet. In addition, the image forming apparatus 12 can be connected to the computer 11 via a LAN, a wireless network, or a wired network.
The engine section 103 is an image forming section which forms an image from the print data, and is connected to the controller 102 via the engine I/F 118 The engine I/F 118 sends the print data transmitted from the computer 11 to the engine section 103. The engine section 103 forms a toner image on a photoconductor drum by using an electrophotographic process. Then, the engine section 103 transfers the toner image onto a paper and fixes the toner image by using a fixing unit (not shown) while heat and pressure are applied to the toner image.
As the image forming system in the engine section 103, an inkjet system can be used; however, the system is not limited to the inkjet system. The engine section 103 can include a scanner engine (not shown) and a facsimile engine (not shown) in addition to the print engine.
In addition, the image forming apparatus 12 further includes a medium I/F (not shown) to which a removable medium such as a SD card and a MMC (multi media card) is connected.
The command processing section 22 processes a command transmitted from the computer 11 In processing the command, the command processing section 22 obtains device information such as print executing information from a device in the image forming apparatus 12 or a device connected to the image forming apparatus 12 via a network That is, the device 36 can be the HDD 113 in the image forming apparatus. The device 36 is described below in detail.
The command processing section 22 receives a command sent from the data receiving section 32, extracts the command, and requests the command interpreting section 21 to interpret the command. The image forming apparatus 12 accepts the command when the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21.
The command interpreting section 21 interprets the command written in, for example, PJL (printer job language) A command table in which commands are written in PJL has been stored in the ROM 112. After interpreting the command sent from the command processing section 22, when the device 36 is needed to process the command, the command interpreting section 21 sends the type and the contents of the command to the command processing section 22 as a command processing request.
After receiving the command processing request from the command interpreting section 21, the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to control the device 36. For example, the device controlling section 23 obtains device information designated by the command from the device 36.
After receiving the device information from the device controlling section 23, the command processing section 22 sends the device information to the data transmitting section 33. The data transmitting section 33 transmits the device information to the computer 11. With this, processes concerning the command are finished.
As the device 36, there are the HDD 113, the removable medium, the RAM 116, engine boards such as a paper feeding tray, a paper outputting tray, and a toner cartridge, and so on. As the commands for obtaining the device information received from the computer 11, there are commands for obtaining the model name of the printer, the version of software, the remaining number of paper, the available sizes of paper, the available types of paper, the status of the paper outputting tray such as the presence of printed paper and the occupied status of the tray, the remaining amount of toner, the types of fonts, and so on
The device controlling section 23 initializes the device 36 based on the above command and obtains the device information from the device 36 When the image forming apparatus 12 enters an energy saving mode, the device 36 may be in a sleep mode For example, the HDD 113 stops the rotation, and the refresh rate is lowered in the RAM 116. When the device 36 in the sleep mode is required to be operated, the device controlling section 23 starts up the device 36.
The programs for executing the functions of the image forming apparatus 12 can be stored in the NV-RAM 117 or the HDD 113, in addition to in the ROM 112 Moreover, the programs can be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (not shown), a flexible disk (not shown), or a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (not shown), and a memory card (not shown) Further, the programs can be downloaded from the computer 11 via a network (not shown). The programs stored in the recording medium can be read in the image forming apparatus 12 by a driving device (not shown) or a card reader (not shown)
Processes in the image forming apparatus 12 are included in the programs executed by the CPU 113. The processes are described below.
Next, processes for a command transmitted from the computer 11 in the image forming apparatus 12 are described. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 12 executes the command without a time-out problem even if the start-up of the device 36 is needed.
First, the data receiving section 32 receives data including a command from the computer 11 and sends a command received notice to the command processing section 22 (S11). The data includes print data, the command, and so on; however, in the present embodiment, hereinafter the data are simply referred to as the command. The command processing section 22 extracts the command by removing the header and so on after receiving the command received notice.
Next, the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S12) That is, before determining whether the device 36 is to be used or the device 36 needs to be started up, the device 36 is started up (Sl7). The device 36 is, for example, the HDD 113.
Next, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S13). When the command interpreting section 21 receives the command interpretation request, the image forming apparatus 12 accepts the command. That is before starting up the device 36, the command interpretation request is sent to the command interpreting section 21. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, the command interpreting section 21 interprets the command in the command interpretation request (S14). In the interpretation of the command, the contents of the command and the device 36 from which the device information is obtained are analyzed in addition, it is analyzed whether the device 36 becomes (enters) a sleep mode.
Next, returning to
Next, the command interpreting section 21 sends a command processing request to the command Processing section 22 (S15). The command processing request changes depending on the interpreted result of the command. In the present embodiment, the command is to obtain the device information from the HDD 113.
The command processing section 22 determines whether the HDD has been started up and processes the command when the HDD 113 has been started up (S16). However, in, this case, the HDD 113 has not been started up, that is, a start-up completion notice is not received from the HDD 113 even if the command processing section 22 attempts to obtain the device information from the HDD 113. Therefore, the command processing section 22 sends a device information obtaining result notice to the command interpreting section 21 (S18) in the notice, it is described that obtaining the device information is failed.
Between the command interpreting section 21 and the command processing section 22, sending the command processing request and the device information obtaining result notice is repeated until the HDD 113 starts up (S15′ and S18′). That is, the command interpreting section 21 continues to query the command processing section 22 of the start-up of the HDD 113 until the HDD 113 starts up (S19).
When the HDD 113 starts up, the device controlling section 23 informs the command processing section 22 of the start-up completion notice of the HDD 113 (S20). The command processing section 22 stores the start-up completion notice of the HDD 113 (S21),
When the command processing section 22 receives the command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 after receiving the start-up completion notice of the HDD 113, the command processing section 22 executes a process based on the command in the present embodiment, the command is to obtain the device information from the HDD 133. Therefore, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S22) The device controlling section 23 obtains, for example, font information from the HDD 113 (S23) and sends the font information to the command processing section 22 (S24).
Next, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S25). The command interpreting section 21 sends the command processed result and the obtained device information to the data transmitting section 33 (S26). The data transmitting section 33 transmits the device information obtained from the HDD 113 to the computer 11 The command interpreting section 21 executes predetermined post-processing (S27). The predetermined post-processing is described below.
As described above, in the present embodiment before starting up the device 36 (HDD 113), the command processing section 22 sends the command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur. In addition, when the device 36 is not to be used or the device 36 does not need to be started up, soon after receiving a command, processes concerning the command are executed. Therefore, a delay caused by waiting for the start-up of the device 36 can be prevented.
Next, referring to
In S14, the command interpreting section 21 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) is needed to process the command based on the device table shown in
Next, the command interpreting section 21 sends a command processing request to the command processing section 22 (S15) The command interpreting section 21 receives a device information obtaining result notice from the command processing section 22 (S18) Then, the command interpreting section 21 determines again whether the HDD 113 is needed, and when the HDD 113 is needed, it is determined whether device information has been obtained from the HDD 113 (S19)
When the device information is not obtained, the command processing request and the device information obtaining result notice are repeatedly sent.
When the HDD 113 is not needed (NO in upper S19), or the HDD 113 is needed (YES in upper S19) and the device information is obtained from the HDD 113 (YES in lower S19), the command interpreting section 21 sends an information obtained notice and the obtained device information to the data transmitting section 33 (S26). Then the command interpreting section 21 discards information stored in the NV-RAM 117 (S27). In the information, it is described that the HOD 113 is needed to process the command as post-processing (S27).
Next, the command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S15). The command processing section 22 determines whether the HDD 113 has been started up (S16). When the HDD 113 has not been started up (NO in S16), the command processing section 22 sends a device information obtaining result notice to the command interpreting section 21 in which notice it is reported that obtaining the device information is failed because the HDD 113 has not been started up (S18) The command processing section 22 continues to send the device information obtaining result notice to the command interpreting section 21 until the HDD 113 starts up.
When the command processing section 22 receives a start-up completion notice of the HDD 113 from the device controlling section 23, the command processing section 22 determines that the HDD 113 is started up (YES in S16). Then the command processing section 22 stores the start-up completion notice of the HDD 113 (S21). Next, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S22). When the command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S25)
First, the command processing section 22 receives a command received notice from the data receiving section 32 (S11). The command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S22). When the command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 (S24), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S25).
Then, the device controlling section 23 receives an information obtaining request from the command processing section 22 (S22). In this, when the HDD 113 does not need to be started up, the device controlling section 23 receives the information obtaining request without the request to start up the HDD 113 in S12.
The device controlling section 23 obtains, for example, font information (device information) from the HDD 113 and sends the font information to the command processing section 22 (S24).
As described above, in the above processes, the command can be processed without the time-out problem.
In the processes shown in
First, the command processing section 22 receives a command received notice from the data receiving section 32 (S11). Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S13)
The command interpreting section 21 interprets the command, designates a necessary device 36, and analyzes whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. When the command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S15), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and whether the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S30).
When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S30), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S22). When the command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 (S24), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S25).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S30), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (HDD 113) (S12).
Next, the command processing section 22 determines whether the HDD 113 has been started up (S16). When the HDD 113 has not been started up (NO in S16), the command processing section 22 sends a device information obtaining result notice to the command interpreting section 21 in which notice it is reported that obtaining the device information is failed because the HDD 113 has not been started up (S18). The command processing section 22 continues to send the device information obtaining result notice to the command interpreting section 21 until the HDD 113 starts up.
When the command processing section 22 receives a start-up completion notice of the HDD 113 from the device controlling section 23, the command processing section 22 determines that the HDD 113 is started up (YES in S16). Then the command processing section 22 stores the start-up completion notice of the HDD 113 (S21). Next, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S22). When the command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 (S24), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S25).
As described above, in the processes shown in
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention is described. In the first embodiment of the present invention, as the device 36, the HDD 113 in the image forming apparatus 12 is used However, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the HDD 113 is connected via a network 13 as an external device.
In
First, the command processing section 22 receives a command received notice including a command from the data receiving section 32 (S31)
The command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to access the device 36 (HDD 113) (S32), that is, the command processing section 22 starts to access the device 36 That is, before determining whether the device 36 connected via the network 13 is to be used and whether the device 36 needs to be started up, the image forming apparatus 12 starts to access the device 36.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S33). Therefore, regardless of use or non-use of the device 36, the command interpretation request is sent to the command interpreting section 21. Consequently, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, the command interpreting section 21 analyzes the command in the command interpretation request.
In the present embodiments generally, the HDD 113 connected via the network 13 does not become a sleep mode. Therefore, the sleep mode table is not used. However, the sleep mode table can be used when an external device such as an external RAM (not shown) is used instead of the HDD 113.
The command interpreting section 21 interprets the command by referring to the device table shown in
Returning to
When the HDD 113 is not needed (NO in S34), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to obtain the device information from the device 36 (S38). When the command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 (S39), the command processing section 22 sends a device information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S40).
When the HDD 113 is needed (YES In S34), the command processing section 22 determines whether the image forming apparatus 12 can access the HDD 113 connected via the network 13 (S35). When the image forming apparatus 12 cannot access the HDD 113 (NO in S35), the command processing section 22 informs the command interpreting section 21 that the device information cannot be obtained because the HDD 113 is not started up (S36). The command processing section 22 continues to send the device information obtaining status until the HDD 113 is started up.
When the image forming apparatus 12 can access the HDD 113 (YES in S35), that is, the device controlling section 23 informs the command processing section 22 that the image forming apparatus 12 can access the HDD 113, the command processing section 22 stores that the HDD 113 is started up (S37) Then the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to obtain the device information (S38). When the command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 (S39), the command processing section 22 sends a device information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S40).
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, even if the HDD 113 (device 36) is connected to the image forming apparatus 12 via the network 13, the time-out problem can be prevented in the processes shown in
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention is described.
In each of the HDDs 113A through 113C, the same device information is stored Therefore, in a case where communications between one of the HDDs 113A through 113C and the image forming apparatus 12 are congested, when the image forming apparatus 12 selects one of the HDDs 113A through 113C whose communications are not congested, the image forming apparatus can access the selected one of the HDDs 113A through 113C.
First, the command processing section 22 receives a command received notice from the data receiving section 32 (S31).
The command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to access one of the devices 36 (selected device 36) (S32). In the following, the HDD 113 is used without the suffix. That is, the command processing section 22 starts to access the selected HDD 113. In other words, before determining whether the selected HDD 113 connected via the network 13 is to be used and whether the selected HDD 113 needs to be started up, the image forming apparatus 12 starts to access the selected HDD 113.
Then the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S33). Therefore, regardless of use or non-use of the selected HDD 113, the command interpretation request is sent to the command interpreting section 21. Consequently, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, the command interpreting section 21 analyzes the command in the command interpretation request. When analyzing (interpreting) the command, the command interpreting section 21 refers to the device table shown in
The command processing section 22 determines whether the selected HDD 113 connected via the network 13 is needed based on the interpreted result in the command interpreting section 21 (S34).
When the selected HDD 113 is not needed (NO in S34), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to obtain the device information from another device 36 (another HDD 113) (S38). When the command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 (S39), the command processing section 22 sends a device information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S40).
When the selected HDD 113 is needed (YES in S34), the command processing section 22 determines whether the image forming apparatus 12 can access the selected HDD 13 connected via the network 13 (S35). When the image forming apparatus 12 cannot access the selected HDD 113 (NO in S35), the command processing section 22 informs the command interpreting section 21 that the device information cannot be obtained because the selected HDD 113 is not started up (S36).
Next, the command processing section 22 determines whether the number of accessed times to the selected HDD 113 is greater than a predetermined number “n” (S41). That is, the command processing section 22 determines the number of times accessed. The number of seconds to be taken for completion of the access can be obtained from the number of times accessed. Therefore, the congested status between the selected HDD 113 and the image forming apparatus 12 can be estimated.
A When the number of accessed times to the selected HDD 113 is the predetermined number “n” or less (NO in S41), the command processing section 22 determines again whether the image forming apparatus 12 can access the selected HDD 113 connected via the network 13 (S35) When the image forming apparatus 12 cannot access the selected HDD 113 (NO in S35), the command processing section 22 informs the command interpreting section 21 that the device information cannot be obtained because the selected HDD 113 is not started up (S36) The command processing section 22 continues to send the device information obtaining status until the selected HDD 113 is started up.
When the number of times accessing the selected HDD 113 is greater than the predetermined number “n” (YES in S41), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to change the selected HDD 113 to another HDD 113 to be accessed (S42). In this, another HDD 113 is referred to as the changed HDD 113.
Then the process of the command processing section 22 returns to the process in S35. The command processing section 22 determines whether the image forming apparatus 12 can access the changed HDD 113 connected via the network 13 (S35).
When the image forming apparatus 12 can access the changed HDD 113 (YES in S35), that is, the device controlling section 23 informs the command processing section 22 that the image forming apparatus 12 can access the changed HDD 113, the command processing section 22 stores that the changed HDD 113 is started up (S37). Then the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to obtain the device information from the changed HDD 113 (S38). When the command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 (S39), the command processing section 22 sends a device information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S40).
As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, even if the devices 36 are connected to the image forming apparatus 12 via the network 13, the time-out problem can be prevented. In addition, since the plural devices 36 (HDDs 113A through 113C) are connected to the image forming apparatus 12 via the network 13, the image forming apparatus 12 can select one of the devices 36 whose communication congestion is low and the processes in the image forming apparatus 12 can be executed at high speed.
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described. In the first through the three embodiments of the present invention, device information necessary for processing a command is directly obtained from a device 36; however, the device information necessary for processing the command can be stored in a cache memory. When the device information is stored in the cache memory, it is not necessary to start up the device 36, not necessary to wait for until the device 36 is started up, and not necessary to access the device 36. That is, the necessary device information can be obtained from the cache memory. That is, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a cache memory is used.
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as the printing system, any one of the printing systems in the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention can be used. That is, the image forming apparatus 12 can includes the device 36, or can use one or more devices 36 connected via the network 13. Therefore, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is described by using the printing system in the first embodiment of the present invention.
First, in
Next, the device controlling section 23 extracts the device information stored in the device 36 and caches the device information in a cache memory (S52). As the cache memory, the RAM 115, the optional RAM 119, or the NV-RAM 119 can be used.
Then the device controlling section 23 changes the normal mode of the device 36 to the sleep mode (S53). Therefore, when the device information is stored in the cache memory, the image forming apparatus 12 can process a command without the time-out problem by obtaining the device information from the cache memory.
In
As shown in
In either case of the processes shown in
In
In the cache memory, generally, device information of the devices 36 whose memory capacity is small is stored. In the device information presence table shown in
Returning to
When the device information has not been stored in the cache memory (NO in S62), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S63). That is, before determining whether the device 36 is to be used and whether the device 36 must be started up, the start-up of the device 36 is begun.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S64). The command interpreting section 21 interprets a device 36 which needs for processing the command and interprets whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. The command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S65).
The command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and whether the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S66). When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S66), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S68). The device controlling section 23 obtains the device information from the cache memory. The command processing section 22 receives the device information from device controlling section 23 (S69). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S70).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S66), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (S67).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has not been started up (NO in S67), the command processing section 22 continues to check until the device 36 is started up. When the device 36 has been started up (YES in S67), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S68). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the device 36 (S69). In additions the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S70).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the device information in the cache memory is used, the time-out problem does not occur. In addition, when the device information in the device 36 is used, the command processing section 22 sends the command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 before starting up the device 36. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the device information presence table shown in
In
The following processes are almost similar to the processes shown in
When the command is the unchangeable device information obtaining command (YES in S72), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S78). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S79). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S80). As described above, when the device information in the cache memory is used, the time-out problem does not occur even if the device 36 is in the sleep mode.
When the command is not the unchangeable device information obtaining command (NO in S72), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S73). That is, before determining whether the device 36 is to be used and whether the device 36 must be started up, the start-up of the device 36 is begun.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S74). The command interpreting section 21 interprets a device 36 which is needed for processing the command and interprets whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. The command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S75).
The command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S76). When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S76), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S78). The device controlling section 23 obtains the device information from the cache memory. The command processing section 22 receives the device information from device controlling section 23 (S79). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S80).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S76), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (S77).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has not been started up (NO in S77), the command processing section 22 continues to check until the device 36 is started up. When the device 36 is started up (YES in S77), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S78). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the device 36 (S79). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S80).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the unchangeable device information is obtained, the device information is obtained from the cache memory; therefore, the time-out problem does not occur. In addition, when the device information in the device 36 is used, the command processing section 22 sends the command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 before starting up the device 36. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention is described. In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the device information which is used for processing the command is determined based on the unchangeable device information.
However, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is used based on a source of the command. In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the printing system is the same as that in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In
The following processes are almost similar to the processes shown in
When the source of the command immediately needs to obtain device information for processing the command (YES in S82), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S88). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S89). In additions the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S90). As described above, when the device information in the cache memory is used, the time-out problem does not occur even if the device 36 is in the sleep mode.
When the source of the command does not immediately need to obtain device information for processing the command (NO in S82), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S83) That is, before determining whether the device 36 is to be used and whether the device 36 must be started up, the start-up of the device 36 is begun.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S84). The command interpreting section 21 interprets a device 36 which is needed for processing the command and interprets whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. The command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S85).
The command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S86). When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S86), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S88). The device controlling section 23 obtains the device information from the cache memory. The command processing section 22 receives the device information from device controlling section 23 (S89). In additions the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S90).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S86), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (S87).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has not been started up (NO in S87), the command processing section 22 continues to check until the device 36 is started up. When the device 36 is started up (YES in S87), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S88). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the device 36 (S89). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S80).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is used based on the command from the source. Therefore, when the device information in the cache memory is used, it is not needed to start up the device 36. Consequently, the time-out problem does not occur. In addition, when the device information in the device 36 is used, the command processing section 22 sends the command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 before starting up the device 36 Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention is described in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the device information which is used for processing the command is determined based on the source of the command.
However, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is used based on a command. In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the printing system is the same as that in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In
The following processes are almost similar to the processes shown in
When the command immediately needs to obtain device information (YES in S92), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S98). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S99). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S30). As described above, when the device information in the cache memory is used, the time-out problem does not occur even if the device 36 is in the sleep mode.
When the command does not immediately need to obtain device information (NO in S92), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S93). That is, before determining whether the device 36 is to be used and whether the device 36 must be started up, the start-up of the device 36 is begun.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S94), The command interpreting section 21 interprets a device 36 which is needed for processing the command and interprets whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. The command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S95).
The command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S96). When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S96), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S98). The device controlling section 23 obtains the device information from the cache memory. The command processing section 22 receives the device information from device controlling section 23 (S99). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S100).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S96), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (S97).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has not been started up (NO in S97), the command processing section 22 continues to check until the device 36 is started up When the device 36 is started up (YES in S97), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S98). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the device 36 (S99). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S100).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is to be used based on the command. Therefore, when the device information in the cache memory is to be used it is not needed to start up the device 36 Consequently, the time-out problem does not occur. In addition, when the device information in the device 36 is to be used, the command processing section 22 sends the command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 before starting up the device 36. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention is described in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the device information which is used for processing the command is determined based on the source of the command.
However, in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is used based on a source of the command which source does not need to obtain accurate device information. In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the printing system is the same as that in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In
The following processes are almost similar to the processes shown in
When the source of the command is not a source which needs to obtain accurate device information for processing the command (NO in S102), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S108). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from he device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S109). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S110). As described above, when the device information in the cache memory is used, the time-out problem does not occur even if the device 36 is in the sleep mode.
When the source of the command needs to obtain accurate device information for processing the command (YES in S102), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S103). That is, before determining whether the device 36 iS to be used and whether the device 36 must be started up, the start-up of the device 36 is begun.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S104). The command interpreting section 21 interprets a device 36 which is needed for processing the command and interprets whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. The command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S105).
The command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and whether the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S106). When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S106), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S108). The device controlling section 23 obtains the device information from the cache memory. The command processing section 22 receives the device information from device controlling section 23 (S109). In addition the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S110).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S106), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (S107).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has not been started up (NO in S107), the command processing section 22 continues to check until the device 36 is started up. When the device 36 is started up (YES in S107), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S108). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the device 36 (S109). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S110).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the source of the command does not need to obtain the accurate device information since the device information in the cache memory is used, starting up the device 36 is not needed. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur. In additions when the source of the command needs to obtain the accurate device information, the device information in the device 36 is used. In this cases the command processing section 22 sends the command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 before starting up the device 36. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention is described. In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is used based on the source of the command which source does not need to obtain accurate device in formation.
However in the ninth embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is used based on a command which does not need to obtain accurate device information. In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the printing system is the same as that in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In
The following processes are almost similar to the processes shown in
When the command does not need to obtain accurate device information (NO in S112), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S118). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S119). In additions the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S120). As described above, when the device information in the cache memory is used, the time-out problem does not occur even if the device 36 is in the sleep mode.
When the command needs to obtain the accurate device information (YES in S112) the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S113). That is, before determining whether the device 36 is to be used and whether the device 36 must be started up, the start-up of the device 36 is begun.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S114). The command interpreting section 21 interprets a device 36 which is needed for processing the command and interprets whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. The command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S115).
The command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and whether the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S116). When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S116), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S118). The device controlling section 23 obtains the device information from the cache memory. The command processing section 22 receives the device information from device controlling section 23 (S119). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S120).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S116), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (S117).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has not been started up (NO in S117), the command processing section 22 continues to check until the device 36 is started up. When the device 36 is started up (YES in S117), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S118). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the device 36 (S119). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S120).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the command does not need to obtain the accurate device information, since the device information in the cache memory is used, starting up the device 36 is not needed. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur. In addition, when the command needs to obtain the accurate device information, the device information in the device 36 is used. In this case, the command processing section 22 sends the command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 before starting up the device 36. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention is described. In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is to be used based on the command which does not need to obtain accurate device information.
However, in the tenth embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is to be used based on a source of the command which source does not immediately need to obtain accurate device information. In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the printing system is the same as that in the fourth embodiment of the present Invention.
In
The following processes are almost similar to the processes shown in
When the source of the command does not immediately need to obtain accurate device information (NO in S122) the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S129). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S130). In additions the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S131). As described above, when the device information in the cache memory is used, the time-out problem does not occur even if the device 36 is in the sleep mode.
When the source of the command immediately needs to obtain the accurate device information (YES in S122), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S123) That is, before determining whether the device 36 is to be used and whether the device 36 must be started up, the start-up of the device 36 is begun.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S124). The command interpreting section 21 interprets a device 36 which is needed for processing the command and interprets whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. The command processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S125).
The command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and whether the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S126). When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S126), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S129). The device controlling section 23 obtains the device information from the cache memory. The command processing section 22 receives the device information from device controlling section 23 (S130). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S131).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S126), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (S127).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has not been started up (NO in S127), the command processing section 22 determines whether a predetermined time has passed after receiving the command (S128). The command interpreting section 21 does not have the time-out problem within the predetermined time. In addition, the predetermined time satisfies that the source of the command immediately obtain the accurate device information. When the predetermined time has not passed after receiving the command (NO in S128), determination whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up is repeated (S127).
When the predetermined time has passed after receiving the command (YES in S128), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S129). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S130). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S131).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (YES in S127), the command processing section 22 sends a, information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S129). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the device 36 (S130). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S131).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the source of the command needs to immediately obtain the accurate device information, it is attempted that the device information be obtained from the device 36. However, when the device 36 does not start up within the predetermined time, the device information is obtained from the cache memory. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, waiting time until the device 36 is started up, that is, the predetermined time is defined as one interval. However, the predetermined time can be different among the sources
The predetermined time table shown in
When the user sets the predetermined time, in order to avoid the time-out problem, it is preferable that the command processing section 22 send a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 before the process in S123, that is, before the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up he device 36.
Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention is described in the tenth embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is used based on the source of the command which source does not immediately need to obtain accurate device information.
However, in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the device information in the cache memory is used based on a command which does not immediately need to obtain accurate device information. In the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the printing system is the same as that in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In
The following processes are almost similar to the processes shown in
When the command does not immediately need to obtain accurate device information (NO in S132), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S139). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S140). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S141). As described above, when the device information in the cache memory is used, the time-out problem does not occur even if the device 36 is in the sleep mode.
When the command immediately needs to obtain the accurate device information (YES in S132), the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36 (S133). That is, before determining whether the device 36 is to be used and whether the device 36 must be started up, the start-up of the device 36 is begun.
Then, the command processing section 22 sends a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 (S134). The command interpreting section 21 interprets a device 36 which is needed for processing the command and Interprets whether the device 36 becomes a sleep mode. The core and processing section 22 receives a command processing request from the command interpreting section 21 (S135).
The command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 is needed and whether the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (S136). When the device 36 is not needed (NO in S136), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S139). The device controlling section 23 obtains the device information from the cache memory. The command processing section 22 receives the device information from device controlling section 23 (S140). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S141).
When the device 36 is needed and the device 36 becomes the sleep mode (YES in S136), the command processing section 22 determines whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (S137).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has not been started up (NO in S137), the command processing section 22 determines whether a predetermined time has passed after receiving the command (S138). Within the predetermined time, the command interpreting section 21 does not have the time-out problem. In addition, the predetermined time satisfies that the command immediately obtains the accurate device information. When the predetermined time has not passed after receiving the command (NO in S138), determination whether the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up is repeated (S137).
When the predetermined time has passed after receiving the command (YES in S138) the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S139). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the cache memory (S14O). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S141).
When the device 36 (HDD 113) has been started up (YES in S137), the command processing section 22 sends an information obtaining request to the device controlling section 23 (S139). The command processing section 22 receives the device information from the device controlling section 23 which information is obtained from the device 36 (S14O). In addition, the command processing section 22 sends an information obtained notice with the obtained device information to the command interpreting section 21 (S141).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a case where the command immediately needs to obtain the accurate device information, when the predetermined time has passed, the device information is obtained from the cache memory without waiting for the start-up of the device 36. With this, the time-out problem is prevented while satisfying the need to immediately obtain the device information.
In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is attempted that the device information be obtained from the device 36. However, when the device 36 does not start up within the predetermined time, the device information is obtained from the cache memory. Therefore, the time-out problem does not occur.
In the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, waiting time until the device 36 is started up, that is, the predetermined time is defined as one. However, the predetermined time can be different among the commands.
The predetermined time table shown in
When the user sets the predetermined time, in order to avoid the time-out problem, it is preferable that the command processing section 22 send a command interpretation request to the command interpreting section 21 before the process in S133, that is, before the command processing section 22 requests the device controlling section 23 to start up the device 36.
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus in the embodiments of the present invention, even if a device, from which device information is obtained, is not started up, the time-out problem does not occur.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is based on Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2006-023045, filed on Jan. 31, 2006, with the Japanese Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-023045 | Jan 2006 | JP | national |
